Reassured

The appointment on Tuesday was reassuring. My doctor told me that many IVF babies are smaller. I'll still be doing the twice weekly NSTs but I feel reassured after talking with my normal doctor. Today was my second NST and I learned I need to bring my belts back. In my defense I was not told to bring them back so I left them in the car. During my NST I was told it could take 30 minutes to 2 hours to get what they want on the monitor. So far it's been closer to the 30 minute mark. And I was also told some tricks on how to make it the shorter time. I will be sure to eat before each NST. Especially since my next one is after work on Tuesday! I think I'll end up falling alseep during that one!

Twice weekly NSTs here we come...

We had an ultrasound this morning and this is how it went....once I finally got there because I was running 10-15 minutes late. I HAD to go back to the house for my CD because I wanted my pictures put on it! The tech did the ultrasound and the growth numbers are still two weeks behind where they should be. I wasn’t too worried since she has been consistent with her growth. The doctor finally came in(after what seemed to be an unusually long wait...it always seems they take longer when there's bad news)and was concerned with the growth or possible placental issues down the road. When he first came in he asked when the first ultrasound was and since it was less than twelve weeks my due date is accurate (well duh! I did IVF of course my due date is accurate!). The good news is that she had a perfect score today (8/8 but don't ask me what goes into the score)and the heart beat (136 bpm) and umbilical blood flow sounded great but the bad news is that theamniotic fluid is on low side of adequate (I’m trying to drink more, I promise!). The doctor recommended an ultrasound in three weeks and Non-Stress Tests twice a week until I deliver. The NSTs are where they hook my up to the monitor that monitors contractions during labor. The next ultrasound is scheduled for April 8. My next appointment with my regular doctor is on Tuesday so I’ll find out more about the NSTs then. They will either be done in her office, the hospital, or where my ultrasounds are done. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do twice a week every week, so I’m hoping they’ll be ok with once a week. I think my days off just became full! I hope these NSTs wont be early in the morning and I can sleep in at least! He also said that it may be recommended that I deliver at 37-38 weeks if her growth slows, her scores go down, or if there are placental issues. She would still be considered full term at that point. He also estimated her to gain 0.5 pounds a week putting her at about 6.5 pounds at birth. They estimated her at about 3.5 pounds today. I've been doing some thinking since my last ultrasound and she has always measured about two weeks behind.  She's measured small ever since they started measuring her during the second ultrasound and the placenta was a tad on the small side if I remember right (I have slept and had multiple doctor appointments since then). I guess we will see what happens when it happens!

Bimonthly appts

Yesterday marked TWO months until the due date!  That's crazyness!  I have finished the quilt and it's even been machine quilted!  I usually hand sew the binding on but I had the lady machine bind it so I can have time for other projects on my list.  If you need anything machine quilted let me know and I'll get you this ladies contact info.  She did an awesome job and it was fast!  Next I need to get the crib skirt made.

Yesterday I made a couple of diaper clutches for baby gifts.  They turned out pretty good and I cant wait to make mine.  I hope the girls like them!

I had an appointment on Monday.  Passed the glucose test with flying colors and heart was in the 160s.  Next appointment is in a week and half.

Hello 3rd Trimester!

Last week I started the 3rd Trimester.  That means I need to get things in gear in the nursery.  So far it's painted, the dresser is painted, and the crib is together.  I need to finish the quilt top so I can get it machine quilted.  I also need to finish her letters.  I need to figure out where I want things to go so I can feel like things are getting done!

I had another ultrasound last Friday.  My mom came along again to see MJ.  She is still two weeks behind in growth but she is growing accordingly.  She weighed 2lbs 7oz with a heart rate of 164.

My mom mentioned that I was only 6lbs at birth and was full term.  I wouldnt mind a small baby with a small head at birth! :)

Passed the test!

Monday was the appointment with the glucose test. I drank the orange drink and had to wait an hour to get my blood drawn. The drink didn't taste bad, I thought it tasted a little like orange Hi-C. The bad part was having to wait around for my blood draw.  I didn't get a call this week so that meansy result was normal!

Madalyn's heart rate was 139 this week. I have one more four week appointment and then it's every two weeks! Next week we have another ultrasound scheduled. Hopefully she's growing like she should!

High Risk

Had another ultrasound last Friday. I know, I know I'm slow to update. At this appointment we were finally told that I am being treated as high risk. They still think the elevated AFP level was a false positive but still say it may cause per eclampsia, miscarriage, and low birth weight. This time her head measured 2-3 weeks small but that could be genetics. Her brain looked good and we're not worried about her head size because her daddy has a small head. I have to order fitted hats for him online because stores don't carry his size!

Anyways on with the appointment. My parents got to come with us this time and saw Madalyn!  She didn't move much for them and I even drank juice before this appointment!  She likes to stay curled up and make it hard for the doctor to check everything. Everything checked out fine, or at least everything the doctor could see. I also had a picture happy ultrasound tech this time. I walked out with 13 pictures! I decided I want her for my next appointment. I even got a picture of her heart rate which was 160.

We get to see our baby girl again in three weeks!

Bought the fabric

I have most of the fabric I need for the major projects in the nursery. I even found some more fabric that would be perfect but I need to find something to do with it before I buy it! I decided to make a quilt and crib skirt bc I don't like any of the nursery bedding out there. It's either pink or purple with butterflies, which I am not going for. I want birds, owls, and bright colors. I'm thinking we'll paint the walls grey and the dresser turquoise.

Madalyn update... I had and appointment on Monday and she sounded great! The next ultrasound appointment is on the 18th and hopefully my parents can come. The glucose test is scheduled for February 4 and I'm definitely not looking forward to it! Yuck!