Thursday, June 28, 2007

Short & Sweet

Work is very busy these days, and I've already gotten in nearly 40 hours and it's only Thursday morning. I'm pretty doggone tired, but it's starting to get cooler outside and isn't quite so "wilting" when I walk outside today.

I'm at the hospital every week now for testing - Dr. ordered a Biophysical Profile and Non-Stress test every week to watch Kaity closely for her developing size. At 32 weeks +2 days, they measured her at approximately 5 lbs 14 oz. Normal babies at that stage are about 4 lbs. Dr. said there is usually about 1 lb give or take... I'm testing my sugar 4 times a day and take 2 oral pills every day - 1 in the am and 1 in the pm. We may have to resort to insulin, but the dr is checking me weekly before deciding that, and we're going to do everything we can to avoid a c-section and too-early delivery...

We're making progress getting things ready for Kaity, and making some changes in Claira's room so she has something "new", too. She's growing way too fast and is starting to talk about Kaity more, although she doesn't fully comprehend what bringing home a baby means just yet, but she's sharp and she's trying to figure things out!

Greg's work schedule is really starting to pick up and he's getting more clients - he's having busier work days and fewer cancellations this week. It seems that most days he's really enjoying the counseling a lot.

Won't be long now and we'll have two girls and wonder what we ever did with our lives before we got married. =()

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Before Life Gets the Upper Hand

My life is about to become very, very busy, so before it gets away from me, I want to get some things updated...

Today, my dad had a heart catheterization. They found a 99% blockage in the back of his heart, and discovered that the blockage which originally resulted in his heart attack, is now completely blocked and cannot be repaired. The doctor told him that in the meantime, new arteries had grown and filled in and taken over to some degree and have been supplying the viable part of his heart with blood. So, he will be scheduled for surgery in Ft Wayne to have a stent put into the back of his heart. Along with the catheterization, is the complication of the dye used because of his kidney failure. He was put on a medication prior to the cath today that will help flush the dye out and try to make things easier for his kidneys to process. He's had all these building projects (including helping around our house) that are going to be put on the back burner for awhile, and HOPEFULLY he can be "good" and just devote more time being with his family & friends & fishing!!!

I did not forget to mention, but rather delayed mentioning, that last week, Dave's wife Lyn's, sister Kathy, passed away from an aneurysm. Last Saturday, 6/9, was Caden's 2nd birthday, but they spent the morning at a funeral. It was very rough on their family, as you can imagine. Kathy was only in her 40's and left a husband and 2 sons (ages 14 & 7). We would see Kathy at birthday parties for Dave's kids, and she came with her mom & their sister, Lori, to Claira's baby shower. I know there is nothing that can be said to make someone feel better when they lose a loved one, but I want Lyn to know that I love her and I'm glad she's family!!!

Starting June 19, I'll be having biweekly ultrasound/biophysical profiles, and non-stress tests for Kaity - she's due 8/12, but I think we can expect her to arrive towards the end of July... We shall see.

June 24 begins the crazy summer season for my job, and I will work several Sundays and pretty well make sure things in our Master of American History & Government degree program are running smoothly. I've got great student interns here for support - and of course, our awesome MAHG administrators. Before long, I'll be in the throes of summer, then the throes of labor, and life will change once again!!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

A Lot of News!!!

You have to know how odd it is for me to be talking about & celebrating Mikhael's birthday at the same time I'm preparing to have Kaity... I just needed to say it.

Today is Mikhael's 19th birthday! Wow! It's hard to believe. He was SUCH a cute baby (if I do say so myself) and looking at his pictures through the years, I am so blessed to have been a part of his life - even from afar. I wish him a VERY happy birthday! He is a blessing from God.

Pregnancy Update:
So the diagnosis of gestational diabetes was a pretty difficult blow - but having met with the nutritionist last Tuesday, I got a grip on it and actually felt like it was very similar to what I did with Weight Watchers a few years ago. Not that I'm dieting, per se - but being conscious of what I'm eating, writing it all down and tracking carbohydrates (vs points with WW), it has felt a lot like that and I was able to really get a handle on it. I'm testing my blood sugar 4 times every day - and am getting into a decent pattern.

Had my 1st dr visit yesterday since meeting with the nutritionist - and the dr was very excited about my progress, which made ME very excited, as well. She was concerned about having to put me on medication, but after looking at my numbers, she said if I keep it up, we'll just use the diet & exercise to control the diabetes.

AND - get this, I lost 9 lbs in one week!!! I could NOT believe it - they could not believe it - and they were concerned that I wasn't eating, but I kept looking at my chart, because I feel like I'm eating non stop!!! So, for this pregnancy, I currently have a net weight gain of 7 lbs.

Next Tuesday I start my biweekly ultrasounds (to watch Kaity's growth & size) and weekly Biophysical Profiles (like an ultrasound only more detailed and checking for specific things) and Non Stress Tests (to watch Kaity's development & movements). The regular ultrasound tech at the hospital is FABULOUS and very helpful to explain things and answer questions when she can - I love visiting with her, so in some ways it'll be fun to see her that often.

So, that's the latest...

Friday, June 01, 2007

More Pics...

Daddy & Claira ridin' Papa Baker's 4 wheeler. She liked going fast, but HATED the loud sound of the motor!










Mother's Day weekend - 27 weeks












Claira & Mommy hamming it up...












This is Claira squinting and saying "light" because the camera flash is so bright. She's started doing that more, so I have to be quick about taking her pics!!!










I LOVE this picture of Claira - this really captures her personality & spirit!