Jose and Amy
present
Jackson Lee
born on
Saturday, February 6, 2010.
Weight: 8lbs 10oz
Length: 20 inches
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Due Date
I am officially 40 weeks pregnant today.
For the first time in my pregnancy, I was scared. As soon as I got on the elevator to leave the doctor's office, my eyes were watering. I knew I had to call mom right away because she would be freaking out. As soon as she answered the phone, I was in the midst of a full-blown cry. It took me a few minutes to gain my composure before I could tell her what was going on.
We had an appointment for a Non-Stress Test today. The purpose of the test was to see how Jackson's heart reacted to movements and contractions. The test was easy. I laid there with two transducers wrapped around my belly and talked to Jose. We watched the monitor as his heart rate went up and down. The technician came and went several times to check on me. She said, "You are having contractions. See right here where it goes up and back down?" I said, "Wow! If that's all there is to contractions, this will be easy." Humor makes things a little easier.
She left us there on the monitor for about an hour. One time she came in and said, "It looks OK, we just need to monitor a little longer." That's when I knew there was something not right. Jose could sense it, too.
When my foot started to go to sleep, I was able to get up and go wait to see the Nurse Practitioner (they didn't have an appointment available for me to see a doctor). When Shannon came in she said, "Give me a minute, I haven't even had a chance to review your charts. She looked at the paper for a long time. She said, "OK... things look okay. See this right here (points to the contractions)? You are having contractions. When you do, we should see his heart rate change. It does here, here, and here. What worries me is this one here (points to another strong contraction and the corresponding heart rate above it). His heart rate doesn't go up or down. It could mean different things. Let's exam you and that might change how we look at this."
I was still 2 1/2 cm dilated. She said I am getting really close to 3. She said that it was good that I was dilating on my own and that I haven't had any leaking fluids or bleeding. She wanted to take my chart and get a doctor's opinion. It was official freak-out time! Jose and I just looked at each other and I tried to explain to him what was going on.
When Shannon came back, she said that they wanted me to have an ultrasound today to check the fluid around the baby and maybe monitor me some more before they sent me home for the weekend. She said to go get some lunch, come back for the ultrasound, and we would go from there. So we scheduled the ultrasound for 1:30 and left.
That's when I called mom. I had texted her a few times during the appointment to update her but I didn't want her to stress. I knew that telling her they had some concerns and wanted to do an ultrasound would freak her out. Well, she had to cancel some plans with my grandmother and met me for lunch. I think we both felt better knowing that we were together. Jose had to go to work (luckily it's 4 minutes from the doctor/hospital).
Fast forward to 1:30. Jose, Mom, and I were back at ultrasound. He is still head down. She said she needed to feel or see a kick and three major movements. Well, that didn't take long. He was awake (he must like Chik-fil-a), had a full bladder, and was practicing using his lungs. She measured the fluid around the baby and said everything looked really good. She said that I still had time before I had to deliver. AHHHH!!! RELIEF!
We saw Shannon again after the ultrasound and she said everything looked good. She told me that I needed to go ahead and schedule an induction for early next week. It is still possible for him to come on his own this weekend. She advised me to call the office if his movement patterns change, I had any bleeding or leaking, or if I started showing signs of labor.
That being said, we scheduled for me to be induced Tuesday morning. Although I really want it to happen on it's own, I trust that the doctor knows what's best for the baby.
I am VERY glad to have Jose and my mom. I wouldn't have made it through today without them! Also, thanks to all of my friends and family for their thoughts and prayers! I love you all and will keep you updated!
For the first time in my pregnancy, I was scared. As soon as I got on the elevator to leave the doctor's office, my eyes were watering. I knew I had to call mom right away because she would be freaking out. As soon as she answered the phone, I was in the midst of a full-blown cry. It took me a few minutes to gain my composure before I could tell her what was going on.
We had an appointment for a Non-Stress Test today. The purpose of the test was to see how Jackson's heart reacted to movements and contractions. The test was easy. I laid there with two transducers wrapped around my belly and talked to Jose. We watched the monitor as his heart rate went up and down. The technician came and went several times to check on me. She said, "You are having contractions. See right here where it goes up and back down?" I said, "Wow! If that's all there is to contractions, this will be easy." Humor makes things a little easier.
She left us there on the monitor for about an hour. One time she came in and said, "It looks OK, we just need to monitor a little longer." That's when I knew there was something not right. Jose could sense it, too.
When my foot started to go to sleep, I was able to get up and go wait to see the Nurse Practitioner (they didn't have an appointment available for me to see a doctor). When Shannon came in she said, "Give me a minute, I haven't even had a chance to review your charts. She looked at the paper for a long time. She said, "OK... things look okay. See this right here (points to the contractions)? You are having contractions. When you do, we should see his heart rate change. It does here, here, and here. What worries me is this one here (points to another strong contraction and the corresponding heart rate above it). His heart rate doesn't go up or down. It could mean different things. Let's exam you and that might change how we look at this."
I was still 2 1/2 cm dilated. She said I am getting really close to 3. She said that it was good that I was dilating on my own and that I haven't had any leaking fluids or bleeding. She wanted to take my chart and get a doctor's opinion. It was official freak-out time! Jose and I just looked at each other and I tried to explain to him what was going on.
When Shannon came back, she said that they wanted me to have an ultrasound today to check the fluid around the baby and maybe monitor me some more before they sent me home for the weekend. She said to go get some lunch, come back for the ultrasound, and we would go from there. So we scheduled the ultrasound for 1:30 and left.
That's when I called mom. I had texted her a few times during the appointment to update her but I didn't want her to stress. I knew that telling her they had some concerns and wanted to do an ultrasound would freak her out. Well, she had to cancel some plans with my grandmother and met me for lunch. I think we both felt better knowing that we were together. Jose had to go to work (luckily it's 4 minutes from the doctor/hospital).
Fast forward to 1:30. Jose, Mom, and I were back at ultrasound. He is still head down. She said she needed to feel or see a kick and three major movements. Well, that didn't take long. He was awake (he must like Chik-fil-a), had a full bladder, and was practicing using his lungs. She measured the fluid around the baby and said everything looked really good. She said that I still had time before I had to deliver. AHHHH!!! RELIEF!
We saw Shannon again after the ultrasound and she said everything looked good. She told me that I needed to go ahead and schedule an induction for early next week. It is still possible for him to come on his own this weekend. She advised me to call the office if his movement patterns change, I had any bleeding or leaking, or if I started showing signs of labor.
That being said, we scheduled for me to be induced Tuesday morning. Although I really want it to happen on it's own, I trust that the doctor knows what's best for the baby.
I am VERY glad to have Jose and my mom. I wouldn't have made it through today without them! Also, thanks to all of my friends and family for their thoughts and prayers! I love you all and will keep you updated!
Here is a picture of me yesterday at 39 weeks and 6 days.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
39 weeks
Alright, so here goes a quick update about yesterday's doctor appointment:
Dr. Clark felt my tummy and measured my fundal height, she said, "His size is good. Probably 7 1/2 pounds." I wonder why a different doctor felt different just two weeks ago? Either way, we're glad that he is normal size.
I was a little scared when she pulled out the sonogram and was listening for his heart. It took her a little longer to find it. I was relieved when I heard the swooshes of his beating heart. She immediately looked at me and said, "He's pretty low. How far do you live from the hospital?" This excited me and had me thinking that labor was nearing. We talked about the forecasted weather (which called for anything from 1 to 10 inches of snow) and about being careful driving to the hospital if I went into labor.
When she examined me, she let me know that I am about 2 1/2cm dilated. That's a half centimeter of progression from last week. I had hoped for a little more progress, but 1/2 is better than none! She also said, "He's still up there a bit and you have some more thinning to do. I think he'll hold out until after the snow." She also told us that if I make it to 3 or 4 centimeters without any contractions, it's a good indicator that labor and delivery will go smoothly. Let's hope that happens!!!
We also discussed what to expect if my water breaks or if I do start to experience contractions. If Jackson does not come by his due date, February 5th, they will have me do a non-stress test. I didn't ask too many questions about it while I was at the office, but I went home and googled it. Here is some of what I found about the NST:
So come on Jackson. Everyone is cheering for you. Make your way down and let's get this labor going!
Dr. Clark felt my tummy and measured my fundal height, she said, "His size is good. Probably 7 1/2 pounds." I wonder why a different doctor felt different just two weeks ago? Either way, we're glad that he is normal size.
I was a little scared when she pulled out the sonogram and was listening for his heart. It took her a little longer to find it. I was relieved when I heard the swooshes of his beating heart. She immediately looked at me and said, "He's pretty low. How far do you live from the hospital?" This excited me and had me thinking that labor was nearing. We talked about the forecasted weather (which called for anything from 1 to 10 inches of snow) and about being careful driving to the hospital if I went into labor.
When she examined me, she let me know that I am about 2 1/2cm dilated. That's a half centimeter of progression from last week. I had hoped for a little more progress, but 1/2 is better than none! She also said, "He's still up there a bit and you have some more thinning to do. I think he'll hold out until after the snow." She also told us that if I make it to 3 or 4 centimeters without any contractions, it's a good indicator that labor and delivery will go smoothly. Let's hope that happens!!!
We also discussed what to expect if my water breaks or if I do start to experience contractions. If Jackson does not come by his due date, February 5th, they will have me do a non-stress test. I didn't ask too many questions about it while I was at the office, but I went home and googled it. Here is some of what I found about the NST:
- 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.
- The primary goal of the test is to measure the heart rate of the fetus in response to its own movements. Healthy babies will respond with an increased heart rate during times of movement, and the heart rate will decrease at rest. The concept behind a non-stress test is that adequate oxygen is required for fetal activity and heart rate to be within normal ranges. When oxygen levels are low, the fetus may not respond normally. Low oxygen levels can often be caused by problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
- A reactive non-stress result indicates that blood flow (and oxygen) to the fetus is adequate. A nonreactive non-stress result requires additional testing to determine whether the result is truly due to poor oxygenation, or whether there are other reasons for fetal nonreactivity (i.e. sleep patterns, certain maternal prescription or nonprescription drugs).
So come on Jackson. Everyone is cheering for you. Make your way down and let's get this labor going!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A letter to my son
Dear Sweet Baby Jackson,
Papi and I are waiting patiently for you. We know that you are due in ten days and that you are taking your time to make your appearance. We have worked really hard to get ready for you. Although you are our first baby, we have been to many classes, read many books and magazines, and asked for a lot of advice about how to take care of you. We know that once you are here things will come naturally and we will take care of you the best way we can.
We can't wait to see what you look like. Will you have my curls or Papi's straight hair? Will you have his dark skin or my fair skin? Will you have Papi's big dark eyes or my light green eyes? Who's nose? Who's ears? Who's mouth? Will you be a solid mix of both? However you look, we know you will be adorable.
There are so many people ready to meet you. Your Nana calls everyday to see if Mommy feels anything "different." Friends call, text, and send Facebook messages everyday to see how I am feeling and to ask if you are here yet. Already, there are so many people that adore you.
I love you and I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. Papi can't wait to change your diapers (hehe)....
With all my love,
Mommy
Papi and I are waiting patiently for you. We know that you are due in ten days and that you are taking your time to make your appearance. We have worked really hard to get ready for you. Although you are our first baby, we have been to many classes, read many books and magazines, and asked for a lot of advice about how to take care of you. We know that once you are here things will come naturally and we will take care of you the best way we can.
We can't wait to see what you look like. Will you have my curls or Papi's straight hair? Will you have his dark skin or my fair skin? Will you have Papi's big dark eyes or my light green eyes? Who's nose? Who's ears? Who's mouth? Will you be a solid mix of both? However you look, we know you will be adorable.
There are so many people ready to meet you. Your Nana calls everyday to see if Mommy feels anything "different." Friends call, text, and send Facebook messages everyday to see how I am feeling and to ask if you are here yet. Already, there are so many people that adore you.
I love you and I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. Papi can't wait to change your diapers (hehe)....
With all my love,
Mommy
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Happy Birthday!
Today is my wonderful mother's birthday. I wanted to take a moment to wish her well today and always. Happy birthday, Mom/Nana. We love you!
Our family celebrated by having dinner at Rafferty's followed by cupcakes and ice cream at my parent's house. It was nice to spend some time with my family before Jackson gets here.
Mom is making her 49th birthday wish!
Jose and I were able to finish off our checklist this evening as well. The car seat was installed and the hospital bag is packed. I have no idea what all I should take for myself and Jackson. I hope I haven't under or over-packed. The car seat base went into the car easily. Let's just hope it is in there right.
Alright, the countdown is really on. Jackson is due in 12 days. He may or may not surprise us with an early visit. If he does, we are ready!
Our family celebrated by having dinner at Rafferty's followed by cupcakes and ice cream at my parent's house. It was nice to spend some time with my family before Jackson gets here. Mom is making her 49th birthday wish!
Jose and I were able to finish off our checklist this evening as well. The car seat was installed and the hospital bag is packed. I have no idea what all I should take for myself and Jackson. I hope I haven't under or over-packed. The car seat base went into the car easily. Let's just hope it is in there right.
Alright, the countdown is really on. Jackson is due in 12 days. He may or may not surprise us with an early visit. If he does, we are ready!
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