Journey for Baby Stewart

I knew it had been awhile since I wrote a blog, but two months?! Sorry for slacking; the energy boost from the second trimester went away quickly and it seems everything is exhausting these days... especially being sick!

Tuesday I woke up not feeling great and by the time I got to work I knew the exhaustion was illness, not pregnancy. I took off on Wednesday thinking a day of rest would help, but I was even worse on Thursday; I don't know how I made it through Mohs surgery that morning. I took off the rest of the afternoon since I already had an OB appointment and added an appointment with my PCP. Normally I'd try to ride out my illness a little longer (I figured it was just an upper respiratory infection, which was going around), but since I'm pregnant I just wanted to make sure it wasn't bacterial, and get his advice on what is safe to take. Good thing I went because I tested positive for strep!

I feel so bad, after months of not taking much medicine, I feel like I'm throwing everything, but the kitchen sink at Kingston: Antibiotics, Sudafed, cough syrup with codeine, Tylenol, nasal spray, etc. I even added Prilosec this week after all the other remedies suggested by my OB didn't work (I've been suffering with acid reflex for two months, to the point that water brings it on and I have to sleep sitting up). I was very torn about taking the cough syrup with codeine, even after my PCP told me it was safe. The pharmacist was very judgmental and strongly recommended I didn't take it because it'll "go right to the baby's brain. I called my OB to get her opinion and was assured that I would have to drink the whole bottle for it to affect the baby; they told me I'm given stronger pain meds during labor. Even with the codeine I haven't slept much in two days (only 30 minute intervals). I've coughed to the point of choking and now my belly hurts when I cough. Today is day 5, and I'm starting to have a little pity party for myself, but even more concerned about how all of this is affecting baby K.

We were supposed to take one of two labor classes this morning, but obviously had to cancel. I'm so bummed because I really want to know all I can before it happens! I've emailed the instructor asking the next class date, but unfortunately I think it's March 12th, which is also my baby shower. We have a baby class scheduled for Monday night as well to go over all things associated with baby care (how to change a diaper, how to swaddle, etc). I refer to this class as "Babies For Dummies" and hope I'm feeling well enough to go because Lee and I really need it!

Okay, enough of my illness woes and onto the King! Kingston is doing very well and has been very active with his movements for the past month. Apparently, he's getting into position now to prepare for his grand entrance. This has been the best part of pregnancy, watching and feeling him move (even though some of the movements jolt me out of my seat, and some hurt).

We went for an ultrasound about a month ago and everything looked great, but they recommended I follow-up in 2 weeks for another one as he was only in the 20th percentile for growth and they couldn't see where my placenta ended, despite tipping me almost upside down and them trying to push him away from it. The specialist at Stanford told me she wasn't worried about the growth; it can range from 10-90th percentile; she just wanted to make sure he was progressing. They also wanted to do a vaginal ultrasound next time to see exactly where my placenta was. Of course I heard the number 20 out of the range from 10-90 and got worried. She kept trying to reassure me she wasn't worried and told me I'm a small person, so she's not surprised he's small, but I always thought I'd have a big baby since I was almost 9lbs and my mother was my size. I put my worry aside as much as I could for those two weeks and the ultrasound last week showed he had increased to the 41st percentile! I knew he had to be growing because my belly is definitely getting bigger! As they were prepping for the vaginal ultrasound they told me they want the placenta to be at least 2" away from my cervix. If it's less, like 1.5" they may recommend I try to have a vaginal birth and if I bleed too much I'll have to have a cesarean immediately. I think my response was "oh my God!" as this didn't sound very safe, or pleasant!

FORTUNATELY, it measured 3" inches away!! We all cheered! Things were looking so well that the doctor told me she didn't need to see me anymore, which is great because Stanford is very expensive! The ultrasound tech hugged me and made me promise to either send a picture of Kingston when he's born or bring him in. She said there are some patients they grow close with and we are one of those couples. We started seeing them the day after we found out one twin had passed away and they have been so wonderful. We had every ultrasound thereafter done in their office so I also feel like we know them very well.

Now things are getting real... like very real! I'm down to the home stretch with only 7 weeks left! My OB keeps mentioning things like how I need to pick a pediatrician soon and pre-register at the hospital. I'm very excited, but also very nervous about the delivery as it gets closer; not to mention all the things we still need to finish in the house before baby! One thing I need to also do soon is pack my hospital bag. Lee and I have talked a few times about how we can't believe we'll have a tiny little baby in our house soon and will have no idea what to do with him! Fortunately my mother will be here for the first couple weeks to help and guide us.

I went home to Virginia for a baby shower in January and one thing that stuck with me from the advice everyone gave me was "trust your instinct." I have a pretty good instinct with things so hopefully all will fall into place and I'll be a natural. Speaking of the shower, it was perfect and I really couldn't have asked for a better day. I was nervous about it, remembering back to my bridal shower and how awkward I felt opening gifts with all eyes on me. I prefer to blend in, not be the center of attention. There wasn't any weird silence at this shower and I felt very comfortable. I saw friends I hadn't seen in years (some since graduation!), and with all the family and friends present I felt Kingston and I were so loved. My mother hosted the shower and did an amazing job, though I know it was stressful for her. The decorations were beautiful and I can't say enough great things about the cake she had made. We got a lot of our big items from the shower, which made me feel a little more prepared.

My friend, Lourdes, is throwing me a shower in a few weeks. People have asked what I really need and I've responded with the basics: bottles, nipples, burp clothes, onsies, etc. One friend responded "so you need everything" and laughed. Lee still needs to put together a closet organizer and add closet doors in the nursery. Once that is finished, his room will pretty much be done and I can start washing and putting everything away.

We also had a quick trip to Tahoe for President's Day weekend. I didn't realize how much we needed it until we were there. There is no such thing as Lee and I relaxing for a weekend at the house; we literally had to remove ourselves from here (and 5 hours away) to force us to do something enjoyable, or not do anything at all. And that's pretty much what we did all weekend too... nothing! We went for a walk on the beach at Sand Harbor one day and took about a mile hike through the woods to Kiva Beach the next day. Otherwise, we took the dogs out to get exercise, ate and relaxed.

The other night I was a little annoyed with Lee for waking me up after I had finally gone to sleep (I haven't slept much while being sick). I didn't stay mad for long when I realized he was coming in to play Kingston a reggae song. He put his iPad right at my belly so Kingston could hear and put his hand on my belly to feel him. I can't wait to meet baby K and watch how he's going to melt Lee's heart!

I understand why some women say they miss being pregnant. Even with the aches, pains and uncomfortableness of pregnancy, 33 weeks have gone by in the blink of an eye and I have really enjoyed being pregnant. I can't believe I'm pregnant some days still, and even though we had assistance in this pregnancy, Kingston is our little miracle.

XOXO,
Chelle

Kingston's latest photo