A good report

We got a great report at the doctor yesterday.  I have made no progress since last week!  I’m still 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced, the exact same as last Monday.  My doctor said I might just be one of those people who “fakes” going into labor, and apparently I’m a good faker because I had everyone in the office worried.  Now I’ll just have to take the medicine until this Friday, which will put us at 36 1/2 weeks.  At that point they won’t try to stop labor if it starts.  Woo-hoo!  The crazy thing is that there is only a 5% chance that I’ll actually go into labor right after stopping the medicine, so it could still be another month or so before she gets here.  My doctor said they’ve even ended up inducing patients in my situation after they go past their due date.  Oh brother. 

I’ll get to go back to work next Monday until I go into labor.  Hopefully I’m not at school when that happens...can you imagine?!?  I’m glad I’ll get to go back, though, because I would go stir crazy sitting around for another month.  Our bags are packed for the hospital, the car seat is in the car, all of the baby gear is set up – as you can tell, there’s really nothing left for me to do but wait.  It will be a lot easier to do that if I have something to do each day!

Thank you all for your prayers during this week!  We really appreciate them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So I take that back…

In my last post, I ended it by saying, “All we need is a baby.”  Technically I didn’t mean that we needed a baby this week, but apparently Haidyn had other plans for us. 

On Monday we went in for our regular appointment - 34 weeks, 6 days.  I thought things were just peachy and had a list of random questions to ask the doctor that I thought I'd ask and he'd tell me we were fine and we'd be out of there in 15 minutes.  The nurse asked if I had been having any contractions, and I was like, "Well, yeah, those Braxton Hicks ones a lot, but they don't hurt.  It's no big deal."  She decided to have my doctor examine me just to make sure everything was okay.  Well, good things she did because I was dilated 2 cm and having contractions every 3 1/2 minutes!   They sent us up to labor and delivery – not where I was expecting to go that day - where I was hooked up to more monitors.  They decided to give me a shot that would stop contractions, and it worked right away.  After about 45 minutes, they gave me the same medicine orally because the shot only lasts an hour.  Since I was responding so well to the medicine, we got to come home and I am supposed to take the medicine every 6 hours for the next two weeks.  I’m also not allowed to go back to work until after Thanksgiving.  My doctor's concern is that Haidyn's lungs aren't fully developed, so he wants her to stay put until 37 weeks (which is considered full term.) 

I went back to the doctor today, where they hooked me up to the monitors to watch for contractions.  When I first got there it had been 5 1/2 hours since I took the medicine, and I was having a few contractions.  They weren't very strong but were coming fairly consistently - and apparently the problem is when they are consistent.  So they had me take another pill, and the contractions immediately stopped.  So the great news is that the medicine is working!!  The doctor said it's okay for us to go to our childbirth class on Saturday, since it's at the hospital, and that makes me feel better.  I kept telling all the nurses on Monday that I can't go into labor because I haven't been to class, yet.  They just laughed and told me in the "olden days" there was no class and women did just fine.  Easy for them to say!  We'll also go back to see my doctor on Monday and see how things are going. 

At this point our goal is for me and Haidyn to make it to 36 weeks.  Once we make it to 36 weeks, our new goal will be to make it to 37.  At 37 weeks, I’ll stop taking the medicine and just let my body do whatever it’s going to do.  Knowing my luck, I'll do this for 2 weeks and then Haidyn will decide to stay put for another month or so!  Wouldn't that just be the luck?!?  We think she's already a little bit bossy.

So I'm here at home, trying to keep my legs up and relax!  It's honestly not as bad as I thought it would be, since I'm not on full bed rest.  But I’m not going to lie, I usually don’t sit still for more than 10 minutes at a time, so this is new to me.  I'm supposed to stay off my feet as much as possible and not do anything physical.  I’m going to do my parent-teacher conferences over the phone tomorrow and continue trying to get my long-term sub up to speed on everything through email.  Luckily I got my room cleaned up and organized a couple weeks ago, but she still hadn’t been in to observe.  I’m just so thankful to have her and to know my students are in wonderful hands!  I’m sure she will be fine, and so will my students.  They are such a great group of kids…I think it’s going to be harder on me to be away from them than for them to have a new teacher.  Letting go, letting go…

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!  We appreciate any prayers for Haidyn to grow strong and have fully-developed lungs in time for her birth.  I’ll keep you all updated.  Hopefully it will be a little bit longer before Bossy Pants Haidyn makes her debut! 

Haidyn’s Room

We’ve been busy working on Haidyn’s room, and I think we are finally ready for her to get here!  There are still a few little things I’d like to do, but in talking with my friends, I’m realizing it doesn’t ALL have to be done before she gets here.  At least the big stuff is done.  I absolutely love the way it turned out – it’s everything I imagined it would be and makes me so happy.  I’m incredibly grateful to my mom’s best friend, Michelle, who made the beautiful bedding.  When my mom got sick, one of my first thoughts was, “Well, great.  Now my kids are going to have to have store bought crap!”  I realize that’s totally irrational and so stupid, but my mom was the most amazing seamstress and decorator.  I’d always dreamed that we would decorate my baby’s room together.  Then Michelle stepped in to help, and it meant the world to me.  It must’ve been hard for her to take on this project, and I will forever think of her when I look at Haidyn’s room. 

Jonathan has been a trooper and has done way more than anyone should…he found someone to take the texture off the walls, helped me measure, tape and paint the stripes, put up crown molding and new baseboards, and even scheduled new carpet to be put in.  My dad and sister have also been a huge help.  Sarah helped me find everything and get it all put together – we think mom would be proud of our hot gluing and semi-sewing skills. :)  And my dad helped Jonathan hang the big stuff.  It’s definitely been a family effort to make this room beautiful, and I’m so excited to tell Haidyn about everyone who helped make her room a nice place to live!

 

Sarah and I found this sign at Hobby Lobby.  My mom used to sing this song to us.  Honestly I can barely look at it without getting emotional; but I want Haidyn to know everything about her grandma, and this is one of my favorite memories of her.  Sarah brought my mom’s sewing machine up in October and taught me everything she knew about using it.  I made the table topper and lampshades with the help of the sewing machine and a glue gun.I also made two basket liners.  This one is for books…of course Miss Haidyn will be hearing tons of books.  That’s what you get when your mom is a teacher! 

My sweet friends made the ‘H’ and my sister made the bulletin board.  We combined them so there is plenty of space for bows.  Think she has enough?!?

I wanted to make curtains, but Sarah helped me realize what a big undertaking that would be.  We found these at Lowe’s, and Sarah added the glitz at the top.  I love how they turned out.

Now all we need is a baby!

32 Weeks (October 26, 2010)

We had our 32 week appointment on October, 26th.  This was also our last ultrasound until we meet Haidyn!  The ultrasound tech said that everything is looking great.  She checked her brain, her 4-chamber heart, the amniotic fluid, and even measured her femur to see how big she was.  She was weighing in at 4 pounds!  I even asked her to double check that she was in fact a girl (seeing how her room is pretty much finished), and she confirmed that she is.  After the ultrasound, we went back to the waiting room to wait for our appointment with the LPN (since our doctor was out that day.)  While we were waiting, I started thinking back to what I had read that week in my pregnancy book.  I *thought* it said that the baby would start gaining a pound a week from this point on.  Now I realize I only teach 1st grade math, but with 8 more weeks to go, that adds up to a 12 pound baby.  I was panicked.  I started sweating bullets and wiping my sweaty palms all over Jonathan’s jeans.  He kept telling me to relax and he was sure that wasn’t the case, but how does he know?  And it’s all fun and games to someone who just gets to watch the delivery.

Luckily after meeting with the nurse – who is hilarious and totally tells you like it is -  she informed us that it is ME who will gain the pound a week from now on and Haidyn will only gain about 1/2 of that.  She said we are on track for a 7 or 7 1/2 pound baby.  Now that’s more like it.  And I’ve learned to read a little bit more carefully…

We are so thrilled and thankful for a healthy baby girl.  After all the trying to get pregnant, doctors appointments where we heard bad news, drugs, shots, and treatments, we couldn’t be happier. 

I had to take pictures of these pics, so they’re not the best.  But here’s one last look at our little one before she arrives:

Looking down at her face

  Profile with her hand up by her forehead

Showered With Love

We have been completely overwhelmed by all the love and support we’ve received recently.  The end of October was filled with several showers, and we are so thankful to everyone who has helped us prepare for Haidyn’s arrival and have made us feel so special.  We truly appreciate everyone’s help during this exciting time!

Couple’s Shower

Jonathan’s sister, Sarah, and her husband, Dave, threw us a couple’s shower at their house.  It was so nice and so much fun to see everyone.

The darling (and delicious) cake and cookies

Not only was there a yummy white cake and cookies, but Sarah was nice enough to make Jonathan’s favorite carrot cake.  We were so spoiled! 

I was so glad some of my family could make it!  Sarah (Aunt SES), my Aunt Mary, my cousin Alison and her son James, all made the drive to St. Louis to be with us.

Kylie and Aunt SES came up from Owasso to spend the weekend with us.  I had so much fun and stayed up WAY too late both nights chatting!  I just love these girls! 

Jonathan’s parents came up to help with the shower and celebrate with us.  Sarah with Joseph, Jonathan with Samuel, me, Judy, Dave and Mike.  Thank you all for the great party!  We loved it! 

We were also thrilled that Jonathan’s grandpa, Zayde, Uncle Izzy and Aunt Kay, and Aunt Riva all made the trip from Kansas City.  It was so nice to see them, and we were honored that they came.

It’s hard to believe we’re going to be parents in a few weeks.  I’m so thankful for a wonderful husband.  He’s been absolutely incredibly through all this, even when I cry for no reason!

With Aunt SES

Some of the sweet girls who came…Michelle, Kim, Heather, me, Missy and Lindsay

Hanging out and catching up

Samuel and Alexander were super helpful when it came time to open gifts

My mom made this doll for my cousin, Alison, and she wanted Baby Haidyn to have it now.  What a special gift!  We will treasure it always.

Samuel tried on one of Haidyn’s headbands.  Lookin’ good!

Dave showed Jonathan how to use his new Bugaboo “manly” diaper bag

Aunt Kay made Haidyn this beautiful quilt

I thought this picture was so cute…Sarah and Samuel played on her iPhone for a long time.  I’m not sure who won more games...Samuel is pretty good! 

Henry Shower

My amazing friends from school have been so wonderful throughout this whole process.  They’ve been there through all the difficulties in trying to get pregnant, to pick me up and put me back together when I lost a baby earlier last year, and they have been more than excited for Haidyn’s arrival this year.  Sometimes I compare working at Henry to being back in the Theta house…it’s a big building filled with wonderful people who love and care for you like family.  I am so thankful to have such a wonderful support system!

Earlier in October my teammates – Stacie, Jackie and Kristie -  had desserts at school for everyone to celebrate.  A few weeks later they also threw a fun after school shower for some of my close friends.  We ate tons of food, laughed hard, and had a great time catching up.  I just love my teammates and don’t know what I’d do without them!

Some work friends…Beth, Jackie, Bridget, me, Kristie, Stacie and Lisa

The yummy cake

More yummy treats  

Kristie is super creative and always comes up with fun ideas.  I loved this idea for guests, since almost everyone I work with has kiddos! 

Jonathan’s Work Shower

The sweet people that Jonathan works with also threw us a baby shower after work one day.  This shower was by far the most entertaining!  Now, I just want to preface this by saying how incredibly thankful I am for everyone for their support and advice and for helping us prepare for this baby.  I know we could never do it alone!  With that being said, there are some funny stories to share about this one…

First, Belinda made everyone go around and give “speeches.”  This ended up being one long speech given by Belinda in which she told everyone that she was so glad so “prophesied” and did NOT “prophilie” that Jonathan and I would have a baby before the end of the year.  (She’s the same person who sprinkles people with holy water when they get into arguments at the office.  Seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted to.)

Later we opened gifts.  The best gift was given to us by Jay.  He told me when I walked in that day that he couldn’t find any baby wrapping paper, so he just used Hanukah paper.  That’s totally fine with me – the Teals celebrate Hanukah, you know.  However I had no idea it was going to be a box the size of a refrigerator covered in blue and gold menorahs.  When I opened it up, this is what I found:

I wasn’t sure exactly what to say, so I said, “Oh, Jay!  It’s so beautiful!” to which he replied, “Yes.  I’m going to need it back.”  I’m speechless at this point.  We now affectionately refer to this as our Big Fat Greek Bassinet.  Jay made it 30 years ago when he goddaughter was born.  Now he changes out the ribbon for each birth in the family and passes it on.  I am honored that he thinks highly enough of us to share this lovely family heirloom, but I’m a tad bit worried about safety.  For now it is in our basement…

And finally, before we could leave, all of Jonathan’s co-workers decided to start a pool for the delivery date.  He employs several black telemarketers who decided to start asking me questions about my level of activity and other randomness.  Then they decided that since it’s my first child and that I’m not “active,” I would be delivering late.  As in January 15, 2011.  YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.  This is the point of the party when I almost lost it.  First of all, I’m on my feet all day chasing around 6-year-olds.  I have also been doing my pre-natal yoga and walking.  Okay, so I don’t walk as much as I did in the beginning, but give me a break!  It’s tough going up those hills these days.  And if they think I’m keeping this baby inside of me until next year, they’ve got another thing coming!!!  It was an interesting evening, to say the least.  But overall we’ve had some good laughs about the whole thing and truly, truly appreciated everything everyone did for us!  Here are a few more pictures from the shower:

      

Thanks to everyone who has helped us get ready for this baby.  We are so incredibly blessed!  We can’t wait for Haidyn to meet all of you.  She’s one lucky little girl!

Trip to Oklahoma

Jonathan and I headed back to Oklahoma during the weekend of October 15th.  I was there for Jill’s baby shower, but as luck would have it, I also got to meet Megan’s sweet baby boy while I was there!  It was very convenient of him to be born on the 15th.  He must’ve known his Aunt LaLa would be in town.  I alsogot to hang out with my dad and sister, which is always nice.  Jonathan had a few business meetings and enjoyed seeing some friends.  We also saw part of the TU Homecoming game and enjoyed spending some time with his parents.  It was a very busy weekend, but we were so glad to make the trip back to see everyone.  Here are some highlights of the trip:

Meeting Baby Karsten

Sweet Baby Karsten, born 10.15.10

   Proud Daddy, Drew

 Karsten’s mommy, Megan.  I’m so thankful to get tons of advice from Megan.  She’s just the best mom and makes it all look so easy!  I’m glad I have her to lean on. :)

I just love those sweet little toes!

On Saturday we had a fun shower for Jillian.  We are all so excited to meet Baby Woods and find out if it’s a boy or girl!  It’s literally killing us not to know, but we’re trying to be supportive friends. :)

  Some decorations

Megan made these gifts…days before she gave birth.  What a woman!

Mrs. Bonner, Nancy (grandma-to-be), Jill (mommy-to-be) and Linda (grandma-to-be) playing a game

 Opening a gift from Monica (aunt-to-be)

And the cutest party guests:

 

Baby Jaxson Fox

Baby Ryan Eve

I just love this time in our lives when we get to watch our friends become parents and grow their families.  It’s so exciting, and I feel blessed to be sharing this experience with so many wonderful people.  Here’s to babies in 2010!