Another great doctor visit today for William and I! William is weighing in (according to the ultra-sound which can vary 1-2 pounds) at a nice 8 pounds and 6 ounces! The utlrasound tech told us that she was pretty sure according to Will's measurement that he would probably not weigh less than that, but a little more! The non-stress test showed great results. All in all, everything is great with William, Praise the Lord!
My blood pressure was excellent this morning. Dr. Heaton was very pleased with that and attributed it to my resting. The only discouraging news we received was that there has been no change in my cervix :( I just knew that because of this Dr. Heaton would cancel the induction. However, she didn't!
According to my doctor (who I absolutely love and trust), an induction at this point is the right thing to do because of the blood pressure issues I've been having. However inducing with a closed cervix poses several issues.
The first scenario we could be facing would be for Dustin and I to arrive at the hospital Wednesday night at 8:00. They would then insert cytotec and hopefully by Thursday morning my cervix will be changed, doctor comes in and breaks my water and boom-ba-da-bing, I'm ready to deliever...this is best case scenario!
Second scenario, we arrive Wednesday night, meds are given, my cervix does not change by Thursday morning, and she sends me home to wait until the next week to try again. :(
Third scenario, we arrive Wednedsday night, meds are given, my blood pressure goes way up, and I have no choice but to have a csection.
Fourth scenario, we arrive Wednesday night, meds are given, no change in my cervix, and she allows me the option to elect to have a csection instead of being sent home. (And yes, she did give us this option today.)
Lot's of information there I know! At this point, I'm really leading toward NOT wanting to have a csection unless I just have to because of my blood pressure. I'm just going to pray about this for the next couple of days that God will lead me in the right direction on what decision to make (IF we are faced with a decision to make). Dustin has told me that the decision is really up to me, and Dr. Heaton agreed.
So, I guess Mr. William Michael Tucker is keeping his arrival a secret...we may or may not meet him Thrusday...guess we just have to wait and see what this little bundle decides he wants to do! One thing is for sure though, Wednesday night at 8:00 pm, Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Tucker will be checking into St. Vincents and HOPEFULLY Thursday we will have our baby boy in our arms!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
So Fresh and So Clean, Clean!
Ahhh....I love the smell of clean house! Last night, two sweet friends of our family came over and cleaned our house from top to bottom! They cleaned baseboards and even moved the bed and got all the dust bunnies out from behind it! It was so nice and something that I have been itching to do, but just couldn't because of the doctor's instructions to rest.
On top of that, Aunt Lauren paid us a visit today too. She put fresh sheets on our bed, did some laundry for us, and organized an entire kitchen cabinet for Will's bottles, cups, and feeding supplies!
I've never felt so pampered in all my life! It's awesome!
William and I have definitely been resting this week. My blood pressure shot up a little earlier today while I was just resting, BUT I laid on my left side for a while, and it's come back down so all is good. I'm feeling more contractions, but there's nothing in a regular pattern. All in all, I am feeling pretty good. I really think coming out of work has helped SO much. There are times when I still feel tired, but it is nothing like the way I felt when I was trying to work carrying baby Will around with me all day. I do think about my classes and my teacher pals everyday though!
I just wanted to take a moment to update everyone. Have a great day!
Julie
On top of that, Aunt Lauren paid us a visit today too. She put fresh sheets on our bed, did some laundry for us, and organized an entire kitchen cabinet for Will's bottles, cups, and feeding supplies!
I've never felt so pampered in all my life! It's awesome!
William and I have definitely been resting this week. My blood pressure shot up a little earlier today while I was just resting, BUT I laid on my left side for a while, and it's come back down so all is good. I'm feeling more contractions, but there's nothing in a regular pattern. All in all, I am feeling pretty good. I really think coming out of work has helped SO much. There are times when I still feel tired, but it is nothing like the way I felt when I was trying to work carrying baby Will around with me all day. I do think about my classes and my teacher pals everyday though!
I just wanted to take a moment to update everyone. Have a great day!
Julie
Monday, April 18, 2011
37 Week Update....Lots to Update!
After seeing my doctor this morning I feel a 100% better just about everything! I had really been worried and nervous about the blood pressure issues I was having. I've always had excellent blood pressure and so this was all new to me. I knew that blood pressure at any point is nothing to play around with, especially in a pregnant woman. I saw what my sister went through when she experienced preclampsia with her first delivery (Jana with Alex), and I know how scary it can be. I've been resting all week and weekend and noticed that my blood pressure would elevate up into the 140/90's and then regulate down in to the 130/mid 80's. I've been laying on my left side often because that always helps.
Today I found out that I have NO protein in my urine and all my blood work from last week came back clear. That was really great news! Those are both signs of preclampsia so the fact that I'm clear of those things are great. The doctor believes I have developed gestational hypertension (just high blood pressure with pregnancy). She also confirmed that with this it is normal to have blood pressure readings that are up and down. The doctor has asked me to monitor my blood pressure and if it gets higher than the 140's/mid to upper 90's I'm supposed to call to let the doctor know. The doctor has not put me on "bed rest" per say, but has stressed how important it is for me to rest and do minimal activities. She said no walks or major housework right now and asked me to limit my errands for this week. Because of the blood pressure issue, the doctor has scheduled an induction for Thursday, April 28! However, Dr. Heaton did stress that she can and may cancel this if my cervix is still closed next Monday. As of today I was still only 75% thinned and no dilation. She says inducing with closed cervix would increase my chances of a c-section, so depending on my blood pressure and cervix will really determine if we will get to go through with the induction. If my blood pressure is still rising, we will more than likely go through with it though. We will find out for sure on Monday at our next appointment! Oh, but if we do have our boy next Thursday (the 28th), William will be born on my Cousin Andy and Best Friend Lacey's Birthday. Pretty awesome, I thought!
The other part of the appointment today that really gave me some peace of mind was the non-stress test they gave me and William. The non-stress test monitor's William's heartbeat, movement, and my contractions (if I'm having any). It was so awesome to sit back in the recliner in this little room, Dustin by my side, and listen to William's heartbeat for 20 mins. Dr. Heaton was very pleased with the results! She said she was even more confident now that we had a healthy boy....music to my ears!!! She also told us that the results showed that I did have a contraction while the monitor was on. She was very pleased with that. We will have this test each appointment now because of the blood pressure issues.
We go back Monday to see Dr. Heaton for our 38 week appointment. We will also have another non-stress test on the baby and next week we finally get the ultra sound to see how big our boy is going to be!
I know that I had told several friends and family members that I was really hoping the doctor would just put me in the hospital and induce me at this appointment today.... I would've been totally fine with that, BUT I'm really happy that we are waiting. I've just been so worried this past week about my blood pressure and how it's affecting William that my answer to solve the problem was to just have the baby! I'm assuming that since I'm a first time mom and this is my first pregnancy, all the worry is normal. The unknowns are so scary to me. I really feel at peace after today though, and that's really all I needed. I'm going to enjoy this last week and half I have before becoming a mommy. I've scheduled a prenatal massage for tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it! My SIL (sister-in-law) has come into town to help me with any errands, housework or just whatever I may need this week. My mom and MIL are just phone calls away if I need them, and Dustin has been really wonderful helping out too!
It looks like everything is really falling into place. I couldn't be more content right now. =)
Today I found out that I have NO protein in my urine and all my blood work from last week came back clear. That was really great news! Those are both signs of preclampsia so the fact that I'm clear of those things are great. The doctor believes I have developed gestational hypertension (just high blood pressure with pregnancy). She also confirmed that with this it is normal to have blood pressure readings that are up and down. The doctor has asked me to monitor my blood pressure and if it gets higher than the 140's/mid to upper 90's I'm supposed to call to let the doctor know. The doctor has not put me on "bed rest" per say, but has stressed how important it is for me to rest and do minimal activities. She said no walks or major housework right now and asked me to limit my errands for this week. Because of the blood pressure issue, the doctor has scheduled an induction for Thursday, April 28! However, Dr. Heaton did stress that she can and may cancel this if my cervix is still closed next Monday. As of today I was still only 75% thinned and no dilation. She says inducing with closed cervix would increase my chances of a c-section, so depending on my blood pressure and cervix will really determine if we will get to go through with the induction. If my blood pressure is still rising, we will more than likely go through with it though. We will find out for sure on Monday at our next appointment! Oh, but if we do have our boy next Thursday (the 28th), William will be born on my Cousin Andy and Best Friend Lacey's Birthday. Pretty awesome, I thought!
The other part of the appointment today that really gave me some peace of mind was the non-stress test they gave me and William. The non-stress test monitor's William's heartbeat, movement, and my contractions (if I'm having any). It was so awesome to sit back in the recliner in this little room, Dustin by my side, and listen to William's heartbeat for 20 mins. Dr. Heaton was very pleased with the results! She said she was even more confident now that we had a healthy boy....music to my ears!!! She also told us that the results showed that I did have a contraction while the monitor was on. She was very pleased with that. We will have this test each appointment now because of the blood pressure issues.
We go back Monday to see Dr. Heaton for our 38 week appointment. We will also have another non-stress test on the baby and next week we finally get the ultra sound to see how big our boy is going to be!
I know that I had told several friends and family members that I was really hoping the doctor would just put me in the hospital and induce me at this appointment today.... I would've been totally fine with that, BUT I'm really happy that we are waiting. I've just been so worried this past week about my blood pressure and how it's affecting William that my answer to solve the problem was to just have the baby! I'm assuming that since I'm a first time mom and this is my first pregnancy, all the worry is normal. The unknowns are so scary to me. I really feel at peace after today though, and that's really all I needed. I'm going to enjoy this last week and half I have before becoming a mommy. I've scheduled a prenatal massage for tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it! My SIL (sister-in-law) has come into town to help me with any errands, housework or just whatever I may need this week. My mom and MIL are just phone calls away if I need them, and Dustin has been really wonderful helping out too!
It looks like everything is really falling into place. I couldn't be more content right now. =)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ugh, Blood Pressure....Yay, Maternity Leave!
When Dustin and I first found out I was pregnant my goal was to work up until about a week before William was due. Within the last two weeks, I realized that goal was not one that I would reach! I had planned for Friday to be my last day of work; however, my blood pressure had other plans for me!
It seems that today was my last day in my classroom until August =) My blood pressure was a nice 136/98 when the school nurse checked it today at lunch. I called my doctor and was sent home to elevate my feet, rest, relax, place a cold rag on my head and hope and pray that my blood pressure would come down. IT DID! Within 2 hours of resting my blood pressure was back to normal at 120/79.
I've decided that I'm not going to take any chances with William or myself, and so I'm beginning my maternity leave today. I honestly think that William will be here before we know it, so it's the best decision for us and my classroom.
I didn't really get to say goodbye to my kids today because this was unexpected. I really hate that too. My students have been SO wonderful this semester. I know that I will love being home especially when my William arrives, but I know that I'm definitely going to miss my classes. I also didn't really get to say goodbye to my teacher pals, but I know that I'll see and hopefully talk to them again before August! I want to say a big "thank you" to Dr. Early for driving me home today. Also, a big "thank you" to Mr. Murphy for finding someone to cover my classes for the rest of the day as well! I will keep everyone at the school updated, and hopefully William and I will get to visit everyone before the end of May when school is out.
Such a bitter-sweet little moment today!
And for one last time this semester... GO PANTHERS!!!! (William says so too)
It seems that today was my last day in my classroom until August =) My blood pressure was a nice 136/98 when the school nurse checked it today at lunch. I called my doctor and was sent home to elevate my feet, rest, relax, place a cold rag on my head and hope and pray that my blood pressure would come down. IT DID! Within 2 hours of resting my blood pressure was back to normal at 120/79.
I've decided that I'm not going to take any chances with William or myself, and so I'm beginning my maternity leave today. I honestly think that William will be here before we know it, so it's the best decision for us and my classroom.
I didn't really get to say goodbye to my kids today because this was unexpected. I really hate that too. My students have been SO wonderful this semester. I know that I will love being home especially when my William arrives, but I know that I'm definitely going to miss my classes. I also didn't really get to say goodbye to my teacher pals, but I know that I'll see and hopefully talk to them again before August! I want to say a big "thank you" to Dr. Early for driving me home today. Also, a big "thank you" to Mr. Murphy for finding someone to cover my classes for the rest of the day as well! I will keep everyone at the school updated, and hopefully William and I will get to visit everyone before the end of May when school is out.
Such a bitter-sweet little moment today!
And for one last time this semester... GO PANTHERS!!!! (William says so too)
Monday, April 11, 2011
36 Week Update =)
Dustin and I just got home from my 36 week doctor appointment! All went well, except a little issue with my blood pressure.
My blood pressure was a little high when the nurse first took it. She asked if I had been swelling any lately, and I told her yes, but the swelling always goes down by the morning. When Dr. Heaton got into the room, she retook my blood pressure (since I had been sitting for a while), and it was better, but still a tench elevated. She told me that there was no protein in my urine, but she still wanted to do some labs to be on the safe side. She urged me to try and take it easy, especially when I came home from work. She instructed me not to do any heavy housework and to rest! I explained that Friday would be my last day of work and then my maternity leave would start. She was very happy to hear that! She even said she wouldn't mind if I came on out of work before Friday, but I'm not going to do that. I really need to make it to this Friday!
William's heartbeat was 144. I'm also 75% thinned, but no dilation just yet! I'm still measuring about a week ahead. Dr. Heaton said that next week we'll try to figure out how big William is going to be. Oh and I'm pretty sure I felt my first contraction today too! It was intense and made me a little nauseated.
My next appointment is Monday. I'll be 37 weeks and full term =)
My blood pressure was a little high when the nurse first took it. She asked if I had been swelling any lately, and I told her yes, but the swelling always goes down by the morning. When Dr. Heaton got into the room, she retook my blood pressure (since I had been sitting for a while), and it was better, but still a tench elevated. She told me that there was no protein in my urine, but she still wanted to do some labs to be on the safe side. She urged me to try and take it easy, especially when I came home from work. She instructed me not to do any heavy housework and to rest! I explained that Friday would be my last day of work and then my maternity leave would start. She was very happy to hear that! She even said she wouldn't mind if I came on out of work before Friday, but I'm not going to do that. I really need to make it to this Friday!
William's heartbeat was 144. I'm also 75% thinned, but no dilation just yet! I'm still measuring about a week ahead. Dr. Heaton said that next week we'll try to figure out how big William is going to be. Oh and I'm pretty sure I felt my first contraction today too! It was intense and made me a little nauseated.
My next appointment is Monday. I'll be 37 weeks and full term =)
Friday, April 8, 2011
30 days from today...
We really have no idea what our future holds, BUT today is April 08, 2011 and our baby is due on May 08, 2011.
Dustin and I have 30 days until our 1 year anniversary AND 30 days until the arrival of our baby boy William Michael Tucker.
However, it's really hard to be excited today because I know that my friend is hurting so much. My heart is broken for you Crystal and Brandon. I will continue to lift you both up in this devastating time. My prayers are with you!
We may not know what our tomorrow holds, BUT AT LEAST WE KNOW WHO HOLDS OUR TOMORROW!
With all my love,
Julie
Dustin and I have 30 days until our 1 year anniversary AND 30 days until the arrival of our baby boy William Michael Tucker.
However, it's really hard to be excited today because I know that my friend is hurting so much. My heart is broken for you Crystal and Brandon. I will continue to lift you both up in this devastating time. My prayers are with you!
We may not know what our tomorrow holds, BUT AT LEAST WE KNOW WHO HOLDS OUR TOMORROW!
With all my love,
Julie
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