Summer Lovin'

I guess I have the movie "Grease" on the brain this morning, hence the title. The Styles clan is having a wonderful time though! It is so nice to have the chance to reconnect in such a great way! Teaching rules!!

We've not only had a chance to spend much needed quality time as a family, we've also been rather busy. Chris has completed a handful of rather extensive home improvement projects. Our new patio extension and freshly sodded/landscaped side and back yard look so nice..and much much better than before! Thanks Babe for being my handy man! The latter of his recent projects was painting the nursery. We are slowly getting things in that arena moving, operative word being "slowly". It is pretty in pink, believe it or not. I've always said I am anti-pink walls for a girls room because that is so expected. But, I found the cutest traditional looking, light pink bedding. The soft pink walls complement it very nicely.

Lauren started gymnastics about a month ago. She is loving it. I must say, she is about as graceful as I am. If you know me at all, you know that grace is NOT one of my gifts. But, she is doing very well, and I'm already seeing improvements in her. It might actually be good for her! Regardless, she looks forward to gymnastic Mondays and is highly motivated to behave in order to not lose this privilege. Does using this as an incentive make me a mean mommy? I am all about positive reinforcement, but I also feel that the extras in life have to be earned. She understands that and works very hard to hold up her end of the deal.

Well, I guess I better get off here. Our cupboards are bare, so we need to head to the grocery store to restock. Wow, we lead such an exciting life!!
Until next time. Stay cool, have fun, and God Bless!
Brandi

Appointment Update

God is good!! On Tuesday, I got the best news I've probably ever received at an OB appointment, past or present. Upon arrival, we were once again given an ultrasound. If you recall from my last post, I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 19 weeks. The placenta was completely covering the opening of my uterus. This has to be watched very closely and can be extremely dangerous, resulting in major complications including hemorrhage, early labor, etc. Well, we get in for the ultrasound and I am everything but calm on the inside. If you know my pregnancy history, you know that I've heard it all! I digress....The technician does her thing and then moves us into another room for the general OB appointment with the dr. He reviews the results and gives us great news. The condition has improved and is no longer a previa (covering the uterus). It is still low lying, but this is not necessarily a problem. It appears that it is doing what it should and moving right on up, and out of the way; making way for the little one to be able to get into position. Let's just hope she hangs around for at least 9-10 more weeks. After all, I'm only 28 weeks pregnant at this point! :)

He also informed me that the baby is developing just as she should. The 2-vessel umbilical cord is not showing signs of causing auxiliary problems (slow development, low weight, etc.) In fact, she is measuring right on target and already weighs 2 pounds, 3 ounces. Thank God. Dr. W made the comment that it looks like we might have another "healthy" baby. I guess that is a nice way of saying "pleasantly plump". ;)

Finally, there is NO sign of polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid levels); the condition I had while carrying Lauren. If I didn't mention it before, I was treated by a neonatalogist in Chattanooga because of this. It was unbelievably scary thinking that something might be wrong with my baby that could be causing this. **Side Note: When pregnant, and presented with a name you can't pronounce, or experiencing an unusual symptom....let the dr.'s diagnose and walk you through it. Don't do too much research via the Internet (WebMD, Wikipedia, etc.). You will only drive yourself nuts!! And, if you're like me, you will have diagnosed yourself with, I don't know...prostate cancer or something equally ridiculous! ;)** Now that I got that off my chest, I am happy to report that my fluid levels were excellent. It appears that we are on the right track for possibly a "normal" 3rd trimester. Wow, after many complications while carrying Lauren, a miscarriage between the pregnancies, and an odd start this time around, I am relieved to think that it might just be a little boring in the weeks to come! I am not complaining or boasting, just extremely thankful!!

Until next time. God Bless!
Brandi

If I haven't already said it, my blood pressure and heart rate have been wonderful at every dr. visit too. I blew my glucose test out of the water (so NO 3 hour test, insulin, and/or needles). My weight gain is in a good range, and the swelling in my hands and feet has only been minimal. I realize this could all change, but at this point, I choose to believe that God is watching out for me and little Alyssa Claire. For that, we choose to praise Him!!

Dr.'s appointments and the Little One

I go later this morning for my sugar test....YUCK-O. On the positive side, I have been given dr.'s orders to eat a full length candy bar and drink a 12 oz. coke prior to going. Wow, how exciting...a dr. mandated sugar load. Who would have thought? They will also be drawing more blood. Apparently, my blood type was not recorded (for one reason or another) during my initial labs. I know that I am RH-negative, so this is essential! I will be taking the Rhogam shot sometime this week..hopefully at tomorrow's appointment. For those of you that are not privy to this, if you have a negative blood type, you have to take the shot to eliminate the chances of having a negative-positive blood exchange between Mom and Baby. For example, I am B-. Lauren was typed shortly after birth and was found to be B+. So, I had my initial Rhogam shot around 28 wks. pregnant and a second shot after she was typed since she in fact was positive and not negative. I know...clear as mud!

I go to the dr. Tuesday morning for my 27 week appointment as well as another ultrasound. I have a few issues they are monitoring and the US will provide clarity. I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 19 weeks. They did not appear very worried, but it is something that has to be watched. Basically, the placenta is lying on top of the uterus instead of sitting on the side or above the baby. Most of these move up and free up the opening of the uterus. In the event that it does not, a c-section is necessary. Well, for me, I am already having another c-section..so this is less of a hassle. However, this can be a significant problem because of other complications such as early labor and excessive bleeding. I am prayerful and hoping that the problem will have fixed itself!! Also, I have a 2 vessel umbilical cord. HUH???? The cord should have 3 main vessels going into it; in order to supply nourishment from Mom to Baby. The result of the 2 vessel is usually a low birth weight baby. Strangely enough, I also had this condition while carrying Lauren. If I haven't said it already, she was born almost 2 weeks early and weighed over 8 pounds. So, I feel a little less concerned about the weight issue. The dr.'s are watching me closely and can do so much if this should become a serious problem. Thank God!! Please say some prayers for me as I go tomorrow.

I will try to update later in the week. I'm not too worried, but more or less dreading yet again getting stuck with a needle. YIKES!! God Bless.

New Look

Enjoy the new look. I'm glad I finally took time to change it. The drab green color was getting old.

Insomnia

...little to say..it is 5:00 in the morning on my first official day of summer break. Why was I wide awake at 4:00 a.m.? Is this any indication of how the rest of my time off is going to be? YUCK!! At least I got an early bid in on Ebay. I found the cutest crib bedding set that I hope to snag before the bidding gets out of hand. We'll see. If I win it, I'll post a picture. Until next time!
Brandi

Alyssa Claire

With all that has consumed the Styles household in the last few weeks, I don't think I ever blogged about the gender of the baby. We had our ultrasound over a month ago. Everything is good with the little one. SHE is still on target to arrive around the end of August. We are so excited about Alyssa Claire joining our family. I think it's great that Lauren is going to have a little sister to play with and look after. She loves tickling her (my belly) and calling her Sissy. I can't wait for them to meet and get to know each other. I will leave you with a couple of new belly shots. Ignore the fat rolls and bulges. Krispie Kreme and Sonic slushes have been good to me lately!!




25 Weeks

Happy Anniversary Chris

I want to send a shout-out to my loving husband. Chris and I were married 8 years ago today, after almost 4 years of dating. It is hard to believe how fast time gets away, but I am truly grateful for where we are in our lives today. Through some ups and downs (mostly ups), God has blessed our marriage and enriched us as His children. Thank you Chris for loving me unconditionally and for being a great daddy to our precious angels Lauren and Alyssa (arriving in August). I love you and look forward to many more years to come!
Brandi



Chris's Senior Prom 1998


Wedding Day May 19, 2001


Lauren's Birth Feb. 27, 2006