Fall is in the air

Growing up, I hated this time of year. It meant that everything was dying and the carefree days of summer were long gone. Well, as an adult I have learned to appreciate the beauty that fall brings. It is my absolute favorite season. The colors, the crispness of the air, football, Halloween, Tate Farm pumpkins, and cider are among some of the things that make this time of year so appealing. Since I'm on maternity leave, I've had a little time on my hands for decorating the house. I am in full autumn mode and am feeling anxious for all that is ahead. In keeping with the theme, my blog is also newly designed. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Comment on your favorite season. Why is it your favorite and what are your memories surrounding that time of year?

Baby Alyssa

If you haven't heard already, Alyssa Claire was born on August 28 at around 7:19 a.m. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lb. 15 oz. and was 19 inches long. We too couldn't believe we created such a little peanut after having an 8+ pounder three years earlier. As a family, we could not be more proud to have our new addition. God continues blessing us everyday.

BTW..the delivery (c-section) went very well and I am recovering remarkably well also.

It's almost Liftoff

It's hard to believe that in 44 hours, our little family of 3 will become one of 4 in just a matter of minutes. Alyssa and Mommy have been ready for this to happen for days now, but I guess the good Lord has other plans. So, Friday it is. We are feeling truly blessed and are finishing up those last minute preparations. Stay in touch as God shows up with yet another miracle.
Brandi

The Countdown is on

Praise the Lord. We are officially in countdown mode. Today marks week 38 and our new baby girl is about to make her entrance. This week was a rough one for me. I had high hopes of working up until the day before the birth, but that just did NOT happen. My back and rib pain is preventing that. As you can see in the picture below, Alyssa Claire is going to be a big girl. The weight around my mid-section is putting a big strain on my back. I am beyond ready for her to get here!! If I do not go into labor before the big day, she will be delivered via c-section at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children next Friday (Aug. 28) at 7:00 a.m. Please pray for my dr. and the medical team that will be assisting. Child birth is always a scary thing, but anytime surgery is a part of it the risks are always greater. I'll try to stay up-to-date as everything unfolds and upload pictures as I find time.

Sleeping Beauty

Baby Update

I haven't posted in a while. Everything is moving very fast with this baby business. The nursery is just about complete, and we are squaring away those last details. I am not working today. I've been in a lot of pain since last week. This past weekend was torture. I believe we are on that final countdown to D-Day. The scheduled c-section is supposed to be Aug. 28th. If she holds out that long, it is going to be a long and miserable wait. I'm calling the dr. as soon as they open this morning to see if they'll move my afternoon appointment up to this morning. I really need answers..not that they will have any. I have a feeling the answer will be to just rest and take it easy. Uggg. If that's the case, I guess I'll be starting maternity leave earlier than expected...without the baby to show for it. She'll be here in her time though. I have to keep telling myself that. I'll update when I have more to share.
Brandi

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.