We've reached week 25. Why is 25 weeks so key? At this point in the pregnancy AnnahLilly has an 82% survival rate outside the womb.
Even with everything that happened last time, its still comforting to know that she's reached such an important milestone. And, with last week's preterm labor scare, the milestone is even more important.
Every week, AnnahLilly just gets bigger and more prepared for the outside world. We can't wait to get to know her and kiss her little head. Just 11 weeks left.
An eventful day
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday was a whirlwind day -- from the joys of seeing baby on the latest ultrasound to the uneasiness of an unscheduled overnight stay at the hospital.
From the outset, let me say everything is OK. Jen's at home today with strict orders for the next couple of weeks to take it easy (no heavy lifting!).
At around 5 p.m. yesterday, Jen noticed some spotting. We talked to one of her OBs and she said to go to the hospital if there was still spotting an hour later. An hour came and went -- no new blood. But a few hours later, it returned and we headed in around 10 p.m.
They put Jen on a baby heart monitor and AnnahLilly was just fine. That heartbeat never sounded so good. The nurse then called another one of Jen's OBs -- the one on call -- and he ordered Jen to stay overnight just as a precautionary measure. They did more tests and all was fine. Fortunately Jen hasn't seen any more spotting.
The doctor chalked it up to possible tiny rips of the membrane. So ... no heavy lifting for two weeks. And any more spotting means an immediate trip back to the hospital.
As for the happiest part of our day, the ultrasound, AnnahLilly continues to be as cute as ever. She was sitting Indian-style with her face looking up toward mommy. We got a good look down at her face at one point, seeing her cute little nostrils and mouth.
She is checking in at 1 pound, 7 ounces, which puts her in the 49th percentile.
As for today, we're relieved all is presumably OK with Jen and AnnahLilly. Keeping our history in mind, we knew this pregnancy would be a difficult. It's been like tip-toeing through minefields, and there's still three months to go.
Last night brought loads of memories rushing back. It was actually the first time Jen had been in the hospital since Lillian passed away. Most of the staff, too, was the same and they remembered us. The first nurse even remembered the triage room we were in when we got the terrible news about Lillian. We used a different triage room last night.
As for the overnight stay, we stayed in room 107. Just a few doors down, room 111, was where Jen delivered Lillian.
From the outset, let me say everything is OK. Jen's at home today with strict orders for the next couple of weeks to take it easy (no heavy lifting!).
At around 5 p.m. yesterday, Jen noticed some spotting. We talked to one of her OBs and she said to go to the hospital if there was still spotting an hour later. An hour came and went -- no new blood. But a few hours later, it returned and we headed in around 10 p.m.
They put Jen on a baby heart monitor and AnnahLilly was just fine. That heartbeat never sounded so good. The nurse then called another one of Jen's OBs -- the one on call -- and he ordered Jen to stay overnight just as a precautionary measure. They did more tests and all was fine. Fortunately Jen hasn't seen any more spotting.
The doctor chalked it up to possible tiny rips of the membrane. So ... no heavy lifting for two weeks. And any more spotting means an immediate trip back to the hospital.
As for the happiest part of our day, the ultrasound, AnnahLilly continues to be as cute as ever. She was sitting Indian-style with her face looking up toward mommy. We got a good look down at her face at one point, seeing her cute little nostrils and mouth.
She is checking in at 1 pound, 7 ounces, which puts her in the 49th percentile.
As for today, we're relieved all is presumably OK with Jen and AnnahLilly. Keeping our history in mind, we knew this pregnancy would be a difficult. It's been like tip-toeing through minefields, and there's still three months to go.
Last night brought loads of memories rushing back. It was actually the first time Jen had been in the hospital since Lillian passed away. Most of the staff, too, was the same and they remembered us. The first nurse even remembered the triage room we were in when we got the terrible news about Lillian. We used a different triage room last night.
As for the overnight stay, we stayed in room 107. Just a few doors down, room 111, was where Jen delivered Lillian.
Puppy love
Monday, February 22, 2010
Herald decided to say "hi" to his mommy and his sister. He's shown lots of interest in baby - putting his head and paws up on mommy's tummy. It['s as if he can hear the baby moving around in there.
Initials
We put our design skills to use and whipped up some decor for the baby room. Jennifer made these initial images to hang on the wall near the window.
Baby bump
Friday, February 12, 2010
My beautiful wife yesterday at the chiropractor's office.
Today she hits Week No. 23! Just 13 more to go!
From the not-fun department
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A look at the Lovenox shot Jennifer gets every night for her Factor V blood-clotting disorder.
A special song
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I heard this song last week and it really resonated with me with all that we hope and dream for AnnahLilly.
Year of the Tiger
We're excited for AnnahLilly to be born in the Year of the Tiger. More specifically, the year of the White Tiger, which occurs only every 60 years.
During our research we've learned:
* Children born in White Tiger years are said to be blessed with especially good fortune.
* The Tiger is a symbol of bravery, the guardian deity of the Korean people, and a noble animal who appears in old Korean folk tales.
* Tigers are passionate, honest, optimistic, and extremely aggressive at everything they do. Most are said to be adventurous and are ambitious of honor and glory.
* In olden times, the tiger in Korea represented a bountiful life, giving strength when people were down.
For those keeping score, AnnahLilly's Tiger year will be followed in 2011 by Brent's Rabbit year and in 2012 by Jen's Dragon year. It's fun that our years will all be in succession.
And yes, Brent the Rabbit stands no chance against his Tiger and Dragon. And he's OK with that.
22 1/2 weeks
Sunday, February 7, 2010
AnnahLilly is proving to be a night owl, kicking up a storm around 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
As I write, at 11:50 p.m., she's very active. I actually just felt a kick. That's the third kick I've felt.
"I wish it was May. It seems like it's really far away, doesn't it?"
That's what Jen just said.
Actually, with doctors inducing Jen at 36 weeks, she only has 13 1/2 weeks left. That's just a little more than three months. That's nothing! Easy for me to say.
For now, Jen will soldier on -- pricking her finger four times a day for gestational diabetes, and getting a Lovenox shot every night for Factor V, a blood clotting disorder.
Any wonder she's not a fan of needles?
-- Brent
As I write, at 11:50 p.m., she's very active. I actually just felt a kick. That's the third kick I've felt.
"I wish it was May. It seems like it's really far away, doesn't it?"
That's what Jen just said.
Actually, with doctors inducing Jen at 36 weeks, she only has 13 1/2 weeks left. That's just a little more than three months. That's nothing! Easy for me to say.
For now, Jen will soldier on -- pricking her finger four times a day for gestational diabetes, and getting a Lovenox shot every night for Factor V, a blood clotting disorder.
Any wonder she's not a fan of needles?
-- Brent
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