39 Weeks

39 Weeks -
Wow! Tomorrow's the big day! ...well the beginning of the big day :)

Baby's size: - Small Watermelon

Sleep: I got sick over the weekend and haven't been able to sleep through the night at all...let alone settle my mind down at a decent time this week either :(

Mama's Growth: As of today my final measurements are another 1/2 inch in my belly and waist & weight gain is just about 20 lbs

Food cravings: Everything! I'm acting like I'm never going to eat again once I get to the hospital and have Noelan. Just because I was told not to eat anything after 5am tomorrow morning. Plus I've been emotionally eating for sure but I'm still trying to keep it with high protein low carbs haha

Symptoms I have: Runny/Stuffy nose...oh wait pregnancy symptoms ha yea nothing new.

Doctor’s Appointments:

Dr. Foehr - Today's & LAST OB Appointment: Everything looked good, blood pressure, urine, heartbeat, measurement etc. I asked about induction with my cold & he said it'll be fine. This is it, I'm going in at 3pm tomorrow!

Movement: So much! Especially at night...uh oh haha

Gender: Baby BOY!!! :)

Names: Noelan Chase
My "Noble" "Pursuer of Truth"

What I’m looking forward to:
Getting through labor, everyone being healthy again and bringing baby Noelan home (even if it means I will get even less sleep than I'm getting now)

What I miss: Being healthy!

Events of the week: Where do I even begin? All I can say is that things don't always go as planned, that's for sure. I had lots of ideas and plans for this week and I think we may have done 1 (maybe 2) out of all of them because of sickness and Tim's injury. I've been just going with the flow of it all but I have a feeling when all the craziness/business finally begins to slow down I'll have a mini meltdown to process all the overwhelming and helpless feelings I had but didn't let out. I just keep reminding myself that things can be worse and I have to keep moving forward. I also know how much our family is loved and cared about by our family and friends and that has helped me get through the last few days. I wish I knew ways for people to help but everything I need help with are things I have to do myself or things I can't even help (like making my family not sick) I know I probably sound like a broken record but for those who have been praying, I really appreciate it and believe that's what's been giving me peace and strength the last few days. The more the better!! :) Thank You all and I love you!

38 Weeks

38 Weeks -
I head to the hospital in ONE WEEK!

Baby's size: - Pumpkin

Sleep: I can't remember this past week but I know I definitely haven't been going to bed early enough a few nights this week. I'm going to do my best to get more rest this week so I don't get run down before I deliver Noelan.

Mama's Growth: I'll update this next week

Food cravings: Chocolate and Sushi

Symptoms I have: Braxton Hicks, a little back pain and a lot of nausea and indigestion again.

Doctor’s Appointments:

Dr. Foehr - Yesterday's Appointment
Next Appointment 12/18
My blood pressure was a little high but nothing he seemed too concerned about especially since I'm heading to the hospital next week. He checked and told me I still wasn't dilated at all. (& I've been trying different things and it hasn't done anything - oh well) I asked when the last time I should eat before I head to the hospital and at first he said not after midnight but then said if I want to eat in the morning it should be before 5am...not too sure if I'm going to do that or not.

Dr. El Kady (MFM/GD/Non-Stress Test) - Today's & my LAST Appointment: My mom had off today and wanted to come to my last appointment. It was nice having the extra company although Evan was always awesome. It took a little longer and they broke it up more so I was there for 2 hours. I did my non-stress test first and tracked everything. I had one contraction during the time and didn't have to be monitored too long because he was moving a lot. We had to then go back into the waiting room and wait for a different room to be open so they could do the sonogram. He had all his measurements done and at the end they said he's about 6lbs 13oz give or take which is very close to where Evan was at 6lbs 14oz
It was a little bittersweet knowing that was my last sonogram for him...but more sweet because I'm done with appointments and will get to see him face to face next week!!

Movement: Lots and lots still

Gender: My little man

Names: Noelan Chase

What I’m looking forward to: So much this week but we'll see what actually happens. I'm trying to cram as much fun and cuddle time with my boys before Wednesday. (& some me time as well!)

What I miss: My sister (that's not new)

Events of the week: Let's see... The week has been a blur! Hmmm. We went to the winery with my mom on Sunday & then Joshua picked up his new iPad that he saved up for. Melissa stopped over later that evening and brought a yummy pre-baby meal which was great! Monday I prepped and froze a bunch of meat and meals for after Noelan comes so I don't have to think and work much. I brought Josh to the dentist but had to bring all the kids with me so its was an adventure haha We got a gift card for Carrabba's in the mail so we celebrated our last meal out as a family of 5 and enjoyed a yummy dinner. Last night we had our small group Christmas party including finger foods and a white elephant gift exchange. As usual I had a really good time (& so did the boys since they stayed up a little later) And tonight I go on a date with Tim! Thanks mama for suggesting it and offering hanging out with the boys. We'll prob just go to dinner because we're both so tired. Just have to decide on where.
Good week past and good week to come!

37 Weeks

37 Weeks -
I head to the hospital in 2 weeks :)

Baby's size: - Winter melon

Sleep: Still waking up to go to the bathroom and it feels more and more difficult getting out of bed (physically) The boys have been waking me up in the middle of the night for various reasons which is not usual around here nower days. Another way to prepare me I'm sure. Last night I had horrible indigestion that kept waking me up as well.

Mama's Growth: I'll update this right before I go to the hospital since my measurements and weight are still fluctuating.

Food cravings: Steak & Spinach - must be an iron thing

Symptoms I have: Some Braxton Hicks, nothing too strong or regular. This past weekend I had a huge cramp on the lower left side of my stomach like I had just had a huge lunch and then ran a mile. I took a warm shower and relaxed and it went away within 15-20 mins.

Doctor’s Appointments:

Dr. El Kady (MFM/GD/Non-Stress Test) -
Best news from that office ever was that the cord around Noelan's neck was resolved :) They had to take my blood pressure 3-4 times again but I really think the automatic machines they use at first aren't accurate for me - once they do it manually it's fine. I did my non-stress test and I was just about to go home and they had me stay longer because I had a contraction and his heart rate went down so they wanted to see another one to make sure it didn't happen every time. About 10-15 mins later they rechecked and everything was good. He's measuring about 6lbs 4oz more or less so he should be around 7.5 when he's born which is what my other boys averaged. They were concerned with the diabetes of him being too big so thankfully that is looking good too! Josh was 7.5lbs , Caleb was 8lbs and Evan was 6.14lbs.
My glucose numbers were on track so I'm staying on this dosage of insulin until the night before I'm induced

Next & LAST (woo hoo!) Appointment: 12/12
They had me scheduled to go in the morning of the 19th but I told them I'm getting induced that day & to cancel that appointment. I'm not going to spend 2 hours at the office when I'll be at the hospital later on for even longer. I want to make the most of the morning :)

Dr. Foehr -
Yesterday's Appointment: My test from last week came back normal which was good news. We talked about my blood pressure, protein and cord (I didn't know at that point that the cord wasn't an issue anymore) and he said that 1/3 of pregnancies end up with the cord around the babies neck and it shouldn't be an issue with my delivery. He said of course anything can happen during labor but a c-section isn't the first plan. We're keeping same date and plan of being induced at 3pm on the 19th at Southside hospital . He'll use something to soften the cervix for the first few hours and see how that works & then we'll go from there. I've been induced each pregnancy & he's delivered 2/3 of my boys so I'm comfortable with taking it step by step with him. I also asked if my low carb/high protein diet for the diabetes could play a role in the protein in my urine and he said that's a possibility.

Next Appointment 12/11

Movement: Even though it's uncomfortable at times it's also very reassuring that he moves so much especially in the evenings. I haven't had to really track the movements because he definitely moves a lot more than 10x in under an hour.

Gender: Baby Boyyyyy!!!

Names: Noelan Chase

What I’m looking forward to: Being done with the next few appointments I have (like Joshua's dentist and Caleb's parent teacher conference) hopefully no more finger pricks and insulin :) Annnnnnd Baby Noelan being home for Christmas!

What I miss: "Normal" Pregnancies

Events of the week: Tim & I went out last Friday to celebrate Erinn's birthday before she went back to Canada. Jay planned a surprise outing and it was like a quintuple (is that a word?) date. We had a good time out. Saturday was Lila's birthday party and it was so awesome to see how much fun all the kids had being knights and princesses! Family time is always a good time. Sunday Tim went to help Dan with a project for a couple of hours before coming home and crashing. He's been working so much lately that he's been exhausted by the time he gets home. But he didn't work late this Tuesday like last week so he was able to spend time at the young adult group we host at our house which was nice. I also got Tim's Christmas presents so I'm officially done Christmas shopping for my family and can sigh a deep sigh of relief knowing that Noelan can come at any time now and I don't have to think about rushing around or more wrapping :)

36 Weeks

36 Weeks -
3 more weeks until I head to the hospital!
I kept putting this post off so I could take my 36 week picture but I've been too tired so now there's 3 doctor updates in one post & I'll start updating every Wed instead of Tuesday. Except I'll prob write something quickly the day before I go in for induction on Wednesday the 19th

Baby's size: - Honeydew

Sleep: It's getting more difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in & I'm waking up at least twice a night for different reasons. I feel so tired all the time.

Mama's Growth: I'll update this right before I go to the hospital since my measurements and weight are still fluctuating. (My weight stayed the same as my last doctor's visit)

Food cravings: I want more yummy Thanksgiving food!!

Symptoms I have: same as last week...back, pelvic and sleep

Doctor’s Appointments:

Dr. El Kady (MFM/GD/Non-Stress Test) -
Last Wednesday my blood pressure was high, they had to check it 3 times before it came down a little so they're going to keep an eye on that as well as my glucose numbers. I had to do a 24 hour urine test and some more bloodwork to make sure I don't have (or am developing) pregnancy induced hypertension. I had high blood pressure with Joshua at the end of my pregnancy and that's why I had to be induced with him. Dr El Kady agreed with Dr. Foehr's recommendation to be induced at 39 weeks. Noelan weighed around 5 lbs. 9 oz. as of last Wed and she said it's a little bit on the bigger size of where they want him right now but if we can maintain my blood sugars then it shouldn't be too bad by the time 39 weeks comes. If more complications rise they may have to get him out before then but hopefully it will be fine. She increased my insulin dosage a little so hopefully that will help with the babies weight gain & my glucose levels to stay down overnight to avoid any complications. My numbers were still completely fine during the day. When I had my non-stress test, I had a couple of contractions and there was one big & long one. Dr. El Kady asked if I felt it (which I did) and if I get those regularly (which I don't)
Yesterday's Appointment: Again I did my weekly non-stress test & that went pretty quickly because he was moving and got the hiccups so there was lots of button pushing. After, Dr El Kady wasn't in so I had the other doctor in their office follow up with my sonogram to check the fluid and status of the baby. No weight or measurements this week, that will be done next week. She asked if i do my movement counts at home and I said no because he moves all the time. She told me that the cord was wrapped loosely around the baby's neck so to just pay attention and if there's less or no movement to call the doctor right away. I asked if that had the possibility to move the induction date up and she said we'll check everything again next week and of course if the baby is in danger they would get him out right away. But right now it's still loose. She then told me that my 24 urine test showed there was protein in it which isn't a good sign for the hypertension but because my blood pressure was good that day there wasn't anything to worry about right now. She told me if I feel any nausea, headaches, pain in my rib area, swelling in my ankles to call the doctor for that as well because those symptoms are associated with pre-eclampsia and they would need to get the baby out right away. My fasting levels were still higher than they wanted but they told be after the fact that it was most likely because I haven't been feeling good & I should've been taken more during those nights. She told me to raise my insulin before bed to 10 units and if and when I see my numbers it back down to around 70 in the morning to lower my insulin intake. After I left the office I went into the parking lot and called Tim. I vented and cried because I was tired of hearing bad news and things that I have to pay attention to for the safety of the baby. I told Tim that I'm not afraid of Noelan not making it or something terrible happening, I'm just tired of dealing with everything and I'm done being pregnant. I told him I still thought it was important to pray even though I believe things will be okay and he agreed. He is such a good husband and friend. He listened and asked if there was anything he could do. I let him know I just needed to get it out and process my emotions and his listening was exactly what I needed and I felt much better throughout the day. (& I know praying family & friends really helped with the amount of peace I felt the rest of the day too) So thank you & continue to pray if you think of me :)

Dr. Foehr - Today's Appointment went fine as usual. I talked to him about my blood pressure and how Dr. El Kady had me take the 24 hour test to follow through. He checked my blood pressure and said it was completely fine, not even borderline. (One less stress) I'm thinking maybe it's just that other doctor's office that causes issues for me haha. He did the Group Strep B test to make sure if needed, I get on antibiotics before I deliver. I'm sure if there's issues I'll get a call before next week's appointment. He also checked my cervix and said I was still completely closed, long and thick. Hopefully it will start getting ready & changing the next few weeks but the good thing is that this is the last week before Noelan is considered full term and I didn't want him coming before he was fully developed :)
Next Appointment: 12/4

Movement: All the time

Gender: Baby BOY!!! :)

Names: Noelan Chase

What I’m looking forward to: Baby Noelan!! Finishing Christmas Shopping and wrapping everything up as soon as possible so I have less stress and stuff to do as a sleep deprived mama with a newborn :)
Eeeee!! Noelan will be here to celebrate Christmas with us!!!!! :)

What I miss: Friends and Family that aren't local or I don't see often especially during the holiday season!

Events of the week: Thanksgiving was very mellow. I made a cheesecake the night before and mashed potatoes the day of and we brought it over to my parents' house w/ Dan & Daniela. My aunt Ter joined us and we ate around 4pm. Joey & Patti stopped by at the very end so it was nice to visit with them too. we were all so tired by then. I think everyone around 10-10:30 and we went to sleep shortly after getting home. The next evening was Jay & Erin's engagement celebration. It was great spending time with everyone and seeing people I haven't seen in a while. I don't love dancing but I DO love watching people dance and this was a great group to watch dance. It was great & I had a really good time. Pregnancy is definitely wearing on me though because I was so tired by the time we left when I normally could stay up way later. Saturday we spent the day Christmas Decorating in between the boys bickering haha But overall it was a good day and we finished relaxing together. Pete stopped by to look at Tim's PS3 because he's been having issues with the games loading for a while now. Sunday was a mellow day. I was so tired and thought I'd be able to take a nap but I only laid down a few times with no luck. Monday I went to Quest Laboratories to finish my testing for the hypertension and I tried to find something Caleb wanted for Christmas but was unsuccessful. I also looked into what I want to get Tim for Christmas and started researching & pricing around before the kids got home from school. One of the things I'm looking forward to this year is that we told the boys we're keeping it simple this year like we used to do. It's much easier to prep and they're a lot more grateful for what they do get. I'm even pretty much done wrapping their gifts! (Still looking for the last thing for Caleb & Tim though) I wonder how Christmas will be with Noelan here :) The boys are so happy and excited that he will be here to celebrate with us and so am I!

Gestational Diabetes Frustration Vent

How do you not have your day start crappy when you wake up and have to test your sugar levels and you see the number 99 when that number should read less than 90? I don't know how to continue on my day and not be constantly thinking on what more I can be doing, or adjusting to change that. The past week my numbers have been great including my fasting numbers so I was really optimistic and hopeful that I wouldn't have to shoot insulin before bed. I'm walking at least 30 mins a day (some days faster & longer than others) Then I have days like the last 2 where I wake up and my fasting numbers are high. It completely puts me in a funk for the day and I think of all the things I could be doing wrong. I have my appointment tomorrow and I really don't want to be put on insulin but if my numbers continue to stay at 98-99 when I wake up that's exactly what they're going to want to do for the health of Noelan and myself. Of course I want to do what's best but I feel so defeated and frustrated. I really really try not to whine and complain about pregnancy stuff because it comes with the territory. I'm just at the end of my rope and I feel like I can't get the hang of this diet thing. I followed the carb counting and spacing to the T and I was 400 calories under where they wanted me so I get lectured on that but I didn't feel deprived and I still wake up with high numbers, then there's days where I feel like all I'm eating is foods high in fat (nuts, cheese etc) and my calories for the day are 400 over and that doesn't change my numbers either. My back is in constant pain, some days worse than others and I still push myself to exercise more....and I STILL wake up with high fasting numbers and I can't help but think of how much I hate this and how stressful this is. I don't know how to just let it go and go with the flow even if that means shooting insulin. Im trying not to think of all the medical bills piling up because of this I just don't understand how one week my numbers are exactly where they should be and then the next, the fasting numbers are high again. Ahhhhh I hate this so much. I guess I'll see what happens at my appointment tomorrow morning and if they're still concerned with my fasting numbers and I have to be put on insulin. I just want Noelan out now, but I don't want to rush it because I don't want even more complications. God Help Me... help me.