We purchased Lily's nursery bedding tonight! It's absolutely perfect. Next is getting the walls prepped for paint!
I posted Lilianna's most recent ultrasound pictures in the photo section. She's very breech (which looks very uncomfortable!). But she is not weighing in at 1lb 4oz and is 10.5 inches long. Her cerebellum has grown 1 whole percentile in 1 week! Thank GOD!!!! It looks like her head will catch up to the rest of her. She's in the 17% for cerebellum measurement and the 98% for the rest of her measurements. Our little girl is getting bigger and stronger everyday. I have been loosing sleep due to her strong little punches and kicks. She is VERY active.
I have been craving zesty cheddar ranch cheez-it Grooves. I can inhale an entire box in one sitting. I am feeling like a bottomless pit lately too. The first 5 months of this pregnancy I got full in a couple bites. Now, I feel like even though there's not any room left in my stomach, I am still hungry. Then as soon as some digests, my tummy starts to growl again! It's insane. I am able to tolerate meat now. Not too much chicken or turkey. But I am loving fish. I also like beef occasionally. I have been continuing to drink lots of water. My A1C is down to 6.5!! I am finally in the "controlled diabetic" category. Due to lots of hard work. Still on my insulin pump. Injecting 200-250 units of Humalin (U-500) daily. Checking my sugars 8-10 times a day. Being a good girl. All of my other labs are showing up normal. My Cholesterol is actually in the GOOD range for the first time in my life! This little girl has really made my body get with the program. Next week our good friend Rosie is coming in from New York to stay with us for a couple of weeks. She will be helping us get ready for Lilianna. We just finished the guest room for her, and she will be helping Cameron do construction on the nursery. Lots to be done in there. I just want it to be ready to be furnished by the time she leaves. Pretty soon I'll be too big and too exhausted to be doing all the nursery stuff. I am going to buy the bedding this weekend so we can pick the paint colors. Only 3 more months (or less) until she makes her appearance! So last week we had the fetal echocardiogram. I went solo due to Cameron's work schedule. It was a visit of mixed emotions. I am always so excited to see my little girl, but this time- they were examining her head size again and all the chambers and valves of her tiny heart. Which is nerve racking. The previous growth ultrasound she was breech so they couldn't get a good measurement of her head. So this time around they were going to see if she changed position. She was indeed in a good position for a decent measurement, but her head is running a little behind the growth schedule. Her body is measuring at 22 weeks 3 days and her head is measuring at 20 weeks 3 days. So, it's not too alarming but they do have to do some extra tests to see if it is something we have to worry about once she's born. The two things they want to rule out is toxoplasmosis and a chromosomal issue. Lastly it would be chalked up to my uncontrolled diabetes preexisting to pregnancy. She still has plenty of time to catch up. It was just hear to hear that my little peanut isn't "perfect".
Then they spent an hour getting good reads from her heart. She wasn't co operating so they could only see two of the 4 chambers well. What they COULD see and hear checked out healthy and strong. But the other two have to be looked at by a pediatric cardiologist with a special ultrasound. This ultrasound they will use that that office can see and hear a babies hear no matter what position it is in. My doctor said we have nothing to worry about because most babies end up being in a weird position for this test. And because I am in the high risk category, they have to complete this test before they can truly say that everything checks out ok. The pediatric cardiologist's office will be calling me after the holidays to schedule that appointment. They will also do the blood tests for the toxoplasmosis and chromosomal disorders at my next appointment this Wednesday the 31st. We'll find out the results in the next few weeks. I don't know what the treatment of any of these things are nor do I know the plan of action if something is "wrong". All I know right now is I love my little girl no matter what and Cameron and I will be strong through whatever comes. We're trying not to worry because me know Lilianna is strong and a fighter. She has come this far. I am currently 23 weeks 1 day. On Sunday I will be 24 weeks, which marks the beginning of my third trimester. It's a huge milestone. We're looking forward to seeing our little lily belle on the growth ultrasound this week. Lilianna has been getting lots of exercise! She spends her awake time tumbling around and throwing punches and kicks, just to let me know she's there. We had an exciting moment on Sunday the 14th....I was sitting on the couch at my in laws house and I was telling Cameron how Lily was just having a ball in my belly. So he put his hand on my tummy and felt her kick for the first time! His eyes filled with tears and he had a HUGE smile on his face. He got to feel the sweet little movements of his baby girl (ones that I have been enjoying by myself for a few weeks now).
I am just filled with immense love for that man. He is so excited to be a daddy and really loves his daughter. She has him wrapped around his finger, and she's not even here yet! Every time Cameron talks to her in my belly, she just goes crazy. She wants to feel her daddy. And stare into his eyes. Examine his face. Pull on his beard. All these moments I am dreaming of. I know this will be so magical for all three of us. I am just so proud of my husband to be. He is more than a man, he is a father. And I could not ask for a better partner in life. He'll be a wonderful role model and parent to our children. Okay...Okay....So I'm almost a week late with this post. To my defense- I have been SO busy! And so has Lily...
Last Wednesday Cameron and I had the level 2 ultrasound for Lilianna. I was wrong about it being 3D (we will be having one of those February 25th). This ultrasound was an hour long and measured every tiny bit of her. She's measuring right on schedule! Currently she is in the breech position, so they will measure her head again next week. Her tiny legs were blocking a good view. They did, however, get a clear shot of her gender! This little girl has managed to stay a girl :0) I hope she changes position before birth, I was born breech, so I guess it's not that bad. But since it's not 1984 anymore- they automatically do a c section when a baby is breech. My Mother- the warrior- delivered me the all natural way! Lilianna is 6.5 inches long and is weighing in at 10oz. and is 19 weeks and 3 days along (at the time of the ultrasound). She was not happy having that ultrasound wand on her for so long- so she was covering her face with her hands and wiggling all over. I allowed a student to learn for the first 15 minutes, she was so sweet. But Lilianna sure gave her a run for her money. Our little wiggle worm apparently heard me and her daddy tell her to be awake for this ultrasound! My doctor informed me that I lost 6 pounds in 2 weeks. Which at this point is unhealthy. I was supposed to be 5 pounds up....not down. But with the stress of work, I just don't eat. I don't even remember to eat unless an alarm goes off or someone reminds me. So I was instructed to gain 10 pounds by my next visit. Which would put me where I am supposed to be at 22 weeks along. I guess Lilianna is taking all of the nutrients and I am just burning all the extra. Never have I been told to not loose weight! So I have been focusing more on eating every 2 hours. One of the doctors I work for even set an alarm on his own phone and comes into my office every 2 hours on the dot and makes sure food is going into my mouth. I have also set an alarm for every 2 hours on my insulin pump. I have pre made snacks in baggies in my cabinet in my office, so it's convenient. I hope the weight comes off this easily after I give birth. For the first time in my life, my cholesterol is in the average range and my metabolism is kicked into gear. My A1C is 6.9 (which is FANTASTIC) and I am feeling great! After our visit we went to Buy Buy baby and made our registry. What a fun experience. Cameron got to do all the scanning with the "gun". He had a blast. I can't believe how enormous that store really is. Not to mention....how much STUFF a first child needs!!!! Talk about overwhelming. After 2 1/2 hours of meticulously combing the store, we got the basics done and I will continue to edit it on their website. However, the employees there are wonderful. They brought us bottles of water, checked in on us, made sure we understood things and directed me to the glider section so I could put my feet up for breaks. Great customer service. We left with a goodie bag full of awesome samples. (I just drank the Heartburn relieving tea last night!) I also purchased a pregnancy body pillow and an at home Doppler so we can listen to Lilianna's heartbeat, little kicks and hiccups. Very successful trip. I return back to the doctor next Wednesday for another ultrasound of her head, a routine check up and a quick meeting with my dietitian. I also have to do a 24 hour urine test prior to going in Wednesday....which will let them track how well my kidneys are working. Gauging the amount of protein I excrete. I also have an eye doctor appointment the same day. Since I'm diabetic, I have a high risk of developing retnal ulcers and experiencing increased bad vision (even temporary blindness). So my good friend Dr.Ghuman's husband Dr.Dahliwal is going to make sure these eyes stay healthy and intact. So, my time is mostly taken up by working and doctors visits. And being in the car (which has a new back window now....yes, I'm proud of that. After 10 months of having a window made of tape, this new sexy window deserved a mention). So, tomorrow is the big day! Cameron and I are going to the doctor for our diagnostic 3D ultrasound. At this visit they will be measuring Lilianna's little bones, organs and making sure her growth is on schedule. They will also be measuring the placenta and amniotic fluid to make sure our little Lily has what she needs to grow big and strong while in my belly. We will also get it CONFIRMED that Lilianna is indeed a GIRL. Even though the last 2 ultrasounds indicated she is a female, with this detailed view- we can safely start decorating her nursery. I will post her latest head shots as soon as we get them, along with an updated blog entry about our visit.
Cameron and I are going to register for Lilianna's baby showers tomorrow too! I was just wanting to wait until her gender was confirmed. Now the fun really begins, with picking out all her little baby items. Cameron and I have settled on Buy Buy Baby and Target. We already know the "theme" of her nursery will be Owls and Woodland Animals. My good friend Kate is going to help me make the curtains, crib skirt and cover the foot rest for the glider, once I pick out the fabric. I really don't want to have a pink nursery, so the colors will be purple and green. Accents of pink (of course). Cameron is looking forward to renovating her room and making it into a little girls room. Our house is slowing getting ready for her! I have been experiencing severe pregnancy carpal tunnel. My arms and hands go completely numb and tingly while driving, sleeping, or just sitting at my desk at work. It makes it very hard to sleep through the night. The doctors say to try to sleep on my left side because it's the best way to get optimal circulation to Lilianna, aids in digestion and keeps my body working and healing best....but when I do lay on my left side, my right arm and hand goes completely numb. It's actually quite painful. And if I lay on my back or sit a little slumped back, my low back and top of my legs hurt SO bad. I'm going to go to my chiropractor and get adjusted to see if it will help. The swelling in my legs and feet go away if I prop them up (which my doctor said I should be doing whenever I sit). I eat a very low salt diet and my blood pressure is absolutely perfect. So at least I know this swelling and pain is only temporary. 20 more weeks to go.....lord help me. I started feeling Lilianna move in my belly on Wednesday November 19th at 6pm, after a yummy meal of tatertot casserole and corn. At first I thought it was just normal tummy bubbles....then it happened again, even stronger! The feeling of "flutters" happened for the next two days, on and off. Now, I feel her after every meal and especially after I drink something cold. Daddy can't feel her on the outside yet. But her little bones are hardening and pretty soon (in the next couple weeks) he will also be able to feel her tiny kicks.
I am now experiencing what I call "the Lilianna effect". People who know I am pregnant, now greet my ever growing belly before greeting ME! I even have employees asking "How is Lilianna today?" It's a strange thing to get used to. One thing that really is hard to get used to, is people touching my tummy. I know they mean no harm, I just have never been one of those touchy feely people. As Lilianna grows, and people can feel her kick and move- I won't be so creeped out by their gesture. But for now, I just feel like they're examining how fat I am. Another adjustment that is difficult is clothing. Everything from how tight to how loose....I never know what I will wear from day to day because my body is changing so rapidly. Maternity PANTS are the most difficult. The large band that goes over the tummy always falls down and those pants just make me frustrated. I am finding the smaller waisted pants (that go under my belly stay on better. And surprisingly, I only wear a medium in those! But when it comes to tops, I am very picky. I can't just wear a regular XXL because they are always too short. So I am now only wearing maternity shirts, due to the length they provide. When I go to work, I mostly wear spring dresses with leggings because they are comfortable and also look professional. Shoes are now only slip ons and boots. It's so hard to not feel like I am buying tents for apparel. Now that I'm securely in the second trimester, I can breathe a little easier. I was leery to make a blog site until I made it past 16 weeks. I had some minor complications and was worried I would loose the baby. But after some bed rest, strict instructions and some pampering from Cameron, everything is looking good again. My appetite is back. I am able to work 40+ hours a week. Although I am extremely tired a lot. Which makes my urge to cook home made meals, very little. Being on my feet is not a favorite. Lots of swelling a puffiness just after a short bit. No lifting over 10 pounds. Being pregnant and diabetic is no easy job.
So far, Lilianna has had 4 ultrasounds! First at 9 weeks. Then at 13 weeks. Again at 15 weeks (at an ER visit...) and most recently at 16 weeks(doctor guessed it's a girl at this one) . We go in for a 3d level 2 diagnostic ultrasound on December 3rd. That ultrasound will measure her limbs, growth of organs, blood flow and gender. We will get a detailed picture of our little girl and get to watch her squirm around for a hour! Daddy and I are really looking forward to this. |