Baby D's Name??

What are we going to name "Baby D"???

Matt and I are 90% sure we will name him Matthew, which means a gift from God.  He surely is a gift from God.  But, we were going to name Dominic, Matthew, until we looked at him and the name did not fit (definitely not because he was not a perfect gift from God). So just in case we have some back up names:

-Vince
-Salvatore
-Sam
-Max
-Frank (Frankie)
-Rocco

I love Gavin and Nolan, but Matt does not like either.

You would think after 13 weeks of bed rest I would have had time to come up with a name!  We will just have to wait to see him to decide.

I go for a non-stress test tomorrow and plan on asking the nurse a lot of questions regarding the timing of my c-section.  We are still not 100% sure it will be on Monday.  There is still a chance  my doctor my decide to deliver the baby on Friday!  I have such mixed emotions about the delivery. On one hand I will be so glad to finally be done with bed rest and worrying.  On another hand, I do not plan on being pregnant again, so I want to cherish every last moment.

I am hoping to get some solid answers tomorrow, but I do not think there are any "solid" answers when it comes to Baby D!

Thank you for all of your love, support and prayers.

35 Weeks!

We are blessed with another week!  

I was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. My doctor wants me to be "overly cautious and have a low threshold to call or come into the hospital for either contractions or god forbid a bleed.  

I spoke with my doctor today and he said if I make it to Friday, Sept 24th, I will have an amniocentesis to check for lung maturity.  If the baby's lungs are developed I will have a C-section on the morning of Monday, September 27th. If in the meantime, I have stronger contractions or bleeding I will be admitted to the hospital and my deliver sooner.  

We are getting so excited to meet Baby D. It is finally starting to hit Matt and I that we will soon get to hold our new sweet baby.  

How far along: 35 weeks!

Size of baby:  According to my ultrasound, he is measuring a whopping 7 lbs 1 oz!

Movement: All of a sudden I can feeling him stretching.  My stomach is not as round as it used to be!  I am definitely lopsided on the left side where he is laying most of the time.

Sleep: I have to take my medication for preterm labor at 2 am and 6 am, but other than that, I sleep great.

Cravings:  Anything cold to drink.

What I miss:  Nothing 

Best moment this week:  Seeing baby D via ultrasound and developing a plan with my doctor for his arrival!

My mom and dad made it back from Florida and took the boys this weekend for another "Michigan Vacation".  We are excited they were able to make it back for the birth of Baby D.  And the boys are excited to spend another weekend at their house

Thank you to everyone for all you love and support.  

Back to the Hospital

I am back in the hospital.

On Wednesday, I was at the hospital for my non-stress test.  I started to have contractions every 10 minutes and a small bleed, and was admitted to labor and delivery.  The doctor started an infusion of magnesium sulfate in hopes to stop the contractions.  It worked for about 24 hours and then I started to contract through the infusion.  My doctor than put me back on my previous medications, Procardia and Terbutaline, but at higher doses and increased frequency.  Friday night and yesterday morning I had some issues with contractions, but otherwise I have been holding strong.  I really want to try to make it to 36 weeks, but know that anytime now the baby will be safe to deliver. 

At least my room has a good view.  The statue in the middle of the window is a cross.

Tomorrow, I will find out if I will go home or stay in the hospital until I deliver.  The doctor and myself are worried about the potential to bleed with my continued contractions and placenta previa. I have no idea what his plan is going to be.  Matt and I are willing to do anything for the safety of the baby. 

Even through all of the contractions and medications, the baby is doing great and in no distress. He is moving and kicking like crazy.

Matt and the boys just visited and brought me a Starbucks.  It was so nice to see all my boys.

The boys absolutely love Kindergarden.  On Friday they walked a mile to school in honor of all the heros from 9/11.  They walked with their 6th grade buddy and it seemed to be the highlight of the past few weeks.

Well...not too much longer before the baby is here.  The doctor said any day now!!  We are all so excited to meet our sweet baby, but can definitely wait another week and a half!

And the best news... My baby sister had her baby, Piper Elizabeth, on Friday!  She and the baby are doing great.  Piper is absolutely beautiful!  I am so proud of Chrissie and over joyed for her and her husband Keith. 

34 Weeks!!

I can't believe I am 34 weeks!  Early on, my doctor said if I made it to 34 weeks we would have a party!  I am not sure if eating hospital ice cream counts as a party, but it works for me!

How far along: 34 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 4 lbs. 11 oz. two weeks ago.

Movement: He slept for a majority of my magnesium infusion.  It was really strange only feeling little movements for a day.  As soon as the infusion was done he woke-up and has been moving like crazy!  I think he is making up for lost time.  He also kicks a lot when I eat ice chips. I am not sure he likes me eating ice!

Sleep: I sleep okay in the hospital. Just in 1 hour increments.  Thank goodness I used to work midnights and do not have a problem going back to sleep!

Cravings:  Anything cold to drink.

What I miss:  The boys and Matt.  Even though I know the hospital is the best place for me, I still miss being at home with all my boys. 

Best moment this week:  Making it to my next big goal of 34 weeks.   Any time now!!

Spoiled

A perfect ending to a beautiful weekend!  Thanks, Matt for completely spoiling me.

33 Weeks!

33 WEEKS!!!!  All I can say, "Thank God"!!!!  I have been having contractions throughout the day, but mostly from 5 PM - 11 PM.  The nurse also noticed them on my non-stress test.  I had a doctor appointment on Friday and the doctor seems to be a little more cautious.  He said not to hesitate to come into triage with contractions.  He is worried with my placenta previa I may bleed and need to deliver in an emergency situation.  So, we will see how I do the next couple of days.  I still think Baby D is going to hold on until at least 34 weeks.  I am praying I make it to a scheduled C-section when I am 36 weeks to avoid any drama at all :)

How far along: 33 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 4 lbs. 11 oz. last Friday.

Movement: I have to go for a non-stress test twice a week where they measure the babies movements, heart rate and my contractions.  The nurse said he is doing excellent moves like crazy during the test!

Sleep: I am still having CRAZY dreams all night long!  I am having occasional contractions that wake me up, but nothing terrible.

Cravings:  Sonic root beer floats.

What I miss:  Nothing much.  I love when the boys come running up the stairs to tell me about their day!  

Best moment this week:  Hearing how excited the boys are about Baby D arriving!!

What I am looking forward to: We always go to Sonic on Sunday's for an ice-cream treat!  I put my seat all the way back and lay down.  It is my big outing!!

First Day of Kindergarten!

I cannot believe my boys are starting Kindergarten.  Where has the time gone???  Thank goodness they are only going for 3 hours a day.  I know that may sound strange to some people, but I am just not ready to have them out of the house for a full day.  When the new baby comes I will be off work for a few months so I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with the boys.  This will be my last year to do some special trips and projects with them during the day.

The boys absolutely loved their first day of school!! I asked them  what their favorite part of school was and Joseph said, "Being the leader boy" and Dominic said, "Coming home to you mom".  Okay my heart just melted.

I only shed a few tears when they left for school and I thought I was doing great.  It wasn't until I had get their clothes ready for the next day at school when I lost it.  Do they really need to go back again??  I don't know why I only mentally prepared myself for one day??  We will see how I do tomorrow :)

32 Weeks!

Wow, I am 32 weeks!! I have had this date circled on my calendar since I first was placed on bed rest 10 weeks ago.  32 weeks was my long term goal and I am absolutely thrilled and relieved the day is finally here.  Each day I am given to grow Baby D is truly a blessing.  

Today, I had my appointment with the Pediatric Cardiologist.  She was wonderful and said there was no need to worry.  The condition will most likely heal the first week of Baby D's life.  She will do another echo cardiogram right after he is born to make sure everything is okay.  What a relief!

I love the below picture.  The boys are SO excited to meet their new baby brother.  I bought them "Big brother" shirts and they ask me all the time when they can wear them!

How far along: 32 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 4 lbs. 11 oz. on Friday.

Movement:  He is very strong! Thankfully, he is still quiet at night, and does not wake me.  His active times are still 10 am and  10 pm.

Sleep: I am still having CRAZY dreams all night long!

Cravings:  Sonic root beer floats and apples.

What I miss:  The boys start Kindergarten tomorrow and I do feel bad I will not be able to walk them in.  

Best moment this week:  Seeing Baby D during the ultrasound and getting the good news from the cardiologist.

What I am looking forward to: Doctor's appointment on Friday. 

My sweet boys:

Pediatric Cardiologist

I had my 32 week ultrasound on Friday.  Baby D is measuring 4 lbs. 11 oz; similar to the size of a 33-34 weeker!  Unfortunately, they found a small heart defect called atrial septal aneurysm.  It is usually benign in a fetus and will hopefully heal within the first 80 days of life.  Tomorrow I have an appointment to see a pediatric cardiologist for an echo cardiogram just to make sure there is nothing else.

I was also in the hospital on Wednesday and Thursday for contractions.  The doctor gave me some additional medication called Terbutaline to take as needed for contractions.  It seems to be doing the trick, so we are much less worried.  The doctor did give me another round of steroid shots to mature the baby's lungs just in case I deliver early.  He said I will definitely not go past 36 weeks, which will be September 24th.  Less than 4 weeks away!!

This pregnancy has been a real "nail biter", but I am so thankful I am over 32 weeks!

The boys start Kindergarten on Tuesday!  This is a huge milestone for them and I am really emotional!  I think it may be a good thing I am on bed rest and not walk them into school :)

I love this picture of the boys. They think my bathtub is a pool. If I let them, they would stay in for hours!

Thank you everyone for all of your love and support!

I am having a problem downloading my new ultrasound pictures.  I will try again tomorrow.

31 Weeks!

I am 31 weeks!  Yippee!!!  We are again so thankful for another uneventful week.  I am literally counting down the days until I get to my big goal of 32 weeks.

The boys had their last summer "Michigan Vacation" at my Mom and Dad's house.  They had a great time going to the dollar store, playground and out to eat.  As soon as my mom and dad left after dropping them off, Dominic started crying saying, "I already miss my Nan and Grandpa".  So sweet. 

How far along: 31 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 3 lbs 8 oz three weeks ago.  We go for another growth scan on Friday.

Movement:  He is very strong! Thankfully, he is quiet at night, and does not wake me.

Sleep: I am still having CRAZY dreams all night long!

Cravings:  Sonic root beer floats and Cheerios!

What I miss:  Nothing really.  The boys are still home on summer vacation, so I am definitely not bored.  

Best moment this week:  Finishing the baby's room (thanks, Matt!).  Also, looking at all of the cute baby clothes Matt's mom so lovingly washed.

What I am looking forward to: My ultrasound on Friday! 

Matt finished the baby's room this weekend!  I will post some pictures this week.

30 Weeks!

Wow! I am 30 weeks!  This is the same gestational week when the boys were born.  We feel very blessed to have made it this far.  We really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers during the past 8 weeks.  My doctor is only going to let me go to 36 weeks, so I only have 6 weeks left!  That seems unbelievable to me.  I know I have been on bed rest for 8 weeks, but I feel the time has thankfully flown by.

Yesterday, the boys went to their friend's 4th birthday party.  They had such a good time and asked me how much longer until her next birthday party.  Only 365 days!  Joseph loved his tattoos and woke Matt and I up at 6:15 am without his shirt on, flexing his muscles asking, "how do I look?"  I don't know where he comes up with some of his ideas??  He is such a character!

I did not realize how much my belly has grown!  I know I am carrying the baby very low, but the picture really looks low!

How far along: 30 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 3 lbs 8 oz two weeks ago.  We go for another growth scan on August 27th.

Movement:  He definitely has some strong kicks.  A few days ago I felt he was caught under my right rib cage.  He was kicking so hard I felt bruised for a few days!  I had no problems do a "kick count" that day :)

Sleep: I am still having CRAZY dreams all night long!

Cravings:  We found a new "spot" called Sonic!  I love their ice drinks.  The boys now call Sundays "Sonic Sunday"! And I still love my decaf vanilla lattes!  Thank goodness, Matt bought me a new espresso machine for Mother's Day!

What I miss:  This is something small, but I am not supposed to bend down and you would not believe how many things you drop in a day!!  

Best moment this week:  Making it to 30 weeks on Friday!

What I am looking forward to: My doctor's appointment on Wednesday.

I guess the boys think my belly has really grown, too.  Here is a picture Dominic drew of our dog (Ozzy), him, and I.  Notice I am the only one with a body/belly and belly button :)  Also, notice his spiked hair.  He calls his hairdo "100 spikes"!  I love how he draws all of his pictures with us holding hands. If only I could freeze this age!

29 Weeks!

29 Weeks!!!  We are SO thrilled to have made it to 29 weeks!  Work has definitely been keeping me busy, so I really have not been bored.  I haven't even had time to blog!  I have also been keeping busy by doing a lot of online shopping for the boys school uniforms and items for the baby. 

Everyone has been so helpful. It is hard to accept help, but I really could not do this strict bed rest without everyone's love and support. 

  

How far   along:29 weeks!

Size of baby:  He measured 3 lbs 8 oz last week!

Movement:  His kicks are definitely getting stronger!  He has the hiccups about once a day.

Sleep: I am still having CRAZY dreams all night long!

Cravings:  Raspberries, corn on the cob, JR. Mints, and I still love my decaf vanilla lattes!  Thanks, Matt for making me one everyday.  They are better than Starbucks!

What I miss:  Not much, especially since I have been doing a lot of online shopping!

Best moment this week:  Seeing Baby D via a 4D ultrasound and finding out his growth is back on track.

What I am looking forward to: Getting to Friday's goal of 30 weeks.  

My sweet boys-

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

27 Weeks

27 Weeks!!!  We are so thankful for another week.  I have been working on a big project for work, so this week has flown by. On to my next goal of 28 weeks.  Bring on the bed rest...

How far   along:27 weeks!

Size of baby:  A little over 2 lbs and about 15 inches long.

Movement:  He is most active in the morning and at night, especially at 10 am and 10 pm.  I am still feeling most of the movement in the lower part of my belly due to the placenta previa.  

Sleep:  I sleep pretty good.  This week I have had the craziest dreams!

Cravings:  Anything cold, Vernors, frozen chocolate yogurt, red apples, everything bagels, and I still love my decaf vanilla lattes!

What I miss:  Other than being on bed rest, I feel very healthy and happy.  I miss spending time with the boys, but know they are having a great summer visiting everyone!

Best moment this week:  Feeling stronger baby movements.  Spending quality time at night with the boys and reading their new books.

What I am looking forward to: Another sneak peak at Baby D when I am 29 weeks.  Getting the babies clothes cleaned and put away (Matt "to do" :)

Here are some pictures of the boys waiting for their Nana and Papa to pick them up to see a movie and spend the night.  Do you think they were excited???  I wish I could freeze moments like this...

 “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Separate, but Always Together

Since I have been on bed rest, I have had time to reflect on all of the updates that could be done to our house.  Yes, I may be going slightly crazy, but that is what happens when you are confined to a 12x14 room!  These feelings of loss of control have lead to many "to do" lists for Matt.  I feel bad because I am quite sure, subconsciously, I am trying to regain some control by writing lists for others.  Yikes!!  But...Matt has been such a good sport and has done a great job juggling the kids, taking care of me, cooking, cleaning and completing home improvements.

Just before I went on bed rest, we decided to offer the boys a chance to have their own rooms.  To our surprise they both wanted their own rooms!!  So, after 5 years of never being more than 8 feet from each other, they would move into separate rooms.

Nursery-

Toddler Room-

The first time the boys were home together in their pack n play-

So sweet-

We ordered new bedroom sets and decided on new colors and bedding.  Unfortunately, I went on bed rest and could not help redo the rooms.  Over the next week, Matt turned our office into a bedroom, painted, washed bedding, hung paintings and organized closets.  

I absolutely love the boys' new rooms.  They are perfect and definitely reflect their personalities.  Joseph loves blue and wanted a space theme.  Dominic loves green and wanted a dog theme.  Here are some pictures of their new rooms.

  

I just cannot believe my babies have grown up so quickly and are now in their own "big boy" rooms. They both love their rooms and have only slept together once, when my mom stayed with us. I am so proud of them. They are definitely becoming more independent.