34 weeks and some GREAT news!

Well, since I'm so excited and relieved, I'll start out with the good news. The ultrasound tech at my doctor's new office noticed something, called echogenic bowel, about 3 or 4 weeks ago. This could've meant anything from nothing to Elizabeth having some sort of genetic/chromosomal abnormality. My ob said that we wouldn't really know anything until I saw the maternal fetal specialist (the high risk doctor I've been seeing once a month due to Elizabeth's small size) the next time, which was this morning. Of course as soon as I heard that, I started freaking out and thinking the worst. I was dreading today's appointment to say the least. 


I love the ultrasound techs at the high risk clinic! They are so helpful in explaining things throughout the whole ultrasound and even though she couldn't tell me any details, I was able to understand a little more about what echogenic bowel is. The simplest definition is that the bowels are the same "brightness" as the bone, or more bright than the bone. She pointed out Elizabeth's intestines as she was explaining, and I was finally able to see what my normal ob had been talking about.


Well, once the ultrasound was over, the specialist, Dr. S came in. First off, she told me that Elizabeth has had a major growth spurt in the past month and has gone from less than 10th% growth wise to in the 20th%!An answer to prayers! She said that Elizabeth's intestines look great and that it is normal to see some brightness in the intestines this late due to her practicing "breathing" and swallowing fluid. Another answer to prayers! And the best news that she said...


She's releasing me from her care!! Dr. S said that she doesn't need to see me for the rest of my pregnancy, I don't need any more tests (hoping this means I won't have any more 4 hour doctor's appointments and that I won't have weekly NST and ultrasounds), and to enjoy the rest of my NORMAL pregnancy!! So needless to say, Alan and I are both thrilled, ecstatic, relieved, and thankful! I just want to thank everyone who has been praying for us! All our prayers have been answered! :) We just have one more... a smooth and easy delivery. :) In celebration, I stopped by McAllister's and picked up soup and sweet tea!


Now, with all the exciting stuff over, we can get to the highlights...


Pregnancy Highlights


How far along? 34 weeks


Baby's size? About 4 pounds 10 ounces


Gender? Still a baby GIRL!! Elizabeth Anne


Weight Gain? Didn't step on the scale this morning, but I'm guessing between 21 and 22 pounds...


Maternity clothes? Mainly maternity, but I can still wear regular dresses and "comfy" pants


Stretch marks? Not yet!! Hoping I take after my mom and don't get them!!! But I have noticed a faint linea nigra...


Belly Button in or out? Depends on the day/time... Sometimes flat, sometimes shallow. Part of it has popped out, but it's just the very top...


Sleeping? Ok, I guess. I wake up every hour to two hours...


Foods I'm loving? Frozen yogurt with fruit, chick-fil-a, the lasagna I made this week (probably because I used WAY too much cheese), Mexican, really anything!


Foods I'm hating? Nothing really


Best moment this week? Being released from the high risk doctor and finding out that Elizabeth is in "position," she just needs to wait anywhere from 3-6 more weeks. :)


What I'm looking forward to? My baby shower this weekend that my two wonderful sister-in-laws are throwing me! And getting to see my College Station friends that I haven't seen since we moved.


What I miss? Sleeping on my stomach and sleeping through the night


Symptoms? They've been toned down this week... mainly frequent potty breaks


Weekly wisdom? Doctors generally tell you worse case scenarios... Hope for the best, but be prepared for anything.


Milestones? Elizabeth is in position! Being told I can have a "normal" rest of the pregnancy!


Emotions? I cry over just about anything these days...


I can't seem to find my camera cord, so the picture will have to wait. Let's just say I'm starting to feel HUGE! I'm so ready for her to get here. :)

Prayers Needed

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of blogging this past week (although we know that this is kinda normal for me...). I was all set to do an update after I had our ultrasound last Thursday, but that ended up not going exactly as planned. We've spent the weekend digesting the information that was presented to us and are highly optimistic, but Alan and I would still covet your prayers for our precious Elizabeth Anne. At this time we are not sure what exactly is going on and the radiologist has now asked me to come in for monthly ultrasounds to measure Elizabeth's growth. They are concerned that her growth is slowing down and they don't know why. I am well aware that babies all develop at different rates, and that my dates could (or are highly likely) to be off due to longer cycles than most people. The doctors don't see any problems with her brain, heart, fluid surrounding her, growth, etc., but she is now measuring 14 days behind as opposed to the 10 days last month. The doctor said that it could A) be nothing or B) be a genetic issue such as Down's Syndrome or something else.

We're going with the first because everything looks good, aside from being a small baby. Elizabeth is doing things that "normal" babies do in the womb and while extremely tiny, she is still on the chart percentile-wise (but in like the 10%). My mom's side of the family has a history of small babies and the women on my mom's side are all very small boned (except for me - I take after my dad's side of the family). Alan and I are trusting God in all this and know that He will not give us anything that we can not handle.

Like I said, any and all prayers would be greatly appreciated and I'll definitely update as we get more information.