Week five was a bit challenging.  Trying to get days and nights situated was nothing compared to week five.  Hattie wasn’t able to get more than 3oz of formula at a time.  Which means that feedings were kind of stuck at 3 hours apart.  According to the pediatrician, that can be normal until she gets between 3-6 months old. 

Towards the later part of the week, Hattie would be hungry and wanting to take the bottle.  After about 3-4 suckles, she was crying in pain.  I couldn’t figure it out.  In the middle of the night, my options were a bit limited.  I tried a different formula with the same experience.  Then, I tried chilled bottled water.  She was able to eat a couple of ounces with the bottled water.  Sometimes, little ones have a difficult time with the minerals in the water adults drink with no issue.  I got some purified water the next morning.  That helped a little.  She was still crying in pain.  If I were breastfeeding, I probably would have been asked to eliminate eggs and dairy.  The way to eliminate these items in formula is try a different formula.  I got some soy based formula.  Since then, Hattie has been able to eat up to 4oz during a feeding and starting to stretch feedings out to 3.5 – 4 hours.  She is starting to be more attentive and interactive again. 

As a parent, there’s nothing more difficult than seeing your child in pain and not knowing how to fix it.  The most important thing about being a parent is having the patience and love to keep looking for answers. 

Below are some pictures from the last week.

Hugs, C

It’s been one month since Hattie was born.  In the last month, we’ve been getting settled into the house and into the start of a routine.  Setting her feedings at every 3 hours and taking cues from Hattie when it comes to how much to eat, she’s had some great growth.  She is up to 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and 20 inches. 

Hattie squeaks and grunts a lot…even when she’s sleeping.  She loves to watch the dancing Santa’s on the ceiling and has started to look for them.  Guess this decoration will be out all year.  Good thing it has a variety of images to rotate through.  We both love snuggling.  Hattie isn’t a big fan of the process of a diaper change and the hours of 9pm-12am.  Once we make it through both of those events, she settles quickly.  She is starting to have more “good” nights. 

Napa and Sonoma are starting to understand that she isn’t going anywhere and are starting to spend more time with both of us. 

Time is so precious and we are soaking up every second we can!

Hugs, C

The last three weeks have been a whirlwind! The biggest thing that I learned is it’s Hattie’s world and I’m just living in it.

As I thought about raising a human being, I wanted to breastfeed. It’s a great way to get babies valuable nutrients. I wasn’t able to produce or express enough to get to the next feeding. During one of the midnight feedings, Hattie was having a meltdown as I was hooked up to the pump. At that point, I made the decision that this momma could control the stressful situation by switching to formula. Since then, I’ve had a happier fed baby and my stress level went way down. I count that as a win.

Sleeping has been another elusive subject. We are working on getting days and nights straight. At first, Hattie would only sleep if the lights in the bedroom were on. Not only does that make it harder to get the times in line, resting was much harder for me. I was able to find a nightlight that had lots of options and different sounds. We’ve been toying with that a bit. Over the last 3 nights, two have been successful when it comes to sleeping well between the feedings. Another thing is, just because it worked one night, doesn’t mean it’s going to work the next.

A couple of things that Hattie and I have always agreed on… snuggles are the best, we like to see the dancing Santa’s on the ceiling, and we both like to eat (not the same food).

Each day brings a new adventure. We are soaking up the experience and enjoying the moments!!

Hugs, C

GIRL!

On December 13, I went in for my second non-stress test of the week.  During the test, my blood pressure was not cooperating.  I needed to do another 24-hour urine test.  At least, I was able to do this one at home. 

On December 14, I took my test back to the hospital.  My protein level was lower than it was a week ago.  My blood pressure had gradually gotten worse.  Based on these factors, as a team, we decided to medically induce labor to both mine and Baby A’s health.  This process started at 2 p.m.  There were three milestones I needed to get through.  Before starting with step 1, I was started on a magnesium drop to get my blood pressure under control.

Step 1: Started at 6:30 p.m.  I needed to receive a tablet to allow my cervix (the muscle that holds the baby in the uterus) to soften to open.  I got the table every 4 hours for a maximum of 12 hours.  If it softened and opened sooner, then I go to step 2.  It didn’t, so step 1 took all 12 hours. 

Step 2: Started at 6:30 a.m.  Insert a Foley bulb to apply counter pressure to open the cervix.  The Foley bulb is gradually filled with saline solution and will eventually cause the cervix to open.  The maximum time for this step is also 12 hours.  Due to my prior conization, there was scar tissue to get through.  Needless to say, this was not a pleasant process.  The Pitocin started consistent contractions.  With every contraction, I had a lot of back pain.  The theory is that Baby A was facing front.  So, every time I had a contraction, the back (hard part of the head) was applying pressure to by lower back.  At 2 p.m. I made the decision to get the epidural.  Because of the magnesium drip, I needed to have additional blood tests.  Two hours later, I was finally out of pain.  Once the bulb came out at 6:30 pm, my water broke. 

Step 3: Started at 6:30 p.m.  My water breaking, was the start of the big show.  My nurses got me cleaned up a little and I was allowed freshen up myself.  It felt so good to clean my face and brush my teeth.  As the nurses started to increase the Pitocin, Baby A’s heart rate would drop dramatically.  About 7:30 p.m., as a team, we made the decision to do a cesarean section (aka C-section).  From the time of that decision, everything moved pretty quickly. 

The C-section was a very surreal feeling. I knew what was going on the whole time. Prior to starting, Dr. Ezzie went around the room seeing what everyone’s guesses were. Everyone guessed girl. Dr. Ezzie was very conversational during the procedure. It helped calm my nerves. I also had my best friend, Lynsey, by my side. I felt calm and safe the whole time…freezing my butt off.

On December 15, at 9:59 p.m., I had a baby girl! 

Harriet “Hattie” Marie Andrews

Harriet is after my late Uncle Harry.  Marie is mine and my mom’s middle name.  The date is extra special too.  December 15 is the date that my Great Grandma Gibson would always have us help her put her Christmas tree up. 

Below are some of the posts that occurred over the next couple of days.

Thank you for all of the prayers, love, and support!

Hugs, C

Initially to be posted on December 12…

Wow!  A lot can happen in a week.  Baby A grown from a Spaghetti Squash to a bunch of Kale.  

As for me, the past week has been a whirlwind!  Leading up to Thanksgiving, my blood pressure readings were bouncing around from being ok-ish to being on the high side.  In my appointment right before Thanksgiving, my doctor mentioned the high blood pressure again.  I decided this was something I could monitor from home.  So, I went to the store and got my own blood pressure cuff.  I started measuring at night and when I woke up.  A couple consecutive readings in the morning were on the high side.  Last Thursday, I called the doctor’s office with this information.  To be on the safe side, I was asked to go to the hospital and have labor & deliver evaluate me.  Based on those evaluations and tests, I stayed overnight for prolonged testing.  All the while, delivering Baby A last weekend was not off the table.  Once all of the test results were in, my numbers were ok enough to allow me to monitor as outpatient.  I have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia non severe. 

Starting this week, I go in for weekly blood tests, twice weekly non-stress tests, and restrictive activity.  That means that I need to be relaxing with my feet elevated 90% of the day.  One week later, Baby Andrews is still baking.  The goal is to get to 37 weeks (by the doctor’s calculations).  This puts potential delivery for Baby Andrews just before Christmas.  I can’t think of a better gift to receive!

Boring alert…what about my job… This is my last week of work.  Starting next week, I’ll go on paid time off.  Then, go into maternity leave.  I work with some of the most amazing human beings!  My boss and director have been super supportive during the whole process and even more so with the latest information.  My counterpart and I have become close friends this year.  I know I’ll be leaving with everything in good hands. 

Last weekend wasn’t all about monitoring numbers.  I was given the most memorable baby shower.  I’ve been so overwhelmed with the love and support that was showered upon me. 

One of the best practices I’ve been doing since all of this started a week ago, think about all of the ways we are blessed every day!

Hugs! C

Time flies when you’re growing a human being.  Baby A is the size of a pineapple…I’m assuming with the greenery on top.  Also, weighs about 5 pounds.  As of the ultrasound last week, the baby is currently breech and moving a lot. 

Sleep is starting to become a struggle.  I can’t wait to be able to sleep on my back again without a wedge.  I do wake up about every 3-4 hours.  Feels like the body is getting me ready for what’s to come.  I have noticed that if I eat a bowl of cereal, I can usually go back to sleep pretty quickly. 

My blood pressure has up and down the last couple of visits to the doctor.  He would like me to watch my sodium intake and drink lots of fluids to flush out my system. 

The nursery and baby’s bathroom are almost ready.  I’m going to decorate a little for the holidays to be festive. 

Today, I’m thankful for the journey I’ve been on.  It has been amazing.  I can’t believe in less than 2 months, my dreams will come to life.  I’m most thankful for all of the love and support I’ve received.  I’m overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and generosity. 

Below is a pic of me getting ready for the Ohio State vs Penn State game.  To raise them right, you’ve got to start early!  There’s a rodent in the state up north that needs to be taken care of this week! 

Happy Thanksgiving and Go Bucks!

Hugs! C

Currently, I’m at 29 weeks.  Technically that means, I have 11 weeks to go!   It also means that we’ve made it to the third trimester.  In the last month, Baby Andrews has been to the beach, seen wild horses, and felt belly laughs with friends.

There have been a couple of doctor’s visits.  The heart rate has ranged from the high 140’s to the mid 150’s.  Hearing that little heart beat is just the best part of any day!  According to my doctors everything is progressing well and the baby is healthy. 

This past week, I had my glucose test.  The one thing I learned about this was that there’s absolutely nothing I could do to study, prepare, or do differently.  The results are all in how the placenta is processing the food that I put into my body.  Passing the test means that I do not have gestational diabetes.  The consequence of not passing the test means an altered diet and a 60% chance of actually getting diabetes later in life.  On a positive note, I passed with flying colors.  Whew…I do like my pasta. 

The nursery is getting in order and more baby items are out in the house.  While it might seem early, I thought assembling things and getting the house ready also allows the kitties to get used to the new items.  Once everything is in place, I’ll post some pictures. 

Speaking of my nurse maids, Napa and Sonoma, they have been extra attentive and clingy.  It could be the cooler weather or maybe I got a new batch of pregnancy hormones that they are responding to.  Either way, it’s nice to have all of the extra snuggles. 

Each day and week that passes, I’m feeling more and more kicks and jabs.  Sometimes, I’ll poke back and the baby will reciprocate.  It’s very sweet to be able to interact with the baby.

I’m very lucky to be on this journey and to be able to share it with so many close friends!

Hugs, C

Today, I’ve reached week 24.  Baby A is growing.  Of the last two ultrasounds, the baby’s growth and development all look great.  Currently at 1 lb. 4oz and in the 60% growth wise. 

I’ve been getting projects done around the house, with the help of dad.  Getting the granite countertops done snowballed into additional projects: the stove and dishwasher needed leveled out and another half strip of backsplash needed to be installed.  Those projects are complete.  So, the house is starting to get back to order.

I have started to assemble, wash, and place some of the baby’s items.  My theory is to let the kitties get used to as much new stuff as possible.  So, when the thing that fills the stuff comes along, it won’t be suck a jolt to their system.  Fingers crossed that my theory is correct. 

This past week, I was able to craft a little.  It felt good to do some of those projects.  One is for the baby’s room and others are gifts that I’m falling behind on.

Still taking it one day at a time and enjoying the whole experience.

Hugs! C

I’m currently at 19 weeks!  This week is supposed to be a mango coming in about 6oz.  From my ultrasound yesterday, Baby A is measuring at 11oz.  According to all of the size measurements, baby is at 73% quartile in size.  So, taking after me already. 

Having the ultrasounds are fun since it gives me a glimpse into how baby is doing.  Poor thing had the hiccups.  Baby didn’t know it was picture day and wasn’t cooperating when it came time to examine the heart.  As someone pointed out, the baby is already taking after my stubbornness.  Sounds about right.  To get a better view of the heart, I’ll go back in four weeks for another ultrasound check. 

Based on the size of the baby, the actual ultrasound age would put my due date at December 31.  Needless to say, I’m going to likely have a substantial baby. 

On the home front, the baby’s room and bathroom have been painted.  I’ll post pictures when the projects are complete.

I think I’ve been feeling flutters.  Could just be gas too.  Ha! 

I’ve been trying to enjoy each day and all of the little moments.  I enjoy hearing my friends and colleagues talk about their experiences with parenthood.  I know it is going to be the most challenging project I’ll ever do!

Hugs! C

Wow!  Twenty days flew by just like that.  Since announcing, I have received so much love and support.  The stories I’ve heard from other single ladies learning about this journey have sparked great conversations that we can do anything we want to.  I know this is going to be a rewarding adventure.  I also know it’s going to be the toughest project I’ll ever do! 

A lot of growth has happened over the last couple of weeks.  While Baby A’s eyelids are still fused shut, it can recognize dark and light.  It has grown hair to keep warm, eyelashes, and eyebrows.  It’s probably why baby’s eyelashes are so long!  They’ve been growing for a long time.  The eyes are now fully in the front of the head.  Baby is also producing little amount of urine each hour. 

As for me, I’ve been feeling well.  The fatigue is starting to go away.  It comes and goes in waves.  Thank goodness I was able to power thru this past weekend when my friend from Seattle came to visit.  I didn’t want to waste any of her precious visit with a nap.  During her trip, she got to meet many of the people in my life that she’s only heard stories about…all good stories…I promise!  We got to hang at the pool and go to the spa.  It was wonderful!  Then the cherry on the top was getting to spend time with our friend from Exton. 

Yesterday, my grandpa (Papa or Kissy) would have been 90.  He was always a kid at heart.  I know he and my Uncle Harry would be just as excited as we all are to welcome this little bundle of joy into our lives. 

Live for today!  Yesterday is the past.  Tomorrow is the future.  Today is a gift.  That’s why it’s called the present. 

Hugs! C