She Passed!!!

Okay, so...she is home!! She passed the sleep study! She still has some breathing issues while feeding, she tries to eat too fast, so we learned a couple tricks to pace her a bit to help with reminding her to breathe. She is also on a monitor, which is a bit overwhelming, but I am really hoping she won't need it for long.

I do believe I just had my very first "omg, I'm actually a mommy" moment. I had a good cry for a change, not a "this situation sucks" cry. The feelings I have are amazing and a bit overwhelming.

I can't believe this little, living, breathing, adorable little girl is a perfect one-of-a-kind mix of me and Roger. No one else can make anything like her, she is ours. Does that make sense? It is a little difficult to put into words how I'm feeling, but it's all good.

Maybe it'll be different when I'm sleep deprived, lol.

Caring For Her

Just so we're updated: Sleep study is going on right now, I am at the hospital with her this time because Roger and I agreed that I am the best person to feed her and take the time needed to make sure she doesn't overdo it (choke or gag and limit reflux issues), and I am more nervous this time..

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God...I'm so nervous...I think this one is so much more nerve wracking than the first one... 

No More Talk

So...Katy had at least one episode last night. She had one on the evening of the 1st while I was holding her, and we were hoping it didn't mean what it meant a week ago because her heart or O2 didn't drop with it; However, the episode last night left her HR at 70 and O2 at 68.

The Dr. put her back on caffeine, and wasn't sounding real hopeful about her sleep study on Sunday. If she passes "with a B- or a C+" then she will be able to come home with a monitor and continue the caffeine for at least 2 months. If we don't want to trust it, and leave her here, it would be another 10 days to 2 weeks minimum...

This is the last I am going to talk about this, because every time someone mentions bringing her home, or how good she looks, or how good she is doing...she does something that scares me and makes me cry. I am leaving it at this, and will just update when she is actually home.

Birth Announcements

Baby Toile Pink Birth Announcement

Find hundreds of elegant baby birth announcements at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

They are ordered and on their way! If you got a shower invite, look for one of these in the mail (hopefully before the end of the year, heh).

Another Sleep Study

So…the update I have is that they are stopping the caffeine a day early: she gets her last dose tomorrow, and doing the sleep study again on Sunday. The sleep study will determine if she still needs a monitor (fail) or not (pass), but we are taking her home Monday!

I really hope she passes, and we don't have to mess with or worry about taking her home on a monitor, but regardless, I see the light at the end of this nightmare tunnel! Won't have her home for my Birthday, but at least I got good news for it...

Small Happy Moments

Baby sleeping on my chest after a full tummy of Mommy's nummies...it is really getting harder and harder to leave her here...

Total Heart Break...

Kaylynn did not pass her sleep study, so she will not be coming home with us today. My heart is just broken in a million pieces, but she needs to stay there to make sure she keeps breathing. We are looking at this week on caffeine, stopping it on Friday, giving her 2 days free of it, then doing the study again on Monday...I was so hoping to have her home...

She stopped breathing once for about 10 seconds, and dropped her sat levels to mid-60's. She has some form of sleep apnea. They gave us the option to take her home, but it wouldn't be until Wednesday, they would give her major high doses of caffeine, and send her with a monitor to wear on her chest. Roger and I both decided that was not really what we wanted to do because if something were to happen to her, she'd be better taken care of if she's still in the hospital.

It was a really hard decision for me, because I want her home more than anything, but if we wouldn't get her until Wednesday, what is another few days and giving her the caffeine over a length of time instead of high doses all at once

Sleep Study

Got a tree, bought a new car seat, set-up the tree, and prepared to bring my sweet little girl home! We are crossing our fingers that she passed her sleep study and is coming home today. My insides feel like they're made of snakes.

Home Soon?

Kaylynn is now tube free! She nipples all of her feedings by bottle, and we're hoping the cogs are turning towards home soon.

"Thanks"giving?

Thanksgiving is going to be another bittersweet time for me...I am extremely thankful that she is doing so well, and so very proud of her. She took 21ml from breast, an entire bottle from me, and then 38ml from breast today. But I want her home with me so bad, and wish she could be a part of her first holiday with us...I want to stay here with her, but Roger put his foot down...

Healthy Eater

She is still off her Oxygen, and the feeding tube going in her nose now helps her to suck better from the nipple. She took 40ml out of her 60ml from breast at her 5pm feeding, and I was super excited! More feedings like that and she might be coming home!

They told me that I can now try 2 feedings a day from breast and see how she tolerates it.

They also did an Echo on her heart this morning, and we are hoping to know the results by tomorrow morning.

Her billys were back up to 11, but because of her size, Dr. Miranda told us that she won't go back under the lights unless it goes up some more.

One Less Tube!

No oxygen tube! YAY!! The nurses slowly weaned her off of 2 liters until she tolerated having it off completely. We'll call a bit later and find out if she is still okay and not needing the extra help. 

Next stop: Full feedings from bottle or breast!

In the Right Direction

Changes to note are the lights are gone for now. We are hoping we won't have to bring them back. Her oxygen was weaned back to 21%, which is what you and I breathe, but she's at 2 liters which means she just needs a little help still.

She took about 13ml from breast today, and I was very excited. She did such a good job, and then wore out very quickly. We probably would have had more, but I was struggling with the nipple shield and keeping it on. Her goal for right now is to take at least half of her feedings from nipple (either bottle or breast), and she's at 60ml.

We were able to talk to the Dr. that is taking care of her today. It's the first time I've met him in the week she's been there. He was very friendly and personable, and helpful in answering any of our questions and concerns. He said as a doctor his opinion is that she is doing great. She isn't feeding like a 36 week baby, but everything else is pretty much right on where she is supposed to be. He put her on a medicine that is hopefully going to help with the bit of fluid in her lungs and the water she is retaining from being on oxygen long term.

She also has a yeast infection from the antibiotics they had to put her on since she came before my Strep B test was done. So she is on a cream 3x/day.

We had a good day today, mostly awake and alert for feedings, no spit-ups or vomits, and taking nipple feedings pretty well. Just literally baby steps and I am so proud of her for every one of them that she takes!

Not Much Change

Having her here (in the NICU) is so stressful, and I just cannot wait to have her home...I'm still trying to deal with this, and some days are not as smooth, but I'm doing the best I know how.

Not much has changed in the last few days. She's still under Phototherapy, still on 25% and 2 liters Oxygen, still not taking much from the bottle and most of the milk going in the tube, and still dealing with erratic heart rate. But...I would rather no change than worse change.

Between trips back and forth, visiting her, pumping, trying to get things ready at home, trying to squeeze in time to get some other stuff done, I barely have time to breathe at the end of the day. Nana has to feed us, or we forget to eat even.

Not So Bad Afterall

It hasn't been as bad as I thought. I've been with her since 12:30 and they've been really lax about how long I hold her when I feed her and putting her back under the lights and such.

Big smiles brought out her adorable dimples, and boy does she have them! She was also awake for a long time after her feeding at 5, super active and looking around. She is going to be a night owl just like her mommy.

Back to No Contact...

Katy's billys went back up, from 3 to 13, so she's back under the lights...can't hold her again except briefly during her feeding times. I kind-of expected it because her color was really yellow when we left last night, but it still upsets me. Back to not being able to really hold her. ::sighs:: one day at a time, ups and downs...

Steps Forward, Steps Back...

Katy's O2 has been decreased to 25, she's taking 50ml of milk now and will until she leaves and is taking some of it from a bottle, and no more IVs! She was looking a bit yellow again when we visited a little bit ago so they're going to test her levels again to make sure the billys didn't increase again. She may need the lights again.

Outstanding!

Great news! Kay is off the CPAP, O2 down to 30%, in a crib, taking a bottle and wearing clothes! I do get to see her and hold her again, but masked for now. Back to cloud 9.

Beyond Words...

Hospital may have made a really stupid mistake that may cost me getting to see Kaylynn for up to 7 days...I am dumbfounded, nervous, and terribly upset. If I can't see her because of something they did, I will be very vocal about it...

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Sarah White Oh my word what did they do?

Amanda Fetterhoff  They forced me to get the MMR booster before they would discharge me, even though I told them I didn't want it because I've had the vaccine before. Well...they don't allow people who've had a live virus vaccine within 7 days into the NICU. I'm supposed to find out today hopefully if I can still visit her.

Sarah White Oh man I'd be a bit upset if I couldn't see my child for 7 days

Amanda Fetterhoff Yea...upset doesn't quite cover it... :o\

Morgan Beisner Heads will be rolling...

Jessica Creitz Holy **&(, how do they force you to have a shot? And they shouldn't be able to tell you that you can't see your own child! Heads need to already be rolling.

Jina Boggs We found out they have been doing this to new mothers for 2 years. The NICU had no idea. Heads are rolling and we are filing a complaint to the board. I will see to that. I understand you need to be vaccinated but they know Amanda has a NICU baby and gave her a live virus shot. We want Kay safe and the other babies safe it was about time someone found out what they were doing.

Jina Boggs Good news she gets to see baby, she has to wear a face mask. The virus would be expelled from the breath. That takes a load off. I don't think they will be doing that again to any NICU mothers again.

Jessica Creitz That's absolutely horrible. I'm so sorry for you Amanda. You ladies let me know if there's anything I can do!

Jina Boggs Oh how they made her get the shot, they bullied her. Told her she couldn't leave without it. Amanda told them no and they just was matter of fact you can't leave. Amanda being tired and sleep deprived didn't realize they can't do that to her. I think she learned a lesson, you have the right to say no and refuse service.

Morgan Beisner I think I need to make another emergency trip to OK and strangle me some people. This is absolutely ridiculous. No way they should have been getting away with bullying people. If you can refuse lifesaving surgery, you can refuse a damn vaccination! omg. I'll wander off and vent in someone else's direction now....

Jessica Creitz That's absolutely sick. I have too many choice words for this kind of abuse to put here. Like I said, let me know if there's anything I can do!

Discharge Day...

I really can't wait for her to come home. I'm being discharged today, and the thought of going home without her in my arms or belly just kills me...I honestly feel like a piece of me is missing. I'm conflicted because I feel like this is one of the most trying and also the most amazing experiences of my life.

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Jean Kirkpatrick: Yes, it is…and the most stressful! So, take it easy, recover fully, spend some time with her daily, but limit it, until you get to room in…so you're rested and ready for her to come home! You two will no longer feel complete until she's home!

Update on Progress

Short update on baby Kaylynn. She is responding to the CPAP wonderfully, breathing much easier and keeping her RR and O2 levels more even. We are wondering why they didn't just do that to start with, with as well as she responded. The fluid change helped with her "mud blood" (hahahaha) and her purple feet and hands have drastically changed to a nice pinkie-red. She isn't actually Jaundice yet, but they said she is bruised and would get it, so the Photo Therapy is preventing her from getting it. She is still maintaining her own body temp. even without the swaddling, and seems to be a much more active and content baby today. They also increased her milk intake from 15ml to 25ml and said that when she gets to 50ml they will take away the supplement fluids she's getting.

I'm sorry if anyone got as scared as I was this morning, but after seeing her complete turnaround I am actually thankful they decided to do this.

Oh! and! My milk has come in! So, she has been getting fed only Momma's goodness with no formula to supplement it, and I am actually making more than enough to feed her right now (my last pumping was 106ml and before that 109ml). We are staying in the hospital one more night (I think, we still haven't really gotten a confirmation) and will work diligently tomorrow on getting everything we didn't have ready together (like the breast feeding/pumping stuff we will need now, since I can't actually put her to breast yet).

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Jean Kirkpatrick: With the bad effects that can happen with all these treatments, you don't do anything with a preemie unless you're absolutely certain you have to…especially with oxygen and such.

Amanda Fetterhoff:  I was scared to tears when that was going on, I'm just glad now that she responded so well, and am hoping she has a big leap forward after this. I know it was necessary...but at the time I was so upset, I didn't want anything else to be done to her. Does that make sense?

Jean Kirkpatrick: Of course! It's some of the worst moments of your life…really…you want them to be ok, you wish it was you and not them, you don't know enough to even know what to ask, and you're almost paralyzed with fear... I worked there for 3 years... Since she responded so well, she probably will just continue upwards. Preemies at that age usually just need a little boost! Especially if she's tolerating the feedings so well already.  I helped start SJ's unit. It's a good one. And your whole being wants to grab her and run!! And get her away from all that crap, and those people that hurt her! You're a good momma…just want to help your baby!!

Amanda Fetterhoff:  It's actually kind-of funny you say that…the first thing I asked Roger when they actually let me hold her was, "do you think they'd notice if I took off with her?" not 5 minutes later the nurse walks in and says something about her "calling" her and pulls out what looks like a cordless phone that "calls" her when something on her monitor goes off. Roger was like, "umm…yea"

Jean Kirkpatrick: I wasn't kidding!! That's the instinct to protect kicking in! I was totally serious about all those things! It's a horrible thing to have your brand new baby in there. It's really one of the worst stresses you'll ever have! Take care of yourself, so you're ready when she comes home!!

Switching to CPAP

Looking at her on the monitor at 1:55am on 11-14-10 after spending about an hour and a half with her, calming her down while they moved her head IV to her hand. We discovered she has her Mommy's lovely veins... That had to happen because the CPAP uses a little hat and it would have blocked the IV in her head. She is also under Photo therapy for jaundice.

Rough Morning...

Just want to let everyone know that Katy took a step back in the respiratory department this morning...They had to change her nasal oxygen to CPAP and administer a chemical to help her breathe better. They put her at a 5 of 10 on the "serious scale." It's been a rough morning for mom and baby, so just keep us in your thoughts today.

Kaylynn's Grand Appearance!

Facebook and corresponding comments:

Whew! It's been a very long 36 hours! I haven't had much time to update, but I promise one will be coming very soon. A short note: I had baby Kaylynn Lee at 1:23am on 11/12/10, she weighs 7lbs 4oz and is 19in. She is confirmed 5 weeks early almost to the day, and is going to spend some time in the NICU at St. John's Tulsa. Pics are coming!

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Beth Brad congratulations

Robin Wolfraim-Hunt  Congratulations Amanda, so happy for you and Roger. Give Kaylynn a welcome to the world for me. :)

Karessa Warner James  Congratulation girl…praying for fast recovery for you and baby so you can go home VERY soon!

Amanda Fetterhoff Thank you ladies, she needs all the well wishes she can get so we can bring her home. They said it's all up to her and how fast she can get off the oxygen and regulate her respiration on her own. We are really hoping less than a week, but we're being told 2 to 3, possibly up to her due date (December 18th).

Karessa Warner James oh wow…well we will pray its much shorter time span!! Congrats...

Gabriel Terrell Congratulations to you both! All my best wishes to you all!

Morgan Beisner ♥ Kiss her for me today!

Amanda Fetterhoff I got to hold her today! I am so excited I could burst. I feel like I'm floating on cloud 9, I was so sad about that and I feel much better now. :oD  November 13, 2010 at 4:00pm

Jennifer McQuade So proud of my little sis! You are handling all this so well and what a beautiful baby girl. I can't wait to hold her!

Amanda Blessen Parsons OMGOSH!!! She is SOO PRECIOUS!!! Major congrats guys! you did a great job mom! I'm betting you're glad to see that face now. Hang in there hun. I know she's still got some healing to do, but those little buggers are tough little cookies! The hardest thing in the world is for a parent to see their kids suffer and not be able to do anything about it. Anytime Tristen got really sick, it killed me. So I know it's rough right now. Just hang in there and send her lots of positive energy! *huge hugs*

Dawn M. Allenbach A disadvantage of me not spending any time on FB is that I just found out Kay was born. Congratulations, and I'm glad she's improving.

Amanda Fetterhoff Oh, I'm so sorry honey! I have been so *busy* that I haven't been able to make a blog update. As soon as I get a moment free to myself, I will try to update that. I feel like I can't even breathe on most days.

Update for This Week

Well...We finally got to see Dr. Stewart today. The reason I didn't update this by Week is because he is pretty sure that my due date is wrong. He thinks that I am further along than we previously thought. Her head and bones are measuring bigger (which have nothing to do with the way Gestational Diabetes babies are bigger, that usually affects the stomach region making the abdomen bigger than the head leading to the heavier weight and the chances to get stuck), and there is a calcium deposit that babies don't get until 35 to 36 weeks in their knees, and she has them. He said she weighs 7lbs 7oz. and since she has had a consistent incline with no sudden jumps in weight that she most likely won't have that now. He is pretty sure we won't have to worry about c-sections or inductions because she is going to come on her own, and he thinks before Thanksgiving. She has dropped down and moved into position and is fitting just fine in my pelvis, and he doesn't think she'll be more than 10lbs for me to have her naturally. She turned a bit, no longer face up, and is facing my right hip so there is a good chance she'll turn more into position in a couple more weeks.

My new goal is to try to get her to stay in at least two more weeks, because then according to St. John Owasso I'll be 36 weeks and can have her in Owasso. Dr. Stewart told me to go to Owasso anyways because she is healthy, won't need a NICU and will be fine. He told me to take it easy, and to really listen to my body and what it's telling me. So if I'm up and walking and having contractions, then I need to not walk that much.

So, we are back to the big unknown of when baby is coming! We are pretty sure it won't be in December unfortunately, but she is healthy, ready to come out and will do so all on her own. All good news! This is what we've been waiting 3 weeks for, to have this information from the High Risk Doctor. My next appointment is next Thursday with Dr.S. and we'll be able to discuss what he said with her and what she thinks about it. We will also check my cervix to see how that's looking and do a Strep B test.

We may have a baby in a few weeks!

Update on 31 Weeks

I'm going to wait a bit to talk about how my appointment went this week. Dr. Stewart called in sick, so his receptionist called me a half hour before our appointment and cancelled it. They couldn't get me in until the first of November so Dr.S wanted so see me, and we learned some very frightening things may take place soon. I want to wait to really talk about it all because we are all hoping that Dr. Stewart will be able to give us some more details and clear up a bit of scary factors for us. All I know for sure is, her due date of December 18th is no longer applicable and I'm hoping we can still have her naturally by December 4th. I'm just putting my hopes in everything going normally by then. But, as Roger said...at this point we plan for the worst and hope for the best. One thing she did say, is that Kay is really long with really long legs...I wonder where she gets that from (she says sarcastically).

Anywho..updates.

Babycenter.com: "This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless." They are painless, but extremely uncomfortable...

Thebump.com: "Out of breath? Your still-growing uterus is squeezing your lungs, making it impossible for them to fully expand like they used to. Things will improve once baby drops, probably in the next few weeks. Until then, sit up straight with your shoulders back to get a little relief.

Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)"

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby will gain weight faster than he'll increase in length. By now the baby's lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature. Your baby's irises can now dilate and contract in response to light. Due to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin your baby's skin is no longer red, but is now the wonderful newborn pink color. His fingernails may reach the end of the hands, too."

Update on 30 Weeks

Yep, I'm 30 weeks. We saw Dr.S on Monday and she seemed very pleased with my progress on the meds 3 times a day. I had two really frustrating days last week, and she assured me that everything was okay. The part that has been frustrating for me is when I try really hard to watch what goes in my mouth, and my sugar levels shoot out of control...but it seems like on the days where I don't care as much what I eat, they're not so bad...(like eating potato soup and cake on the Saturday of our baby shower or chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and white gravy for instance should have had that affect on me because those foods are a carb nightmare...)

The fear of my baby's health especially, but also being hospitalized while they figure out an insulin level to put me on sends me into a horrible frustrating depressive mood when I have high days, because I just feel like all my hard work is not good enough and that I'm doing Kay harm. It's really tough some days, but if my doctor says I'm doing okay, I need to listen to her, but that is hard too because I've just got this fear sitting in the back seat that I'm not doing good enough.

This (watching sugar levels, and what I eat and how often I eat, and how much I eat) feels like the hardest thing I've ever had to do, because it isn't just me being affected anymore. I wouldn't be nearly as frustrated if it were just my health on the line...

Anywho, Dr.S told my mom (I was making my next appointment, so I didn't actually hear this part) that she thinks Kay will come up to two weeks early. She is certain I won't make it to my due date. At the very least, one week early. So, we are looking at the end of November to the 10th of December. We are getting close! We'll just have to see what happens. We have an appointment with Dr. Stewart this coming Monday, so hopefully I'll have some pictures to post and a current weight on her.

Updates!

Babycenter.com: "Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)"

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby's permanent teeth have developed and are waiting in his gums. Your baby is very aware of his surroundings and his eyelids will open and close. He will even look around and turn toward light. We tend to think of the uterus as a dark place but the uterus actually can be light and dark depending on your environment.

You may be able to distinguish sleeping and waking cycles in your baby. Although it usually seems as if the baby wants to sleep while you are awake, and vice versa, this is not indicative of a sleepless newborn. Your baby can not only hear your voice, but can recognize it. Also, he has a grip so strong it is capable of gripping your finger. At this point, your baby may be practicing nursing as he sucks his thumb. He has lungs that are capable of breathing air, although medical help may be needed. About 9 out of 10 babies born now will survive."

Thebump.com: "As baby's skin smooths out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger."

Update on 29 Weeks

Whew! I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I've officially made it to the Third Trimester. With all the problems we had at the start, I wasn't sure we'd make it this far. I'm so happy that it's all resolved and she's as happy and healthy as a baby can be while still baking.

I had an appointment with Dr.S yesterday to check-up on the meds she started me on and to see if they're helping enough. Good news is, it seems to be working. She seemed very pleased with the results (much better reaction than last week, when those stupid people who are supposed to be specialists put me on the wrong path to getting better), and I felt better than I had in weeks. I'd been down and really depressed while trying to work through this, and I actually felt like I was making headway for the first time in three weeks. We are increasing the med to 3 times a day instead of 2, and hopefully that will put me where I need to be. We didn't actually see Kay, but her heart rate is good and she is still super active. I also discovered that I am already back to my pre-pregnancy weight, which means I've lost about 5 to 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I was a little worried about that, but they assured me that it was okay because Kay is gaining.

I also discovered what a contraction feels like. Apparently I've been having them on and off the past week, but didn't know that's what was going on. I thought it was just Kay sitting on something or moving just right to make me uncomfortable. They're right on that borderline of very uncomfortable but not quite painful. I had one while she was feeling my belly, looking for Kay, and she said, "I do believe that was a contraction." I was like, "Is that what that is?" She told me to keep an eye on how many I have, and if I get to 6 or more in an hour that I need to call her right away. We don't want to have her too early.

On another note, I'm super excited about the cool weather we've been having. I haven't had to have my air conditioner on in days, and it's been so nice outside! The only drawback is, the weather change has made my asthma flair up again, so I'm trying to get a handle on that again.

Updates!

Babycenter.com: "Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day."

Thebump.com: "Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs."

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby can open his eyes and will turn his head towards a source of any light. His sensory organs are well developed. His fingernails and toenails are growing and he is beginning to regulate his own temperature. The bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells now. Your baby even urinates about a half liter of urine into the amniotic fluid every day. Your baby weighs about 2.5 pounds and is over 15 inches long.

The movements you feel will probably begin to change at this point. You once were the home of wild gymnastics parties, but now as the space becomes cramped you will notice smaller movements, such as elbows and knees poking you."

Update on 28 Weeks

So, it's been a rough week...We saw Dr.S on Monday, and we talked about my health and the dangers to Kay during labor and such. We talked with her at length about the clinic or whatever she sent me to, to help me cope and figure out this thing, and she was so angry because they steered me in a direction that not only didn't help, but made it much worse. I have to take a medication now to make up for what they did. I reached a breaking point, where I was so frustrated and discouraged because I tried very hard to follow exactly what they told me to do, and it just bit me in the ass. I've finally reached a point where I know I'm doing the best that I can do, and if it doesn't improve it isn't anything that I could have changed.

Anywho! We had a great 3D/4D ultrasound on Thursday. Her little face is so amazing and adorable. This links to the photo album and This links to the website that shows the video (it's only available for 2 months!). We showed the video at the baby shower, and it was a big hit. The baby shower was also a blast. I had a great time seeing all my family and some friends, eating cake, playing fun baby games, and am really sorry to those that couldn't make it. You missed a great time. This links to the baby shower photos album. I don't know why, but it won't let me change the order of the photos, so they're last to first...::shrugs::

Updates! Kay weighs 3lbs 3oz as of Monday, and looks great so far. I overall have only gained 5 pounds and lost a pound since last week.

Babycenter.com: "By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world."

Thebump.com: "Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit."

Update on 27 Weeks

So our appointment with Dr. Stewart on Monday confirmed that I have a UTI. I'm really not surprised, because I am in an extreme amount of pain. I also got some bad news about my health, Roger and I are staying strong to work through it together, but the good news is that Kay is growing like a blade of grass and just as healthy. She weighs 2 lbs 9 oz, measuring at 28 weeks, is super active, and is thankfully staying head down.

Pictures!

This one is of her little hand with the finger bones very visible (on the left) and her profile (on the right).

This one is where I tried to outline the profile a little bit.

This one is where we were trying to look at her little face in 3d and she yet again threw a hand up in front of it telling us she was done with that, ::laughs:: She is already shy, and it is too cute.

This one I colored what I thought was her hands and lips. I do believe she was caught sucking on her thumb! That is the one picture I wanted to catch in this whole pregnancy. If anyone sees anything else, let me know what you see. :oD

Updates!

Babycenter.com: "This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

Thebump.com: "Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress."

Babiesonline.com: "The retina develops its normal layers by the 27th week of gestation. These layers are important in receiving light and light information and transmitting it to the brain for interpretation. Your baby's skin is quite wrinkled from floating in water. It will stay this way until a few weeks after birth as your newborn fills out into a baby. Your baby is about 14.5 inches long, and weighs over two pounds."

Update on 26 Weeks

So, we had an appointment on Monday with Dr.S, and it went really well. Little Kay had the hiccoughs, so we could see her little chest hitching and her little mouth moving. They also interfered with Dr.S trying to take the heart rate so we could even hear them a little. We got the best face view we've seen thus far, and Dr.S even tried to get us a profile view. It's harder because of where she's located, and my stomach being in the way. We tried for about 5 to 10 minutes, and Kay got tired of us looking at her face...She threw a little hand and arm up so we couldn't see her face anymore. We all laughed, including Dr.S, and said she's already being shy. Even Roger could tell what she'd done and thought it was so cute (He can't see the ultrasounds very well, so this was a big one for him). She is still head down, and weighs about 2lbs 9oz. She's measuring at 28 weeks, so she's already big!

She's traded in her martial arts kicks and punches for gymnastics rolls and tumbles. You can actually see my belly roll when she does, and Roger got to feel her moving. He said, "Oh..yea..I do feel that." Haha...he's such a boy.

Next week is our Anticipation Ultrasound appointment, and I am so looking forward to that! I hope they are able to show us everything we haven't seen so far. The baby shower is also next Saturday, and I'm so excited! We are going to have so much fun, and party hearty!

It isn't real good, but here's the profile Dr.S tried to get.

Here, I tried to outline what you could see of the profile.

and this is trying to get the heart rate with hiccoughs in the way.

Updates!

Babycenter.com: "The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel."

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby's developed oil and sweat glands are now functioning. His fingernails, toenails, eyebrows and eyelashes are now fully present and will continue to grow until birth. He can respond to sound and can hear you and those around you. Although we assume the uterus is a quiet place, the baby has been surrounded by noise for a long time. Things like your heartbeat, digestion, other body functions and external noises are heard by the baby. In fact, you may feel the baby jump at a sudden noise. Your baby is now about 14 inches.

The uterus also allows some light to be seen so your baby is aware of light and dark. Your baby's skin is wrinkled and translucent and may have a reddish color due to the presence of dermal blood vessels. Veins are visible through your baby's skin, although it is quickly changing from transparent to opaque. The following months will see an increase in body fat. The lungs continue to mature with the development of air sacs and also begin to secrete surfactant (a substance that will help your baby's lungs expand at birth). At this stage of development the various organs have formed. About 4 out of 10 babies born now may survive (with intensive care services)." Let's just not find that one out, okay?

Thebump.com: "Baby's soaking up your antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes."

Update on 25 Weeks

Babycenter.com: "Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture." I think she'll have Roger's hair color, a full head of black or blackish-brown hair.





Thebump.com: "That oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and baby's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down."


Babiesonline.com: "The structures of your baby's spine are beginning to form while the blood vessels of the lungs develop as well. Also, his nostrils are beginning to open. Your baby now has fully formed fingerprints and his bones are continuing to harden. If your baby were delivered now it would have a chance of surviving due to some great advances in medicine. The premature baby could survive in an incubator for few months. His taste buds are forming, and he may be developing a weakness for sweets. He is about 13 inches long and weighs a pound and a half." She actually weighed one pound ten ounces last Monday. I didn't think to ask how long she actually is...I'll have to ask when I see Dr.Stewart next time.

Update on 24 Weeks

So...you may have noticed that there wasn't a Week 23 update...Last week was busy. We had a wedding to get ready for and attend; I had issues on and off all week with being nauseated, vomiting, and diarrhea; Roger had the first of four dentist appointments; I was fighting off a UTI...I just never got around to doing the update. I'm not going to either, no point since I'm 24 now.

I had an appointment with Dr.Stewart today, we got to see Kay. He says everything looks good: she's growing normally, weighs 1lb 10oz, heart rate at 144 and looks normal, very active, amniotic fluid looks great, umbilical cord looks good, her spine looks complete and connected, brain looks likes it's developing normally, she was head down today but that could change again, and she's moved up enough that she's finally a normal distance from my bladder. We also discovered a little pocket of blood. It explains why I haven't been seeing blood in the last month. His idea of what caused the bleeding was that I had a small separation or tear in the lower part of the placenta, the blood was basically leaking out of the placenta, out of the lining, and then out of me. Now, that has healed closed and the blood collected in the placenta. He said that it looks like it was old blood and that it should resolve. I am so surprised she stuck with me...that really could have been serious, and I could have lost her to that. She was really meant to be ours, and that makes her even more special.

I have a video of our entire session with him. It was about 20 minutes long, but we were able to cut it down to about 7. There isn't any sounds except the clicks and such and the heart rate. At about 5 1/2 minutes in or so is him starting off by drawing a line over my cervix, then circling the little blood collection and explaining it to us, so it pauses a lot and nothing much happens. She has her knees up to her chest with her feet crossed and her little fists up next to her ears through most of the video. Her face all smushed up between her fists.

I have two ultrasound pictures to show off this time (technically 4) and the ob report like last time. They aren't great, but the video makes up for it. I have an actual 4d video appointment in September, I'll be about 27 weeks almost 28 and will hopefully be able to see her little face that time.

This one is the heart rate and him outlining one skinny little leg and foot.
This one is labeled on one and the other is about the same just unlabeled.
OB Report.

Okay, now, on to the update:

Babycenter.com: "Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon."

Thebump.com: "Baby's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow."

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby is almost completely formed. He is now between 1.25 and 1.5 pounds and is about a foot long.
He will continue to gain weight in muscles, developing organs and the deposit of brown fat. The purpose of the brown fat is to retain body heat. Newborns are notoriously bad at regulating body temperature at first. This is particularly a problem for a baby born early. Changes are occurring in lung development so some babies are able to survive (with intensive care services) if born today. Surviving babies may have disabilities and require long-term intensive care. A good estimate is that a baby born now would usually stay in the NICU until their official due date."

Update on 22 Weeks

I'm going to whine a little first because I'm having a crappy few days.

Some crap that I don't much want to talk about, has left me feeling a bit down and confused...All I have to say is, some people just don't learn.

The persistent hot weather with no breaks or rain relief has left the air quality in Tulsa to the birds, and my asthma has made walking from the door to the car almost impossible. I started using my Advair inhaler again, because the birth defects in animals were cleft palate, bone issues and miscarriage, but I'm past all those stages, so I should be fine. I am praying that we will get some kind of rain or something to break up the 100+ temps (heat index anywhere from 105 to 115) for us.

There will not be any ultrasound photos to show off this time, their printer wasn't working.

I also broke their toilet, how wonderful is that? I sat to get my urine sample, and while screwing on the lid I heard a resonating CRRAAAACCCKKKK!!! The actual porcelain that held the toilet to the wall split in half. I've sat on that thing once a month, every 4 weeks, since March so why now? I didn't gain *that* much weight (only 5 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy), geeze!

I was told that I have blood in my urine (better than the blood elsewhere!), so Dr.S thinks I have a urinary tract infection. I had noticed that I was having to pee alot, that I felt an almost painful pressure during and after I went, and what I thought was my hips were hurting, but I just chalked that up to baby, and didn't think anything of it. I can't really say much about the appointment...I was in and out in no time, no pics to look at, and just a glimpse enough to make sure her heart was beating (129 bpm) and she was moving. Her little hands were in fists, and up in front of her little face, but that's all we got to see. Oh, and she's still breech (feet down).

Then we went to Roger's dentist appointment afterwards...an hour or so later I find out he has 4 cavities, an abscess tooth that needs a root canal and a crown replacement, a deep cleaning because he has beginning stages of periodontal disease, and at least one other crown replacement....So, in the next 2 to 4 weeks or so, we're looking at minimum $400 going in his mouth on top of the $500 for the ER we already owe. I am glad we went though, because he didn't feel the abscess and that could have killed him, had it gone undiagnosed. That would be all I need, him to drop dead from sepsis and us have been completely unaware. Here's my soapbox: Get your teeth checked! I had to fight with him all the time, and we'd have some pretty nasty fights over him going to the dentist, and now look where we are. He is going to his free twice a year cleanings from now on, I don't care if I have to drag him in by his hair.

Now for the updates.

Babycenter.com: "At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily."

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby is getting bigger and continues to practice for life outside the uterus. This week your baby has fully developed eyelashes and eyebrows and the hair on your baby's head is continuing to grow as his brain begins a rapid growth process. The fetus has fully formed fingerprints and loud noise can wake up the baby. He may begin kicking and turning around, too. Your baby's heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope. His nose is taking on a more defined shape as cartilage (the soft bone) appears."

Thebump.com: "Real estate within your belly is getting tight, with growing baby leaving little room for your lungs to...well...breathe. Expect the huffing and puffing to start soon. There's not much room for your belly button, either -- it'll pop out any day now. Baby's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop."

Update on 21 Weeks

I feel her kicking me quite frequently now, and it is still almost as amazing as feeling the very first kick. I can usually tell when she's awake and when she's sleeping, and what food she likes when I eat it (she'll be a chocolate lover, big surprise!). After having the fear that I wouldn't be able to feel her, I cherish every bump and nudge.

I don't think she likes my bladder being full. Dr. Stewart said she was only 5cm away from my bladder, so when it gets full, it probably impedes on her space. I have to get up more during the night now than I did in the first trimester, because as soon as she kicks my bladder I have to *go*.

I also think she recognizes her daddy's voice. She'll be kicking the crap out of me and Roger will rub on my tummy and talk to me, and she'll settle down and stop kicking. It's so cute. It'll be awesome when Roger can actually feel her moving.

I am pretty sure that Roger is getting more used to the idea of being a daddy. He rubs on my tummy while he's sleeping, and sometimes he talks to her. I didn't expect him to get that involved this soon, and it is so exciting. I can't wait to see him with his little girl.

I have had two dreams about her now. In one, I saw chubby little cheeks, Roger's hair and lips and my eyes and nose. In the second, I dreamt that she and I were napping in the recliner, and all I remember is black hair and chubby little cheeks. I can't wait to see if that's what she looks like.

I have an appointment with Dr.S on the 16th, so hopefully more pictures!

Babycenter.com: "Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well."

Babiesonline.com: "Your baby is still pretty active and continues to move all over in the amniotic fluid. However, towards the end of this trimester the baby will begin to settle, usually in a head down position. Your baby is beginning to show evidence of eyebrows and eyelashes and the hair on his scalp is much more visible. He wakes and sleeps in regular intervals, similar to what a newborn would do. This may be apparent to you by his movement patterns. He regularly ingests and absorbs large quantities of the amniotic fluid and excretes urine."

Thebump.com: "Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth)."

Dr. Stewart

I got to feel her kicks for the first time today!! It was the most amazing, indescribable thing! I hadn't felt her yet, but when Dr. Stewart was using the Ultrasound probe, Kaylynn didn't like it at all. She was kicking at the probe, and I could see her kick at the same time I could feel her kicking....no words to describe how amazing that was and still is.

So, the appointment was very helpful. My anxiety just melted away after this visit. Basically, we don't know why I'm bleeding, or what caused it, but Kay is developing perfectly. No sign of any defects or growth deficiencies. She weighs exactly 1 pound now!

I will now see him once a month, so we will be going every 2 weeks to see a doctor. Dr.S in 2 weeks (August 16th), then Dr. Stewart (they're both Dr.S's! Dernit! lol) in 4 weeks (August 30th). I will still have to meet my $35 copay to see Dr. Stewart, because it's not part of a normal pregnancy (He's a high risk doctor) and the insurance still requires the copay.

So! I have a lot of Sonograms to show off this time!
Body
Hands & Feet
Hand & Arm
Hand & Arm in Color
Head & Face
Face in Color
It's a Girl!
It's a Girl - 3 lines test
and the OB Report (for those of you that might understand this thing!)

Update on 20 Weeks

Halfway there! I can't believe it's been about 5 months already. It really feels like time just flew.

So, news to update: The baby's room is finished. Painted and window treatments just made the room. It all fit together just perfectly, in a weird sort-of meant to be kind-of way. Also, the appointment with the Ultrasound Specialist is tomorrow, so crossing fingers for normal, healthy development and healthy, happy baby.

Updates!

Babycenter.com: "Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery)."

Thebump.com: "Congrats! You're halfway there...and at one of the great milestones of pregnancy. Increased blood flow is making the pelvic area extra-sensitive, libido is resurging, and the weight gain has just barely begun.

Those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch."

Babiesonline.com: "Over the last four weeks, your baby has grown an incredible amount, and has just about quadrupled his weight. He's big enough that you should be feeling fluttering or quickening quite regularly now. In fact, from his movements you may be able to tell if your baby is awake or asleep. (not for me, yet...the placenta is in between me and baby, plus my weight, so it's not abnormal)

Your baby has started to practice breathing motions, even though his lungs are not yet mature enough to breathe enough air to allow him to survive outside your body. Lanugo (the fine hair) covers your baby's whole body, and hair on his scalp is beginning to grow. Your baby's ears are fully functional now and he enjoys the sound of uterine noise. All the organs and structures of your baby's body are formed and your baby is now entering a period of simple growth. And you may be getting ready to be a grandma already: if your baby is a girl, her uterus is beginning to develop!"

Update on 19 Weeks

No incidents to report! All is well to date. I got a fetal Doppler, bought it off Amazon after Stacey told me about her getting one and it working for her. I can listen to her heart rate whenever I want (takes a bit of looking around sometimes, and can get a bit messy), and it makes it more exciting for me since I can't feel her kick yet. Her heart rate has stayed in the 138 to 142 range for the most part, but I have seen it jump up to 152. Roger is going to see how we can get a recording on the computer, and maybe upload it.

Anywho, on to the update!

Babycenter.com: "Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid."


Thebump.com: "Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature."

Babiesonline.com: "If you are having a girl, her ovaries now contain primitive egg cells. The placenta continues to grow and offer nourishment for your baby while the permanent teeth buds are forming behind the already formed milk teeth buds. Growth becomes rapid now and your baby begins to store iron for the production of red blood cells. Your baby can even dream (REM sleep)!"