Logan's First Christmas

Baby Game Results!

Thanks to all who guessed! It was fun!

Baby Game!

Enter Baby-Zagorski-2.0 in the "Game Name".

Things Being a Mommy Has Taught Me

1. Trust your instincts. A doctor or nurse does have specialty training, but you have specialty training in your child.

2. Life can, and will, change in the blink of an eye. Don't wait for a reminder to give your child all the love that you possibly can.

3. There is no perfect parent. Even if they try to display themselves in such a way, they aren't. Don't compare yourself to them.

4. Every Mom has her bad moments. Some may not come for years. When this comes, do your best to patch things up as best as you can. Forgive yourself and learn from what has happened.

5. Every part of raising a child comes in phases. As one phase ends, another begins. Some phases are easy, others are so difficult that you aren't sure there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The light is there. Remember that and keep pushing along.

6. Have confidence in yourself, your decisions and abilities.

7. When something doesn't work for you, try another method until you find something that does work.

Logan's First Check-up

Yesterday was Logan's first check-up! His weight had dropped down to 8 pounds, 12 oz. before we were discharged and yesterday he was almost up to his birth weight... 9 pounds, 3 oz.! I think the nurse did not accurately measure his length so I'm going to leave that out until the next visit. But, everything else checked out great. He is one healthy boy! Thank God! We go back on the 12th for Emmi's 2 year check-up and another weight check for Logan. I can't believe I'm taking TWO kids to the doctor now. :)

 On the way to my first check-up!

One Week

It is so hard to believe that it was a week ago Logan was born. As I look at the time as I write this, I was prepped and waiting in L&D to be wheeled into the OR. Now, I look down and Logan is laying across my lap, snoring away. We have adjusted well to being home, thanks of course to Joe, who has been my arms and legs while I am on weight and driving restrictions. Emmi has taken to Logan too... offering him his blanket or putting his rattle in his lap. She is a smart girl. Things in a lot of ways are easier this time around, even with 2. Logan is a good eater and therefore a good sleeper. His cries and needs seem to be so much easier to meet than Emmi's. I don't know if I can attribute that to experience or the fact he was "on time" development-wise as compared to Emmi. Either way, it has been nice.

Chilling post-sponge bath in my swing!

The Complication

Many of you have been asking what "snags" I ran into, so I decided to post this separately. It's kind of graphic so if you want to stick with the hunky dory version previous, stop reading now. :)



So, the major problem during the c-section was that the anesthesiologist could not get the spinal needle in properly to administer the anesthetic. I don't know if it came down to technique or the shape of my spine or what but he tried 5 or 6 times... I lost count. That means 12 needles total, one for freezing, one for the spinal. Repeat process. Finally, he was able to get in using an epidural needle. Success. For the moment.

In the recovery area I was doing pretty good, but by the time I was wheeled to the mother-baby side, my head was throbbing. I was suffering from a spinal headache. Now, if he had been able to use a regular spinal needle, the risk for a spinal headache would have been very low. But, because he used an epidural needle (which is a bigger needle) to do a spinal needle's job, it passed through the dura matter (covering of my spinal cord) and created a passage for my spinal fluid to leak out, changing the fluid pressure around my brain and spinal cord. They began to treat my headache with medication and caffeine drinks, which did relieve some of the pain. I tried to lay still for the next few days but every time I got up, it felt like my brain was going to explode. On day three, I began losing my hearing from the pressure and also was losing feeling in my arm. I was ready to take the next step.

In order to fix the leak, the anesthesiologist (a different one) would need to do a blood patch. They would take a fair amount of blood from my arm, put another epidural needle in place in my spine, near the site of the original puncture, and inject me. My blood would clot and the resulting clot would "patch" the meningeal leak. The result would be a wonderful compression effect... kind of like letting the air out of a tire that was too full. This compression release would eventually reach the fluid around my brain and I would be fixed.

They prepared me for this procedure, which was done in my room, with Joe and my entire family waiting on pins and needles (no pun intended) all around me. He inserted the needle first try, injected my blood, and I immediately needed to lay down flat for the next 3 hours. As I lay flat for the next 3 hours, I prayed my blood would clot and to take my mind off things, Joe and I watched 3 ridiculous episodes of "Kourtney and Kim Kardashian Take New York". What a stupid show! LOL. But, it did the trick because after 3 hours, I sat up and was cured.

Thank God. :)

The Birth Story

So, on Wednesday, November 23 I stopped in for my final biophysical and Logan was still happy in there. The nurse said I could stay pregnant up until my due date with no problem then beep! went the blood pressure machine and the reading stopped her partway through her sentence. The numbers were way too high and she said I needed a plan for delivery. So, it was off to my OB. He did a rough measurement  and his face showed concern... he was getting a measurement of possibly 10 pounds. After some more prodding around, he sat down and said 5 words that suddenly changed the game: "I don't think it'll fit". Logan's head was no where near being engaged and even if it did engage itself, my OB was terribly worried about shoulder distortion- which is when the baby's shoulder becomes trapped beneath the pelvic bone, causing the nerves to be stretched and injured. The risks were high... a limp or paralyzed arm, lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist, and lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand. So, after leaving us alone for a few minutes to talk, Joe and I decided to go for the c-section. So, at 11:30am, my OB called the hospital and "booked" me for surgery at 3:30pm. At 4:28pm, Logan William, 9 pounds, 9 oz., 20 3/4" made his beautiful debut!

Logan William

Birth story to follow...

My Happy Camper

So, it was back to my OB this morning. I see now why it pays not to work the closer one gets to her due date because all you are doing is sitting in doctor's offices! :) My tests from over the weekend were all negative... so no pre-eclampsia... which I knew, but needed to be confirmed.

My BP was ridiculously high again but that's because the word "induction" had been tossed around last Thursday. So, Joe and I left Emmi with her Avo, complete with typed instructions, a freezer meal, and a quilt for the couch in case we were going to be in it for the long haul. My BP did eventually come down and my Bishop's Score clearly indicated that an induction today would more than likely result in a failure to progress (aka probable c-section).

So, after a rather nonchalant stripping of membranes and instructions for bed rest for the BP, back home we went. I return to the high-risk Dr. on Wednesday for my last scheduled biophysical then back to my OB for another evaluation.

This pregnancy went so fast and I thank 2.0 for slowing it down for me with this rather laborious (pun intended) pre-delivery!

The Big 4-0!

Biophysical #4 & a Check-Up

Wednesday's biophysical went well again. 2.0 is miiighty comfy in there, enjoying a good fluid level, perfect placenta, and even some extra room to grow. Hey, would you want to leave? I looked at him/her on the screen happily sucking away on his/her toes. Heaven, no doubt!

I have been feeling tired exhausted lately. Do one activity, sit down. Do something else, sit down. Shower? Take a nap! I guess that's what carrying around a now over 8 pounder will do to you. Whew!

Thursday I went to my OB/midwife for a check-up and my blood pressure was running pretty high. So, I had to come back a few hours later for blood work and I have to do a 24 hour protein check. Luckily, I didn't have to go to L&D like I did last time it happened with Emmi but I am thinking a trip there is fast approaching. We shall see!

Feathering the Nest/Check-up/Growth Scan

Dear 2.0,

It has been a busy week for you!

On Sunday, you had a beautiful shower that was thrown by your Grandmas. We had a ton of fun and you wiggled a lot as I ate and drank all the yummy food and drinks. You got some really nice things too that you will be seeing and using very soon!

On Tuesday, we had a check-up for you with Dr. Hoffman/Midwife Cassie. I am measuring right on target, my BP was good, your heart rate was great, and I am 2cm dilated! Yipee!

On Wednesday, we went to the high-risk doctor for your last growth scan. You weigh about 7 lbs 14 oz. You grew 2 pounds in the last month! Wowza!

Biophysical #2 and #3

You are looking good in there and you have moved even further down. You are ready for launch! I go next week for my last growth scan to find out how much you weigh. Cook for a little while longer, but Daddy and I are ready to meet you. :)

Daddy's Lips

Going to Make it to the Next Sticker??

Biophysical #1

I had my first biophysical check at the high-risk doctor this past Thursday. They check to make sure the baby is not under any kind of stress. Heartbeat, reflex movements, fluid levels and functions were all fine. I go back again this coming week for another. Things are getting cramped in there though...!

Falling in Love...

You Are Growing!

So, this week I had both a growth scan and a check-up. The growth scan showed a very healthy 5 pound 14 oz. jelly bean! Heartbeat was 138 BPM and he/she had its hands curled up covering its face... so cute. So, we are really in the home stretch because we go to the doctor every week now until the end (half for check-ups and half for monitoring at the high-risk clinic). The car seat is in the car, my bag is packed, outfits are washed, and my last day of work is rapidly approaching. With that, the excitement is mounting!

Baby Bumps, Then & Now

Left- Emmi, October 2009

Right- 2.0, October 2011

8 weeks (or less) to go!

Check-Up

Had my check-up today and everything was looking pretty good. I've gained 6 pounds so far, which is really great considering that we know more than half of that weight is the baby (3 lbs., 13 oz.). I had my belly measured and I am right on target. Emmi got to listen to her brother or sister's heartbeat through the doppler, which she thought was pretty cool. She then spent the rest of the time throwing her ball and playing catch with one of the people who pulled her out and caught her first in this world.... how beautifully odd. My BP was a tad high but nothing major. So, back in 4 weeks I go for another growth scan (at the high-risk OB) and then to my regular OB for a check-up.

Wow.

Today we had a growth scan at the high-risk OB. Joe and I sat there happily oohing and aahing as she went about taking her measurements and we got to see the spine, the kidneys, hear the heartbeat (151 BPM) and so on. Then, it happened. Apparently, she needed to see the placenta and fluid levels in better detail, so she flipped The Switch. The 4D RealTime switch. Now, we did not ask for what we were about to see and really, she didn't even have to zoom in where she did, but she did. And this is what we saw:

It took a few minutes to register because we weren't at all expecting 2.0's face to be there. It was amazing and humbling and surreal all at the same time. The first shot was the clearest, and by the second 2.0 was getting shy and had his/her hands in front of his/her face. Here is the "regular" one:

Which, in and of itself, is also an awesome shot! So, everything looks good... 2.0 is measuring 3 pounds, 13 ounces. I go tomorrow for my check-up with my regular OB but I had to post these now.

Name Game

Dear 2.0,

Daddy & I finally agreed on a name for you if you are a boy. Now watch you be a girl. We are getting very excited for you to get here. Your room is ready and all comfy-cozy. You have a big sister waiting for you AND a new baby cousin too!

Love,

Mommy

Week 28... Hurricane Irene style!

No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like on the inside. ♥

Today we went for my growth scan and found out that 2.0 weighs 2 pounds, 1 oz! They also checked the amniotic fluid level as babies who have GD pee more, thus increasing the fluid. Everything was normal and 2.0 is doing well!

2.0 was camera shy and was literally curled into a ball, his/her hands covering his/her face, still with one leg up over his/her head. :) So, no new ultrasound pictures to post.

My BP has been within the range that the high-risk Dr. gave me so that is fine, and they have also decided to spare me the 3-hour glucose test and just go ahead and diagnose me with GD. Really, I'll never know if I truly have GD, but right now on my chart it says I had an "abnormal glucose reading". So, I will continue with the diet they gave me and test my sugars 4 times/day (which will prove a bit tricky once I return to work, but I'm thinking my frequent bathroom breaks will also afford me some testing time!).

I also saw my regular OB today and he was happy with everything and I have learned from him that if he's happy, then so are we. :)

I go back in 4 weeks for another growth scan and check-up!

24 Weeks and I have been counseled!

I went for the diabetic counseling today... my numbers have been really great so I am hoping they stay that way. Nothing that the nurse told me was earth-shattering, other than according to the sample daily meal plan I gave her, I am not eating enough snacks during the day! Of course, it has to be the right things but I need to add in 2 more snacks to my diet. Oh darn. Next stop: August 17 for my growth scan and check-up!

F-

So, I failed the 1-hour glucose test. Not by much, mind you (147mg/dL when 140mg/dL is ideal). But, since the baby is measuring ahead, my OB wants to put me on the radar for GD now just to be safe so I go for "counseling" on Aug. 1 then back to, you guessed it, the high-risk OB for a a follow-up. Luckily, I was able to piggyback that appointment before the one for my gestational hypertension.

Oh, little one, you are making me work, but I still love you!

Houston... We Have a Due Date Change!

Today I had a check-up and did the dreaded test for Gestational Diabetes. I fasted for 12 hours then got to drink the famous glucose drink (fruit punch yum yum). After waiting an hour, 3 vials of blood were drawn and we will see how my body processes the sugar. My numbers come back in a week and if I fail (like last time), then I do the even more dreaded 3-hour test (which I passed). So, we shall see.

The baby's heartbeat was 150 BPM which was excellent. So, then my OB says to me, so I need to change your due date? Say what? He said based on 2.0's growth I am measuring ahead... 9 days ahead! So, now I am due November 20th!

So, will we have a Scorpio or another Sagittarius? Only time will tell...

??

20 Weeks... Vegas Style!

19 Weeks- We have a Yoga Instructor!

Above shot shows a leg going up and over the head! Head to left, foot on top! Classic! Below shot shows 2.0 with his/her knees to his/her chest. :)

Top shot is a nice close-up of the profile. Bottom shot shows profile and arms and hands up. And before someone asks: that really is his/her arms and hands, NOT a penis LOL.

High-Risk Consult & Anatomic Survey Ultrasound

My appointment today with the high-risk doctor for my high blood pressure went well. She basically said that I do have a chronic problem but my range is (currently) not alarming to her, but it is something that needs to be closely monitored. She gave me a BP range that she'd like me to stay in, based on various factors, and right now I am well within that range so that is the good news. The "bad" news is that, a) there is nothing I can do about it (other than not be pregnant), and b) I need to go for ultrasounds/monitoring every 6 weeks, then every 4 weeks by the 3rd trimester, then every week in my last month. Each visit they will check for things such as blood flow, blood saturation levels, growth, etc.

The anatomic ultrasound was an hour of pure bliss mixed with mind-blowing images that sink one down firmly back to where one belongs. Nothing can EVER prepare you for seeing your 19 week unborn child's brain, kidneys, blood flow, spinal column, femur, stomach, etc. on a giant T.V. screen. The results were wonderful- everything appears to be 100% normal and healthy for this stage in the game!

Through the Weeks...

Our Registry

Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

The Sweetest Sound

Doctor Appointment

Check-up today showed that I lost 3 pounds (!), but 2.0 had a beautiful, strong heartbeat of 148-150 BPM. BP is still running high... nothing I can do until I go for my high-risk appointment other than take it at home and keep a log. Otherwise, I feel great!

12 weeks

Doctor Appointment

Check-up today showed a very wiggly gummy bear... so much in fact we've upgraded him/her to jumping bean! He/she was crossing and uncrossing his/her legs LOL. My gestational hypertension is back...boo! So, I have a consultation with a high-risk OB to help me manage it. Also have our big anatomical ultrasound coming up in 7 weeks! So excited!

7 weeks

6 weeks

First Ultrasound

Our gummy bear is 5.82mm!

Home Pregnancy Test is Positive!

Emmi's going to be a big sister!

Babies Online= Kaput

So, the blog I had started for Emmi from conception (pretty much) to her 1st birthday is changing their site and the old blog format they had (and I loved) is no more. So, Baby Zagorski 2.0 gets his/her own new layout on Blogspot!