Christmas Eve

31 Weeks

Today I went in for my weekly sonograms and I left there pretty upset. From the very beginning of this pregnancy it seems I always have some bit of news to worry me. My first trimester blood screening test came back with a red flag for possible down syndrome. I had about 8 weeks of worrying about that before we would have more information. Then I took my second trimester blood screening test, it came back negative for downs but there was a red flag for possible open neural tubal defect. At 20 weeks I had to see a sonogram specialist, they examined him and everything looked fine. However, they found the low lying placenta and the Velamentous cord insertion. Since then the placenta has moved up and for the last couple weeks we have been closely watching the cord.

Last week my doctor told me about the blood flow and how we had to watch it closely each week to make sure it didn't slow down, reverse or stop. This week I did not see my doctor, just the sono tech and she really scared me. I have known about this Velamentous cord insertion but what I didn't realize is how scary it can be. It is basically where the umbilical cord is inserted into the membrane of the amniotic sac and vessels travel through the sack to the placenta in order to receive nutrients, instead of directly being inserted into the placenta. It is very dangerous at delivery because as the sac breaks, the vessels can easily tear.

The sono tech had never seen this type of insertion before and said it occurs in about 1% of pregnancies. I knew I was closely being watched because of a red flag in open neural tube defect also increases the likely hood of still birth. What I didn't realize is how dangerous it can be for the mom. Since the vessels are not protected, there is a possibility they could rupture, which also would result in still birth and means hemorrhaging for the mom. It would be like an aneurysm, is what she told me.

Of course I left there in tears, how could you not? I came home and did what I probably shouldn't have done, starting searching Velamentous cord insertion on the internet. I have known about this since about 20 weeks, so for 11 weeks, but just never realized how serious it could be.

I called my doctor once I got home to talk to her more about it, but she is in surgery today. I am sure once I do it will help ease my nerves. Here is another site I found with a picture showing the cord insertion: http://www.vasaprevia.org/vasaprevia/velamentous.htm

I asked her if she would recommend me delivering early, but since white boys have the hardest time in the NICU, they want him to stay in as long as possible. I will however induce at 38 weeks, 2 days as of now.

All we can do now is continue to pray that everything goes okay for the next 7 weeks and hope that it goes by really fast!

"God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. He will fulfill your dreams and lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you"

Sister's A Nurse!

After 18 months of long hours and hard work she is officially a Registered Nurse! I know how hard she worked, besides knowing she graduated with a 3.5 GPA, but because of all the times I talked to her and she was studying or doing paper work or out doing clinical's. I always thought she would be the best nurse because she is such a sweet, caring, positive, thoughtful, respectful person who genuinely cares for people.

She was hired on at the St. Joesph's hospital in Bryan/College Station and will work in Labor and Delivery starting January 3rd. Getting a job at St. Joesph's is extremely competitive and they haven't hired someone new in over 6 years. Since the recently added onto the hospital (which was done by her husband Forrest's company) they were able to add another RN to the floor and it just so happen to be her!

I am so, SO proud of her for going back and doing what she knew she would love to do. It takes long hours and determination to go back to school, especially if you already have a degree. I know every person who comes in contact with her with there at the hospital will just fall in love with her. She is so easy to love and her personality is so wonderful to be around. Not to mention she is going to have a blast in Labor & Delivery, I can't wait to hear all her stories!

I love you so much Sister and I am so proud of you!

Sonogram Comparison

When I first looked at the two I thought, "oh I am sure all sono profiles look the same." But I started studying the two and noticed they really did look alike in the picture. I had Jessica send me a sono of Cece and she looked totally different. So maybe they don't all look the same. hmm, I wonder if Reagan and her little brother will look alike?

Baby Boy

Reagan

30 weeks!

I started my weekly sonograms today. Everything looks great, his head is down and he weighs 3.2 pounds. Average weight at 30 weeks is about 3 pounds, so he is no longer measuring a week ahead. Which gives me a little bit of hope that I won't deliver another 9 pounder! I still have to go back in once a week for sonograms to check the blood flow to his heart. His was on the edge of normal, just a little low. So they want to make sure it stays where it is at and doesn't slow down, reverse or stop. If that was to happen I would have to deliver right away. But as of now everything is great!

This Girl Loves Her Music!

Catching Up

Before I get too far behind, I need to get caught up. Last week was Dylan's birthday and we took both Dylan and Reagan to Northpark to see Santa. Of course we knew it would take a while, but we didn't realize just how long it would take. From the time the McCoy's pulled our tickets, to the time we could actually get in line took a little over 3 hours. Then once we got in line, saw Santa and then purchased our pictures, another hour went by. So about 4 hours at Northpark for a Santa picture, but I was determined to get one since last year we didn't even attempt it. I knew she would scream and hate every minute of it, but who doesn't have that screaming Santa picture?!

Before

After

That night we all met at Picasso's Pizza and Grill for Dylan's birthday dinner.

And then Saturday was the big party! They had it at Little Gym which was great and Dylan had almost 20 kids there celebrating with him!

Reagan was more interested in eating than playing.






Then the next week my sister came in town for a few days. We didn't really take any pictures for some reason, I think we were just enjoying hanging out together.

Monday we went to one of our favorite lunch spots, La Madeleine's. I hadn't had it since I have been back in town and it was everything and more that I remembered. So delicious. We shopped a little that night, got a few things for my upcoming shower and tried to knock out some Christmas shopping.



Tuesday we headed to Northpark for lunch at Corner Bakery, which was extremely packed and it was a Tuesday! We couldn't eat and get out of there fast enough. I think every child enrolled in choir was there doing a performance and they all had their families in to watch. It was already a mess! So we left there and headed to Nordstroms Rack across the street, which was much better except we didn't really find anything. After that we had one last stop, Pottery Barn in the Galleria. Sister had to return a lamp she bought online and they don't have one near her. I knew I was pushing Reagan's nap time, but we were so close and I didn't want to have to drive out there the next day, so we just decided to go quickly. On the way Reagan had a screaming fit. She got so worked up she starting choking & throwing up in her seat. I pulled over on 635 to the shoulder, grab her out and make sure she is okay. All while she is still throwing up. Soothe her, take off her clothes, sister gets in the drivers seat and we take off again. We were at the Galleria exit, so while she runs in, I am trying to clean up as much as I can with wipes. I leave her out of the seat because it was soaked and just ride home with her in my lap. Poor thing fell asleep in about a second and was out for almost 3 hours.

Just when I was having a terrible day, somehow my sweet husband managed to send me some flowers. Fed Ex arrived and there were these beautiful tulips.

That night I started having my first bit of Braxton Contractions. I don't really remember getting them this early with Reagan, but since this time I am so low I am not surprised.

Wednesday we drove out to almost Denton so she could look at some new furniture. It was a really cute rustic place and the prices were great. We stopped and had lunch at Cheddars and then called it quits for the day. I had been cramping again all day and I was just uncomfortable.

She left Thursday morning and that's about it! We don't have any plans this weekend, maybe a little Christmas shopping, if I can stand the crowds and the cramping. I would way rather order everything online problem is, I don't really know what I am looking for. I have to go out and just browse. Next weekend we are heading to College Station for Sister's graduation, and then after that Darrin comes home, then it's Christmas!