NST appointment

So, I had an appointment today that started with a Non-Stress Test. The nurse got me all hooked up to the machine and left for 10 minutes. When she came back in to check on me she realized that the machine had not been recording and we'd have to start over. I was okay with this because, as we all know, I didn't have anywhere else to be! Plus, as I've described before it really is enjoyable to hear Alyssa's heartbeat and be completely focused on her, pushing the button each time she moves. Once the nurse was sure we were back on track she left the room and I continued reading the "Parent" magazine she'd provided for my entertainment. After 10 more minutes the nurse checked on me and said that she needed to "buzz" Alyssa to get her moving more. Alyssa of course jumped and kept on moving around. The nurse left and as Alyssa beat me up from the inside I smiled thinking about how lucky I am to have such a great medical team watching over us both.

After the 20 minute session the nurse came in took the results and left. She returned in just a few seconds and stated that Alyssa was considered "non-responsive per the results of the non-stress test" and that I would need an ultrasound. I immediately freaked out not knowing what this meant but having the constant reassurance from Alyssa due to her movements. I had to wait about 10 minutes to go in with the ultrasound tech and I was pretty anxious. The tech relayed that this happens often and she isn't really sure what they mean by "non-responsive" since I was feeling and seeing movement. She got started with the ultrasound and Alyssa was on the go throughout. The tech said that everything looks great and that Alyssa is very active. Alyssa even opened and closed her eye. The tech said she had never seen that occur before and she played back the footage as we both laughed at her. Alyssa also yawned and waved during the ultrasound.

I was then taken back to meet with the doctor. The nurse took my weight (blah) and blood pressure. My blood pressure was 128/60 (which is AWESOME). Dr. Mills came in and said things look great and that she'd see me on Thursday for another Non Stress Test. I still find it interesting what they choose to name things...

What. A. Day.

It all started out with me thinking that Liz and Mom had a "surprise" prenatal massage scheduled for me. (Early in the week I had attempted to schedule massages for all of us but had failed and as a result they had a special surprise that would require me to be in a blindfold and the "appointment" was set for 11 so I had to be ready to go). We stopped by Kohl's because I was in need of some "unmentionables" as my Mom has been calling them today. After we'd been there a while Mom and Liz said it was time to get going to my "appointment" We left Kohl's on our way to this undisclosed location and the blindfold was strategically placed on my eyes. I'd like to say that I'm good with things like this but, alas, I tend to like to be in control. We drove and drove to what I thought was Coldwater plaza...I was not yet allowed to remove the blindfold and Mom guided me inside (hitting my arm on various objects like car mirrors and walls) I was then placed in a chair and Mom said "Are they open yet?" I could tell that my picture was being taken which I found to be a little much, since in my mind we were at a spa. Surely the other guests wouldn't want to be bothered by a round pregnant woman in a blindfold. The time came for the blindfold to be removed...much to my surprise I WAS SITTING IN THE TRAINING ROOM AT WORK surrounded by my lovely co-workers. Needless to say, I was elated and honored that they would do this for me. Apparently, the surprise had been scheduled for quite a long time. My co-workers had enlisted Mom's help to get me there since my bedrest has resulted in me being home all the time. It was such a fun celebration and I am blessed to work with such caring and fun people!! This afternoon I had a doctor appointment where I had an ultrasound to ensure Alyssa was still head down and to do some more measurements. Alyssa got an 8 out of 8 on the scale for movement and size that the technician used. The tech even turned on the 3-D mode for a few minutes while we watched Alyssa suck on her big toe, that's right, she's a little monkey baby!! Dr. Mills said that Alyssa now weighs 4.5 lbs which is great for 32 weeks. My blood pressure was on track and so, as a result, I don't have to go back this week AND I do not have to do the weekly lab work/urine collection. SUCH GOOD NEWS!! As I look back at this day I am just so reminded of what a truly blessed and lucky woman I am. I have so many amazing people in my life and Alyssa is already so loved. Life is good.

President's Day

Well after what turned out to be a very lovely weekend it's Monday again. This week is going to be pretty full, even for a girl on bedrest!

Tonight is, of course, The Bachelor! Lindsey and Lyndsay are coming over which always makes for a lot of fun!! Tuesday brings Birthing Classes. They were canceled due to snow last week so there is probably going to be a lot of information to soak in. I'm definitely looking forward to the tour of the hospital and the other info they have to offer.

My doctor's office called today and reported that my weekend labs came back within normal range which means there is no need to come in during the early part of the week (YAY!!) I have an ultrasound scheduled for Wednesday. This ultrasound will be done to check her positioning as well as ensure her growth and measurements are on track. This ultrasound is even more exciting because it just happens to be on the day that Mom and Liz will be here all day. We are also planning to get massages in the morning, yes this was approved by my doctor in advance. I'm really looking forward to some fun girl time and getting away from the house for a large majority of the day.

Thursday is lunch with the Castle ladies and dinner with Amanda. Visitors make the time go by so much more quickly!!

Friday will probably bring my second doctor appointment of the week and a non stress test.

I must admit that it feels good to know I'll be 32 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I'm starting to wonder just how large this stomach of mine is going to get. It's pretty amazing the stretching that occurs. Alyssa is getting the hiccups a couple times a day which is one of the most interesting feelings. I find myself wanting to drink water, even though it's not me hiccuping! Alyssa is moving in full force and sometimes it feels like jello jigglers and other times it feels like she's busting out elbow first.

31 weeks

Alyssa continues to grow and MOVE! :) At Monday's appointment she showed off her skills during a Non Stress Test. These will occur each visit now, which I must say I'm a fan of. It makes me feel very connected to her listening to her heartbeat for 20 minutes and pushing a button each time she moves. According to this weeks Your Pregnancy This Week email Alyssa "measures over 16 inches long.She weighs about 3.3 pounds" We were supposed to attend our first birthing class tonight but due to the snow it has been canceled. I doubt Nick is as bummed as me heehee.

I haven't updated on here but Ryan and Liz did win the contest on Friday. It was apparently quite the show. I got to see video footage of the event and I will admit, it made me proud!! We look forward to the actual giving of the ring!

Friday

Well it's Friday already. This week went by pretty quickly here at the Castle house. Tonight is the big show down on the Memorial Coliseum Ice. Ryan and Liz will be competing for the Peter Franklin Diamond Ring. I must say I am disappointed I wont be there to cheer them on but I have been assured that there will be video footage for my viewing pleasures!!

Yesterday, I went back to the doctor and my blood pressure was back up again. It was a bit discouraging but my doctor assured me that it is just part of the preeclampsia and is one of the main reasons they see me two times a week. She said it's nothing to worry about as long as this weeks labs come back okay. My next appointment will be Monday at 2. I am looking forward to this appointment because I'm going to start having non-stress tests. Which means 20 minutes of listening to Alyssa's heartbeat. They'll also track to see if I'm contracting. We also start our Birthing classes next Wednesday as well. So, there are a lot of things coming up!

30 Weeks

I am officially 30 weeks pregnant today. Every day that I'm still pregnant is a success. In reading my weekly email about pregnancy I learned that Alyssa is likely "about 15.7 inches long and she weighs almost 3 pounds." My next appointment is on Thursday and will be with Dr. Mills again.

Today I called and scheduled Nick and I's classes at Parkview North. The first class is called "Preparing for Childbirth." That is a three week class and it starts February 9th. The second class is the Breastfeeding class. It is scheduled for March 4th. The third class is "Basic & Beyond Parenting Class" but due to the dates we aren't going to be able to attend that class in person. Since I'm on bedrest the hospital has something called the "Bedrest Network" which will send videos and information that we would have received in class. I'll let you know how all of these go!

Today has been a pretty quiet day, which is actually nice. I have spent most of the day listening to the "Change of Heart" audio while I did word finds. I'm really starting to embrace the quiet life I'm leading.

I just saw a VERY entertaining commercial that makes me happy to be having a baby girl!! :) I thought I'd share it!

It's February.

I am settling in after a very fantastic doctor appointment. Alyssa and I are both doing great and it is all thanks to this bedrest business. It makes it all worth it when I go in and my blood pressure is 124/70 and Alyssa's heart rate is 160. I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow, which to me is VERY exciting. I can't believe how fast it's gone, even with these last few weeks considered.

I have given up on my high hopes for crocheting a sweater (for now) and am making a blanket. It is going really well and it is MUCH less discouraging. I'm about to start the audio book Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. Watching television while you crochet is pretty pointless b/c you aren't really watching so I decided this would be a good way to entertain myself while crocheting.

Tonight is The Bachelor and Lindsey and Lyndsay are coming over to watch with me. So excited for the continued drama of this show. Hopefully Vienna goes home!!!