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.
Showing posts with label prothrombin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prothrombin. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
Monday, August 1, 2011
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.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Halfway - 20 weeks
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.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
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.
Friday, March 25, 2011
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! :)
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! :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
It's an Emotional Journey
I have a lot of emotions swirling around.
A few years ago when we experienced our third miscarriage, I decided to be honest about all of my feelings in dealing with that loss and the others. These previous losses cause much anxiety for me through my current pregnancy. As my morning sickness improves, my anxiety increases. I am 13 weeks pregnant, supposedly past the risk of miscarriage, but that really means nothing to me. Every week (well, nearly every week) I've asked the doctor, "Are we in the clear yet?" And as much as I love him, he is not giving me the answer I want to hear. And he can't. I know that. So I've stopped asking him. Instead, I've started asking the Great Physician to give me a peace and a calm to handle whatever comes our way. Really, I've been asking that all along. But every once in a while, Satan creeps in and starts planting doubt in my heart. Could I really handle 'it' again?
When we first learned of this pregnancy, for the first time I was the one who wasn't immediately excited. I was extremely anxious. Rather than imagining a brand new baby in my arms, I started asking myself, "Can I do this? Am I really ready to go through this again? What if I miscarry again?" and on and on. I remember saying to Scott that I did not feel ready for this again. More specifically, I remember seeing the excitement on his face and the questions in his eyes and asking, "Is it so wrong of me to not assume I will be holding a baby at the end of it all?" These are the emotions and feelings that I have to lay down at the feet of Christ nearly everyday.
Let me back up a little and say that this pregnancy was not something that we dreamed and thought about and planned. We knew we would have more children. We just didn't think it would be right now, due to our living situation and all of the changes we've experienced. So I didn't feel emotionally prepared prior to that immediate big fat positive pregnancy test. If you've read far enough back in this blog, you know that due to the discovery of my having Prothrombin, birth control is not much of an option for me, so I have been charting as described in "Taking Control of your Fertility" for the past 18 months. I was getting a little confident in that technique, and I believe Someone thought that I needed to be shown who was really in charge! Being off in my cycle by one day changed everything. So, though I won't say this was a 'surprise', it was definitely not a stop on our map right now! Now, as much as I do try to protect myself from the pain, Christ has shown me that this is my child, and I have loved it from day one. This child is deeply and truly loved, and I daydream of what it will be, who will it look like, what will life be like. But it wasn't our plan.
So I'm just at that weird spot in pregnancy for me, where everyone assumes I'm past the point of the risk of miscarriage, but I still have that fear. And I don't have the constant (somewhat reassurance of) morning sickness, but still not feeling movement yet. So we are still seeing the doctor every week and holding our breath and praying.
Also, a side note of something I'm thinking about.... I ran across an organization called Tiny Heartbeats. If you meet their qualifications, you will receive a doppler free of charge at 12 weeks pregnant. All they ask is that you return it within 10 days of giving birth to your child. Here is their description of themselves:
A few years ago when we experienced our third miscarriage, I decided to be honest about all of my feelings in dealing with that loss and the others. These previous losses cause much anxiety for me through my current pregnancy. As my morning sickness improves, my anxiety increases. I am 13 weeks pregnant, supposedly past the risk of miscarriage, but that really means nothing to me. Every week (well, nearly every week) I've asked the doctor, "Are we in the clear yet?" And as much as I love him, he is not giving me the answer I want to hear. And he can't. I know that. So I've stopped asking him. Instead, I've started asking the Great Physician to give me a peace and a calm to handle whatever comes our way. Really, I've been asking that all along. But every once in a while, Satan creeps in and starts planting doubt in my heart. Could I really handle 'it' again?
When we first learned of this pregnancy, for the first time I was the one who wasn't immediately excited. I was extremely anxious. Rather than imagining a brand new baby in my arms, I started asking myself, "Can I do this? Am I really ready to go through this again? What if I miscarry again?" and on and on. I remember saying to Scott that I did not feel ready for this again. More specifically, I remember seeing the excitement on his face and the questions in his eyes and asking, "Is it so wrong of me to not assume I will be holding a baby at the end of it all?" These are the emotions and feelings that I have to lay down at the feet of Christ nearly everyday.
Let me back up a little and say that this pregnancy was not something that we dreamed and thought about and planned. We knew we would have more children. We just didn't think it would be right now, due to our living situation and all of the changes we've experienced. So I didn't feel emotionally prepared prior to that immediate big fat positive pregnancy test. If you've read far enough back in this blog, you know that due to the discovery of my having Prothrombin, birth control is not much of an option for me, so I have been charting as described in "Taking Control of your Fertility" for the past 18 months. I was getting a little confident in that technique, and I believe Someone thought that I needed to be shown who was really in charge! Being off in my cycle by one day changed everything. So, though I won't say this was a 'surprise', it was definitely not a stop on our map right now! Now, as much as I do try to protect myself from the pain, Christ has shown me that this is my child, and I have loved it from day one. This child is deeply and truly loved, and I daydream of what it will be, who will it look like, what will life be like. But it wasn't our plan.
So I'm just at that weird spot in pregnancy for me, where everyone assumes I'm past the point of the risk of miscarriage, but I still have that fear. And I don't have the constant (somewhat reassurance of) morning sickness, but still not feeling movement yet. So we are still seeing the doctor every week and holding our breath and praying.
Also, a side note of something I'm thinking about.... I ran across an organization called Tiny Heartbeats. If you meet their qualifications, you will receive a doppler free of charge at 12 weeks pregnant. All they ask is that you return it within 10 days of giving birth to your child. Here is their description of themselves:
Tiny Heartbeats is a non profit organization for pregnant women. We provide fetal monitors to pregnant women who have previously been through fetal miscarriage, fetal demise, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirths, lost a child to complications from pregnancy, or those women in high risk pregnancies.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy, and a Question For YOU!
We have been very busy this week compared to most weeks. I have a feeling its a precursor of what's to come with my little social butterfly getting to be 6 years old! We signed Bella up for spring soccer through our church program, Bridges. She is SO excited about that. It will be starting in a few weeks. I guess Uncle Reed's efforts are coming to fruition... he gave her a soccer ball, I think as soon as she was born!
Anyhow, Monday night our church, Living Hope, was having a fundraiser at a local restaurant, so we of course had a reason to go out to eat. Also, Scott's sister, Jessica, returned to Hawaii after an extended visit, so we made it her going away dinner. Altogether there were 11 family members around one big table for dinner. It was fun!
On Tuesday, the girls and I went to a local high school basketball game to watch Scott's cousin, Addy, perform on the dance team. (Scott started working at Papa John's delivering pizzas this week, so he missed out!) We enjoyed the game (the score was low, but close all 4 quarters, but our team won), and got to spend some time with Aunt Jill and Uncle David, Sam, and Addy.
Today, I have another doctor appointment. Did I mention I love my doctor? I LOVE my doctor! (And he had high expectations to live up to, I absolutely loved my doctor in Indianapolis!) Due to my previous experiences with what is termed "missed" miscarriages, he asked me if I would like to come in every week. Ummm.... YES! So I've been in every week since around 5 weeks. Its usually only about 10 minute appointment, consisting of a blood pressure check and an ultrasound, though more recently he's been using the Doppler instead. (I forgot to mention yesterday exactly why I don't have to take the shots of Lovenox..... it's due to the fact that I nor anyone else in my family have had a blood clot, and that I only have one copy of the mutation.)
Also tonight there are church activities. Scott and I are taking a 2 week class called, "Finding your ministry heartbeat," and the girls love seeing all their friends and their teachers in their class. They also enjoy (mostly Bianca) that on Wednesdays, they are in the same class this year. Bianca is having some separation anxiety, so she likes having Bella with her. It makes leaving mama and daddy a little easier.
So, I am blogging again! I am very excited about that! I've wanted to do so over the past few months, but just didn't have the time to get it done. Now I'm making it a priority. So, I have a few questions for you! (I hear those groans!) Actually, only one. See, it's not so bad! How is this font working for you? Is it too hard to read? (oops, I had 2!) I think its really cute, but I don't want to hurt your eyes. I love, love, love the background, with the crochet and buttons! So cute! Oh, and I'll try to be a good blogger and get some pictures for you. I know that is what at least one certain aunt and Nina would like to see! Well, I'm off to get some children bathed and dressed, fed, and schooled! Wish me luck:)
Anyhow, Monday night our church, Living Hope, was having a fundraiser at a local restaurant, so we of course had a reason to go out to eat. Also, Scott's sister, Jessica, returned to Hawaii after an extended visit, so we made it her going away dinner. Altogether there were 11 family members around one big table for dinner. It was fun!
On Tuesday, the girls and I went to a local high school basketball game to watch Scott's cousin, Addy, perform on the dance team. (Scott started working at Papa John's delivering pizzas this week, so he missed out!) We enjoyed the game (the score was low, but close all 4 quarters, but our team won), and got to spend some time with Aunt Jill and Uncle David, Sam, and Addy.
Today, I have another doctor appointment. Did I mention I love my doctor? I LOVE my doctor! (And he had high expectations to live up to, I absolutely loved my doctor in Indianapolis!) Due to my previous experiences with what is termed "missed" miscarriages, he asked me if I would like to come in every week. Ummm.... YES! So I've been in every week since around 5 weeks. Its usually only about 10 minute appointment, consisting of a blood pressure check and an ultrasound, though more recently he's been using the Doppler instead. (I forgot to mention yesterday exactly why I don't have to take the shots of Lovenox..... it's due to the fact that I nor anyone else in my family have had a blood clot, and that I only have one copy of the mutation.)
Also tonight there are church activities. Scott and I are taking a 2 week class called, "Finding your ministry heartbeat," and the girls love seeing all their friends and their teachers in their class. They also enjoy (mostly Bianca) that on Wednesdays, they are in the same class this year. Bianca is having some separation anxiety, so she likes having Bella with her. It makes leaving mama and daddy a little easier.
So, I am blogging again! I am very excited about that! I've wanted to do so over the past few months, but just didn't have the time to get it done. Now I'm making it a priority. So, I have a few questions for you! (I hear those groans!) Actually, only one. See, it's not so bad! How is this font working for you? Is it too hard to read? (oops, I had 2!) I think its really cute, but I don't want to hurt your eyes. I love, love, love the background, with the crochet and buttons! So cute! Oh, and I'll try to be a good blogger and get some pictures for you. I know that is what at least one certain aunt and Nina would like to see! Well, I'm off to get some children bathed and dressed, fed, and schooled! Wish me luck:)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hello World! What have you been up to?
Well, here we are again. I have so much to tell you, and so few words to tell it in. Life has changed much since my last post in September. There were many things going on then, there are many things going on now. But at least I can talk about them now. Back then, I didn't feel that I could share much in a healthy way, so I just resisted sharing.
We now live in Kansas. Wow, never thought I'd say that one, but then, I'm learning that God has many surprises planned for our lives, and that they really shouldn't be surprising to me anymore! We're also living with my in-laws (see, there's another surprise!). We're homeschooling. And I'm pregnant (they just keep coming, don't they?!).
So let's break this down....
Living in Kansas... This one wasn't really hard when it came down to it. We felt called to do ministry in Pennsylvania. We also didn't feel that it would be our home forever, we just didn't know it would only be a year. It was a year filled with learning, new experiences, meeting some great people, and some difficult times. We couldn't wait to get a taste of life outside of the Midwest, only to learn that we really truly are Midwesterners through and through. Living out east gave us a new perspective and appreciation for living in the Midwest, near our families (mainly our parents). (We did have some family with 2-4 hours out east, which we really enjoyed) We realized that it is very important for us to be closer to our family, where our girls would enjoy knowing their aunts and uncles. It was hard to leave the relationships we formed in Pennsylvania, and even harder to know that what we were doing didn't make much sense to most people, but we knew in our hearts that it was the right move for our family, and that God was fully leading our lives.
Living with my in-laws.... Has been a blessing! Scott was feeling unsure of his next move in ministry, since the 'normal' thing for a youth pastor to do when you reach an undetermined age was to become a senior pastor, which was not in his calling. He still wishes to have a ministry, just not in the typical format of full time position. So he started job hunting. And that led to a few really good opportunities, of which I know there are people out there begging for, and for which we were very thankful. But they didn't seem to fit into our life. So we kept waiting and praying, and exploring. Thankfully, we were able to move into a few spare bedrooms at his parents' home. This allowed Scott to fully explore his interests and not feel as though he had to go out and get a J-O-B, but search for something he could really enjoy. One day we were walking through some model homes in nearby new neighborhoods, and Scott turned to me and said, "Man, I really wish I could get a job where I could just look at houses all the time." Well, duh?! Isn't that called a Realtor? And so, about 2 weeks later, I was married to a licensed Realtor of Keller Williams Realty (his name is Scott, have you met him?). I'm so proud of him for taking this new adventure. He is so excited about his job, and I, along with others, can see that he really enjoys helping others find their new home.
We're homeschooling... And we're all enjoying it. We went with Sonlight Kindergarten curriculum. I really like that it is literature based, so there are no textbooks, but lots of fiction and nonfiction reading. I've been supplementing the reading portions with some Hooked On Phonics, and I'm thinking of adding the Get Set for the Code books as well. Everyday is different for us, whether its our location, time, or subject. I try to change it up a bit to keep it interesting for the girls. While we're really only formally schooling Bella, Bianca is listening in and learning some of the same things as well.
I'm pregnant... God truly has a sense of humor. This was one surprise I really didn't see coming! Usually its Scott who is in denial for a few weeks, but it was definitely me this time. It doesn't make sense, we don't have room, we barely got insurance in time, but it is all working out. I know that God has a plan for this child, and I am in love with it. We have an awesome doctor, and I know that we are being taken care of well. I have been seen by a high risk doctor once, and the doctors concurred that I do not need the Lovenox shots as we thought previously would be required, but that a baby aspirin regimen would be sufficient. Recent studies have shown that the risks of having Factor 2 Mutation/Prothrombin is more for the mother due to the increased risk of blood clots during pregnancy, and not to the baby. (So, we still do not really know why I've had 3 miscarriages, we just know that I have this condition because they went looking for something.) That being said, I will see the high risk doctor at least one more time at around 16-17 weeks (in about 4 weeks). My due date is September 2nd.
Well, that is where we are right now. I would include some pictures, but Scott has them all with him right now, so that will wait til later. I'm also looking forward to sharing with you some projects on which I am working, mostly crochet items!
Oh, and if you need a good Realtor, or help finding one, contact Scott! (Shameless plug, I know:)
We now live in Kansas. Wow, never thought I'd say that one, but then, I'm learning that God has many surprises planned for our lives, and that they really shouldn't be surprising to me anymore! We're also living with my in-laws (see, there's another surprise!). We're homeschooling. And I'm pregnant (they just keep coming, don't they?!).
So let's break this down....
Living in Kansas... This one wasn't really hard when it came down to it. We felt called to do ministry in Pennsylvania. We also didn't feel that it would be our home forever, we just didn't know it would only be a year. It was a year filled with learning, new experiences, meeting some great people, and some difficult times. We couldn't wait to get a taste of life outside of the Midwest, only to learn that we really truly are Midwesterners through and through. Living out east gave us a new perspective and appreciation for living in the Midwest, near our families (mainly our parents). (We did have some family with 2-4 hours out east, which we really enjoyed) We realized that it is very important for us to be closer to our family, where our girls would enjoy knowing their aunts and uncles. It was hard to leave the relationships we formed in Pennsylvania, and even harder to know that what we were doing didn't make much sense to most people, but we knew in our hearts that it was the right move for our family, and that God was fully leading our lives.
Living with my in-laws.... Has been a blessing! Scott was feeling unsure of his next move in ministry, since the 'normal' thing for a youth pastor to do when you reach an undetermined age was to become a senior pastor, which was not in his calling. He still wishes to have a ministry, just not in the typical format of full time position. So he started job hunting. And that led to a few really good opportunities, of which I know there are people out there begging for, and for which we were very thankful. But they didn't seem to fit into our life. So we kept waiting and praying, and exploring. Thankfully, we were able to move into a few spare bedrooms at his parents' home. This allowed Scott to fully explore his interests and not feel as though he had to go out and get a J-O-B, but search for something he could really enjoy. One day we were walking through some model homes in nearby new neighborhoods, and Scott turned to me and said, "Man, I really wish I could get a job where I could just look at houses all the time." Well, duh?! Isn't that called a Realtor? And so, about 2 weeks later, I was married to a licensed Realtor of Keller Williams Realty (his name is Scott, have you met him?). I'm so proud of him for taking this new adventure. He is so excited about his job, and I, along with others, can see that he really enjoys helping others find their new home.
We're homeschooling... And we're all enjoying it. We went with Sonlight Kindergarten curriculum. I really like that it is literature based, so there are no textbooks, but lots of fiction and nonfiction reading. I've been supplementing the reading portions with some Hooked On Phonics, and I'm thinking of adding the Get Set for the Code books as well. Everyday is different for us, whether its our location, time, or subject. I try to change it up a bit to keep it interesting for the girls. While we're really only formally schooling Bella, Bianca is listening in and learning some of the same things as well.
I'm pregnant... God truly has a sense of humor. This was one surprise I really didn't see coming! Usually its Scott who is in denial for a few weeks, but it was definitely me this time. It doesn't make sense, we don't have room, we barely got insurance in time, but it is all working out. I know that God has a plan for this child, and I am in love with it. We have an awesome doctor, and I know that we are being taken care of well. I have been seen by a high risk doctor once, and the doctors concurred that I do not need the Lovenox shots as we thought previously would be required, but that a baby aspirin regimen would be sufficient. Recent studies have shown that the risks of having Factor 2 Mutation/Prothrombin is more for the mother due to the increased risk of blood clots during pregnancy, and not to the baby. (So, we still do not really know why I've had 3 miscarriages, we just know that I have this condition because they went looking for something.) That being said, I will see the high risk doctor at least one more time at around 16-17 weeks (in about 4 weeks). My due date is September 2nd.
Well, that is where we are right now. I would include some pictures, but Scott has them all with him right now, so that will wait til later. I'm also looking forward to sharing with you some projects on which I am working, mostly crochet items!
Oh, and if you need a good Realtor, or help finding one, contact Scott! (Shameless plug, I know:)
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