What an adventure this week has been! I'll get to that in a bit. Since I last posted, we had a doctor's appointment on September 26th in which Ella Kate's heartbeat was 155 bpm. They checked to see if I had dialated anymore and I had not. Dr. Sullivan wanted to schedule an ultrasound for the next appointment (Oct. 3rd) to get her weight once more. We also discussed vaginal delivery vs. c-section and he was a little concerned with me having a vaginal delivery because of my frame being so tiny. We were really leaning towards a c-section anyway so to have him help us weigh the pros and cons was helpful. So on to our next appointment- Oct. 3rd (this past Wednesday). We had an ultrasound and Ella Kate is measuring right on track. She weighed about 7 pounds and 3 ounces and her heartbeat was 135 bpm. However, my fluid level was really low (6.5). When we met with the doctor he said that he wanted me to go straight to the hospital to have an IV of fluids and they would repeat the ultrasound at 8:00 the next morning. He said that the low fluid could be one of three things: 1. Not drinking enough water, 2. The placenta not functioning as it should, or 3. The baby's kidneys not working properly. They gave us our orders and we headed straight to the hospital. I held it together until we walked out of the doctor's office and then I just broke down in tears. I was not expecting this kind of news and was feeling very overwhelmed. They said that if my fluid didn't improve, they would probably take the baby the next day. Of course, me and my "organized/OCD" self was worrying b/c I didn't have my bags there (or anything for that matter) and didn't want to be rushed into having this baby. I was also looking forward to my last day with my class the next day and had a few more things I needed to get done before my leave began. Hunter was so sweet the whole time telling me it was going to all be ok and trying to calm me down as best he could. I did finally get myself together and accept the fact that everything happens for a reason and I just had to go with it.
I went through three bags of fluid through the night and when they did the ultrasound the next morning my fluid level had actually come down to 6.3. NOT GOOD! However, Dr. Williams came and met with us and said that she really didn't want to do a c-section before 39 weeks because she was worried about Ella Kate's lungs not being fully developed. And that even though my fluid level didn't improve, she didn't want to take that chance unless my level got below 5. She asked me to come in to the doctor the next day (today) and have another ultrasound to check my levels and then again on Monday. She said if it gets below 5 at either appointment they will have to do the c-section immediately because the baby could be in danger. She also told me to drink LOTS and LOTS of water. So, when we went to the doctor today, my fluid level had went up to 7.3 and her heartbeat was 145 bpm. When we met with Dr. Williams, she examined me to make sure I hadn't dialated anymore, which I hadn't, and said she had already put me on the books at Labor & Delivery at the hospital for Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.- the first c-section of the day. We then met with the surgery coordinator to set up our last doctor's visit and pre-op work for the c-section. We go back to the doctor on Monday, October 8th for the ultrasound/fluid check and then will head to the hospital for bloodwork. Then, we will go back on Wednesday to have our sweet girl! GOD IS SO GOOD!
When we got home today, I went up to the school and worked for a few hours to finish up everything that I needed to so that I could relax and enjoy our sweet girl when she arrives. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful parapro. who takes care of my class and goes above and beyond. It was so nice to walk into my room and see all that she had done. I know my class will be left in wonderful hands. I could not feel this good about leaving without the help of April and Linda! Love you both! Now, I finally feel like I am done and a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Now all of my attention can be on Ella Kate!
I haven't taken any bump pictures lately but plan on posting once more before we go to the hospital next week. Instead, I'm sharing some more pics from our maternity photo session. :)
Amberly did a wonderful job capturing these sweet memories for us!
We are so ready to meet Ella Kate!
Love this baby bump shot!
Goodies from "The Waters" Girls: Amanda, Ashlyn, & Addie (one of my sweet students). Hopefully their baby brother on the way, Weston, and Ella Kate will share the same birthday!
Another gift from one of my sweet girls and her family: Shelly, Pacey, and Lane!
And another gift from one of my precious students, Kim! I have the sweetest group of kids!
My parapro. had all of my kids sign this card for me! SOOO SWEET!
And she also let them make me cards since I was in the hospital and didn't get to come in on my last "official" day! These cards made me feel much better!
How far along: 38 weeks, 2 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 18 pounds...currently 109 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Yes! But lately I've been able to wear my regular jeans really low! :)
Sleep: Not so much! It's hard to get comfortable and turning over is a major task. Plus getting up 2-3 times a night to use the restroom is no fun!
Best Moment this Week: I would have to say today when we got good news at our appointment and scheduled Ella Kate's c-section. Her birthday will be 10/10/12.
Miss Anything: Seeing my feet!, Laying on my belly!, I could go on and on...
Food Cravings: Reese's Cups
Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No
Labor Signs: I have been having a few Braxton Hicks contractions but nothing major.
Symptoms: Swollen feet and legs and some cramping up high in my legs.
Belly Button (In or Out): Out...and it's pointy!
Wedding Rings (On or Off): On
Mood: I have been VERY tired this past week but a good mood overall.
Looking Forward to: Ella Kate's birthday next week. I can't believe it's almost here! We've been waiting for this day for so long!
