solofallop

no.182: mia's weight/height stats

31 days of Mia, Day 5.

Since I didn't keep up with writing about her checkups, here's the fun part of going to checkups! Weight, height, head circumference and bonus picture! And since I have them, I went ahead and threw in other weight checks in the beginning too.

Friday, November 11, 2011 {newborn, my first picture of her in recovery}
W: 8 lbs, 0 oz, H: 20.25 in, Head: 13.75 in

Saturday, November 12, 2011 {1 day old}
W: 7 lbs, 10 oz

 

Sunday, November 13, 2011 {2 days old}
W: 7 lbs, 7 oz

 

Monday, November 14, 2011 {3 days old}
W: 7 lbs, 6 oz

 

Saturday, November 19, 2011 {1 week, 1 day old}
W: 8 lbs, 2 oz

 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 {2 weeks, 4 days old}
W: 8 lbs, 9 oz

 

Thursday, December 15, 2011 {4 weeks, 6 days old}
W: 9 lbs, 14 oz, H: 22.50 in, Head: 14 in

 

Tuesday, January 17 {2 months}
W: 12 lbs., 5.8 oz, H: 23 in, Head: 14.5 in

 

Tuesday, March 13 {4 months}
W: 14 lbs, 8 oz, H: 24.875 in, Head: 15.25 in

 

Thursday, May 10 {6 months}
W: 16 lbs. 13 oz, H: 25.75 in, Head: 16 in

Want to see it as a chart? Here ya go!

no.181: reflux baby

31 days of Mia, Day 4.

(@15 weeks)

From the beginning, Mia was harder to nurse that Molly ever thought about being. She also didn't sleep as well, and come to find out, this was partly because of reflux. I felt like something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was.

After describing Mia's symptoms to her pediatrician at her 1-month check-up, dr. h. said that she had reflux. She said almost all babies have it, but some are much worse than others. She recommended we put her on Zantac, and said that she would grow out of it eventually (sometime between 4-9 months was typical).

Here are the symptoms she had:

• She used to nurse, and then gulp a lot, like she was trying to keep her milk down by swallowing it again.
• While nursing, she would latch, but then stop and pull away. Latch, pull away, latch, pull away.
• She also had hiccups a lot, deep ones that sounded painful.
• She spit up a lot. A lot. Where there was a Mia, there was a burp cloth.
• She was generally just cranky in the evenings, and I could tell something was bothering her.
• While sleeping at night, laying down flat, she would gulp and wake herself up and cry.
• She had a constant stuffy nose and sounded snotty all the time. (I found out later that this was from spitting up and getting in her nasal passage.)

I was not ready to give my newborn medicine, even if it was a prescribed med. I really, really didn't want to do it, but it was so obvious that she needed it. I trust our pediatrician, and I felt like she wouldn't have suggested it if Mia didn't really need it. After reading about reflux and talking to friends who used meds with their babies, I finally gave in about a week later.

And boy! Was I glad I did. After about 48 hours, I really felt like she was a different baby. I could tell that she was much more comfortable, and when she did sleep (ha!), it was a more sound sleep without all the gulping and gagging. Along with sleeping better, she spit up less, didn't have as many hiccups, etc. The latching and pulling away while nursing stopped immediately.

A few things we did/do:

• Zantac, twice a day, 15 minutes before feeding her
• She slept at an incline in one of these for the first 4.5 months of her life (until she could roll over and it wasn't safe for her to sleep in the pod anymore). Now that she can roll around, she almost always sleeps on her tummy or her side, even though I still position her on her back. (She flips immediately now.)
• After eating, we keep her upright for 20-30 minutes
• We try not to bounce or play much 30-45 minutes after she eats
• Smaller, more frequent meals. Since Mia is breastfed, this was her norm anyway.

She's been on Zantac for about 5 months now. I'm hopeful that we're at the tail end of the meds, and she won't be taking it much longer. She doesn't spit up nearly as much as she used to (although she has her days!). The Zantac doesn't keep her from spitting up, but it keeps it from hurting and burning when she does. Now that she can sit up on her own, and roll to her tummy when she sleeps, it's a million times better.

I'm definitely looking forward to a baby without meds. Definitely.

no.179: Mia's 6-month checkup

31 days of Mia, Day 2.

Mia had her 6-month checkup, and she was the hit of the office! Everyone always says what a sweet baby she is and how cute she is with her chunky thighs. I think she is, but I am definitely biased!

Weight: 16 lbs. 13 oz. (70th percentile)
Height: 25 3/4 inches (70th percentile)
Head Circumference: 16 inches

After the usual questions from dr. h., [are you still breastfeeding (yes), no formula? (no), any solids yet? (no), transferring objects between her hands (yes), sitting up unassisted (yes), rolling over (yes)], she checked her over and declared that she's perfect.

We talked about how she doesn't sleep through the night yet, and how I still nurse her at night when she wakes up. She said, "Do you want her to sleep through the night?" To which I replied, "Yes, but I don't want to let her cry." We both laughed, because our ped knows I'm not going to let a baby cry, and we both know that was her answer if I want her to start sleeping. I'd rather wait it out and nurse her if she wants. I figure she'll start sleeping through the night when she's good and ready. Until then, I'll just nurse her and rock her and drink my allotted amount of coffee in the morning.

She got three vaccinations (two shots, one oral), but took them like a champ. She screamed for about 3 seconds but stopped as soon as picked her up for a cuddle.

Next appointment: 9 months (in conjunction with Molly's 4-year checkup! What?! 4?!)

no.173: 34-week check-up

A little more than 5 weeks, and Mia Eloise will be here!

Another easy check-up today.

Appointment: 34-week
Blood pressure: 120/64
Weight: -2 lbs. (+9 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s
Measuring: 34 cm.

I didn't have any questions for the doctor today, so I don't have anything to post.

My next appointment is at 36 weeks, the day before I'm supposed to head to Nashville for a work trip. They will do the Group B strep test and check to make sure I'm not dilated. If I'm not dilated, I'm free to go to Nashville. If I am, I have to stay behind. I would really like to go, but I'm totally fine staying home too.

With Molly, I was fine with being pregnant up until the very end. I mean, I was uncomfortable, but okay with it. With Mia, I'm ready for her to be out. I am SO very uncomfortable, and I barely sleep at night. It's amazing the difference between having a breech baby (Molly) and one with her head down in my pelvic bone (Mia). Let's just say that I would take breech ANY day!

Mia is a very wiggly baby, just like her big sister. She also has hiccups all the time, just like her big sister. I'm very anxious to meet her and see what her personality is going to be! I hope she likes to sleep all the time, just like her big sister!

no.172: 32-week check-up

Another uneventful check-up, which I'm thankful for! I'm making my rounds to all the other doctors in the group. I saw dr. l. this time, and I really like her too. Since she's new in the practice, I'd never met her before.

Appointment: 32-week
Blood pressure: 112/70
Weight: +3 lbs. (+11 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 150s
Measuring: 32 cm.

Question I asked, Answer she gave:

Q: Do I need a flu shot?
A: Yes! We'll go ahead and get that done today.

After a shot and scheduling an appointment in 2 weeks, I was on my way in less than 30 minutes!

 

no.170: 24-, 28-, 29- and 30-week check-ups

(28-week baby belly)

Wow! Am I ever behind. If I don't get these written down, they will be lost forever! Here goes:

***

My 24-week check-up included my gestational diabetes test. I have to say, this was probably the worst prenatal appointment I've had to date. First of all, the appointment was at 8 a.m., which come to find out means that my nurse isn't there yet, and more importantly, neither is my phlebotomist.

You have to drink the sugary sweet drink an hour before your appointment, and there is a 15-minute window when they can take your blood. When I only had about 8 minutes left in that 15-minute window, I had to go find the nurse and tell her that I needed to get my blood drawn. She should have been on top of that, as I told her as soon as I got there what time the draw needed to be. Well, she then proceeds to stick me not once or twice, but FOUR times. She was finally able to get a vein in the top of my right hand. Needless to say, I was pretty much in tears by the time I finally got away from her. (She was also terrible at taking my blood pressure, and it was completely wrong. dr. k. took it again and it was fine.*)

The actual appointment was quick and to the point. I did complain to dr. k. about the nurse. I also told her had I known that my regular nurse and phlebotomist wasn't there until later, I would have gladly made the appointment later. We talked again about the likelihood of me failing the 1-hour test and having to come back for the 3-hour again. I was prepared for that, but then my nurse called the next day and I had passed the 1-hour! Yay!

Appointment: 24-week
Blood pressure #1: 128/88*
Blood pressure #2: 100/70
Weight: +4 lbs. (+4 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s

***

I don't remember much of anything about my 28-week check-up. I did see one of the other doctors in the practice to begin making my rounds to see everyone for this pregnancy. The chances of going into labor and one of the other doctors performing my c-section aren't very high, but they still want you to make your rounds. dr. w. is my second favorite in the group.

Question I asked, Answer dr. w. gave:

Q: I'm having pelvic pain all the time and hip pain during the night. Is that normal?
A: Yes. All normal. I can heal you in about 12 weeks!

Appointment: 28-week
Blood pressure: 110/78
Weight: +7 lbs. (+11 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s
Measuring: 28 cm.

***

You aren't supposed to have a 29-week appointment, but I was feeling really bad at work one morning and ended up having to go in that afternoon. I was dizzy, my chest was tight, my belly was tight, I had cramps and pelvic pain, just overall feeling bad. I thought it might be due to dehydration, and that's what it ended up being. I drank lots of water, and I felt amazingly better later in the evening. Imagine that. Drink water!

Appointment: 29-week
Blood pressure: 112/60
Weight: +0 lb. (+11 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s-150s

***

My 30-week appointment was super quick. I was in and out in about 20 minutes.

Questions I asked, Answers dr. k. gave:

Q: Would sitting on an exercise ball at work help with some of the pelvic pain I'm having?
A: It might help a little. You will probably have to alternate between the ball and your chair because the ball might make your back hurt. You can order a maternity belt and that might help some too. (I ordered one, we'll see!)

Q: I have a work trip in October, and I will be 36 weeks. Is a 4-hour car trip to Nashville okay?
A: It should be fine. Let's talk closer to 36 weeks, and I will check your cervix and make sure you aren't going into labor or anything right before you go.

Q: My hips are super painful at night, and I'm barely sleeping. Can I sleep propped up on my back?
A: As long as you aren't having any shortness of breath or headaches when you're on your back, it's fine.

Appointment: 30-week
Blood pressure: 100/60
Weight: -3 lbs. (+8 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 140s-150s
Measuring: 30 cm.

***

And that's how the past four appointments have gone! I'm writing this at 31-weeks, and I'm a bit in denial that a baby is coming in 9 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by, and I'm sure the next 9 weeks will be a blur as well. We are all super excited to meet her though, so I'm okay with it going by quickly (especially since I know I'll be able to sleep better once she gets here!).

Next appointment: 32 weeks!

no.167: another little girl! (and 20-week check-up)

What a fun morning! We got to see Scully and we found out that she's most definitely a girl!

Every ultrasound is just so amazing. I could lay there forever and look at the baby. Finding out the sex was just a small portion of the scan. They measured all of her pieces and parts to make sure they were all in the right place and growing correctly. Everything from her brain to her femur to her kidneys and heart and toes all looked perfect. It's such a relief to know that everything up until this point is looking good!

I was very surprised that it was a girl. I was 99% sure that it was a boy! Everyone pretty much thought it was a boy, other than Hanna and Molly. Doug was looking forward to balancing out some of the estrogen in our house, but alas, he just gets more. We are all very excited, including Doug!, and also very prepared for a girl since we have everything of Molly's safely packed away. We also don't have to redecorate the nursery or worry with a decision about circumcision. Everything is much easier this way, and I'm really happy that Molly will have a baby sister. Yay for sisters!

Now we just have to figure out a name. We can't call her Scully forever!

After the perinatal visit, I had my check-up with dr. k.

Appointment: 20-week
Blood pressure: 117/70
Weight: -1 lb. (+0 lbs. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 166
Baby's weight: 12 oz. (measured perfect at 20w1d)

We waited for almost an hour on dr. k. And then we saw her for maybe 3 minutes? She asked the normal questions: spotting (no), cramps (no), feeling the baby (yes). Since we didn't have any questions for her, it was quick!

Next appointment: July 25 (glucose test. yuck!)

no.165: 16-week check-up

I figured I better go ahead and blog my 16-week doctor's appointment since my 20-week appointment is next week!

Appointment: 16-week
Blood pressure: 114/68
Weight: +2.5 lbs. (+1 lb. total for the pregnancy)
Baby's heart rate: 150's

It was like most other prenatal appointments, pretty uneventful, which is fine with me! They did take blood for an alpha-fetoprotein test, which tests for spina bifida, among other things. My very favorite phlebotomist got it on the first stick, and she always does a little happy dance that makes me laugh. (It came back negative, good!)

dr. k. said that I should try to keep the weight gain to a minimum since I started out the pregnancy overweight. She said no more than 10 lbs. would be ideal. That was easy to stick with when I was pregnant with Molly because I lost almost 20 lbs. in the first 12 weeks from being so sick. This time, I don't have that wiggle room! We'll see how it goes, but so far, so good.

Questions I asked, Answers dr. k. gave:

Q: After exercising, I feel really crampy and I'm not sure if I'm doing too much?
A: Exercising is a catch-22 sometimes. It's good for you, but it can cause cramping in pregnancy too. Try to drink a lot of water while exercising, and it should help.

Q: I'm planning a trip to Minnesota for Labor Day. Can I fly at 30 weeks?
A: As long as everything is going well up until then, a 2.5 hour flight is fine.

That was pretty much it! They were able to schedule my c-section for 11/11/11 at noon! As long as the baby stays in there until then, s/he will have a cool birthday!

Next appointment: June 27 (anatomy scan! woo hoo!)

no.162: check-up (12 weeks)

We had our 12-week check-up today, and everything went great! We actually had two separate baby-related appointments. The first was at the perinatologist and the second with dr. k.

Because of my age (borderline advanced maternal age, yuck), dr. k. gave us the option of doing a 12-week Nuchal translucency screening. The screening accesses your risks for your baby to have Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. We agreed to do the testing for a couple of reasons. The first was we would get an extra ultrasound and would be able to see the baby and ensure everything was still going well. The second was we like to be prepared. If there are issues with our baby, we want to know as much as possible and be prepared to care for a child who would need extra care.

I can't even begin to explain how nervous I was about this ultrasound. It wasn't about having a Downs marker or not. It was about having a baby in there that was still growing and healthy. I was nervous when I was pregnant with Molly, but nothing like I am now. After our miscarriage last year, I don't take anything for granted.

Back to the scan, everything was perfect. It was amazing and wonderful to see our little baby in there. It no longer looks like a blob! It looks like a baby! The technician had a hard time getting all the measurements because s/he was such a wiggle worm. (I had just had a peanut butter and waffle sandwich and some apple juice.) And then when the doctor came in to check a couple of things, she couldn't get the baby to wake up. Typical, right? After a finger prick for a couple of blood tests, we were all set to go. We should have test results in about a week. Of course, the test results aren't a yes or no. They only give you a risk factor. We're looking for the factor to be better than what would be typical for my age (1 in 370).

And no, I don't have a picture. I am so disappointed! I should have gone back to ask the technician instead of the receptionist. Oh well. I won't leave my 20-week scan without one!

The appointments were back to back, so we headed over to dr. k.'s office, only to find out that my appointment had never been added to the schedule. Thankfully, I had an appointment card that clearly stated I should have been on the schedule. They worked us in, but seriously? It took two freaking hours. If you know anything about me, you know how much I hate to wait.

My blood pressure was good (110/70) and weight was good (down 2 lbs. from the last visit). Baby's heart rate was 154. dr. k. talked to us for about 10 minutes or so.

I only had one question for her:

Q: Sometimes when I get up from the floor or roll over in bed, there's a painful pulling feeling in my lower abdomen.
A: It's probably scar tissue from your previous c-section. Scar tissue doesn't really give.

After another blood draw, for the normal OB stuff at 12 weeks, we were finally able to get out of there. We tried to schedule the c-section again for 11/11/11, but alas, the OR still doesn't have pages in the schedule book for November. I was excited to find out that dr. k. will indeed be in town that week. At our last appointment, she said that she might be out due to a wedding. The wedding is the next week now, so we are in the clear! Yay!

Now that this appointment is over, and I got to see a tiny little baby dancing around in my belly, I can relax a little and not be so worried all the time. Hopefully.

Next appointment: 5/31/11

no.158: confirmation appointment

We had our confirmation appointment today, and we got to see this:

A tiny little baby, about the size of a blueberry, measuring just where s/he should be. 7w2d.

What a blessing. What a sweet, sweet blessing.

There was a tiny little flickering heart beat. It filled my heart with happiness and excitement!

There wasn't much to the appointment since I had my regular check-up just a couple of months ago. We talked to dr. k. for a while, told her we wanted another c-section (which she said was best), she told me I could have a publix sub if I wanted it (it's all I want!), told us about optional testing, and then did an ultrasound to date the pregnancy. Since I didn't ovulate until CD29, I knew I was 7w. According to my LMP, I could have been 9w. I knew I was right though, and of course, I was.

EDD: Nov. 13, 2011

You see that date up there? 11/13/11. With a c-section, that means I can schedule it. That means I want an 11/11/11 baby! Don't you think that would be the best birthday ever? I jokingly told dr. k. that I wanted to go ahead and schedule my c-section for 11/11/11. She told me to have her secretary call and see if they would book an OR this far in advance. Alas, the OR didn't have the calendar pages for November yet, but her secretary told me to keep reminding her every appointment and we will try to get it. I'm on a mission!

My main mission though? Keeping that little blueberry in my belly!