What it means for me to have Factor II/Prothrombin

I've been looking at my blog stats lately and I'm noticing that one post gets a lot more hits than any other I've ever posted.  Its the one where I find out that I have Factor II/Prothrombin.  I remember when I wrote that post, I thought my life was going to be drastically changed.  I was overwhelmed with this new diagnosis, and was not given much information on it.  Pretty much I was told that my blood clots too much, that I should take an aspirin everyday to help with this, and that they would watch me closely during pregnancy.

It turns out that finding this hasn't done much except cause a lot of doctor appointments where I got to see my baby and bills.  After my history of pregnancy losses, I am thankful that they watched me more closely and checked on the baby more.  But they still will not say that the losses were due to the blood clotting issue, nor will they say that the baby aspirin will prevent another.  Its all very confusing.  I was told at one point that I would have to have a shot of blood thinner daily while trying to get and being pregnant.  Then my new doctors concluded (after new research) that I would not need the Lovenox because I have no 'history'.  I struggled with that information, because in my mind, I have had 3 miscarriages due to this, but I trusted them as they monitored me closely, and everything went well.  I have a healthy 5 month old to prove it.  Honestly, I'm pretty sure that my doctor has had very few, if any, patients before me with this diagnosis.  He had done some research prior to our first appointment in preparation for it.

Overall, I think the issue is that there is not enough research on it at all.  This is a genetic mutation that was only recently discovered in the scientific world (I believe 1998?).  It is one of the leading causes of women who are on birth control experiencing a clot.  I have found that nearly any female who has this has experienced multiple miscarriages, and that most doctors won't run any tests until there have been 3 losses.

But that is almost all I know.  Even after going through every internet search link I can find.  This is it.  Most people who have Factor II will go through their entire lives not knowing that they have it.  My parents are in their 50s and we still do not know which one is the carrier of the gene.  Mine was found due to extensive blood work to find the cause of multiple miscarriages; most are found due to blood clots that sometimes cause strokes while on birth control.

I guess, like most mothers who have experienced the loss, I wish that it was cut and dry.  Just tell me that this was the cause, and the aspirin would prevent it from happening again.  But they can't and won't.  Because really, they don't know.  In fact, we do know that at least one loss was due to 3 sets of chromosomes instead of 2, so the Factor II had nothing to do with that.

Anyhow, I just have been thinking a lot about how as women, we are given this diagnosis after a long, emotional road, and then we go searching for answers that the doctors couldn't or wouldn't give.  For me, I rest in the peace of knowing that my three babies are in heaven being rocked by my grandmother, playing with Jesus and the angels, and didn't have to know the pain or troubles of this world.  All the more reason to look forward to being there someday.

Maternity Photos

A friend of mine, Tiffany, of Anor Photography, offered to do maternity pictures at about 36 weeks.  We hadn't even thought about doing them, but they turned out beautifully, and I am so glad that we have them now!  Its a little late, but I wanted to share them with you.  This past weekend, we went over to her house and did newborn pictures with her and another photographer, Bekah Bowman, of Bekah Bowman Photography.  They both wanted to practice on a newborn, and I never pass up on pictures!  Anyhow, here is the video of the maternity shoot.  I can't decide which is my favorite, they are all so good!  

 

He's Here!

Bumblebee has arrived, for all of you out there wondering.  He is 9 days old today, actually.  We are still working on getting settled and into a routine, so I haven't been on the computer AT ALL.  Everything has been done from my phone (love that thing!).  SO... details!

Name:  Jacob Truett Dean Pittman

Born:  Friday, August 26, 2011 at 6:33 am

Weight:  8 pounds, 6.3 ounces

Length:  20 inches

I will tell the whole story soon, I promise!  I'm working on getting pictures off of the camera and posted to facebook currently.  For now, here's one to tease you with!

 

34-35 weeks

 
Pregnancy Highlights:  I am getting things ready!  All the baby clothes are washed, and today I'm working on packing the hospital bag.

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee now weighs approximately 5 1/4 lbs, and is about 18 inches long.   

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So far, I think we're about 30 pound total gain.

Maternity Clothes: I am down to a pair of shorts, a couple dresses, and my maternity capris and shirts.  This baby needs to come soon, or I'm going to run out of appropriate clothing!
 
Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name!  But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints.  Nope, not even a little one.  Sorry MOM!  Well, okay, one...  He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names. 

Movement: Bumblebee is very active, especially at night.  He is moving around a lot between 10 and 2 at night.  Scott always says it looks like an alien trying to come out of my stomach because it just bobbles around. 

Sleep: Sleep has been better since the doctor prescribed Ambien.  I don't take it every night, but I can tell when I'm going to need it, and it works well.  I tried Tylenol PM and it does not work for me.
 
What I miss:  Being able to move around easily!

Cravings: Pizza and hot dogs.  I know, healthy, right?!  I actually tried to avoid the hot dog one day and had a salad instead, and it upset my stomach!  Guess I should listen better. 

Symptoms: I am experiencing some swelling in the ankles and wrists.  Its very unpredictable.  When it happens, I have tingling and difficulty sleeping, so I was sleeping almost sitting up in bed for a few nights.  Not much appetite, either.

Best Moment This Week: Bella and Bianca are very excited to meet this little boy.  We took them with us to the hospital tour, and that made it a bit more real to them.  Bella keeps telling me that she 'just wants to hold him!'  and Bianca has it all figured out...  Daddy will push the stroller and Mommy will hold the girls' hands.  She asks a lot of questions, like can he sleep in her room, will he stay with me during church, and she's very excited to be able to teach him all sorts of things, like swimming! 

Medically:  We are seeing the perinatologist weekly, and the ob every other week (we start our weekly visits this week!) . This week we will be having a growth scan to see how baby Bumblebee is doing growth wise. 
Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

30-32 weeks

past 10 pm on 100 degree day!

Pregnancy Highlights:  We're getting closer.  Still a very active baby, especially between 10pm and 2 am.  We started and pretty much finished our baby registries at Target and Babies R Us in about 2 days (an advantage of doing one for the third child - you know what you want!)

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee now weighs approximately 3.75 lbs (but peri estimated weight to be at 4 lbs 6 oz a week ago!), and is about 16.7 inches long (probably longer, he measured a week ahead).   

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So far, I think we're about 25 pound total gain.

Maternity Clothes: I am pretty round in the tummy, and my shorts are getting a bit more fitted than I'm used to.
 
Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name!  But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints.  Nope, not even a little one.  Sorry MOM!  Well, okay, one...  He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names. 

Movement: Bumblebee is very active, especially at night.  He is moving around a lot between 10 and 2 at night.  The doctor was surprised at how active he was during the biophysical profile we had a few weeks ago, when he was actually awake for it. 

Sleep: Sleep, oh how I miss sleep!  I have been super tired, but can't seem to sleep.  I wake up every hour feeling like I need to visit the bathroom, but then I don't really need to, its just that he is on my bladder like a trampoline!  I also have to have a snack around 2 or 3, if I'm going to sleep anymore the rest of the night.  
 
What I miss:  Umm, sleep!

Cravings: Not much lately.

Symptoms: I am tired and irritable lately.  I'm feeling the weight of the pregnancy in my back and hips.  And I really want to start organizing things to get ready, but I have no where to put anything at this point!

Best Moment This Week: Bianca is very interested suddenly in how we will care for the baby.  I have shown her many times how to properly hold her baby doll, how to feed (nurse) her, and how to wrap her up in a blanket.  She also says that the baby's name is Bumblebee, and that's what she will be calling him when he is born.  I tried to explain to her that we would give him a new name, but she said she would continue to call him Bumblebee because she doesn't know what his new name will be! 

Medically:  We are seeing the perinatologist weekly, and the ob every other week (though I think this is our last week for that, then weekly).  The perinatologist appointment is for a biophysical profile, and they recently did a growth scan at 31 weeks, 4 days, where baby Bumblebee measured 32 weeks 3 days.  The biophysical profile is basically an ultrasound where they are looking for breathing practice movements and a few good wiggles.  They also measure the amniotic fluid level. 
Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Essential Baby Products... I'm out of the loop!

Its been three almost 4 years since I had a baby.  And I KNOW that there are new things out there on the market since Bianca was a newborn.  We decided to reduce our amount of baby items when moving out to Pennsylvania from Indianapolis a few years ago, so we have a very used pack-n-play and a Baby Einstein stationary walker.  That's about it as far as equipment.  I got rid of almost everything else, except the girls' clothes and my baby sling.  So I'm wondering what is the good stuff on the market now?

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to stuff.  I have been very blessed when it comes to baby boy clothing.  This little boy has more clothes than his Daddy and I together!  My sister gave me a lot of stuff, up to size 2T, and my mom and I struck gold on two friends who recently had baby boys and were selling their clothing.  (Thanks, Val and Jessica!)  We have a few blankets from the girls that will cross over, but most of them were pink or purple.

So in thinking over what I think we need, here's what I come up with.  My pregnancy brain will probably leave some things out, so just comment on what I'm forgetting!

• Carseat
• stroller
• a few bottles
• breast pump
• bassinet (maybe)
• pack-n-play (maybe)
• blankets
• cloth diapers 
• monitor

Now, I'm sure that there are plenty of other things that could be considered a need, but this is my list of absolute needs.  I could add many things to it, but I want to know what products YOU love!  And if there is one on that list that you could recommend, that would be greatly appreciated.  I really feel like a first timer with all of this stuff.  I really haven't spent much time looking at it this time around, and I don't know what is out there.

I do have a dream stroller, if we decide to not go with a double.  (that's a debate.. Bianca will just be 4, and we're not sure if we'll have one more or not, so...)  If money were no issue, I'd probably go with a Bug a Boo, they are so versatile, but they are also very pricey!  I would love to have a stroller that allows baby to face either direction (forward, or towards me) at any age, but the cheapest one I can find is Graco's newest model, the Graco Signature Series 3-in-1 Modular Stroller, coming in at $299.  Still a bit high, in my opinion.  I like a lot about it, except that it appears that in order to fold it up, the seat has to be removed.  I'm curious as to how easy that is to accomplish.

Moby Wrap

Baby K'tan

Maya Ring Sling

One other item that I am thinking of is the Moby Wrap.  I used my Maya Ring Sling excessively with Bianca, but at times it was difficult for me to get adjusted and comfortable.  I am also thinking about the Baby K'tan.  I'm not sure what would be more useful, and I know that everyone has their opinions, so please share them!  I know that I prefer babywearing over a stroller in the beginning, just to keep hands off of baby (though that doesn't stop everyone!), so I do the newborn snuggle carry a lot.  With Bianca, she was not a snuggler, so after she was aware of her ability to move around, she was not thrilled with the carrier, and we didn't use it long enough to even do the hip carry.  I'm hoping Bumblebee will be more apt to liking the carrier longer.  So what do you think?  Or is there one that you like better that I have not mentioned?

Please share your essential baby items and preferred models!  I'm starting my research a bit late compared to my previous experience, and am taking suggestions :)

All pictures are credited to Amazon.com or the website linked in the picture caption.

29 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:  He's currently head down!  I'm hoping he stays that way, because we discovered this week that I have an irritable uterus (more on this further down) that gets irritated every time he starts flipping and doing somersaults!

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is now weighs about two and a half pounds, and measures a little over 15 inches head to heel. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'll be checking that out next week at the doctor!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me!

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name!  But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints.  Nope, not even a little one.  Sorry MOM!  Well, okay, one...  He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names. 

Movement: Bumblebee is active when he's awake.  I've been noticing that he's quieter during the day, unless its almost time to eat.  That's when he starts moving around.  Of course, when I have my perinatologist appointments, he is sound asleep!

Sleep: Sleep has been good!  I wake up about once a night to go to the bathroom, and then sometimes I have trouble going back to sleep.  Otherwise, unless someone wakes me up, its sweet dreams for me.
 
What I miss:  I'm enjoying this pregnancy, so there's not much I miss!

Cravings: Ice chips

Symptoms: I am getting to the point where I can't eat too much at once.  I have had some contractions, but they are not affecting my cervix, so that's good.  We were in Labor and Delivery on Monday last week to be monitored.  We got a pretty good dry run of going into the hospital for delivery.  They even put me in a room!  (I'll be taking my own toilet paper when I go in next time! That stuff was rough!)  Everything settled down once I was off my feet, got some water, and Bumblebee quit rolling around.  They termed my diagnosis as "Irritable Uterus".  Something I've experienced every pregnancy, though not usually this early (@ 30 and 32 weeks with the girls), and not painful like a few of these were.  Basically, they told me to drink lots of water and listen to my body.  Which is what I assumed would be the end result, especially since the doctor and i had already discussed this very thing and decided not to medicate unless there was cervical change, but they do like to monitor!

Best Moment This Week: The girls and I got to spend most of the past week at 'home' in Illinois.  If only the weather had been better, we would have been in the pool everyday.  We enjoyed seeing all the aunts and uncles and playing with the cousins, Jackson and Emersyn.

Medically:  I've had two weekly appointments with the perinatologist now.  Its basically an ultrasound where they are looking for breathing practice movements and a few good wiggles.  They also measure the amniotic fluid level.  This is usually not very long, but Bumblebee has not been cooperating, and has decided that Monday mornings are a very good time for a nap!  We have to watch him for a good 20 minutes before they see everything they want.  Not that I'm complaining!
I have one more monthly appointment with my OB, and then I'll start biweekly appointments with him.  Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

28 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:  Baby Bumblebee has been sideways for sometime.  It got pretty uncomfortable for a bit.  But last weekend (at 27 weeks), he became very active (I got some painful kicks!), and flipped himself head down.  He fits better that way!  Yes, I have feet and a rear end in my ribs every once in a while, but its so much better than him trying to stretch those legs out the side of my stomach! 

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is now weighs about two and a quarter pounds (Dr. estimated 2 lbs, 6 oz on Monday), and measures about 14.8 inches head to heel.  On Monday's ultrasound, Bumblebee was matching the numbers exactly for my due date, the doctor was quite impressed!


Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained somewhere around 18 pounds so far, right on schedule!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me, there are few things that still fit from my old wardrobe.  I'm learning to be creative.

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name!  But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints.  Nope, not even a little one.  Sorry MOM!

Movement: This is one active little boy.  The doctor even commented on it last week!  He does not like the poking and prodding that comes with the ultrasound, and he pokes back. ha!  Doctor had some trouble getting his measurements because Bumblebee kept moving around on him.  Sometimes my stomach looks like one of those bags you see on cartoons where one or two animals are caught in a knapsack and they are fighting, with the arms and legs flying out everywhere... yeah, that's my tummy!

Sleep: I've been getting more sleep, when its not interrupted by an exercising boy.  Generally, I'm aiming for about 9 hours a night.  Its been very good this week!

What I miss:  I'm enjoying this pregnancy, so there's not much I miss!

Cravings: Ice chips, and chocolate chip cookies.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms.  Nothing too bad.  But I feel huge, and the back pains are starting to confirm that feeling.  I've been wearing a pregnancy support belt off and on that helps, and staying off of my feet this week.  Having some pains that are seeming like contractions, but nothing enough to worry about yet.

Best Moment This Week: Bella and Bianca are finally getting very interested in little Bumblebee.  They are always asking if he's awake and moving, and if I say no, they ask if they can wake him up.  They want to feel him moving all the time!

Medically:  Gestational diabetes test is over!  I don't think I'll ever be able to stomach a green popsicle again, though.  Apparently I did okay, because I never heard anything from the doctor.  Also, I start weekly appointments with the perinatologist - every Monday, I'm in for a biophysical profile.  That means they'll be monitoring the baby's heart rate, movement, amniotic fluid, etc., to be sure the placenta is functioning properly and that baby is doing well.  This is all due to the Prothrombin 20210/Factor II Mutation (genetic disorder) that I have.  I have one more monthly appointment with my OB, and then I'll start biweekly appointments with him.  Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Summertime

We are on our summer schedule... which means I've been kinda lazy!  I'm keeping up with laundry, and school, and that's about it.  Our afternoon goal is to be out in the backyard at the little 2 foot deep pool that Daddy so graciously empties and fills for us once a week.  I've not been online much, at least not when my thoughts are coherent!  And I'm soaking up all of the sleep I can get, for I know it won't be long until I am up more than once a night, for long stretches.  The heat has been getting to me a bit, and I've spent more time than usual with my feet up.  I'm not sure if its contractions or Braxton-Hicks, but the doctor isn't going to do much for contractions right now (unless they are sending me into labor), so I've not bothered calling about it.  They aren't regular, and last less than a minute.  No big deal.  Just drinking lots of water, and sitting as much as possible.  It probably hasn't helped that the temperatures have been in the 90s for the last week or so!

We are still doing school.  Currently, we are working through the Get Ready for the Code books, as well as some supplement activities.  I am also focusing on numbers this summer.  My ultimate goal is getting Bella to read, and she is finally showing signs that she is ready for that.  The letter sounds are soaking in, and she's starting to write more words in her drawings, as well as ask what things say.  I'm so excited for her!  Reading is one of my favorite pastimes.

I have some pictures to upload and blogs to get done, but all of my available time recently has been spent outdoors, running errands, crocheting a baby blanket, or during a time when its a struggle to put two coherent thoughts together.  The past week or so has been very busy with home showings and Bella's birthday.  I'm looking forward to and enjoying our lazy days of summer after this week.

Crazy Beautiful Life

Blogging has been off of my radar this week.  Sorry for the silence.  I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I think there are a few things that have contributed to it.  I have been thinking a lot and praying for the families in Joplin, and the other many towns that have been hit with tornadoes.  My friend, Crissyanna, over at Created for Home, lives in Joplin.  While she, her family, and their home are all okay, they have been working in crisis management all week at their church, and are trying to establish a new normal in their lives.  My heart is breaking for this town, and I so wish that I could go down and help her serve.  However, this week has reminded me that I am 26 weeks pregnant, and at risk for preterm labor (both pregnancies, it started at 30 and 32 weeks), so I am limiting my activities.  I don't think removing rubble would be the greatest of ideas for me!  However, I have been in constant prayer for these families.

We started off by spending the weekend at my parents in Illinois.  We came back on Monday, so Tuesday was spent trying to get things put away (and working around window installers) so that if we had a showing on the house, we would be ready.  Good thing, because Wednesday was spent trying to stay out of the house.  We got up late, and then immediately got a phone call that requested a showing in an hour.  That meant showering, eating, and getting girls ready to leave the house, in addition to having a house ready to be shown.  This time was also spent listening to tornado sirens going off (thankfully, it was not for our specific area, but it was close by).  Being from Illinois, if the siren is going off, that means (in my mind) that we need to hit the basement, but my oh-so-experienced-husband-from-Kansas informed me that here we don't panic, and we don't go downstairs until it really is west of us.  Silly me for panicking when I heard tornado sirens, especially after all of the action recently in Tornado Alley!  So, the girls and I made it a practice run while Scott cleaned windows.  Bella is especially scared of tornadoes, but she really wanted to watch the news covering the storms, and has gotten better about it this week.  I think that being educated about them has helped her a bit.  I put off telling her too much about what could happen, and showing her pictures, but she has been more relaxed about the whole ordeal since seeing the weather reports and pictures.  Somehow, the opportunity for her to pray for the people who have suffered has eased her fear.   

After our adventurous hour, we headed to Walmart to pick up some things for school and such, plus I needed to get some storage bins to organize my wonderful stash of baby boy clothing I was blessed with on our trip to Illinois.  (Baby Bumblebee now has clothing up to size 2T!)  I apparently found the perfect time to go shopping:  in between severe thunderstorms.  I've never seen Walmart so quiet!  So we spent some extra time there checking out all of their baby items.  Pretty soon, Scott called to tell me there was another storm headed this way, so we should head towards home.  We were home all of 20 minutes, maybe, when he called to let me know that there was yet another showing now scheduled, so the girls got their pencil boxes put together and colored a bit while I tried to vacuum the carpet.  This time while we had to leave the house, we went to McDonald's for lunch and playtime.  I think all the busyness got to me, because I wasn't drinking enough water, and I was terribly sore by the end of the day.  I sat with my feet up for the rest of the evening, minus that half hour where I took the girls to church, only to find out that I missed the memo that there were no children's activities!

The rest of the week has been relatively quiet, as far as I can remember.  I did take the girls to Target on Thursday to pick up a birthday present and get some new swimsuits.  I was dreading the swimsuit shopping, but we did pretty well, and were out of the store in an hour.  That is good, considering that Bella takes forever to pick out birthday presents for her friends.  I can't blame her, I am the same way!  We just want to pick out the best present possible, and its so agonizing!  We also went to Scott's first volleyball game.  He is playing in our church's league this summer.  I would love to play also, but my balance is just a little off right now. :)  So we go to watch Scott play socialize. 

Friday was pajama day here mostly.  At 26 weeks pregnant, I am starting to leave the 'honeymoon' stage, and am feeling some aches and pains, and am tired exhausted without 9 hours of sleep!  The girls and I attended a birthday party at a friends house, and then we went to Party City to scout out Toy Story party decorations (Bella's party is next Saturday!) and Walmart to see about a pool (a small kiddie pool), since its going to be in the 80s all week. 

watch the new Yogi Bear movie that we got from Red Box last night!  Have a great Memorial Day weekend!  Hopefully I can find a time that I feel decent enough to get my pregnancy picture taken this week, but mostly I want to just rest. 

23 Weeks

 
Pregnancy Highlights:  I got my doppler this week!  I came across a blog that had a link to an organization called Tiny Heartbeats that lends a doppler to women who have experienced multiple losses.  I was hoping to get it during the first trimester, but the waiting list was longer, so it just came this week.  Now we can listen to Baby Bumblebee's heartbeat anytime we want!  He doesn't enjoy it so much.  Both at the doctor's office and at home he has kicked and pushed against the doppler when we try to listen!

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is more than 11 inches long, and weighs just over a pound, about as much as a large mango.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So I went to the doctor this week... and got on the scale.  I was dreading this, because I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't too bad.  They are usually a few pounds ahead of what I weigh in at home, but according to their scale, I 've gained 16 pounds so far. 

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me. Except for one outfit, the one in the picture about!  That is my normal clothing.

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names.  We've been teasing the girls telling them we are going to name him Melky, after Melky Cabrerra from the Royals.  I started a list this week.

Movement: Hiccups have slowed, or at least have become less noticeable.  He's definitely sideways, and I can tell when he wakes up and starts stretching out!

Sleep: Has been better this week, but with all the projects going on around the house, we've been staying up late just to relax.  My goal for this week is to get to bed earlier.

What I miss:  My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things.  I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy!  And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Chocolate.  And still pizza, and red meat.  I told Scott I feel like I could eat a Whopper or a Big Mac every meal and I would be happy!

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms.  Nothing too bad.  There have been times this week when I have even felt normal! 

Best Moment This Week: Bianca is very curious as to how Baby Bumblebee will be coming out of Mommy's tummy.  We're still trying to figure out how to handle that question from a 3 1/2 year old.  So far, the answer has been that he'll stay in until he grows enough, and then we'll go to the hospital and the doctor will help with that. 

Medically:  I had a regular appointment this week.  Next ultrasound is tomorrow, Monday:) I thought it was this week as well, but when I finally found my calendar, I realized I had missed it last week, and it was the one time that they did not call with a reminder.  Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

And for your entertainment, since I am wearing the same outfit as I was at 19 weeks....  

22 Weeks

 

Pregnancy Highlights:  The girls have let me know this week that they think my baby belly is BIG.  They laugh every time they see it!

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is almost one pound and is approximately 11 inches long, about the length of a spaghetti squash.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know...  and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh).  I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing.  Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me.

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names.  We've been teasing the girls telling them we are going to name him Melky, after Melky Cabrerra from the Royals.

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often.  It makes me laugh!  Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too.  The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable.  He was pretty much on a schedule of movement until this past week, and now the only regularity is that if I'm trying to go to sleep, he's moving!

Sleep: Still dealing with Bianca and sleep.  Her schedule is off now, so we are trying to get her back on it.  The hard part is that she really needs a nap in the late afternoon (b/c she gets cranky!), but if she gets it, then its midnight bedtime again, and it starts all over.  So we're down to 30 minutes of napping yesterday, and she was asleep by 10 last night.  However, with the rain, and the busy weekend, we all slept in today, and it was 9 am before she was waking up! 

What I miss:  My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things.  I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy!  And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Always pizza, and red meat.  I told Scott I feel like I could eat a Whopper or a Big Mac every meal and I would be happy!  And this week I have been starving.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms.  Nothing too bad.  There have been times this week when I have even felt normal! 

Best Moment This Week: Bianca thinks the arrival of the baby is imminent.  Every thing is going to happen 'after the baby comes'.  Also, I looked down during church yesterday, and saw my belly moving around! 

Medically: Nothing this week.  I have a regular appointment this week.  Next ultrasound is Thursday :)   Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

21 weeks

 

Pregnancy Highlights:  I just love feeling this little one flip and kick and hiccup all of the time.... except for that nightly 2 am workout!

How Far Along: 21 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long, about the length of a carrot.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know...  and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh).  I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing.  Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me.  Even most of the shirts I was wearing just last week are now too short to work anymore!

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names.  Scott really likes Jacob, but its SO popular, so we're still searching.  I finally found my baby name books this week, so I've got to start the list.  I've been asked to present a short list of names to Scott to discuss, instead of randomly throwing out names ALL the time.  You know us women, we're always multi-tasking, and names come to mind during really random moments. :)

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often.  It makes me laugh!  Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too.  The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable.  He was pretty much on a schedule of movement until this past week, and now the only regularity is that if I'm trying to go to sleep, he's moving!

Sleep: Still dealing with Bianca and sleep.  Her schedule is off now, so we are trying to get her back on it.  The hard part is that she really needs a nap in the late afternoon (b/c she gets cranky!), but if she gets it, then its midnight bedtime again, and it starts all over.  So we're down to 30 minutes of napping yesterday, and she was asleep by 10 last night.  However, with the rain, and the busy weekend, we all slept in today, and it was 9 am before she was waking up! 

What I miss:  My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things.  I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy!  And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Pizza and big meals.  I'm either really hungry, or not at all!

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms.  Nothing too bad.  There have been times this week when I have even felt normal!

Best Moment This Week: Apparently, I 'popped' this week.  Other people are starting to notice that I am pregnant now.  Can't wait to hear what perfect strangers now think.....

Medically: Nothing this week.  I think I have a regular appointment this week, but I'll have to check my calendar for sure!  Next ultrasound is next week :)   Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Halfway - 20 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:  Baby Bumblebee has the hiccups ALL the time!  And Bella got to feel him bouncing around during one of those many episodes.  She wasn't overly excited about it, just said, "Yep, I felt it."

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 10 ounces, and is somewhere between 10 inches long crown to heel, about the length of a banana.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know...  and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh).  I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing.  Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing mostly only maternity pants, but am still able to wear some of my pre-pregnancy shirts, thought they are getting fewer in number.  Gonna have to go shopping soon! 

Gender: It's a BOY!  And we have NO idea what we are going to name him.  This seems to be SO much harder than it was for the girls!

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often.  It makes me laugh!  Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too.  The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable.  He's been kicking my bladder or something this weekend, and it hurts!

Sleep: Its not been great this week, but unfortunately, that hasn't been due to pregnancy.  Bianca has not wanted to be in her bed this week, and its made for some late nights.

What I miss:  This week we have started packing up my in-laws house to get it ready for sale, and I just can't do everything I am used to being able to do!  I have to depend on Scott to move things and do a lot more for me.  He's not used to that either.

Cravings: Bread (and I never love bread), meat, and pasta.  And Pizza, oh sweet pizza!  I've been trying to eat more salads and fresh veggies.  It helps to have them chopped and ready in the fridge, along with some veggie dip.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms.  Nothing too bad.

Best Moment This Week: We laid in bed one night watching my stomach bounce around while Bumblebee had the hiccups.  Yep, we could SEE it!  I'm a little worried about what it will be like in 20 weeks, if we can see it now....

Medically: I had some pain in my calf that was bothering me and was unexplainable (I've not been exercising or doing anything different), and it was starting to worry me about a possible blood clot.  This pain was not like a cramp, because it didn't hurt all of the time, only when I was up on it.  I could even massage it without any pain.  So I called the doctor, and they went ahead and had me come in for an ultrasound on my leg.  First time for that!  Thankfully, it was nothing, and the doctor chalked it up to muscle strain, but who knows from what!   Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

19 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:  Scott got to feel the baby kick this week!

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 7-8 oz, and is somewhere between 5-6 inches crown to rump, about the size of a large heirloom tomato..

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't know this week!  The batteries on our scale are out, but I'm thinking around 5 or 6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I've given up on trying to get into my regular jeans.  I think I still can do it, but its just not comfortable.  I have a few pairs of cotton/polyester capris that I've been wearing with my Bella Band, and a few shirts that I can wear.  I'm on the hunt for some more spring/summer shirts, though.  My maternity summer things are size large, and I probably need medium tops for now. 

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: This is one strong boy...  I'm pretty sure I started feeling movement (flutters) around 13 weeks (call me crazy!).  He does not like anything pushing on my stomach, so he got irritated with Scott trying to feel him moving around enough that he knocked a hard kick/punch.  Even this morning during church, my Bible was on my lap, and he was kicking at that.

Sleep: I got my Boppy pillow this week!  And I have been sleeping very good this week.

What I miss:  I have a lot of ambition to get things done, but my energy tuckers out before I can accomplish it all!

Cravings: Bread (and I never love bread), meat, and pasta.  And Pizza, oh sweet pizza!

Symptoms: I have lower back pain every morning, and I've been having some swelling,mostly in my ankles on the very hot days (like we've even experienced the summer temps yet!  ha!).  I've never had swelling (except for one day with Bella - Mother's day, no less!), so this just continues the differences in this pregnancy versus those of the girls!

Best Moment This Week: I felt comfortable enough this week to schedule my next OB appointment for 4 weeks out! 

Medically: Nothing new this week!  Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

18 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights: That we've made it to 18 weeks! And that I don't have to do Lovenox injections so far.

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 6 oz, and is close to 5 1/2 inches crown to rump, about the size of a grapefruit.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Total weight gain of 3 lbs so far.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity jeans are my life nowadays. I can still wear the old regular jeans, but I am definitely more comfortable in maternity pants. I am still wearing regular shirts, though, as my rounded tummy is still too little to fill out the maternity shirts, for the most part. I have a few that are smaller that I can wear.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Baby Bumblebee is making himself better known this week. I've noticed twice that while Bianca was on my lap, she was being kicked at, even though she can't feel it yet. I have a feeling that will be a regular occurrence, even after birth! ha!

Sleep: Sleep was better this week. I am awaiting the arrival of my Boppy Body Pillow. I currently have a regular body pillow and regular pillow running the length of the bed on either side of me to support my back and belly. Scott doesn't have much room for himself in the bed!

What I miss: My old sleep schedule! I suddenly have a burst of energy or insomnia from about 9-midnight every night. I have got to get over this, because my girls like to take turns getting up at 7 am every morning. I also realized last night that I can no longer sit on the floor with my knees pulled up and my chin on my knees. Very sad, because that is my favorite way to sit!

Cravings: I haven't had many this week. I've been able to get more fresh salads and such in, though. And Pepsi has started to kind of taste funny to me.

Symptoms: I've had a couple mornings this week where I felt like I had morning sickness again, but other than that I've been feeling good!

Best Moment This Week: Witnessing the sibling rivalry already between Bianca and Baby Bumblebee. He was kicking her for sitting on my lap, and she's getting upset that I can't carry her as much.

Medically: Nothing new for me this week, except that I DID NOT see the doctor this week. That's the first time since my first appointment (at 6 weeks) that I have not seen a doctor every week. I'm finally getting to the point where I can feel movement daily, so I don't feel the need to go in for a heartbeat check this week. I'll see the doctor next week. I may or may not be scheduling my 20 week ultrasound with Dr. Snider. I'm not sure if they will do one at his office, since the perinatologist, Dr. Cowles, will be doing regular ultrasounds every 4 weeks, starting at 22 weeks.

17 weeks

(Please excuse the big baggy maternity jeans (they're just comfy!), and the exhausted look. Thursday and Friday were very full days for our family!)

Pregnancy Highlights: The big ultrasound was this week, and we found out that we are having a BOY! We are all excited! The girls really wanted a brother. Well, Bianca decided she did after big sister convinced her a few weeks ago :)

How Far Along: 17 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 5 oz, and is close to 5 inches crown to rump, about the size of a red onion.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Total weight gain of 3 lbs so far.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity jeans are much more comfortable than my regular jeans, though they are a little big, but I can still wear a few pairs of jeans (I bought a few one size big right after I found out I was pregnant, so I could wear them longer!). I can still wear my regular shirts mostly, if I have a long tank under them.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: This baby is moving! Its starting to feel a bit more like kicks rather than flutters. I especially feel movement at night, around 10 pm, but also at other random times throughout the day.

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good, if I get my pillows arranged right (all 4 of them!). Starting to wake up for bathroom breaks again, but that may be because I've been drinking more water later in the evening. I always wake up with very low back pain, but it usually is better after a warm shower. I'm thinking of using my Amazon gift cards I've earned from Swagbucks to get a pregnancy pillow! It looks so comfy!

What I miss: Being able to wear anything I pull out of my closet! And being able to wear my contacts ALL day long. My eyes are starting to get really dry mid afternoon these days.

Cravings: Lately, I think I've become a carnivore! I want beef, pizza, and junk food. This is SO different from pregnancies with my girls, when I wanted fresh veggies, fruits, and salads (no grease!). And this week, I'm suddenly on a pretzel kick... can't get enough of those salty things!

Symptoms: The nausea is pretty much gone. Lower back pain is still there in the mornings, and anytime I wake up at night.

Best Moment This Week: Sleeping this morning! Scott got up with the girls today, and let me sleep:) He's the best!

Medically: We saw Dr. Cowles, our perinatologist, on Thursday. She did measurements on Baby Bumblebee, and everything looks good! We'll be having Biophysical Profile Ultrasounds done every 4 weeks, starting in 5 weeks (at 22 weeks). They'll be watching for growth restriction, indicating that they placenta is not functioning at full capacity. Still on baby aspirin daily.

The Big Ultrasound

Well, yesterday was a big day in our household! We had an appointment with the perinatologist, Dr. Cowles, for an ultrasound to get measurements.


Everything measured well, and she was able to get a good look at the baby's heart, she was a little surprised at how well! She said they usually can't see much until the 22nd week, but baby was most cooperative in that area, mostly sleeping through the ultrasound, I think, even though I made sure I had my Pepsi just before that!


We discussed the plan for my pregnancy, that it will be closely monitored due to the Factor II mutation. I'll start having Biophysical Profile ultrasounds done every 4 weeks to check for proper growth, or restriction thereof. Growth restriction is an indicator of the placenta not fully functioning due to blood clots. I'm currently only on baby aspirin, and will not start Lovenox shots unless something occurs indicating the need for them. We are all hopeful that this will not be necessary!


In about the middle of the ultrasound, Dr. Cowles asked if we knew what we were having or if we wanted to know. We said we didn't know yet, but would like to if its possible. Baby was not so cooperative at first in this area, as the legs were crossed at the ankles and pulled up tight, but with some prodding, HE gave us a very clear view! Dr. Cowles said, "I'm thinking its a boy, lets try to get a better look." I looked at Scott and saw a grin from ear to ear! We are so excited, even two little girls who can't wait to dote and pick on and wrestle with their little brother! Bella and I are very ready to go shopping. Scott just wants to buy footballs and basketballs, but I don't think he'd be very happy to see his little boy dressed in pink. ha!


Now to come up with names. We briefly discussed boys names previously, but knowing both previous times that we were having a girl, we've never actually picked a boys name. When we talked a little earlier in the pregnancy, we decided we liked Jacob Edward, (Edward being Scott's Grandpa Snowbarger's middle name) but all you Twilight fans out there will know why we are not going to use that one! We would have Bella, Jacob, and Edward. I don't want people thinking we named our kids after the Twilight theme. I was looking at names last night again, and came across Emmett, which I also like, but again... Twilight cursed. So, we'll be on the hunt, and probably won't know until he is born, but if we do decide, we'll probably stick to our tradition and not tell names until then.

Oh, and for those of you who were wondering, I made them check early on to make sure there was only one baby in there! :)

16 weeks

I'm 16 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights: First, the great 'surprise' of this baby! And finding a doctor that I really like :)
When I was pregnant with Bianca, Bella nicknamed her Baby Sunshine because we always sang "You are my Sunshine." This time she's calling this baby, Baby Bumblebee, though I'm not sure why. Scott nicknamed Bella, Ebenezer, Ebby for short during pregnancy.

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 3 1/4 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 1 lb (Lost 4 lbs, gained 5 lbs)

Maternity Clothes: I'm starting to wear maternity jeans. I can still wear a couple pairs of jeans with a Bella band, since I can no longer button them! Still wearing regular shirts, mostly.

Gender: Still waiting to find out! I wasn't sure I wanted to know at first, but I can't wait to find out!

Movement: I started feeling movement sporadically around 13 weeks. Its getting stronger everyday, though it still catches me off guard sometimes.

Sleep: Is getting better. I had really bad insomnia at the beginning, but now I'm so tired I just sleep all night.

What I miss: My appetite. I'm not really hungry much, or I'm absolutely starving. And when I'm starving, I have no patience to cook!

Cravings: For a few weeks, it was Pepsi. Now.... well, I'm always up for a Big Mac Meal :)

Symptoms: The nausea is getting less and less. I have a runny nose all the time, and lower back pain. Among other things I won't embarrass myself with by posting on the internet!

Best Moment this week: Bianca doesn't get how long the pregnancy will be yet.... She asked if the baby was coming out of my tummy on Friday, and if it likes the shirt I am wearing. Ha! I also started crocheting a baby blanket, but I'm not sure if it will be for our baby or not. Guess we'll have to wait and see what Baby Bumblebee is first, a boy or a girl.

Medically: Due to a Factor II mutation (genetic, aka Prothrombin), I am on a baby aspirin daily, and had to see a perinatologist at 6 weeks. We'll be seeing the perinatologist next week as well.

Credits to Kelly @KellysKornerBlog for the format of this blog:)

Thankful to be Frazzled

I am a frazzled mother. I sit here listening to my 3 year old cry because suddenly she is starving at bedtime, I just reassembled 2 beds that were torn apart children who were 'playing', their bedroom is an organizer's dream (as in, they can't wait to get their hands on it), and I'm exhausted. And I think, what am I going to do when the baby is here? I need a plan of attack. How do mothers of large families do it?! THAT is what my mission has become: To find out how large families function.

I know that this is going to challenge me. I hate schedules. I'm creative, I like to do what sounds attractive at the time. I have a list usually in my head, but no apparent order to it. It drives my husband nuts. I like the freedom. But I need a routine. I think there is a difference. Routines are an order, schedules are locked in times to accomplish said activities. At least, that's what I tell myself to make me feel better.

I've been reading a new blog, Raising Arrows. It appeals to me. I have always been intrigued by the verse that talks about that verse in the Bible that talks of children being a blessing.

Psalm 127: 3-5 says,

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed,

But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Amy at Raising Arrows shares how her family of 5 children function and live life to the fullest in a small family world of thought. I am learning it is a great resource for multiple parts of our lives, from family life, to grieving the loss of a child, to homeschooling (yes, she homeschools all 5 children, she must be my hero!). I still haven't explored all of it, but have been checking it out often this weekend.

I started the beginnings of a routine (not a schedule, you see!) this morning, by having everyone up by 8 (my goal is 7), and dressed by 10 (we are easing into it!). We were doing really well until my pregnant self decided to remind me that I had been awake since 5:30, and was exhausted when, at 10:30 am, I had showered, fed everyone breakfast, started laundry (2 loads, in fact!), stripped and made a bed, bathed two giggling girls, and vacuumed a living room/hallway/dining room. That was when I decided it was time for some free play so Mommy could take a rest. One of those "I'm sleeping but I can still hear what's going on" kind of naps.

Then the day sort of went back to my "do what needs to be done at this very moment routine." And ended with children ripping clean, freshly washed sheets, feather bed, mattress cover, and foam pad off of my bed, while I thought they were playing so well in their own room. I almost lost it.

But then I remembered the sermon Pastor John shared yesterday, particularly the main verse.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

And I thought, "Its really hard to be thankful when I am irritated, Lord!" "I know," is the answer I heard in my heart. "Oh, so now you want me to be thankful that I have to put two children in time out and remake my bed?!" "Yes." Ouch.

You see, I have children and stuff to be frazzled over. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for a bed that has to be remade. I am thankful for giggling children. I will even be thankful that even after they were put in their rooms for tearing my bed apart, they tore their beds apart as well. I am thankful for children who love to take beds apart. (well, I will be, when I relax a little!)

After all the pregnancy troubles and losses I have been through, I know that these girls are two huge miracles in my life.

And I am thankful to just be a frazzled, hormone loaded, pregnant mother right now.