June 14th - Day 1

3:30am - Tyler throw up all his formula from his 12:30am feeding.  =(

6:00am - I woke Tyler up to eat.  He's a super fast, inhaler of food!

6:45am - Clear liquid diet ordered for Breakfast.  Hoping to be moved up to solids by lunchtime!

7:30am - Daytime nurses came on shift and took out my IV, Catheter, AND up'ed my diet to whatever I want!  :-)  I get to get up and walk around after breakfast!!  So exciting!

0:00am - More to come. . .

June 13th - Birth Story

It's official.  Jerry and I are proud parents of four!  Tyler Grayson arrived in his OWN way in true Daily fashion!

6:30am - I woke up after not being able to sleep to well.  Jaxen ran a pretty high fever all night and I was regularly getting up to check on him and get him is Tylenol/Motrin on time.

I remember the time because I was so hot and thirsty.  I got up and went to the kitchen to get me a glass of ice water - which is super weird because water is not my drink of choice, especially with a fully stocked refrigerator of Mtn Dew!

I went in to check on Jaxen before heading back to bed and he woke when I touched him.  I scooped him up and brought him to bed with me.  Jerry cuddled with him while I got him some ice cold apple juice and a dose of Motrin.  Mr. Jax would not settle down and thought it was play time in mommy and daddy's bed so I took him out to the living room where we could lay down and watch cartoons.

10:00am - After getting Jaxen to fall back asleep, I dosed off too.  Jacob was the next kid I saw around 10am, followed shortly by Jerry.  Jaxen was still sleeping on me and had me pinned to where I could not move.

Trying to get a head start on my To-Do List, Jerry got up and around and was headed out to the KC Pet Project to deliver our foster dog. . . she was ready to go back and we didn't want to have to deal with her while I was at the hospital.  Jerry was also going to stop by Lowe's and get a few materials that he needed for his balloon pump that he was making.

11:00am - Jaxen brought me some trail mix that Jerry had left out.  There wasn't much, just a couple cashews, 5-6 almonds, and a bunch of raisins left in the bag.  I ate the almonds and a couple of raisins while Jax ate the rest.

11:15am - While still laying on the couch, I felt Tyler adjust - so I adjusted.  As I did so, I felt a leaking sensation, like he bumped my bladder.  So like every pregnant woman knows, you go to the bathroom so that you don't wait too long and accidentally wet yourself.

I sat up - it leaked a little more.  {FYI - vaginal leakage or discharge is normal this late in pregnancy.  It's your bodies way of lubricating the birth canal - preparing it for delivery}  I stood up with a little more urgency to make it to the bathroom, when I thought - "OMG!"

11:20am - Jacob brought be the phone and I called Jerry.  These were my words and my voice was shaky.  "Jer, I really need you to believe me when I tell you this, but I think my water just broke."  Jerry was on his way to me and the kids.

11:30am - I called Amanda - she's the first person I thought of that had her water break at home.

11:31am - Amanda calls me back!  :-)

I can't tell you every detail.  But I do know that Jacob and Chloe were awesome.  Jake crawled under my bed to unplug my cell phone charger.  He crawled under the crib to unplug my tablet charger.  Chloe got her brothers dressed, shoes on them, AND packed Jaxen's diaper bag with diapers, wipes, and a sippy cup for me.

12:10pm - Kids were dropped off with Jerry's sister in Harrisonville and we were on the road to the hospital.  I called the doctor's office to let them know that I was headed to the hospital because my water broke.  They then let the maternity ward know that I am coming.  It's a locked ward and if they know we are on the way, it speeds up the process.  They had my chart made and my room ready to go when we got here.

1:22pm - I was fully admitted and prepped for surgery.  I finally had details {and the time} to call my mom at work.

3:05pm - I was taken to the operating room for surgery.

3:32pm - Tyler made his grand entrance into the world!

4:10pm - I was back in my room, recovering - before I could see any guests.

6:00pm - Tyler had had his bath and I could finally feel my legs.  Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Joanna, Uncle Caleb, Aunt Amanda, Jeremy and Carter all got to come back and oogle baby Tyler!!

8:00pm - All my visitors had left and Jerry was getting ready to head home for the evening.  He took the camera - loaded with tons of pictures - for Chloe, Jacob and Jaxen to see.  {I can't wait until I get to see my babies tomorrow!}

After everyone left and it was just me and Tyler, we were able to get a little rest.  Tyler is on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule for the first 12 hours because he is considered a BIG baby and gets his blood sugar tested before every meal to make sure his body is doing the work that I was doing for him.

Besides 20 minute cat naps here and there, I haven't been able to sleep.  Tyler is a spit upper and he's freaked me out a couple of times choking on his own spit up.  So while I'm on duty, I feel obligated to stay awake and make sure nothing crazy happens.

It's A Boy!

Introducing Our Newest Addition!!

Tyler Grayson Daily

 

Born on Wednesday, 

June 13, 2012 at 3:32pm

8 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/4 inches long

Making a break for it. . .

After 3 kids, you'd think that I'd be use to the belly movements - especially this late in the game.  But Tyler is by far the most active at this point.  Jaxen never stayed still and was constantly moving, BUT Tyler gets his legs going and you can SEE them.  I can grab them, I can instigate him, he interacts with me ALL the time.  He takes my breath away, he makes me remember that he is constantly with me. . . not that I can forget him!

Video #1

I live in constant fear that he is going to break my water!  Let's hope this isn't a sign of what's to come in his toddler years. . . he might try to give Jaxen a run for his money!  :-)

Video #2 - my favorite

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. . . Count them! 
7 MORE DAYS!!!  :-)

Another one bites the dust

My doctor's appointment went well this afternoon.  Blood pressure - good, weight gain - good, measuring - good, position - head down, heartbeat - amazing! 

I did find out that I am tipping the scales and this is officially my BIGGEST weight gain during a pregnancy.  But I'll take it because Mr. Tyler is measuring ahead of schedule!!  :-)  Which after Jaxen, is a HUGE relief.  I think I seen a sigh of relief on Jerry's face when we got the good news!!

So see, with all that I am doing throughout the day, I am really taking it easy and behaving myself!!  Now, the rest is up to Tyler.  Next Thursday is my LAST prenatal appointment.  :-)

Getting everything lined up, babysitters are confirmed for the older three, Jerry's got all his scheduling all figured out with coming home to feed animals and see the kids, and I am packed and ready to go. . . ready to run when the time comes!

10 MORE DAYS!!

Lists - Repeat Post

This list is a work in progress. . . updated daily - sometimes hourly - as I think of things!! With pregnancy brain, I'm needing to write everything down these days!

Things to Do

• Install infant car seat into the Freestyle and the Explorer
• Upload camera pictures and empty memory card
• Bring out the Baby Changing Table
• Organize the baby boy clothes by sizes

Things to Pack

• Mom's hospital bag
• Outfit for coming home
• Socks
• Gum/Chap Stick
• PJs
• Baby Book
• Notebook/Journal
• Dad's hospital bag
• Snack Goodies
• Diaper Bag
• Bottles
• Outfit
• Blanket
• Chloe's bag
• Outfit for G&G's
• Toys
• Jacob's bag
• Outfit for G&G's
• Toys
• Jaxen's bag
• Diapers/Wipes
• Outfit for G&G's
• Toys
• Sippy Cup
• Camera & batteries
• Tablet & charger
• Laptop
• Cell phone & charger
• Cord Blood Paperwork

Things to Buy

• Camera Batteries
• Newborn Diapers
• Size 1 Diapers
• Wipes
• Pacifiers
• Baby Mittens
• Baby Swing
• Dresser

Things I want {but don't seriously need right away}

• Highchair
• A new Diaper Bag
• Baby Monitor
• Bumbo

37 Weeks

** 37 weeks Pregnant ---  OR otherwise know as . . . Jaxen +8 days **

Wow, I am topping the scales and this is by far my biggest pregnancy weight gain. . .

But before everyone starts yelling and screaming at me, I am grateful for the weight gain.  Last time I struggled to gain weight, now it's piling on - hopefully, in 13 days - I am rewarded with a perfectly healthy baby boy!  After all, that is my main priority right now!!!!

With that being said, I can't wait to get my body back.  Once I get recovered and the okay from my doctor, I am going on a strict weight loss / body toning regiment.  I am dying to get back to my pre-kids figure and I know that it will take time, but I am determined!!

I am feeling horrible.  I suffer from heartburn, rib and pelvic pain 24/7.  I can't sleep.  I can't eat or drink what I want.  I am clumsy.  I am exhausted.  I am irritable.  I am short tempered.  I am emotional.  But of course, it's all worth it. . .

Arriving in 13 days!

Tyler is definitely running out of room.  This morning Chloe and I sat on the couch for about 90 minutes watching my tummy go crazy.  We think he got stuck.  Chloe and I definitely could see and feel an arm or leg protruding from my belly.  The arm/leg was about 5 inches long, hard and was stuck on my left side.  On the right side of my tummy, he was completely wigging out and going crazy.  It took about an hour and a half and I was finally able to move around without pain and the arm/leg was back in the normal parameters of my tummy!  It was weird and ackward feeling.   He definitely doesn't like being confined to a small space.

Hospital / Doctor's Appointment

During the past week, Jerry and I have gotten a lot of little things taken care of for the pending arrival of Tyler.  We've gotten another doctor's appointment over with -- leaving on two more!! -- and we've pre-registered with St. Luke's East Lee's Summit Hospital.  If you remember correctly, we pre-registered with St. Luke's the last time around but we were shipped off to St. Joseph Medical Center to deliver Jaxen.  So hopefully, things work out for us this time and we get to deliver at our hospital of choice!  :-)

Since the last time, St. Luke's has added more rooms to their maternity center.  The newly expanded NICU opened in December 2011 and is the only one of its kind in the KC area.  Designed with the needs of families in mind, it includes all-private rooms with room-in space for parents to stay overnight, at the bedside.  Parents also have access to luxurious bathrooms and a large nutrition area.  So this means that for some crazy chance that Tyler has to go to the NICU, he will have his own private room with a bed for Mom and Dad.  And since the NICU has private rooms, he will be allowed visitors!!  Not like Jaxen where you'll have to look through the glass to see -- so no matter what, family can come get up close and personal with our newest arrival.  AND Chloe and Jacob and Jaxen won't have to wait until Tyler gets discharged from the NICU to meet their brother.  {Not that we are planning to have to use the NICU this time around!}

The Maternity Center is a full lock down unit and all visitors are buzzed in before the elevator even moves. The babies are monitored with ankle bracelets that will put the unit into full lock down mode if the baby gets too close to an exit or if the ankle bracelet is removed. A full lock down means that no one enters or exits - this includes the doctor's and nurses. So even if someone steals there badge and has their access codes, it will not do any good because they cannot override the system until all babies are accounted for / away from an exits / ankle bracelets re-attached.

Visiting hours are from 9am until 9pm, only exception is going to be the morning of delivery.  However, my surgery is scheduled at 8am and I will have to go through recovery before anyone will be allowed back to see me. . . so it looks like I can't even see family until close to 11am.  Not sure if you all want to wait that long in the waiting room!  Visitors will be asked to provide the full name of the patient they are visiting (ME!!) and sign in and out of the log book at the front desk.  Visitors are allowed in to see Mom before the c-section or during active labor and are allowed in to visit Mom and Baby shortly after the first hour of life.  The waiting room is stocked with vending machines, coffee, TV, chairs, and couches. . .

And it looks like I am going to be admitted Monday morning at 6am and I will get discharged sometime Thursday.  Mandatory 3 nights stay - Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night.  Jerry and I are still working out the details of shuffling the older kids around.  :-\

If you want to read all about the last visit we had -- not much has changed except the new NICU.  The post for Jaxen's Hospital Tour is here: Tour of Labor & Delivery and if we actually deliver at St. Luke's we are going to try the Cord Blood Banking again.

Everything is set up at the hospital.  All my paperwork is filled out and ready for delivery.

Everything is set up and approved with Walmart and my Short Term Disability Claim.  Just waiting for the checks to arrive!!

Doctor's appointment had me measuring 37 weeks and still gaining weight.  Heart rate was good and unlike any of the other kids, he reacts to our voices.  And the biggest change/surprise is that Tyler is head down/butt up ready to go.  I actually got to push and feel where his head was sitting. . . super, super low.  Next Thursday I see my regular doctor and I'm pretty sure they will start checking for dilation and effacement.  {Yuck!} 

Only thing left is to finish packing and figure out a game plan with the kids.  I'm kind of hoping Tyler decides to come a week early. . . Chloe's missing out on her final baseball game {and they are only playing 4 games this year} where she receives her trophy because of my surgery.  I'm bummed about that, but she seems to be okay with it.

Lastly, I will leave you with this photo.  My very oddly shaped, uncomfortable belly - all because Tyler has his butt sticking up. . .

It's June!

9th Month

So far, my 9th and FINAL month of pregnancy isn't playing very nice.  I cannot even imagine having to go 4 more weeks feeling like this!

I woke up this morning with a huge toothache and headache.  After literally lying around on the couch for most of the day, the toothache is gone but my headache is still there.  I'm drinking tons of water and apple juice - trying to keep my fluids up.  I even had a Mt. Dew this afternoon, thinking that I was caffeine deprived - I've really backed off the Mt. Dew because it was giving me major heartburn.

Chloe and Jacob watched cartoons and played with the bunnies downstairs for a good part of the day.  They are pretty good entertaining themselves - as long as you feed them regularly!!  :-)  Jaxen on the other hand was my little buddy. . . he was always bringing me his toys and throwing {soft} balls at me!  He needed a lot of entertainment from me, but I got through the day. 

One more day parenting by myself.  Jerry comes home tomorrow morning and he'll have to sleep a little bit - but then he will be awake enough to help me out.  The weekends are tough for me, because Jerry still has to go to work and Jaxen is so needy / doesn't understand "not using Mom's belly as a playground"!  Just that alone is making this the hardest pregnancy by far!  I am beginning to believe that Jaxen is the main reason for most of my hard contractions and why I have such a harder time on the weekends verses the weekdays when Jerry is home.

Four. more. weeks.  That's what I have to keep telling myself.  27 Days or 657 Hours until c-section!  =)

Counting Contractions. . .

Sunday, May 20th

9:00PM -

• Contraction strong enough to make me stop what I was doing and hold my breath.
• Laid down, relaxed with feet up.
• Lower back pain began, left leg feels like it's going to fall off at my hip.
• Lots of crazy moments, C-R-A-Z-Y stuff.
• Tyler must not like contractions because he goes nuts during the time I'm not contracting.

9:30PM -

• Contractions calmed, Baby calmed, left hip is still feeling weird.
• Called Jerry, let him know what was going on.
• Getting in the shower - in case we end up at Labor & Delivery tonight, I will be clean! LOL
• {I doubt things will start back up again tonight. . . maybe L&D is just wishful thinking!}

Lists

This list is a work in progress. . . updated daily - sometimes hourly - as I think of things!!  With pregnancy brain, I'm needing to write everything down these days!
Things to Do

• Install infant car seat into the Freestyle and the Explorer
• Upload camera pictures and empty memory card
• Bring out the Baby Changing Table
• Organize the baby boy clothes by sizes

Things to Pack

• Mom's hospital bag
• Dad's hospital bag
• Diaper Bag
• Chloe's bag
• Jacob's bag
• Jaxen's bag
• Camera & batteries
• Tablet & charger
• Laptop
• Cell phone charger

Things to Buy

• Camera Batteries
• Newborn Diapers
• Size 1 Diapers
• Wipes
• Pacifiers
• Baby Swing
• Dresser

Things I want {but don't seriously need right away}

• Highchair
• A new Diaper Bag

35 weeks. . . J & T

Last side-by-side to compare Jaxen & Tyler.

On the left, 35 weeks was the last pregnant picture I have of Jaxen. . . he was delivered 7 days later via emergency c-section and spent 6 days in the NICU.

I took the picture on the right tonight. . . which officially marks the 35 week mark with Tyler.  Let's just hope I have longer than 7 days before he is delivered.

I'm trying really hard not to get nervous -- and I'm trying not to compare the two pregnancies -- but it's hard.  SO many things on my to-do list before Tyler arrives. . . and my personal deadline is 7 days!  In 7 days, I hope to be all packed and ready -- something I wasn't with Jaxen.

Sprucing thing up for a new baby!

Remember this great buy we found while we were expecting Jaxen?

Last night, I cleaned out Jaxen's dresser drawers and only the clothes that actually fit him are in his dresser!  Along with going through all those clothes, I also cleaned off the diaper changing table - which has been the collection table in the closet for all the outgrown clothes Jaxen had accumulated. 

Today, the kids and I spruced up this diaper changing table that we found almost two years ago for only $15.00!  It's almost unrecognizable!  Tomorrow it will find it's new "spot" in the house and I will start stocking it up with everything a new baby will need!  {I would have today, but parts of the paint were still a little tacky, so we decided against it}

Chloe says it looks like a brand new table!  And from the pictures it looks like I have a few more touch ups on the bottom shelf. . . it takes me a little while to get down that low with a paint brush!!  :-)

And yes, for those who knew the colors of the walls at our old house. . . it is the same shade of green as Jacob's room!  We had an extra gallon of it!

Baby Calendar

Baby Calendar Update --

Sunday, May 20th - 35 weeks pregnant
Wednesday, May 23rd - Hospital Tour & Maternity Pre-Registration @ 9am
Thursday, May 24th - Doctor's Appointment @ 11:15am
Sunday, May 27th - 36 weeks pregnant  {*This was when Jaxen arrived via c-section!*}
Thursday, May 31st - Doctor's Appointment @ ???? {No openings - waiting for the dr. office to call}
Sunday, June 3rd - 37 weeks pregnant
Thursday, June 7th - Doctor's Appointment @ 1:30pm
Sunday, June 10th - 38 weeks pregnant
Thursday, June 14th - Doctor's Appointment @ 9:30am
Sunday, June 17th - 39 weeks pregnant
Monday, June 18th - Tyler arrives via c-section scheduled @ 8am
                                  Mommy & Daddy have a 6am hospital check-in  :-(

Less than 2 months. . .

It's hard to believe we are so close!!

Picture is compliments of Miss Chloe Danielle.   = )

Coming Soon?!

I can't believe that I have been so laid back with baby #4 fast approaching.  Jerry and I were talking the other day about how much I HAVEN'T bought for our newest addition.  Jokingly, I said that was because I was still holding out hope that he was a girl so that I can go out and buy all kinds of pink and purple!  = )  But really, I just have been so busy and so into other things that I haven't even had time to think about actually having this baby.

This morning, after Jaxen's doctor's appointment - we were back in Harrisonville an hour before we had to pick up Jacob from preschool.  So we stopped by a few garage sales in town and I bought the cutest crib bedding set ever!  And the best part is that it was only $3.00!  = )

 

Things that are ready for Baby Tyler:

• Crib is set up and made...
• Bassinet is in the house.
• Bouncy seat is in the house.

Things that I have bought for Tyler:

• 2 - 6-9 month sleepers
• 3-pk Monsters Inc. Onesies
• Crib
• Crib Bedding
• Blue Owl Baby Blanket

Things that have been given to me for this little guy:

• A bunch of newborn diapers from Michelle

Literally that is it!  I have so much to do still!  I don't have out bottles, clothes, diaper bag, etc.  What am I waiting for?  This baby will be here soon!!!

Doctor's Appointment - 30w4d

Well another doctor's appointment down - and with all the concerns and issues I have been having, this appointment was one of my longer ones - for sure.

I got to talk to the doctor about these crazy contractions that I have been experiencing.  She was quite adamant that when the contractions start I am to drink 32 ounces of water and get off my feet.  I told her that that wasn't possible while I was at work.  And she said that we might have to start making some tough decisions because it's SO much easier to take care of mom while pregnant, than to care for a preterm baby.  She was pretty straight forward letting me know that if I continue to push, I am only making it harder on myself and the baby.  If I push too hard and can't stop the contractions on my own, the hospital will have to stop them for me and then I will be on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy.  And that's only IF the hospital can safely stop the contractions.  Every contraction that I have is just another opportunity for my scar to tear/wear out.  Contractions are considered "normal" at this point.  However, after an hours rest and 32 oz of water - I should have no more that 6 contractions an hour - otherwise, I'll have to go in and get checked out - even if it's nothing and they send me home.  Something about needing to see the progression of everything -- she will have a better chance at making the right decision if she had a road map to look back on. 

So the doctor didn't "officially" pull the "No More Work" card today. . .because legally I CAN still work.  I haven't started dilating and I am not on bed rest.  However, she is going to put some restrictions on me and my activities.  I won't know the details of the restrictions until Walmart receives the paperwork from the doctor - which should be in 5-7 days. 

Jerry and I went in and talked to personnel about what could happen and what my options were.  I know that everyone says that Walmart cannot terminate me because I am pregnant.  However, they CAN terminate me because I can no longer fulfill my job requirements.  I know I can work this weekend without restrictions because I doubt the doctor's office will get the paperwork faxed that fast.  But next weekend, I don't want to be surprised by a management meeting where I am forced to make a hard decision by myself.  So Jerry and I went in together and got to get our questions asked.  Depending on the doctor's restrictions -- Walmart may or may not force my Maternity Leave.  My job description states that I have to be able to lift 60 pounds without help and stand for long periods of time.  Both are things the doctor talked about limiting.  {First off, I think the weight limit for ANY pregnant person is 20-25 pounds throughout the entire pregnancy.}  So I might be in a little pickle.  At this point -- FMLA only covers 12-weeks of leave, this being said I would HAVE a job when I was ready to go back to work but it just might not be the job I currently have. :-\  Which is scary to think I would have to do a job that was available - whether I liked it or not.  BUT I would have a job. . . which we need to support this family.

Arg!  So much to think and worry about.  I am loosing sleep over all this. . . Jerry is okay with whatever the situation is.  But I feel as if I would be letting him down if I was forced to go on leave a month early.  He would then be the sole provider for this family and that's putting a lot on his shoulders.

Anyways!!  On a positive note, I am NOT dilating yet -- we got the joy of checking today, just to make sure that the contractions weren't doing anything yet.  The moment I start dilating it's almost game over for me because of the added risk going into labor provides!  The baby's heartbeat and measurements are right on track.  At this point, there are no signs of anything going the way Jaxen did. . . but everything can change in the matter of hours. . . such a horrible game to be playing.  Blood Pressure and weight gain are good. 

C-section is being scheduled and they should call me with the time and date by Monday at the latest. At that point we will schedule a visit to the maternity ward to check things out, pre-register, and get our questions asked.  Ideally, the c-section will be scheduled in my 39th week -- leaving only 8 weeks and 4 days to go!! 

May 3rd is my next appointment.

26w3d - Here we go. . .

Well - I can't say I'm surprised.  I was really hoping this pregnancy would be easy and simple. . . But the doctor's office called me on Wednesday.  My heart sunk as I read the caller ID. . . automatically fearing the worse, hoping for the best.

My glucose test came back good.  But along with the diabetes check they run my hemoglobin to check for an iron deficiency.  The test came back anemic.  Grr!  No biggie for most pregnant mommas - after all, I was anemic with Chloe, too - but this time around it could spell trouble ahead.  The biggest reason to be worried is because the extra iron is needed for the placenta - which is what eventually failed during my pregnancy with Jaxen and is the one thing we are watching so closely!   Low iron is taken seriously because it increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and a higher risk of stillbirth or newborn death.  I had a higher chance of anemia this time around because of the two pregnancies being so close together.  My body hasn't had the time to replenish everything it lost the last time.

With all that being said - after visiting two pharmacies and getting help from a super nice pharmacist this morning, I finally found and picked up my iron supplement. . . I have to take it twice a day, along with my prenatal.  {Now with Chloe, I only had to take one iron supplement a day and it was a tiny little pill.  This time, I have to take a Slow release iron twice a day.  You can only imagine how much iron I am taking now!  Only ONE of the slow release iron pills is 264% of the Daily Value. . . times that by 2 and then add the 150% my prenatal vitamin is giving me!}

The doctor said that this will explain why I am so tired, weak, and dizzy lately. Along with the other issues I've been complaining of: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, headache, irritability, and trouble concentrating.  The last couple of days I have been feeling absolutely horrible, like I'm living in a fog.  Here's to hoping this iron supplement is miracle pill and will help me feel better. 

Counting my blessings - only about 87 more days to go and we hit our first snag in the road!  AND this snag was found fairly early enough to be corrected before we get to that point of no return.

Doctor's Appointment #5 - 25w4d

Last weeks doctor's appointment went good.  Not an appointment that I want to repeat, but it was okay for having to take the glucose test.  I will get the glucose test results in 3-weeks at my next appointment; however, if the test results require me to take the 3-hour test or if I am anemic, the doctor will call me to come in sooner. . . I would expect the call to come Monday or Tuesday if it's going to.  

The doctor did the regular stuff - check my weight and blood pressure, fundal height and baby's heart rate.  We also discussed a few issues I've been having like: Never-ending heartburn {only going to get worse before it gets better} and the lack of movement this little guy has on certain days {movement once a day is good enough until 28+ weeks, then it kick counts will count.  Then if he doesn't move at least 10 times in 2 hours, a doctor / hospital visit will be necessary to see what's going on and why he's not moving around like he should.}

Lack of movement wasn't an issue with any of the other kids. . . in fact, Jaxen never stopped moving!!  The doctor wasn't too worried about the lack of movement YET.  Mainly because he started moving again and actually moved and kicked the device that was listening to his heartbeat.  However, in the interest of full disclosure -- a lack of movement might make me have to take a fetal non-stress test.  In the majority of cases, the fetus is doing well, but on rare occasions the non-stress test will show the
lack of movement is actually may be a sign of worsening fetal condition.  In general, as long as the test is reassuring, the pregnancy can continue as planned.  If the test is non-reassuring, a decision must be made whether the risks of remaining undelivered outweigh the risks of premature delivery.  {AGAIN, THIS IS WEEKS AWAY, BUT AN ISSUE -- Pray that little boy stays moving and grooving like he is suppose to so that the test isn't needed.}  Besides lack of movement the test is also given if there is reason to suspect that the placenta is not functioning adequately -- like Jaxen's.  So I ultimately, might have to take the test "just because".  No worries yet, just information to be informed with in the event that it all becomes an issue.  And I like being informed!!  = )

And for those of you that don't know what a Fetal Non-Stress Test is - The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions.   Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes.  If the baby does not move, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem; the baby could just be asleep.  A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.

Other than that, I am moving on to the third trimester {April 1st} and appointments every 3 weeks. Next doctor's appointment is Friday, April 6th. :-)

Here are the specs:

• Weighed in at 143.8 pounds - which is an 8.6 pound gain in 4 weeks, which is more than double the prior total weight gain of 7.2 pounds!  Wowzers. . . I hope it slows down!  {Total weight gain of +15.8 lbs} *Gulp!*
• Blood pressure was good and normal.
• Baby's heart rate was 150+ beats per minute.
• Our next appointment is in 3-weeks on Friday, April 6th at Noon. 
• APRIL 1ST = The Third Trimester!  = )