Dear Munchkin,
You've given us quite a scare.
I'll be 34 weeks tomorrow. At my regular doctor's appointment today, my OB first said that I really had gained more than she'd like (nearly 8 lbs in 5 weeks) and suggested that I cut milk and fruit except strawberries and blueberries and the occasional 1/2 banana, and change up my exercise routine. Then she measured fundal height and said I'm measuring small - only 31 weeks. So she sent me down the hall for an ultrasound, which showed 3 things: You are breech (instead of having your head down, you are sitting with your tuchus down and your feet and head up). You are indeed small - only 4 lbs., rather than 5.5 lbs which is the norm for 34 weeks. And you don't have enough amniotic fluid around you.
Since my fluid is low, they can't do an inversion to flip you around. So unless you flip on your own, I will have to have a scheduled C-section at 39 weeks. I had my first NST (non-stress test) and my doctor said your heartbeat looked great. But I'm on modified bed rest, which means no exercise, and I need to lie down on my left side for 30 min twice a day, and I must make sure I feel you move at least every few hours. My doctor referred me to an MFM (a maternal-fetal medicine doctor, someone who specializes in high-risk pregnancies). I will see the MFM and my regular doctor every week going forward.
So, baby girl, I'm scared. I'm hoping and praying that you will be just fine. I love you, and your Daddy loves you, and your grandparents love you, and we are all praying as hard as we can. Please be happy and healthy and safe, little one.
love,
Mommy
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
80%
Dear Munchkin,
You will learn, very early on, that your Mommy really likes math. Today I am 32 weeks along, which means I am 80% of the way to "full-term" which is 40 weeks. Although really, anytime after 38 weeks is considered full-term, I think.
We are busy making our house more beautiful - we've done lovely landscaping in the front and are currently working on the backyard. It probably won't get finished before you're born, but it'll be finished afterward, and that will be OK. We ordered a grill, because if we're going to spend more time in our soon-to-be-beautiful backyard, it makes sense to have a grill.
And we ordered a glider, which your Nana is giving us as a gift. I imagine that you will spend many quality hours in that glider - sometimes with me, sometimes with your Daddy, and perhaps even with your Nana and your Grammy and your Papa D. You are becoming more real to me every day, little girl. Last night, we took a breastfeeding class, and now I know a little bit more about what I'll need to do, and where to go for help if I need it. And I can almost imagine holding you in my arms, settled into the glider, as you nurse and we bond in a way unique to mothers and babies.
There is a lot of terrible stuff happening in the world right now, Munchkin. And I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with pain at the thought of so much violence and hatred and anger, and the danger posed to my family and friends and complete strangers in Israel. And then I feel you kick, and I remember that I must believe that the future is bright, not bleak. And I can only hope and pray desperately that the future you will inherit will be filled with light, laughter, and peace.
Munchkin, you and your Daddy are the two best things that have ever happened to me. Daddy and I are already amazed by how much we love you. And that love grows and grows every day!
love,
Mommy
You will learn, very early on, that your Mommy really likes math. Today I am 32 weeks along, which means I am 80% of the way to "full-term" which is 40 weeks. Although really, anytime after 38 weeks is considered full-term, I think.
We are busy making our house more beautiful - we've done lovely landscaping in the front and are currently working on the backyard. It probably won't get finished before you're born, but it'll be finished afterward, and that will be OK. We ordered a grill, because if we're going to spend more time in our soon-to-be-beautiful backyard, it makes sense to have a grill.
And we ordered a glider, which your Nana is giving us as a gift. I imagine that you will spend many quality hours in that glider - sometimes with me, sometimes with your Daddy, and perhaps even with your Nana and your Grammy and your Papa D. You are becoming more real to me every day, little girl. Last night, we took a breastfeeding class, and now I know a little bit more about what I'll need to do, and where to go for help if I need it. And I can almost imagine holding you in my arms, settled into the glider, as you nurse and we bond in a way unique to mothers and babies.
There is a lot of terrible stuff happening in the world right now, Munchkin. And I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with pain at the thought of so much violence and hatred and anger, and the danger posed to my family and friends and complete strangers in Israel. And then I feel you kick, and I remember that I must believe that the future is bright, not bleak. And I can only hope and pray desperately that the future you will inherit will be filled with light, laughter, and peace.
Munchkin, you and your Daddy are the two best things that have ever happened to me. Daddy and I are already amazed by how much we love you. And that love grows and grows every day!
love,
Mommy
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