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!