Mark Your Calendars

Hi everyone. Well, it looks as if we’ll be meeting little Miss Maggie on June 4 or June 6. At our doctor’s visit last Monday, Dr. Stafford scheduled a planned c-section for the 4th, but yesterday, Dr. Trippell called to tell us that he had a family emergency. So, it’s likely we’ll be rescheduling the c-section with her for the 6th. Maggie is still in breech and the chances of her flipping into the proper position are “slim to none.” And, as Matt says “And, slim has left the building.” Matt is taking the news of a c-section much better than I am. I am still scared to death of the c-section and have tried to bribe Maggie to flip. So far, I have promised her the car of her choice on her 16th birthday, a diamond tennis bracelet, and a trip to Europe upon college graduation. She is either one tough negotiator or she has no desire for the materialistic things in life.

We have another non stess test and ultrasound tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. If those both go well, then the schedule for next week should hold – pending I don't go into labor beforehand. If that should happen, I would call in and they would take me right in for the c-section. So, it appears that I won’t be getting out of this surgery. I have heard that many women prefer the c-section so I am taking some comfort in that.

Matt scored big this week with the news that he had indeed installed the car seats properly in both vehicles and that his favorite cigars had arrived. 95% of car seats are installed incorrectly, so Matt beat the odds big time. The inspector was really thorough and even tested it with a 6.5 lb baby doll. She showed us how to do all sorts of things with the car seat and even gave us tips for “home safety inspection” before Maggie arrives. I felt really informed. Matt is planning to disperse his favorite cigars upon Maggie’s arrival – Bull and Bear cigars from St. Charles, IL. Those are by far his favorites, and we had them shipped down for the occasion.

With Dr. Stafford’s permission, I also ventured into the office last week – but briefly each time. It is so good to be out of the house. I am taking it easy, but being at home alone all day was starting to really wear on my nerves and make me panicky about things so I am grateful Dr. Stafford allowed me a little freedom.

The photos are the last two ultrasound photos taken over the last two weeks. In one of them, you can see Maggie’s little nose and mouth. The ultrasound tech said it was hard to really see, even in 3D. So, they look a little funny, but they are interesting nonetheless.

We will continue to keep ya’ll posted on things and thanks again for all the great support you have given us and are continuing to give us. We are both ansy and are so ready to be home with Maggie.

All our love – Kim and Matt

Full Term and Directionally Challenge

Hi again everyone. Well, today, Maggie is full term. This means she should be “developmentally ready” to be born. That’s good to know.
We had an ultrasound last week and it made for a crazy week for us. After the ultrasound, the doctors told us that she was breech, the cord was wrapped around her neck, my amniotic fluid was low, and her head was flat on both sides. The doctor said we would not have a vaginal delivery and that we would have a c section this week. Matt and I were scared out of our minds. The doctor said Maggie’s kidneys may not be working properly because of the low fluid, and he told me to stay off my feet and work something out with my classes. However, on Wednesday, after consulting with the other doctors, we felt better. They said her kidneys were okay and that while my fluid level was low – it was still in the normal range. He said they felt the head issue was a non issue. They also said they wanted to try and wait for Week 39 to have the c section if Maggie doesn’t flip. That’s the first week in June. They also said it is unlikely she will flip. I am hoping she does flip, but there is less than a 10% chance that she will. I guess Maggie is directionally challenged.
So, we are targeting the first week of June, and it is likely we will have a c section. I am terrified of the c section. They put us on notice and said to bring our packed bags with us at every appointment in case they send us straight to the hospital. So, if the fluid level drops or they see something they don’t like, we’ll be on our way. Matt and I have another appointment tomorrow so we’re packed and ready but hopeful we won’t be checking in tomorrow.
Matt installed our car seats today. We will have them inspected and see how well we did. I am not going to tease him if he was off on the installation because he was so nice to give it a shot. We have our pack n play set up now, the bottles are washed, and the bags are packed. I sewed her cradle bumpers and blankets, and we are under the illusion that we are prepared. Ready or not though – Maggie is coming soon.
We feel like it was a crazy week last week and are hoping that tomorrow’s appointment kicks this week off much better than last week. We’ll keep you posted.
Also, please feel free to visit us when Maggie is born – in the hospital, at home, or both.
The photos are random photos from showers, etc. We thought you’d enjoy seeing how Angus is preparing for Maggie’s arrival. Thanks again for all your support – we VERY MUCH appreciate it.

Tic Toc

Hi again everyone. It’s been forever since our last update, and we apologize. Things have been hectic and are sure to get even more busy as Maggie’s due date quickly approaches. We have lots to update you on so we’ll get right to it.
In late February, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and pregnancy related anemia. Fortunately, both are under control at this point. I am lucky because I don’t have to take insulin and can control my sugar levels with my diet. I do miss my mocha frappaccino’s though and my iced chai tea lattes. I could still have those if I wanted, but I don’t dare tempt myself with them. I take iron supplements, but today my doctor told me that I don’t have to take as many iron pills each day because the levels are good now.
Because we’re at 35 weeks, I go to the doctor twice a week now. They perform what is called a non stress test/fetal monitoring. They do this because I am taking blood pressure medicine and because of Matt’s heart issue when he was born. The monitoring tests Maggie’s heartbeat and makes sure she can handle the stress of labor and delivery. I am confident that she can handle it – I am most concerned about me! So far, Maggie is performing like a trooper. During the first two tests, she moved around like crazy. This meant it took longer to get good readings because it’s best if she’s not as active during the test. Today, she was sleeping for the first part of the test, but she woke up and performed well.
Next Monday, we have another ultrasound. This is to make sure that “she is growing as she should be” as the doctor said. It’s just another precaution. I have only gained four pounds during the pregnancy. What is odd is that I will gain two or three pounds and then lose two or three pounds. I don’t understand it, but the doctors don’t seem too concerned about it. What is really weird is how my clothes are tighter and my belly gets bigger, but I don’t gain more weight. It defies logic to me, but as one of my doctors said, “you had some stored up to begin with.”
Maggie will be full term May 20th. This means she could come at any time after that date even though her due date is June 10th. Dr. Trippell said today that they would not stop my labor even if I go into labor before May 20th. She doesn’t think this will happen, but she wanted me to know that. Suddenly, I feel way behind with having things ready for Maggie’s arrival. I truly feel like the clock is ticking and that it’s getting louder and louder.
We had our childbirth prep class last week. It was interesting and scary at the same time. I think the videos they show are excellent forms of birth control – if they’d show them prior to getting pregnant. I think ignorance might have been bliss in this case for us. We did get to tour the maternity ward which is nice. Plus, they have wireless internet in all the rooms so Matt is thrilled. This also means that he has the responsibility of sending an email update from the hospital and a picture of Maggie.
Maggie has continued to move around and be very active in the belly. She seems to really like music. Every time we go to a restaurant with music (like Cheeseburgers in Paradise or Texas Roadhouse), she starts moving around like crazy. We’re not sure what this means yet, but it makes me a tad nervous. We’re hoping it soothes her and doesn’t mean she is going to be a wild child.
We continue to have such great support from our friends and family, and we are so thankful for that. The pictures are of the nursery and from baby showers. Ya’ll have been so wonderful to us. We hope to see ya’ll soon, and we’ll be much better about the updates. We’ll keep you posted.
Thanks for all your love and support!