Monday, October 26, 2015

My little girl - Finally an update on her

I haven't posted a ton about my pregnancy. I guess life has been so focused on the boys at this point, that most everything revolves around them. I take care of myself and I'm enjoying the pregnancy as much as I can, but they are here smiling at me every single day, so it's hard not to talk about them, them and well, more of them.

So...here's a bit of an update on HER. Her name is Liddy Rose. We didn't keep it secret as we did the boys. It's a name we always liked and decided on it as soon as we knew this was a little girl. We wanted something that was an updated version of my mother's name but not the same. Her name was Linda.

I've been monitored very, VERY closely this entire pregnancy. I am or have been at a high risk for placenta issues; placenta previa (don't have), placenta accreta (or percreta), preterm labor and incompetent cervix (don't have). So this entire pregnancy I've had cervical checks, monthly ultrasounds and multiple visits to the MFM. Not that I mind the extra monitoring, I don't, for even a second with all we went through to have this little miracle right here in front of us, and only a few months away from being able to hold her in our arms. 

The issues that have come up are marginal cord insertion, which they aren't concerned about, especially since it can cause growth restrictions, but for her, it has not in the least. So it's just something they watch. 

Echogenic bowel. So if you remember, the boys BOTH had this as well from 20 weeks on. This is supposed to be rare. It also can be a soft marker for downs syndrome, cystic fibrosis or a virus such as Toxoplasmosis or CMV. We've gone through multiple screens for down syndrome and we're at very low risk. Trevor was genetically tested at CCRM and is not a carrier for CF, so again, an extremely low risk there. I was tested for the above mentioned viruses and I was negative. So just like Kelly and the boys we have this fluke that we just watch that it seems will be nothing, just like it was nothing with the boys. I certainly am less freaked out about it after going through this before and knowing it really can mean nothing at all. But so strange that all three of my children have this odd little fluke in utero. 

I also failed my 1-hour glucose test. I was pretty nervous going into the 3-hour but I got word yesterday that I passed! To add that complication to the mix would have been pretty stressful. But because Liddy is measuring at about 75th percentile, I was thinking it really was a good possibility that I would fail. 

I also have regular Braxton Hicks, sometimes every few minutes. However, I was monitored in L&D one night and they aren't effecting my cervix at all. I just need to try and take it easy when I can. Hard to do that with all I have going on, but, I'm doing my best. Luckily, sitting or lying down tends to make them stop. 

Lastly, placenta accreta. They've been monitoring me for this since week 20. I've seen the MFM twice and their is an area of concern, but they aren't ready to call it accreta yet. However, at 34 weeks I'll be seeing him again and they'll be looking for a more concrete decision on that area and how to proceed. If it is an accreta or potential accreta, I'll be having a c-section and most likely a hysterectomy. IF they do the hysterectomy, I've requested that they remove my ovaries as well. My biggest concern obviously, for all of this is the recovery. Not only will I have a newborn, but I'll also have 5 month old twins. To think about how long I'll be down and not able to truly care for them hurts my heart. But, I also want Liddy to be delivered as safely as possible for her and me. I've asked that my ovaries be removed in that instance because of my family history. My mother's ovarian cancer was very aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy. I've also found links to endometriosis and that specific cell type of cancer. If they are in there removing parts, I'd rather go through a bit of menopause vs. risking the chance of my babies having to lose their mother and my husband losing his wife. My mother died only 14 years older than I am right now. This is something I was planning on doing in about 5 years regardless. I've put a lot of thought into this and while I know that it's a big decision, we've been beyond blessed in ways that can not be measured this year. I could not feel more complete with our little family. 

So I'm going into this with no birth plan. I've waited too long and worked too hard to stress over how she comes into the world. The fact that she does in fact come into the world safely is my plan. 
 
My due date is January 4th. We kinda hope she's born in December just so we can say all our babies were born in 2015. How crazy. But whenever she arrives, we will be over the moon. It's a happiness that I wish for anyone and everyone that wants so badly to hold their child in their arms. We are in a far different place than we were just one year ago. 


How far along:  The above picture was taken today - 30 weeks
Total weight gain?  This is a point of stress for me. I've gained 37 pounds this pregnancy. Seems like an awful lot for a singleton. My doctor doesn't seem to concerned, but with 10 weeks left, I'm a bit nervous!
Maternity clothes?  Yes. I can wear my pre-pregnancy leggings, but everything else is maternity.
Stretch marks?  Still none... just biding my time though.
Sleep:  Ha. This is a funny one. Between 3 month old twins, going pee every hour and being overall uncomfortable, I'm pretty sure sleep is just a thing of my past. And that's okay!
Best moment this week:  Passing my 3-hour glucose test after failing my 1-hour. Whew!!
Miss anything?  Sushi and red wine. But giving it up has been absolutely worth it a million times over.
Movement:  Lots and lots of this! And it's really kicked into high gear these past few weeks. I love every little kick!
Food cravings:  Pasta, french fries, apples and ice cream. Probably why I'm up 37 pounds.
Anything make you queasy or sick?  Haven't felt queasy since the first trimester, thank goodness.
Gender:  A little miss.
Labor Signs:  Braxton Hicks seem to be a regular thing for me. Mostly when I'm up walking around a lot or cleaning, etc. When I sit or lie down, they stop.
Symptoms:  Just back pain and pelvic bone pain. I'm seeing a chiropractor and massage therapist to help. I'm sure it's because not only am I carrying this baby inside me, but also carrying two on the outside, so this is no surprise. Also have a bit of heartburn and I'm stuffy a lot at night.  
Belly button in or out?  It's WAY out. I always had a borderline outtie...so it's been out since about 20 weeks.
Wedding rings on or off?  Still on
Looking forward to:  My 34 week ultrasound with the MFM to really have an indication of what kind of labor this will be. 

 Her sweet profile
It appears our baby girl will hold her own against her brothers. Check out her biceps!

I think she looks like Casey.

Luckily, we got the majority of her nursery done before we left for Texas. Only had a few finishing touches when we got home. Funny. We use her nursery a lot right now when we are both changing or rocking the boys. It comes in pretty handy having two! (Liddy's room is Stella the cat's favorite place to be)

The 4 photos make up the Wizard of Oz Quote:
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Skies are Blue
And Dreams that you Dare to Dream
Really do Come True"




18 comments:

  1. You are amazing! Her nursery is perfect. I think the decisions you are making for you and Liddy are wonderful. I am glad you are doing what is best for both of you!

    All born in 2015? How wonderful would that be! A year for the books!

    So glad you passed your glucose test btw! Phew

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  2. Wow this is incredible. I love that you just want her here safely. All though it's nice to have a plan sometimes with complications it's just best to be open minded. Her nursery is beautiful congrats again to you.

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  3. So much to report! You look so beautiful and you can't tell that you've gained 37 pounds. I'm sure most of it is water weight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed against any placenta issues. Have you had an MRI yet? My experience is that it wasn't too bad. (they may be able to put you on your side). My previa almost moved enough to have a vaginal delivery, but in the end I was really happy just to have the C/section. I was great to have a definite date and I knew no time would be wasted if I had any hemorrhaging issues. So sorry to hear about your mother's cancer and the decisions you have to make regarding your ovaries. I love the nursery! Your cat is such a big fluff ball, I thought she was a toy!

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  4. You look amazing and I would not have guessed you gained 37lbs. Don't stress about it the baby weight comes off. Her nursery is lovely...can't wait to hear about her safe delivery for both momma and baby.

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  5. Ughh. Tears. I sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to Garrison every night. Dreams really do come true. Still can't believe how BIG your dreams must have been. Liddy Rose is the PERFECT addition to your family.

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  6. Love the quotes, soo perfect for her nursery!! Glad things are going well and that they are watching you closely!!

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  7. You are amazing. Your doctors sound really on top of things! I took a break in the middle of this post to read a bit about placenta accreta. I had never heard of it! Will be praying for good news for you on that.

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  8. I even wondering how it's all going and for the most part I'm so glad it's all great. Lots of thoughts and prayers everything continues to go great!

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  9. The nursery is adorable and you look fabulous! I have no idea how you've been holding it together with all of the potential challenges with this pregnancy. You are so strong Suzanne and you are almost there! Take care of you and keep us posted. Sending you love and prayers.

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  10. You look beautiful, and so is the nursery.
    I command you on the tough decisions. Breast cancer runs in my family and I should consider similar options in a couple of years... and to be honest, until well after SB was born I couldn't even stomach the thought.
    However things go, I hope you'll both be doing well and recovering quickly. Hugs.

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  11. You are gorgeous! Don't you dare let that scale tell you otherwise!!! I can't wait to meet her and hear all about life with three littles. You guys are going to rock this. I can't believe she's almost here.

    Will you have help once she's here? Especially if all the surgery & recovery is necessary.

    That name. Perfection.

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  12. Very happy for you and ur family. I pray that every thing goes great from here on.

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  13. You look wonderful!! So happy for you!! Nearly done with a lavender/teal/cream lovie that will be coming your way - definitely before December in case you have three 2015 babies! :)

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  14. I thought I commented already, but alas no. It's just my pregnancy brain. You look so great! I'm so happy to see an update on baby girl! And I LOVE her name!

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  15. You look fabulous! So glad you are able to not stress, knowing the boys were perfectly fine at birth. If you do end up have and-section, as well as a hysterectomy and your ovaries removed, one thing I can say for sure is that although recovery will be so hard with all your little ones, it will also be so much easier than if they were mobile! I think her name is beautiful!

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  16. I empathize with you on the loss of your Mom. I lost mine when I was 6 weeks pregnant through our 2nd IVF: http://megandewitt.blogspot.com/2014/10/congratulations-and-condolences.html

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