pregnancyjournal

My Pregnancy Journal

June 11, 2003 - Just over 2 weeks ago, on May 27th, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child. I didn't expect it and was filled with a broad range of emotions. This will be the first child for Cliff and I as a couple. That evening Cliff and I spent a lot of time talking about the great change this would have on our lives and were prepared to tackle those changes. We bought a scratch off lottery ticket that evening and I won $20! The name of the game was "Dollars For Dad." How strange! For a good part of the time I have been tired, nauseous and have very little energy. I don't remember it being this difficult with the other three kids. Maybe it's because I'm older now. Hmmmmm..... Even as I write this I feel like I'm "car sick."

We had our first doctor appointment on Monday, June 9, 2003. All went well and it was sweet to watch Cliff ask the doctor questions and have her calm his concerns. We have bought a few baby items such as pajamas, socks and blankets. We think we have spotted the crib we want!

Adrian, Victoria and Emily are so excited about the impending brother or sister! When I told them they literally screamed with happiness! Victoria says she wants to play house and pretend the baby is hers! Adrian says he wants a brother. Emily is just frustrated that it isn't due until Jan.19, 2004. She says, "That's tooooooo loooooong to wait!"

On Monday, amidst the excitement I received a call from one of the scrapbook magazines, Memory Makers. They want to use one of my layouts of Adrian in an upcoming idea book! Can life get any better!

I'm 8 weeks along now and the reality has sunk in. I am going to be a Mommy again!

HOME

BACK

July 10, 2003 - Yesterday was my 12 week doctor appointment. Everything is fine with the baby. In fact, we have a little "Fred" or "Ginger" on our hands! When the doctor tried to hear the heartbeat, she couldn't keep it pin pointed for very long. So, suddenly she left the room and returned with a portable ultrasound machine. In a moment, there was our little one on the screen! We didn't expect it and it was very exciting! No wonder the doctor couldn't keep the heartbeat audible for more than just a moment. The baby was moving and grooving! It was more vigorous than any ultrasound I had ever had. The baby was twisting, turning, end over end somersaults, stretching it's legs out and pushing off the sides.... amazing little dance! It was a very clear picture. We could clearly see the head, legs, neck, belly, not just some unrecognizable blob.

I have pretty much passed the stage of morning sickness. Thank goodness! Now I'm just hungry all the time! No wonder, when this little one is sapping my energy for it's performances.

I'm still working and by the end of each day I just want to get off my feet.

I am 12 1/2 weeks along but I SWEAR I have felt little nudges from within. It seems a little early but I have been through this 3 other times and I know that miraculous feeling. My clothes are pretty much all maternity clothes now and just a few days ago someone asked when I was due. It was a moment when it all seemed more real now.

We are playing around with some names. The girl name is definitely Madison Shelby Jean Renee. The boy name changes as nothing has really jumped at us. The latest one we like is Spencer Ewing. Other names are being tried out so who knows.....

12 weeks. About 30 more to go.I am in for a real ride if this little one stays this active.

July 31, 2003 - Today I had a check-up and am thrilled to find out I have only gained a total of 2 lbs! This is amazing to me considering that I've got my appetite back. When I'm not eating, I'm thinking about eating, wondering the exact time when I will be able to consume yummy goodies will be again.

The doc had a hard time chasing the baby down again for a heart rate. She was just about to give up chasing the tiny dancer and go get the portable ultrasound again, when she cornered it on my far left side. The heart rate was good and strong at 150 beats/minute.

Another item of excitement is that at our next appointment, exactly four weeks from today we have our ultrasound! It's officially scheduled now! I can hardly wait! The suspense of wondering if this is a boy or a girl dancer is beyond words! I couldn't find out with the other 3. But now, the other 3 are constantly asking me which gender the baby is. If for no other reason I can finally answer their question! I dont' know how hard it would be to have to listen to that same question for another 5 1/2 months from 3 curious and eager
siblings- to- be.

The little nudges from within are getting stronger and more regular. As of yet, it's just little taps as if to remind me that he/she is still really there. Cliff is jealous! He can't wait to feel it too! So sweet! We do have a stethoscope which belonged to Cliff's mother. We use it to listen to the banging around in there when I feel it moving. Sometimes it really sounds like it's moving furniture around in it's little room! What could it be doing?

I'm now almost 16 weeks. I'm completely in my maternity wardrobe now. Sometimes I feel like I just look fat rather than pregnant. But Cliff reassures me I'm beautiful. His comments and compliments make me feel so loved. It makes that "glow" of pregnancy just radiate from me! Sometimes I just want it to be January so I don't have to be pregnant anymore and just have our tiny baby in our arms. But other times I am so happy to be pregnant that I don't want it to end. I know this is my last baby. I am trying to relish every little moment so it's etched in memory forever. I'm so happy to be a mama-to-be again!

August 27, 2003 - It's less than 2 hrs until my big ultrasound. I can't hardly stand the suspense! Hopefully we will find out if it's a boy or girl. We have a little bet riding on it... Cliff think it's a girl. I think it's a boy. Whoever is right gets to pick out a new DVD this evening. I guess we will see if we will be the proud owners of the movie Cliff wants, "The Lord Of The Rings-The Two Towers." If I'm right, and I'm sure I am, I don't know yet what movie will join our collection.

We have been asking for wide-open-leg vibes for the appointment. For the baby that is... not me! LOL Hopefully this baby will spare the modesty this one time and we will know if there will be more pink or blue items in our home.

Ok, off to shower.......

August 29, 2003 - Well, the first pictures of the baby are to the left. The top one is a profile of the body, it's little arm and fingers are resting near it's chin. The bottom one is turned because there is a skeletal view of it's little face.There was no clear picture of whether it was a girl or boy... so no new DVD! The tech's exact words were, "Well, I'm leaning toward girl, but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it." Sigh! Basically, there were no obvious protrusions "down there." It was very active and the tech was giggling because she had to chase it around. It finally settled down, with the hiccups, and crossed it's legs closed! Modest little one! It even gave a "thumbs up" sign at one point which was very cute! Thankfully, it is growing well and shows no signs of any internal or external abnormalities. The doctor wants to do another ultrasound when I'm around 32 weeks. The tech said it's very obvious by then what the gender is. If we can't tell then, it will remain a secret until it's arrival! No rushing out yet to buy pink or blue items!

I also LOST 5 pounds but I have NO idea how that happened! I have only gained 2 so I am now 3 lbs lighter than when I started! I am eating well so I guess the baby is burning calories for me with all it's activity and growing. The next dr. appointment is Sept.25th. I'm a few days from being 20 weeks.... almost halfway done!

September 6, 2003 - Thought it was time to post a belly picture. I've "blossomed" the last few weeks and here we are! I'm 2 days from being 21 weeks along!

September 23, 2003 - Things are moving right along. I'm 23 weeks now. Just 17 more to go. I've been sick quite a bit this last month. A few weeks ago I had a nasty stomach flu bug. That lasted a week. I was feeling good for a week then I got a real bad head/chest cold. I'm just now starting to feel good again today. Tylenol Cold medicine was my only relief.

The baby is moving around a lot these days. It's movements are strong enough to move the outside of my belly. This past weekend Victoria, who is 8, and Emily, who is 7, got to feel the bumps from the baby against their little hands. It brought tears to my eyes. When Victoria felt it her eyes got as big as saucers! Cliff is elated to finally feel some real good movements. He has been waiting and waiting and now there is no mistaking that his little one is alive and well inside it's little room.

I'm still working at the scrapbook store. I am tiring more easily and at the end of the day my hips and feet just ache. So, I have cut down to 4 days/week and have discussed my plans for maternity leave with my boss. She told me to just take it easy and let her know what I need.

Our next prenatal check up is in 2 days. My guess is that I've gained at least 6 pounds this past month. I hope it's not more!

September 25, 2003 - I had my check up today and it appears I'm truly sick. Not just a cold anymore. I have bronchitis. And I have had some pretty intense braxton hicks contractions the last few days. The doctor said I'm dehydrated which brings on those dreaded braxton hicks. So, she gave me an antibiotic, a refill on my inhaler and an order to drink lots and lots of fluids!

October 24, 2003 - I had my check up yesterday. It was the first appointment I have gone to without Cliff, the proud daddy-to-be because he had to work. It felt weird to be there without him.

The baby's heartbeat was in the 150's. Perfect! I also gained 5 lbs. so that puts me 13 lbs. over where I started at. Not bad, but still nervewracking to see the scale go up. I also had my 1 hour glucose screening. I haven't heard anything back so it must have gone ok. The sugary drink really hyped up the baby though. While I waited the hour to have my blood drawn it was kicking the heck out of me! It was moving my shirt as I sat and read a magazine. Yeee haw! Sugar! Weeeee!

The most exciting news is that our next ultrasound is scheduled for 2 weeks from yesterday! So, on November 6 at 9 am we will get to see the baby on screen again. The doctor said by this point in pregnancy there is a real good view of the "parts". More reliable than ultrasounds done earlier in pregnancy. She said if it's a girl it's genitals swell up like a big hamburger! So, hopefully the baby will flash us!

Yesterday afternoon I tripped and fell over a leg of a display at work. I think I pulled a muscle at the top of my belly and I put a tooth into my lip. My belly is sure hurting today. If it doesn't ease up I will call the clinic for an opinion on it.

The baby is regularly active these days. Bedtime is a time of particularly fierce attacks from within. Cliff delights in feeling the little arms and legs scrape against my belly. And one morning while we were cuddling before getting up for the day the baby was kicking his backside! It was funny!

Last weekend we bought our play yard with the detachable changing pad and bassinet. We broke down and also bought a soft stuffed puppy and a couple sleepers. We couldn't resist a pink one!

I'm now just 87 days from my due date but still it seems so far off! I wish it were January. I'm getting so excited to see our little bundle, the one who has been growing so well under my heart.

October 5, 2003 - Here is a photo of the proud mommy-to-be and the proud daddy-to-be. Adrian took this picture of us 10 days before our 4th wedding anniversary. No denying that belly now!

November 6, 2003 - Today I had a check-up and our second ultrasound. We found out IT'S A GIRL!!!!! Cliff knew it all along, but I had doubts along the way. But today it was very clear, even at first glance!

As soon as the tech turned on the screen she waved at us. At one point she did the "raspberries." Her little mouth was opening up a lot. It looked as if she were talking. Her heartrate was 133 beats/minute. Very good! She weighs just shy of 3 lbs. Very good! She is at the 47th percentile. Not too big, not too small, and measuring right on target.Due date remains at January 19, 2004. She has Cliff's forehead, and same hairline too. (hehehe) She has a chubby little face now, not a skinny skeleton one!

My total weight gain is 19 lbs and I have just over 10 weeks to go. Not too bad, but still scary watching that scale go up! My blood pressure was higher than usual. Doc wants to keep an eye on that. In 13 days we go back for another check up. We may have to discuss me cutting down more hours at work at that time as I'm having some pretty hefty braxton hicks contractions regularly.

The pictures at left are: Her chubby little face and hands curled up by her. The second one is the bottom of her little foot. 5 perfect toes! The bottom one is turned for a better perspective. It's the lower part of her face; nose, lips and that little tongue sticking out doing the raspberries.

Her full name will be Madison Soleil Jean Renne Bishop. Madison, Wisconsin is where we were living when her daddy and I met 5 1/2 yrs ago. Soleil is French for sunshine. (It's pronounced "so-LAY"). We were married in Florida, The Sunshine State, and that is also where I got my first tattoo--a sun on my belly, next to where she is growing. Jean is the name of her Grandma that died in 1981. Renee is my middle name.

I still can't believe we have a healthy little girl. Knowing that will help me get through the next few weeks until we can hold her in our arms! 74 days until Madison is due to arrive!

November 6, 2003 Here are some pictures of the proud mommy-to-be and the proud daddy-to-be taken today after our second ultrasound. We are all sooooo very happy to know that our very own healthy baby girl is on the way!

December 11, 2003 - It's been a while since I updated. It seems I've just been so achy and tired. Everything that can hurt, does. But this week I have gotten the nesting instinct I think. Cleaning like crazy.

I had a check-up yesterday. My blood pressure was back to normal for me 110/78. And last apppointment I lost 4 lbs. This time I only gained 1/2 lb. So, I was pleased with that. I mentioned to the nurse that baby Madison must be getting cramped in her little space as I hadn't felt as much movement. So, they did a non-stress test. She moved more during the test than I had felt in days! She was reactive, which meant her heartrate went up when she moved. A few times it took a little while longer. So, the doctor thinks she may be rollling onto her cord. He hooked me up to an impromptu ultrasound but never even moved the screen so I could see! I was bummed about that. Then he measured my tummy and I'm still measuring 3 weeks too big. So, there is either too much amniotic fluid or it's just a big baby. So.... he scheduled me for another big ultrasound next Tuesday!!!!!! I can hardly wait to see her chubby little face again!

Cliff thinks at this rate I will deliver early. But I am a full-termer with all the other babies so I doubt this will be different. But anything after Christmas would be great! I'm tired of being pregnant now. I love feeling her move and grow, but I just can't wait to meet her! Her crib is ready and clothes are washed. I have to call the hospital to schedule a tour and to fill out pre-registration papers. It will happen soon, but the waiting is just nerve-wracking. I know I won't be pregnant forever, and I will hold her before long!

December 18, 2003 - I had my check-up 2 days ago at 35 weeks and 1 day along. I have no idea why but I gained 5 lbs this past week! EEEK! My blood pressure was low again so that was good to see. Unfortunately, the ultrasound tech called in sick with the awful flu that is spreading like crazy. So, no ultrasound! So much for movie night! Doc did an internal exam and I had my strep b culture done. My cervix is soft and dilated to fingertip. I will take that as progress in my book! When he meaured my tummy he found that I am now measuring 4 weeks too big! Not just 3! I was measuring 39 weeks! So, I will still get another ultrasound. It's scheduled for next Tuesday, December 23, 2003. Maybe a big baby, maybe too much amniotic fluid. We shall see. I also scheduled an appointment at the hospital to fill out pre-registration papers and to have a tour of the birthing center. That will be after the ultrasound. Doc did say that if I go into labor at any point forward they would let me deliver. It is getting close now!

December 29, 2003 - I'm huge, I'm uncomfortable, I'm sick of pregnancy. I want to meet Madison now! Christmas is over, New Year's is almost here and I am ready! We have everything ready for Madison's arriva.l. My co-workers gave me a surprise baby shower the night of our Christmas party for work. I got lots of cute outfits, some blankets, a scrapbook and some necessities like shampoo and wipes. Now to just get her here!

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and the kids get to go with to hear Madison's heartbeat. They will be amazed!

We had another ultrasound last week. Madison' has little chubby cheeks still. But she isn't so little. They estimated her weight at almost 7 lbs. already. If I go to due date, she is gonna be pushing 9 lbs! Wow! I am just glad she is healthy. And she is still a girl!

Then we had our tour of the hospital birthing center and got a lot of good information. They are very helpful there! We got to bring home a video to help refresh us on baby care. That's a good thing because sometimes I feel like I won't remember what to do. It's been awhile since I took care of a tiny baby.

The kids are here this week but I will try to update this journal this week after my check-up tomorrow. And maybe even have a new picture to post of my ever expanding mid section!

January 5, 2004 - I had my check up last week on December 30th. It was so busy at the clinic that I had to wait almost 40 minutes to be seen. Victoria and Emily were with me. They did a non-stress test and Madison is doing fine. The girls were thrilled to hear Madison's heartbeat. They said it sounded like a galloping horse. Then we got another ultrasound. Madison was sucking on a foot right in front of her face! The girls were giggling and the tech said, "Well, there isn't much else to do in there." LOL Then a quick check by the doctor ane we were on our way. I had a slight runny nose. But by the next morning I was feeling horrible. I came down with the flu. I had a temperature of 101, achy, stuffed nose, headache.... Finally today I am starting to feel better. I have passed some bloody show and have had contractions off and on, but nothing regular yet. I am so eager to meet Madison and feel like I'm on the brink of a nervous breakdown. I know it's not much longer in the whole scheme of thngs but each day that passes feels like an eternity. I have another doctor appointment this Wednesday. Hopefully I will be showing some progress. I will update after my appointment, unless Madison makes her arrival first!

January 13, 2004 - I'm 6 days from my due date and I think I have reached terminal misery! I had a dr. appointment last week and found I had lost 5 lbs. Not that I'm complaining. Then when the doctor asked how I was feeling I just started crying. I couldn't help myself. He checked me and said I was dilated 2-3 and then stripped my membranes, told me to expect spotting and sent me on my way. I got home and cried some more. The next morning I woke at 4 am having contractions. I woke Cliff up at 5:30 and told him I thought we should time them. They were 6 minutes apart and remained that way for a couple hours. I decided to get a shower and lay down to get a little rest, expecting to need my energy for delivery that day. The contractions stopped. I was just floored.

Yesterday I awoke at 5:30 am thinking I was leaking amniotic fluid. It wasn't a lot, but enough to make me wonder. The contractions were there, but not regular at all. I went to the bathroom and had more spotting. I called the clinic at 9 am and they told me to go be checked at the hospital. I called Cliff and we went, leaving cameras in the car in the awful event I was sent home. Lo and behold, I was NOT leaking amniotic fluid. I was having contractions, but not regular enough to warrant any further action on the medical professional's part. I went home and cried some more, and cramping from the intense exam the nurse had given me and spotting even more.

Throughout last night I had contractions that were strong enough to wake me a few times. At 3:25 I had an awfully strong and painful contraction and gushed fluid on the bed. I felt like I had deflated and thought for SURE my water had broke. I had been through this before with the other 3 and figured I should know. I had to tell Cliff 4 times to wake up. He woke and I showed him the puddle. We jumped up ready to have a baby on January 13, 2003. We had some coffee, got a shower, I called the clinic and we headed out the door. I got to the hospital and they hooked me up to the monitor for awhile, then swabbed me to check on my possible water break. I fully expected them to say it had broken. The whole while I was having stronger and stronger contractions, that were testing my breathing techniques. The nurse returned and said it was NOT amniotic fluid, not urine, but rather the gel the nurse had used the day before to examine me! I didn't believe her! I was very close to asking her to check again. Alas, we gathered our things and headed home once again.

They still want me to keep my doctor appointment for this afternoon, which I'm not looking forward to. I'm sure he will just remind me that I will have a baby by Easter. I'm still having strong contractions, although they have slowed down considerably in the last hour. I have been doing laundry, including our gooey bed sheets that I inspected upon returning home. Once I checked the sheets I believed the nurse's theory. The sheets were still wet, but slimy like the gel she suspected. I will update later if there is anything worth reporting. At this point I'm ready to go for another c-section if it will end this nonsense.

January 13, 2004 - I had my doctor appointment and was contracting even while I was sitting there. And just as I was to go emotional on my doctor he came through for me! He asked me about my contractions from the last few days, what made me go to labor and delivery, how I was feeling overall... anyway, he said generally speaking the longest he would let me go overdue would be one week. But he wanted to get an ultrasound done to check on baby and amniotic fluid. They found that my placenta was deteriorating and not functioning as well as it should. Madison was estimated to weigh 7 lbs, 6 oz, which was a lot lower than she should have been according to estimates from 3 weeks before. She should have been about 8 lbs or more, maybe even closer to 9 lbs. After seeing that my doctor decided that Madison needed to be born. Conditions in her womb weren't good anymore. Her time was up! He said if I was still contracting in the morning, then I should just go straight to labor and delivery. He said he is on call and will get me delivered and won't send me home without a baby. I know I will still be contracting in the morning. Though the contractions arent' regular they aren't going away now. When I walk they are worse. Just leaving the doctor's office I got a real strong one when I was walking to the car. So, we have planned to leave home around 7 or so in the morning. Tomorrow Madison will be born! The wait is almost over!

On Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 6:52 am
Madison Soleil Jean Renee Bishop was born!
She weighed 7 lbs., 9 ozs. and was 19 inches long!