Grandpa Brad was here

My dad came to our house on Thursday morning around 9:30 to help with Emmy.  Brad had to be at work by 9:00 so Emmy and I were here alone for a short time.  I can't get up to play with her so she started getting into a few things before my dad came.  She loves to climb and loves to get into my make up bag.  She ended up falling off the bathroom counter and I immediately ran up to get her. 
Grandpa arrived a short time later and even though Emmy was excited for his arrival, she pulled out her "Shy Card."  Even the M&Ms that my dad brought weren't enough for her to get down from my lap.  It took a few hours before she actually went to him and then they were best buds the rest of the time.  She was so quiet and a model child while he was here.  I felt a little bad for my dad because I thought she was going to be so much work.  She usually runs around here screaming and gets into everything.  I think she was showing grandpa her best behavior.  After he left on Friday, she instantly turned herself into the tazmanian devil.  My dad thought it was funny.
Brad ended up coming down with the flu Thursday night.  Emmy had also gotten up around 12:30 with a tummy ache.  I was up taking care of them most of the night - so much for bed rest this night.  Brad slept until 1:00 on Friday and said he was feeling better but still had aches and pains.  My dad left for home around 2:30 - but was going to make a pit stop at Cabella's to go shopping.  I'm so glad he came down to spend some time with us.  It was nice having him here. 
Grandma Debbie came to pick up Emmy yesterday afternoon and brought her back up to Hoffman for the weekend.  They will come back on Sunday after church. 
Brad is able to get a few things done around the house today.  He continues to organize his office and he painted the main color in the baby room.  We went with one of the neutral colors that we already have on our living room wall and he will be adding a green and brown stripe later today to add a little extra touch.  It's supposed to match the baby bedding.  I hope it turns out okay.  If not, we'll just paint over it.

Check Up - Week 33

I went to the clinic today for a follow up after getting out of the hospital.  Everything is still the same which is a good sign.  I'm supposed to continue doing what I'm doing at home...SIT.
My dad is coming to our house tomorrow and Friday to help out with Emmy while Brad is at work.  This should be interesting.  I'm sure he'll do just fine, but Emmy will give him a run for his money.  She's a busy little girl.  Emmy is getting excited for his arrival.  I keep telling her that grandpa is coming and she gets excited and says, "OH!"
Our daycare lady has a funeral tomorrow so we needed extra help for these two days.
My next appointment isn't until next Friday, so hopefully things stay the same until then.
I've been listening to books on cd today which has helped pass some time.  I might have Brad run to the video store later to get some movies.

Couch Potato

The hospital let us go home on Sunday around 11:30 am.  Brad was packed up and ready to get out of there within 20 seconds.  My doctor came in our room to give us instructions for while we are at home.  She gave me a prescription for the Nifedipine which I am to take every 6 hours.  She explained that I would only be on this for two weeks because after the 34 week point, it doesn't have much benefit.  If I go into labor at 34 weeks, there is a lot that they can do at the hospital.  We're just trying to keep this little pumpkin inside a bit longer. 

My doctor talked to us about doing a natural delivery with this baby.  She explained that this delivery would be a lot easier because the baby will probably only be 3-4 lbs.  I'm not sure if there is such a thing as an "easy" delivery though.  However, I know I'm in good hands with the best hospital in MN.

I've been taking it easy at home and Brad has been such a great help.  He went out shopping yesterday and picked up a crib, dresser, diapers and a bunch of other things that I had written on my list.  Sarah met him in Bloomington yesterday morning and they got a bunch of deals.

I'm starting to get a bit bored just sitting here.  There's only so much Judge Judy you can watch on tv and the internet gets old after a while.  I've got most things nearby so I don't have to go far.  I'm only able to get up to go to the restroom and to the kitchen to make something to eat.

I will be going to the clinic once a week.  This is my only outing that I am allowed to do.
Last night I had some strong contractions.  Emmy woke up sick in the middle of the night, so Brad and I were up with her.  I think being up and walking around with her/giving her a bath, etc brought on more contractions.

Brad has cleared out the spare bedroom in the basement and moved some of his office downstairs.  He's going to be painting the baby room tonight.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  I'll post pictures once it's all done.

32 Weeks & Bedrest

We went to my 32 week check up at the clinic yesterday.  We were expecting this visit to be very routine and to be in and out within a half an hour.  Well, I mentioned earlier that I've been having contractions.  These have continued for the past few weeks.  My doctor checked my cervix and said that I was dialated to a 3 already.  OH MY GOD!!!  She sent us to the hospital to the Maternal Assessment Center where they poked me with a bunch of needles and gave me a bunch of medications to stop the contractions.  They had a hard time getting my IV in.  I always have problems with that.  The nurse tried twice and then called the anesthesiologist.  He came in and got it to go in my hand. 

They have also given me two shots of steroids to help develop the baby's lungs in case I deliver early. 
I got admitted into the hospital around 2:00 pm yesterday so that they could monitor me overnight.  I had contractions all night long.  My last contraction was at 4:00 am this morning.  I didn't sleep much last night.  I tossed and turned and then finally fell asleep around 3 am when the nurse came in to check my blood pressure.  Then I was up until 6 am.  My blood pressure had dropped during the night, so they kept coming into my room to recheck it.

They have been giving me Nifedipine to help stop contractions. 

My doctor came in this morning and said that I have to stay another day and then I can probably go home tomorrow some time.  I will be on strict bedrest until delivery.  Yikes!  We have a bunch of things to do...actually Brad has a bunch of things to do now.  He will have his hands full!!

We are crossing our fingers that this baby stays in a bit longer to develop properly.  :) 

Tubes Surgery

Emmy's surgery is scheduled for March 5th.  Brad and I are a bit nervous because she has to be put under...Mainly just to minimize any squirming.  I'm not sure how long she will be in recovery...but I'm sure it will be the longest 15 minutes to 1 hour of our lives!

18 Month Check Up

Emmy had her 18 month check up on Friday.  She weighs 23 lbs 12 oz and is 31 1/2 inches long.  She remains on the same path of the 50% category.  Her head is 48 cm and is 75-90%.
She didn't fuss too much when she got her DTap (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis) shot.  She certainly knows what the doctor is and starts to whimper a little bit when they come into the exam room.  Her pediatrician is really good with her and lets her play with some of the instruments before she examines her. 
Emmy has a minor ear infection in both ears and will be on Omnicef for 10 days.  We will probably call the ENT Specialist on Monday to schedule Emmy's tubes.  They say it's a very minor surgery and only takes 5 minutes.  Emmy will have to be put under so I'm sure this will not be easy for mom and dad to see, but we'll get through it. 

Emmy is developming very well and does all of the things that are considered normal for her age group. 
Here are some of her developments:

• Running.
• Walks up stairs with one hand held.
• Walks backwards.
• She loves to sit in her little rocker, but really loves to sit on the big adult chairs.  She has tipped over once. 
• She likes to play with her blocks.  She stacks them and then takes them apart and sometimes throws them and laughs.
• She loves her books.  She turns the pages and points out some items and names them.
• She understands and follows directions well.
• She points to all of her body parts = eyes, nose, ears, hair, toes, feet, belly button, teeth, tongue and lips. 
• She feeds herself really well with a spoon and fork.  This helps so much!
• She holds and shows affection toward her dolls & stuffed animals.
• She likes to use our MP3 player as a phone.  She holds it up to her ear and says hello.
• She's really good at showing affection.  She loves to give kisses & hugs.
• She likes to look out the window and says puppy when the neighbor's dog is running in their back yard. 
• She is definitely all girl.  She really likes to shop and loves to rummage through her closet clothes & hangers. 

Curious

Last night we put together the bassinet and baby swing.  Miss Emmy was really curious and decided that she wanted to climb into both of them.  She pushes herself in the swing and likes to lay down in the bassinet.  She's definitely curious.  This morning I set out the infant car seat and she threw a fit until she got to sit in it.  She gets excited and then curls her lips into a little "O" when she see's something new. 
I bought her some new bath toys and she lit up like a Christmas tree! 
She's such a doll.  I tell her that mommy has a baby in her tummy and then I say, "Kiss the baby."  She then gives my belly a big kiss. 

Week 30

I went in for my week 30 check up last Friday.  Everything is going well with the baby and right on track.  The heartbeat sounds great and my belly measures at 29 cm. 
Thursday night I started feeling some contractions.  They weren't really strong, but were definitely noticeable.  They lasted for about 20-30 seconds and came every four minutes.  This went on all night long.  I tried moving into different positions and walking around, but nothing seemed to work.  I didn't think it was worth calling the doctor about since the pain wasn't very bad.  I figured I would just bring it up at my appointment the next day. 
When I mentioned this to the doctor, she said that it could be a sign of a few things or sometimes these things happen in second pregnancies.  I do know that one of the side effects of Zofran is one of the things that she listed...so maybe that's what it is.  The contractions only appeared Friday and Saturday. 
Since I'm getting bigger, I've started to get a little uncomfortable and I'm having trouble sleeping.  I've been really exhausted lately and also seems like the baby is laying right on my bladder...so I'm up several times going to the bathroom. 
I saw this shirt the other day.  It said, "Pregnancy glow my ass...I'm just trying not to hurl."  I thought it was funny.  That would pretty much describe me...I don't feel like glowing.  I'm still taking a half a pill of Zofran every day. 
I'm also starting to get the craving for ice again.  So far it's not as bad as last time.  I'm taking an iron pill...hopefully that will help. 
I cannot fit into my winter coat anymore.  The zipper just won't go past my belly.  I had to run to the maternity store last night and buy a winter coat. 
My next appointment is in two weeks and our c-section is now scheduled.  Maybe the baby will decide to come before that date though.  Yikes.  Emmy arrived a week early. 
We have decided to keep Emmy in her own room when the baby comes.  We thought that they could maybe share a room.  With further thought - this will not work out well.  Emmy is such a light sleeper. 
Brad's office will be moved to the lower level.  Since this is the new plan...we have a bunch of work to do before the baby comes.  Brad seems to think we'll get it all done in one week.