Friday, September 4, 2009
That's It, I'm Moving to Sparta!
Anyone seen Hercules lately? Remember the scene with the people standing around talking and they see the bug and thinks it the plague locust? And then the old man says, "that's it, I'm moving to Sparta." I can't help but feel that way sometimes (though I wouldn't choose Sparta...Jon and I like New Zealand). There are so many things going on in this country that just drive me nuts right now. Sometimes my happy place in my mind is just moving away...somewhere far far away...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Three Months (and a week)
I am probably biased, but I think she's beautiful! And she is growing so fast! She giggled for the first time on August 12! She's doing it more and more now and is so much fun! Last night Jon and I spent 1 1/2 hours setting up the crib! She was hanging out on the mattress (don't worry, not in the crib) and rolled from her tummy to her back! We were so proud, we pulled out the camera but she didn't do it again (of course right?). She still doesn't sleep through the night but I sometimes wonder if it isn't because she knows when she wakes up she gets to sleep with mommy and daddy :) Needless to say, she didn't sleep in her crib last night (or her cradle for that matter). But she just woke up from her first nap in it. And yes, I took pictures of such a big step ;) I think it will be a slow transition since the crib doesn't fit in our room and I like having her close :) I won't give the list of reasons I gave my mom for wanting her an arms length away, it all boils down to one thing...I'm paranoid :)
She's drooling like crazy and I just pray she's not going to be teething early. She is starting to play with toys, she can almost pick them up and suck on them by herself. She often drops them before they make it to her mouth so she just goes to town on her hands. She is also starting to discover her feet (note picture of her staring at her foot) but she can't quite reach or gets distracted by her hands when she tries :) She's pretty much adorable and we love her!
Camping in the Uintahs
We did an overnight camping trip (mostly for the boys to get some fishing in) up by Mirror Lake. It was a lot of fun. Vanessa loved all the trees and the fire and slept like a champ (even if I didn't because I was so paranoid about her being ok).
Coeur d' Alene
Purdy Family Vacation this year was in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. For those who are thinking where the heck... it's up in the pan handle of Idaho, near Spokane Washington. It was tons of fun. The pictures don't even come close to showing how beautiful it is up there! We went to the beach, to a water park, boating, kayaking (in the kayakos), repelling, rock climbing, lots of good eating and being with family! Jon also got in some fishing, of course :)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Vaccines
A couple people asked about the vaccine schedule we're using so here is more info...
It's all in here. I really liked this book. It's really dry info but very informative.
There is also a website.
thevaccinebook.com or
askdrsears.com
Top Ten Interesting Moments
Now that I am a stay at home mom, I thought I would share some funny moments from my last two jobs. I worked at SkyWest for just six months and at Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) for two years. I actually enjoyed SkyWest though there were some stressful moments, but who wouldn't love flying for free and meeting the most amazing and attractive guy in the whole world?! (Yes, Jon, I am definitely talking about you!) DCFS was a whole different story and stressful from day 1. The stress lessened after a year but I never really felt comfortable doing that job. I have a new respect for any moms who also do that job, or any job for that matter. I don't think I would be good at both. **Note: I realize a lot of this humor is probably only funny to me (and those who have had the honor of working these jobs), but I'm sharing anyway :)
10. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry, sir. This flight is closed, the plane has already left. All the other passengers from your connecting flight made it."
Grumpy Old Man: "You better start praying to your God that you can get that plane back here or your life is going to be hell." (Did I just get threatened in an airport?!)
9. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry, sir. I don't have any new information for your about your delayed flight."
Angry Man: "It was only supposed to be twenty minutes late, but that was two hours ago!"
Me: "I understand that is really frustrating for you. But I don't know any more than what I have been telling you."
**Phone Call**
Angry Man: "What did that phone call say?!"
Me: "Same as the last phone call. It's about another twenty minutes."
Angry Man: "You're lying! You are a liar!"
Me: "Well you're being rude!"
Angry Man looked at me like I was five.
8. DCFS
Voicemail: "You were probably calling about my positive for cocaine and I can explain that. I went with my sister to a friend's house and they all started smoking. I swear I didn't use. I sat in the room with them for about ten minutes and then realized I would probably still get a positive, so I left. But I swear I didn't smoke anything!"
7. DCFS
Client (in mid sentence about something completely unrelated): "Oh my gosh, I went to the book fair with my girls today and I just realized I bought a book in Mexican. I can't read Mexican!"
Me: "You mean Spanish?"
Client: "I wonder if they'll take it back...or maybe I'll just try to learn Mexican."
6. DCFS
Client: "I want to see where it says in the court documents that you can test me for alcohol."
I show her the court paper that states DCFS will do drug AND alcohol testing.
Client: "This is ridiculous! I have a God-given right to drink! You're going to be hearing from my attorney!"...Client storming away continues..."I'm contacting the news too! You're going to have so many people on your a#@ you won't know what to do!"
5. SkyWest
At the morning briefing before any flights have started. Supervisor going over flights.
Supervisor: "All right, today is heavily booked. We've got oversold flights all morning going to Vegas and can't get people out for a few days but, we have a lot of originating passengers. Start praying to the security Gods that some don't make it through in time."
--yes, I'm sorry people. Sometimes security saved our butts. As a passenger, I hate it too.
4. DCFS
Defense Attorney questioning CPS worker: "You have the hair strand test from their daughter? Could you please read the results."
CPS worker: "Hair test was positive for cocaine."
Defense Attorney: "And what does this mean?"
CPS worker: "The child was in contact with cocaine residue around the house, probably ingesting small amounts over a period of time."
Defense Attorney: "And is there any proof that this has had an adverse affect on this child?"
3. DCFS
Assistant Attorney General: "So what you're saying is, your boyfriend (pointing to her boyfriend and father of her children) overdosed and passed out. Then you began performing mouth to mouth and that's how you got a positive for cocaine?"
Client: "It wasn't him (pointing to her boyfriend), it was 'someone' else. But ya, I gave him mouth to mouth but I didn't use."
Assistant Attorney General: "Okay. I understand what you're saying but I just want you to know that typically isn't how drugs will get into your system."
Client: "Oh, I know, but I swear that's what happened."
2. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry sir, the flight has already departed."
Passenger: "I'm only two minutes late!"
Me: "Sir, we have to send our flights out on time. We can't wait for one passenger. You connection time shows you had plenty of time to get to the gate."
Passenger: "This is absurd."
Me: "Maybe next time you shouldn't stop to buy ice cream."
Passenger: "I didn't buy this, someone gave it to me!"
Me: "And you took it?!"
1. And the Number One all time BEST: DCFS
Client, under oath, being questioned by assistant attorney general(AAG)
AAG: "If you didn't use cocaine, can you explain how you have a positive drug test?"
Client: Well, I party with my friends and they like to snort lines off my stomach."
AAG: "So, just trying to understand, are you saying the cocaine must have absorbed into your skin while they were snorting lines off your stomach?"
Client: "yes."
Oh, how I miss my job.......
10. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry, sir. This flight is closed, the plane has already left. All the other passengers from your connecting flight made it."
Grumpy Old Man: "You better start praying to your God that you can get that plane back here or your life is going to be hell." (Did I just get threatened in an airport?!)
9. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry, sir. I don't have any new information for your about your delayed flight."
Angry Man: "It was only supposed to be twenty minutes late, but that was two hours ago!"
Me: "I understand that is really frustrating for you. But I don't know any more than what I have been telling you."
**Phone Call**
Angry Man: "What did that phone call say?!"
Me: "Same as the last phone call. It's about another twenty minutes."
Angry Man: "You're lying! You are a liar!"
Me: "Well you're being rude!"
Angry Man looked at me like I was five.
8. DCFS
Voicemail: "You were probably calling about my positive for cocaine and I can explain that. I went with my sister to a friend's house and they all started smoking. I swear I didn't use. I sat in the room with them for about ten minutes and then realized I would probably still get a positive, so I left. But I swear I didn't smoke anything!"
7. DCFS
Client (in mid sentence about something completely unrelated): "Oh my gosh, I went to the book fair with my girls today and I just realized I bought a book in Mexican. I can't read Mexican!"
Me: "You mean Spanish?"
Client: "I wonder if they'll take it back...or maybe I'll just try to learn Mexican."
6. DCFS
Client: "I want to see where it says in the court documents that you can test me for alcohol."
I show her the court paper that states DCFS will do drug AND alcohol testing.
Client: "This is ridiculous! I have a God-given right to drink! You're going to be hearing from my attorney!"...Client storming away continues..."I'm contacting the news too! You're going to have so many people on your a#@ you won't know what to do!"
5. SkyWest
At the morning briefing before any flights have started. Supervisor going over flights.
Supervisor: "All right, today is heavily booked. We've got oversold flights all morning going to Vegas and can't get people out for a few days but, we have a lot of originating passengers. Start praying to the security Gods that some don't make it through in time."
--yes, I'm sorry people. Sometimes security saved our butts. As a passenger, I hate it too.
4. DCFS
Defense Attorney questioning CPS worker: "You have the hair strand test from their daughter? Could you please read the results."
CPS worker: "Hair test was positive for cocaine."
Defense Attorney: "And what does this mean?"
CPS worker: "The child was in contact with cocaine residue around the house, probably ingesting small amounts over a period of time."
Defense Attorney: "And is there any proof that this has had an adverse affect on this child?"
3. DCFS
Assistant Attorney General: "So what you're saying is, your boyfriend (pointing to her boyfriend and father of her children) overdosed and passed out. Then you began performing mouth to mouth and that's how you got a positive for cocaine?"
Client: "It wasn't him (pointing to her boyfriend), it was 'someone' else. But ya, I gave him mouth to mouth but I didn't use."
Assistant Attorney General: "Okay. I understand what you're saying but I just want you to know that typically isn't how drugs will get into your system."
Client: "Oh, I know, but I swear that's what happened."
2. SkyWest
Me: "I'm sorry sir, the flight has already departed."
Passenger: "I'm only two minutes late!"
Me: "Sir, we have to send our flights out on time. We can't wait for one passenger. You connection time shows you had plenty of time to get to the gate."
Passenger: "This is absurd."
Me: "Maybe next time you shouldn't stop to buy ice cream."
Passenger: "I didn't buy this, someone gave it to me!"
Me: "And you took it?!"
1. And the Number One all time BEST: DCFS
Client, under oath, being questioned by assistant attorney general(AAG)
AAG: "If you didn't use cocaine, can you explain how you have a positive drug test?"
Client: Well, I party with my friends and they like to snort lines off my stomach."
AAG: "So, just trying to understand, are you saying the cocaine must have absorbed into your skin while they were snorting lines off your stomach?"
Client: "yes."
Oh, how I miss my job.......
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I AM....
in LOVE with these 2
a FAN of this author
ADDICTED to these
READING this parenting book
DREAMING of a cruise
LOOKING FORWARD to a homeAnd I tag: Carrie, Courtney, Jessie, and any one else who wants to
Monday, August 10, 2009
Two Month Check-Up...A Little Late
Vanessa finally had her two month check up. She is actually closer to three months...oops. But she is doing great and the doctor said she is really healthy. She is now 22 1/2 inches long and 11 lbs. 14 oz. Her height is about the 26 percentile while her weight is somewhere around 55 percentile. Hm, do you think she has short parents?
She also got her first immunizations. I'm slightly paranoid about the whole vaccine ordeal so we are using Dr Sears alternative vaccine schedule. She gets all the shots, just not as the American Academy of Pediatrics has you do it. So this visit she got the rotavirus liquid and DTaP shot. She's had a rough night and mostly wants to be held but we're getting through. We have to go in a month to get the other shots she didn't get this visit. I guess we'll see if this works out for better or worse. The idea is that the reactions are less severe, you know which vaccine they are having a reaction to, and they get less aluminum at one time. But maybe the trauma of having to go in every month will be too much for me :)
She also got her first immunizations. I'm slightly paranoid about the whole vaccine ordeal so we are using Dr Sears alternative vaccine schedule. She gets all the shots, just not as the American Academy of Pediatrics has you do it. So this visit she got the rotavirus liquid and DTaP shot. She's had a rough night and mostly wants to be held but we're getting through. We have to go in a month to get the other shots she didn't get this visit. I guess we'll see if this works out for better or worse. The idea is that the reactions are less severe, you know which vaccine they are having a reaction to, and they get less aluminum at one time. But maybe the trauma of having to go in every month will be too much for me :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My first video post
This is Vanessa doing the chicken dance at the Real Soccer game on July 3rd. Our pre-4th party. She loved the lights, hated the fireworks.
Um...video post taking ten years to load...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Vanessa's "newborn" pictures
Live and Learn. Next time I'll know to do these a lot earlier, like two weeks. She wasn't as cooperative at six weeks. They still turned out amazing though. These are the only ones we've seen so far, my cousin took them and is still working on the rest. Her website is littledreamerstudios.com. She is amazing.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Randomness and pictures of Vanessa
I loved this outfit. It's getting small now though. I can't believe she is already outgrowing her newborn clothes! Thanks Steph for the gift :)
Vanessa is a pretty good sleeper. She does still prefer her belly and she still sleeps with us at night sometimes, more for my own sanity than her lack of willingness to sleep in the crib. I really enjoy my sleep. But isn't it so cute when she takes naps with daddy?!
She smiles all the time and we absoutely love it. She even coos. I'll put a video up sometime. I have to learn how first :)
Vanessa's Blessing
We blessed Vanessa at my parents home on Father's Day, June 21st. Jon gave an amazing blessing. He is such an amazing person. I love him more everyday. Vanessa is a really happy baby but for some reason, she was not happy this day. She is crying in all her pictures, except the one where we finally got her to sleep for a few minutes...thanks Matthew :) She hasn't had a day like that since so I don't know what it was. Maybe the dress was itchy...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Confessions....
Let's all be honest, parenting is tough work. I question myself all the time and I really hope I'm not the only one. At first, I felt all this pressure becaue EVERYONE gives advice. It wasn't pressure to do what other people thought was right, but not wanting to screw up my child because what they said to do was completely opposite what I was doing. Well, I have finally come to the decision that I can't care what other people say, or what advice they give. And for my own sanity so I don't go crazy wondering if what I am doing is going to make bad habits or cause permanent damage to my child, I sometimes find myself tuning people out. But here are my confessions of things that I do "wrong"
Vanessa often sleeps in bed with Jon and I
When she isn't sleeping with us, she is sleeping right next to us in her cradle that is literally and arm's length away.
I let her set our schedule. She eats when she wants, she sleeps when she wants and I try my hardest to oblige.
She sleeps on her belly, she absolutely will not sleep on her back
As long as the diaper is only wet, not messy, it stays on all night. It doesn't get changed until about 7am.
I hold my baby a lot...if she's awake, she's probably being held.
She hates her carseat so she's only in it when we're in the car. I use a sling or carry her at the store.
I try not to let her cry. "Crying it out" was harder on me than her.
She's healthy and happy and I'm actually surviving so it can't be all bad. I'll deal with all the bad habits when they come.
Vanessa often sleeps in bed with Jon and I
When she isn't sleeping with us, she is sleeping right next to us in her cradle that is literally and arm's length away.
I let her set our schedule. She eats when she wants, she sleeps when she wants and I try my hardest to oblige.
She sleeps on her belly, she absolutely will not sleep on her back
As long as the diaper is only wet, not messy, it stays on all night. It doesn't get changed until about 7am.
I hold my baby a lot...if she's awake, she's probably being held.
She hates her carseat so she's only in it when we're in the car. I use a sling or carry her at the store.
I try not to let her cry. "Crying it out" was harder on me than her.
She's healthy and happy and I'm actually surviving so it can't be all bad. I'll deal with all the bad habits when they come.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Two Week Checkup
We went to the pediatrician yesterday and here are the stats...
She is now 8 lbs 1 oz (the goal by two weeks is to be back at birth weight...7 lbs 6oz....but she was way over that and chubbing up!
She is 20 1/2 in long...she has grown an inch!
Length she's in the 57th percentile
Weight she's in the 35th percentile
Head circumference she's in the 37th percentile
She also had to get her 2nd PKU, which she hated. It was rather sad. But the doctor said she is very healthy and doing great!
We also had to ask about sleeping on her stomach...she hates sleeping on her back. She wakes right up whenever we lay her down but if we put her on her stomach...she can sleep like a champ. I have been terrified of putting her on her stomach though because of SIDS. The doctor said he did have to say back is best, but some babies really do prefer their stomachs. No one really knows what causes SIDS, we just have a bunch of "risk factors" and "they" say belly sleeping is one of them. He felt like having your baby too warm and having things in the crib were bigger "risk factors" though.
So today we tried out the belly sleeping for the first time. Jon put her down around 9:30 and she slept until noon! That is 2 1/2 hours! She hasn't slept in her cradle for that long ever! Granted...I only left the room for about ten minutes because I'm paranoid and had to watch for her breathing and listen for her noises. And I wanted to see if she would move around a lot. I guess we'll give it a try tonight and see how everyone sleeps.
She is now 8 lbs 1 oz (the goal by two weeks is to be back at birth weight...7 lbs 6oz....but she was way over that and chubbing up!
She is 20 1/2 in long...she has grown an inch!
Length she's in the 57th percentile
Weight she's in the 35th percentile
Head circumference she's in the 37th percentile
She also had to get her 2nd PKU, which she hated. It was rather sad. But the doctor said she is very healthy and doing great!
We also had to ask about sleeping on her stomach...she hates sleeping on her back. She wakes right up whenever we lay her down but if we put her on her stomach...she can sleep like a champ. I have been terrified of putting her on her stomach though because of SIDS. The doctor said he did have to say back is best, but some babies really do prefer their stomachs. No one really knows what causes SIDS, we just have a bunch of "risk factors" and "they" say belly sleeping is one of them. He felt like having your baby too warm and having things in the crib were bigger "risk factors" though.
So today we tried out the belly sleeping for the first time. Jon put her down around 9:30 and she slept until noon! That is 2 1/2 hours! She hasn't slept in her cradle for that long ever! Granted...I only left the room for about ten minutes because I'm paranoid and had to watch for her breathing and listen for her noises. And I wanted to see if she would move around a lot. I guess we'll give it a try tonight and see how everyone sleeps.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Welcome Vanessa Brady!!
After a week in the hospital our little girl was born on May 20, weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.
This is her favorite place to sleep.
Vanessa is already being spoiled by her grandparents.
She is definitely a momma's girl.
She also has a bit of an attitude and is grounded for this one.We spent a total of 11 days in the hospital but finally were able to come home. Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers; despite the circumstances we feel that we have been tremendously blessed. Lynette's blood clot is not getting any worse and the doctors are confident that with time it will dissolve completely. Vanessa is healthy and beautiful and we couldn't be happier.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Hospital Suite
Well, we're still in the hospital. The doctor decided with so many things that can potentially go wrong, he felt more comfortable keeping us here. We have another ultra sound on Tuesday to look at the clot. We'll look at the results from that and then decide when to get this baby here!
It's kind of a crazy cycle. We need to get the baby here to really fix the clot. But I'm not at all dilated so I'm not very favorable for induction. A C Section is riskier at this point than a regular birth. And an induction that doesn't go well would lead to a C section. Also because of the blood thinners, they can't even go near my spine with an epidural so I would have to have general anesthesia for the C section rather than an epidural. Oh, and an epidural (pitocin or not) is not really an option during labor either. The other problem is the clot dislodging during labor and going to my heart, so they might have to put a filter in. That means another surgery with just the local anesthetic and two gimpy legs :) They would insert the filter through the back of my right knee. I know it wouldn't be painful, but I'm still a little scared after the last experience.
So, still a lot of details to be worked out. At this point, all we're doing is waiting. Labor starting on its own would be ideal. At this point I don't have a problem with being induced (I definitely didn't want to be induced before all this) and I think I can make it through the pitocin without an epidural. I think the increased risk of paralysis would be a BIG motivator :)
I think we have a two week window from the formation of the clot to get baby out and then get the clot out. The two week window is up in six days. If we go over that window, I don't think anything bad happens, the clot just becomes like cement and will take even longer for the body to disolve.
I've really learned a lot about hospitals and our nurses have been so awesome! They take such good care of us. We also have the best room in the house, by far. We're at the end of the hall in Labor and Delivery. We have tons of huge windows and we're up on the third floor so that equals lots of sunshine and a good view. It keeps us sane, we love it!
Thanks again everyone for all the prayers! We'll let you know as soon as we have a baby!
It's kind of a crazy cycle. We need to get the baby here to really fix the clot. But I'm not at all dilated so I'm not very favorable for induction. A C Section is riskier at this point than a regular birth. And an induction that doesn't go well would lead to a C section. Also because of the blood thinners, they can't even go near my spine with an epidural so I would have to have general anesthesia for the C section rather than an epidural. Oh, and an epidural (pitocin or not) is not really an option during labor either. The other problem is the clot dislodging during labor and going to my heart, so they might have to put a filter in. That means another surgery with just the local anesthetic and two gimpy legs :) They would insert the filter through the back of my right knee. I know it wouldn't be painful, but I'm still a little scared after the last experience.
So, still a lot of details to be worked out. At this point, all we're doing is waiting. Labor starting on its own would be ideal. At this point I don't have a problem with being induced (I definitely didn't want to be induced before all this) and I think I can make it through the pitocin without an epidural. I think the increased risk of paralysis would be a BIG motivator :)
I think we have a two week window from the formation of the clot to get baby out and then get the clot out. The two week window is up in six days. If we go over that window, I don't think anything bad happens, the clot just becomes like cement and will take even longer for the body to disolve.
I've really learned a lot about hospitals and our nurses have been so awesome! They take such good care of us. We also have the best room in the house, by far. We're at the end of the hall in Labor and Delivery. We have tons of huge windows and we're up on the third floor so that equals lots of sunshine and a good view. It keeps us sane, we love it!
Thanks again everyone for all the prayers! We'll let you know as soon as we have a baby!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Little Update
Well, I am sure that many of you have heard I'm in the hospital...and not to have the baby. I'll start at the beginning....
Last Friday I started getting some pain and swelling in my left leg. I thought at first that it was my sciatic nerve. Then by Saturday the swelling was worse and my leg was turning blue sometimes. We called the midwife on-call and she sent us to Labor and Delivery to do a non-stress test on the baby and get an ultrasound of my leg. She wanted to make sure there wasn't a blood clot. We got the ultrasound and everything looked fine. They sent us home with the sad news that I was entering my final weeks of pregnancy and weird stuff just happens.
My swelling continued but it stopped going blue. I went had court on Monday and Tuesday so I went to all of that. I ended up working about seven hours each day. In hindsight, maybe not the best idea. My leg was getting enormous! And it was extremely painful to walk. On Wednesday we went for our next prenatal appointment. The midwife was still concerned so she sent us in for another ultrasound. This time, they found a blood clot and they admitted us to the hospital. Here it is Saturday and we're still here. It's been a crazy ride so far, but at this point, things are looking okay.
On Thursday morning they took us in first thing in the morning to try to break up the clot. I was glad they hadn't told us ahead of time what was coming. It would have just kept me up all night. They wanted to go in through the back of my knee, insert a "egg beater" like thing that was supposed to break the clot up. The internal radiologist said there is a strong drug they use in conjunction with the "eg beater" but they can't use it on me because I'm pregnant. So they were going to try it without. The scary part was that they had to use radiation, taking X Rays throughout the procedure. I was worried for the baby but they promised I was far along enough that she would be fine. Then they said that they usually sedate people, not because of pain but because of nerves. For me, being pregnant, they would just use a local anesthetic but they thought they pain would be minimal. I was doing fine until they kicked Jon out and wouldn't let him be there during the procedure do to the radiation. I cried a little at that point but the aides and the nurse were great and they talked to me to calm me down. They had the baby hooked up to a monitor and continually gave me reports on how the baby was doing. She was such a trooper and did so great throughout the entire thing!
They had expected the whole to take maybe 45 minutes. It ended up taking 2 hours. The first procedure didn't work. The "egg beater" isn't as effective without the other drug, which they couldn't use. Then they tried ballooning the vein. Neither of these were very painful. It was the third procedure that took my breath away. Veins don't have pain receptors so that's not what was painful. It was some intense pressure in my knee. I cringed and cried but made it through. At that point, what choice do you have? They were suctioning the clot out with a long catheter. They felt fairly successful with this method and finished up. They weren't able to clear out the entire clot but they cleared a path through it so that at least the blood flow would improve. They hoped that the anti-coagulants would break the rest of the clot up. They showed us the pictures afterwards and we were both amazed at the size of the clot! It goes from high up in my pelvis, down to about midthigh. It's about foot in length. The Dr said it is really stuck onto the sides of the vein pretty tight.
So they decided to keep us overnight into Friday and would possibly let us go Friday. Well, Thursday night I thought my water broke. They tested it with the amniotic test strips and we were all a little confused about whether or not it had broken. So they sent us in for an ultrasound on the baby. The fluid levels were actually on the high side, so they decided it hadn't broken. While there they quickly checked the clot and first impressions: it looked bigger. So the doctor got these results and sent us back down for a more thorough look at the clot. It hadn't actually gotten bigger, but it wasn't smaller either. Also come to find out, the baby's bowels are a little larger than normal. So they were concerned about that. They moved us up to Labor and Delivery and I'm on constant monitoring. The baby's heart is doing great. We just finished up another ultrasound this morning on the baby and we're waiting to hear from the doctor regarding those results. The tech said the bowels still look a little large, the same as yesterday but the radiologist has to go over and he sends up the report.
From this point, we're just waiting to see what is going to happen. There is a risk in almost every route we take from this point so it's just deciding which route is the least risky. I'm not dilated at all, or else we probably would already have a baby. Induction isn't very favorable for me, because my body just doesn't seem ready to go into labor. He doesn't want it to end in a C section because that increases risk of blood clots and I'm on anti-coagulants. Oh, the other kicker is that I can't have any type of epidural or spinal blocks due to the anti-coagulants. I wasn't planning on getting an epidural and have ready TONS of natural childbirth books. The only problem is that when you're induced, labor is different, usually more painful, and harder to get through without pain relief. It could be interesting!
That's all the updates we have at this point. We're in good hands, the doctors are all communicating with each other and trying to decide the best course of action. They have been really good about explaining everything to us and keeping us in the loop. Thanks to all our wonderful family and friends too for all your prayers and fasting. We are so grateful to hear of all your concern for us and feel blessed to know such wonderful people! I'm sure your prayers are helping to guide the doctors and keep us safe! We'll keep you all updated as we know more (it seems to change frequently). Thanks for your faith and prayers!
Last Friday I started getting some pain and swelling in my left leg. I thought at first that it was my sciatic nerve. Then by Saturday the swelling was worse and my leg was turning blue sometimes. We called the midwife on-call and she sent us to Labor and Delivery to do a non-stress test on the baby and get an ultrasound of my leg. She wanted to make sure there wasn't a blood clot. We got the ultrasound and everything looked fine. They sent us home with the sad news that I was entering my final weeks of pregnancy and weird stuff just happens.
My swelling continued but it stopped going blue. I went had court on Monday and Tuesday so I went to all of that. I ended up working about seven hours each day. In hindsight, maybe not the best idea. My leg was getting enormous! And it was extremely painful to walk. On Wednesday we went for our next prenatal appointment. The midwife was still concerned so she sent us in for another ultrasound. This time, they found a blood clot and they admitted us to the hospital. Here it is Saturday and we're still here. It's been a crazy ride so far, but at this point, things are looking okay.
On Thursday morning they took us in first thing in the morning to try to break up the clot. I was glad they hadn't told us ahead of time what was coming. It would have just kept me up all night. They wanted to go in through the back of my knee, insert a "egg beater" like thing that was supposed to break the clot up. The internal radiologist said there is a strong drug they use in conjunction with the "eg beater" but they can't use it on me because I'm pregnant. So they were going to try it without. The scary part was that they had to use radiation, taking X Rays throughout the procedure. I was worried for the baby but they promised I was far along enough that she would be fine. Then they said that they usually sedate people, not because of pain but because of nerves. For me, being pregnant, they would just use a local anesthetic but they thought they pain would be minimal. I was doing fine until they kicked Jon out and wouldn't let him be there during the procedure do to the radiation. I cried a little at that point but the aides and the nurse were great and they talked to me to calm me down. They had the baby hooked up to a monitor and continually gave me reports on how the baby was doing. She was such a trooper and did so great throughout the entire thing!
They had expected the whole to take maybe 45 minutes. It ended up taking 2 hours. The first procedure didn't work. The "egg beater" isn't as effective without the other drug, which they couldn't use. Then they tried ballooning the vein. Neither of these were very painful. It was the third procedure that took my breath away. Veins don't have pain receptors so that's not what was painful. It was some intense pressure in my knee. I cringed and cried but made it through. At that point, what choice do you have? They were suctioning the clot out with a long catheter. They felt fairly successful with this method and finished up. They weren't able to clear out the entire clot but they cleared a path through it so that at least the blood flow would improve. They hoped that the anti-coagulants would break the rest of the clot up. They showed us the pictures afterwards and we were both amazed at the size of the clot! It goes from high up in my pelvis, down to about midthigh. It's about foot in length. The Dr said it is really stuck onto the sides of the vein pretty tight.
So they decided to keep us overnight into Friday and would possibly let us go Friday. Well, Thursday night I thought my water broke. They tested it with the amniotic test strips and we were all a little confused about whether or not it had broken. So they sent us in for an ultrasound on the baby. The fluid levels were actually on the high side, so they decided it hadn't broken. While there they quickly checked the clot and first impressions: it looked bigger. So the doctor got these results and sent us back down for a more thorough look at the clot. It hadn't actually gotten bigger, but it wasn't smaller either. Also come to find out, the baby's bowels are a little larger than normal. So they were concerned about that. They moved us up to Labor and Delivery and I'm on constant monitoring. The baby's heart is doing great. We just finished up another ultrasound this morning on the baby and we're waiting to hear from the doctor regarding those results. The tech said the bowels still look a little large, the same as yesterday but the radiologist has to go over and he sends up the report.
From this point, we're just waiting to see what is going to happen. There is a risk in almost every route we take from this point so it's just deciding which route is the least risky. I'm not dilated at all, or else we probably would already have a baby. Induction isn't very favorable for me, because my body just doesn't seem ready to go into labor. He doesn't want it to end in a C section because that increases risk of blood clots and I'm on anti-coagulants. Oh, the other kicker is that I can't have any type of epidural or spinal blocks due to the anti-coagulants. I wasn't planning on getting an epidural and have ready TONS of natural childbirth books. The only problem is that when you're induced, labor is different, usually more painful, and harder to get through without pain relief. It could be interesting!
That's all the updates we have at this point. We're in good hands, the doctors are all communicating with each other and trying to decide the best course of action. They have been really good about explaining everything to us and keeping us in the loop. Thanks to all our wonderful family and friends too for all your prayers and fasting. We are so grateful to hear of all your concern for us and feel blessed to know such wonderful people! I'm sure your prayers are helping to guide the doctors and keep us safe! We'll keep you all updated as we know more (it seems to change frequently). Thanks for your faith and prayers!
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Last Month (hopefully)
So I am sitting in my office staring at my rather rotund belly, thinking about how huge I really am. I have a turned over box underneath my desk so that I can always put my feet up. My chair is a good foot away from the desk and my tummy still touches the desk. What a sight!
Being pregnant for the first time is a rather interesting experience. I have to be honest and admit that I have had a fairly "easy" pregnancy. I got sick the first couple months but didn't throw up. (I could probably count on one hand the number of times I have thrown up in my whole life. I'm lucky like that). I haven't had serious swelling problems, just occasionally and it can always be remedied. My hips ache, but nothing too painful. My back is sore occasionally but not as I would have expected. My ribs, I'm pretty sure they are bruised and probably permanently damaged on the right side. But I would rather have her kicking and letting me know things are okay than just sleep all day. I have always had a little bladder so I haven't noticed a dramatic increase in the amount I go to the bathroom. I hardly ever get up in the middle of the night. I just refuse to lose out on my sleep and I eventually foget about it and can go back to sleep. Sometimes it results in a sore tummy when I wake up, but so worth the sleep! :)
In the last week or so she has "dropped" and that's kind of interesting. When I sit it feels like she is literally in my lap. Jon says I don't waddle yet, I'm hoping it stays that way. I try to concentrate on my walking so that I walk normal, but sometimes I forget and then who knows what I look like.
Final purchases are coming to an end. We still have a couple things on the list but we're pretty prepared, thanks to my awesome family and friends who gave me all those wonderful gifts at my baby shower!
Oh, there is one more thing that might be helpful....a name. Ha ha, we still haven't decided on that yet. Everyone keeps asking but I'm pretty sure we won't decide until we're signing the birth certificate.
I would have to say we're ready for this baby to make her debut! I guess now we'll just have to wait and see when she feels like she's ready to come out. I don't blame her for taking her sweet time. I have no doubt life is a lot easier inside than out...but hopefully she gets here before June 8.
Being pregnant for the first time is a rather interesting experience. I have to be honest and admit that I have had a fairly "easy" pregnancy. I got sick the first couple months but didn't throw up. (I could probably count on one hand the number of times I have thrown up in my whole life. I'm lucky like that). I haven't had serious swelling problems, just occasionally and it can always be remedied. My hips ache, but nothing too painful. My back is sore occasionally but not as I would have expected. My ribs, I'm pretty sure they are bruised and probably permanently damaged on the right side. But I would rather have her kicking and letting me know things are okay than just sleep all day. I have always had a little bladder so I haven't noticed a dramatic increase in the amount I go to the bathroom. I hardly ever get up in the middle of the night. I just refuse to lose out on my sleep and I eventually foget about it and can go back to sleep. Sometimes it results in a sore tummy when I wake up, but so worth the sleep! :)
In the last week or so she has "dropped" and that's kind of interesting. When I sit it feels like she is literally in my lap. Jon says I don't waddle yet, I'm hoping it stays that way. I try to concentrate on my walking so that I walk normal, but sometimes I forget and then who knows what I look like.
Final purchases are coming to an end. We still have a couple things on the list but we're pretty prepared, thanks to my awesome family and friends who gave me all those wonderful gifts at my baby shower!
Oh, there is one more thing that might be helpful....a name. Ha ha, we still haven't decided on that yet. Everyone keeps asking but I'm pretty sure we won't decide until we're signing the birth certificate.
I would have to say we're ready for this baby to make her debut! I guess now we'll just have to wait and see when she feels like she's ready to come out. I don't blame her for taking her sweet time. I have no doubt life is a lot easier inside than out...but hopefully she gets here before June 8.
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