Baby Update

I went to the dr. yesterday (Monday) for my 33 week appointment. I had been placed on a two-week rotation, as d-day is approaching at warp speed. As far as the big factors are concerned (my blood pressure, baby's heart rate and movement, weight gain, measurement, etc.), everything is as it should be. However, my symptoms have been intensifying with each passing day. Thankfully some days are better than others. I am experiencing a lot of spells of rapid/increased heart rate. During these episodes, I have a very hard time catching my breath. The dr. seems to think that it for one, is not completely uncommon. The baby is so high up right now. I am all of 5'2", so there is not a lot of stretching or spreading out room for the little one. Therefore, she is sitting closer and closer to my lungs. He feels that I might be anemic, which could contribute to some of these problems. I am adding an iron pill to my nightly prenatal regimen. We'll see if that changes anything. Also, I have been having more frequent and intense Braxton-Hicks contractions. If you're familiar, you know that these are not typically painful, but are uncomfortable. I am at the stage for this to happen, but I feel that it is happening too often. He "encouraged" me to increase my water intake. When I say increase, I don't mean a little. He said I should be drinking between 8-10 glasses per day. SHEESH!! In gist, too little fluid can spawn contractions and ultimately lead to early labor. As of now, I do good to drink 2-3 glasses of any fluid on a given day. That one will be tough. But, I'll take one for the team.

Having said all of that, I am now being moved to the once a week rotation. I know it is a few weeks early for that. But, with my pregnancy history and these most recent concerns, he feels that is best to go ahead and watch everything closely. I will see Dr. Wheeler next Monday, and it looks like we might be scheduling the c-section and hopefully getting pre-registered at the hospital. I still feel that they will aim for sometime in the last week of August. At this point, I am sure that the contraction issue will weigh a little more heavily on that decision though. I'll continue to update as everything unfolds. We are super excited and so very thankful that the special day is approaching so quickly.

BTW..I hope this didn't sound all negative. It has actually been a much smoother pregnancy than I had with Lauren..at least once I got passed the sickly first trimester. :)

It's a Growin'

What's a growin'?

33 weeks..and the countdown is on. The dr. is saying that the baby will be taken (c-section) no later than the last week of August. So, if she doesn't try to come earlier, we think we have roughly 5 more weeks.

Splish Splash

Lauren's new favorite thing to do this summer is play in the splash pad at Bridge Street. She was afraid of it last year but not anymore. She begs to go all of the time. It is especially nice to go at night, as the sun is going down. It is still warm, but the breeze is nice and the sun is not scorching. Enjoy these pictures from one of our visits.



popping bubbles before heading to the water



here we go

Baby Bump...or is it a Watermelon?!

I've added a couple of pictures from my 28th week. I am going to get new pics up later this week, being that I am now almost 33 weeks..and looking every bit of it!!

June Pics

I have finally gotten Blogger to work for me. I've added a few pictures from June. July pictures to follow soon.


Daddy & Lauren being goofy in the pool

She is one silly girl

Lauren and her cousin Lizzie having a sleepover

She loves her bicycle

Chris starting to paint the nursery..finished pics to come soon

Lauren giving Elmo a haircut

Lauren at gymnastics..she loves it

What's new

This one will be short, as I am finding it more and more difficult to be creative as of late. In gist, our summer continues rolling along without any significant events to report. I've been extremely exhausted and experiencing those horrible 3rd trimester symptoms that makes doing much of anything problematic. So, we are mainly trying to stay inside the house and I am resting as much as I can. I return to work on Aug. 4th and the kids first day is Aug. 10. It's approaching fast, so I am trying to not overdo it now. We are going to attempt another day at Alabama Adventure tomorrow (Friday). Lauren loved it so much! Due to my condition, we can't be too far from home, but that is a fun day trip that we can make. In closing, I'm posting a few recent pictures of our summer. Enjoy.

Brandi

*Update- Blogger is not working for me and the picture feature is not being cooperative. I'll upload later.

Political Ramblings

I try to refrain from discussing politics publicly. But, there are times when I feel it is completely warranted. As citizens of what I believe to be the greatest country in the world, it is not only our right, but it is also our duty to be the voice for our children and families. I hate stepping on toes, but I have never felt more compelled to speak out about that which I feel is necessary. Our country is on a very slippery slope at this point. Whether you agree or disagree with its current direction, the truth is plain. America will not be the same for my children with the change that is taking place. I fear for what this wonderful nation is going to represent and become when my little ones are my age. I think we have been heading down the wrong path for years......long before the present administration took over. However, the swift winds of change as of late is beyond scary. Without going into too much more detail, I would love for you all to check out a blog I follow religiously. McMama (http://www.mycharmingkids.net/) has a very good post t about the state of affairs in our country. I was amazed at how similar our views are. Again, my goal is not to offend those that have a different opinion than my own. I am speaking on behalf of my family and the rights in which we were given. Our freedom is under fire, and my prayer is that the "change we need" is not overshadowed by glitz, glamour, and a new look. God Bless and please check out McMama's post. She presents my thoughts exactly and does a much better job!
Brandi

BTW...please comment. Open, civil communication is always good..whether or not we agree. I would love to hear from some readers.

**Update** No matter how I feel about our current administration, I carry a burden to lift them up in prayer. I don't want to sound cold or close-minded (as some might think), but I do love this great country and want only the best. Again, no matter the party or beliefs, prayer is in order now as much as it ever has been.