Tomorrow is Birth Day!!

That's right - we are having this little guy tomorrow! After being tested so many months for liver issues because of all my itching, this week's lab came back abnormally high. Normal protocol for cholestasis of pregnancy is to deliver at 37 weeks if the baby's lungs are mature. So, at 9:30 tomorrow morning I will be induced at St. Vincent's. I have been very apprehensive, since I just got the message from my doctor last night that the induction was necessary, I am now embracing the fact that this is the best for the baby and finally I get to meet him!

Please be praying for a healthy baby that hasn't been affected by my liver and an uncomplicated delivery.

I'll post pictures and stats as soon as I get home!

Today's Ultrasound & Pregnancy Update

Now that I have passed the point of miscarriage (women are allowed into Labor & Delivery at the hospital after 20 weeks), I am being closely monitored on many levels by my doctors. Tomorrow I will be 26 weeks, which means the baby would survive, but probably have loads of issues. So today I had my first ultrasound making sure my body isn't going into labor (cervix check, placenta check, baby check) and I actually got a peek at this boy's face! Here's his profile:
And here is a look at his nose and mouth and his hand/arm over on the side like he is shielding his eyes. During the ultrasound, I saw his little mouth gulping fluid and his eyes moving back and forth (open). So sweet!



Now for the pregnancy update - I know there are many women out there that would love to get pregnant and can't or can't keep a pregnancy or have babies with genetic issues, so I'm not going to sound whiny - I am extremely grateful for how far I have made it. However, I am now being continually tested for something called cholestasis. It's a pretty serious condition that causes insane amounts of itching all over the body, especially at night (exactly what I have been dealing with for a couple of months now - think: yeast infection all over your body that no amount of cream will cure). It's caused by the liver dumping bile acid into the mom's (and ultimately, the baby's) bloodstream. There is a still born risk (the leading website has a section for infant memorials - ugh) with this and doctors always induce labor the moment the lungs are developed. I've been tested twice now - the first test came back normal and I was just tested again yesterday (still waiting on these results). Usually the blood doesn't show anything until the third trimester, so we'll see. I'd like to think I am just have allergies, but I've never had this in my entire life, so I'm thinking something is going on.

Also? Still having major morning sickness. It's a bit like first trimester, where I have little warning and I could end up spending the day on the couch (if Colin is home) or out and about praying I can keep my food down. Not sure why the morning sickness hasn't subsided yet and quite honestly, I can handle it, if I didn't itch incessantly at the same time. What a mess I am!

At any rate, the baby looks great right now and as of now I am not going into labor. And quite honestly, seeing that sweet little face moving around on the ultrasound today gave me just the encouragement I need while spending the night awake either nauseous or itching.

A Very Sweet Announcement

Yep - we are having a sweet baby boy in September (9/3 is my due date) (praying that I make it full term this time!). And as you an tell, this sweet baby was not shy about showing off his little parts:He also refused to give a profile shot, choosing instead to lie on his tummy and bury his face:
Here's the story: I've been praying for this little one for a long time - I knew pretty much after having Juliet that it didn't feel "complete". It took a bit for Colin to join me in this, but once he did, I started praying for a healthy baby girl for Juliet. Truly, I didn't really ever doubt that God would grant my prayer - why wouldn't he want to give her a sister? I even have prayer journal entries to prove it. It was a selfless prayer, because I feel that every girl deserves a sister.

After a few months (and on Christmas Day, no less) I got a positive pregnancy test. We both really wanted to keep this one on the down low for awhile since I knew there were people that would have less than excited reactions. They would think I was 1) crazy; or 2) Mormon. And perhaps I am a bit crazy, but I know that God has put it on my heart to have a bigger family, and I know I can't go wrong with that.

Keeping this one a secret was hard since I have been sicker than with any other pregnancy - battling motion sickness even when watching TV (what?!) and barely able to function to take care of the kiddos. I was advised by Kaiser at 9 weeks that I am high risk (since I delivered Juliet early) and would be closely monitored. Also, they wanted me to come in for further testing for Downs Syndrome. I declined the testing and have been waiting for my 20 week ultrasound to check for any markers of Downs.

Today was my ultrasound appointment at the Perinatology clinic up at St. Vincent's and I could hardly eat breakfast, knowing that I may find a baby with heart issues, Downs, cleft palate and any other deformity or disease you could imagine. My blood pressure was pretty high and my nerves were shot. As the tech scanned the baby (a more detailed scan than normal, since I am high risk) she kept saying that everything looked good. She also found the gender of the baby immediately and I sat in shock that this is not a girl. Not a girl?! What is Juliet going to do now?? =) It only took a few moments to remember my prayer and know that this was the baby God wanted for our family, boy or girl and I now find myself elated that he is healthy and will be joining a family that adores him. I don't take a healthy baby for granted any more (not after practically living at the NICU for weeks).

Also - I have been getting weekly shots of progesterone which gives me a 30% better chance of carrying to term. They will end at 36 weeks.

The Lord has a funny sense of humor, yet I still find myself in awe of the blessings he bestows.