Time Changes All Things . . .

As the big day draws nearer, we have so much more to tell! Yesterday was Tiffany's second doctor's visit this week and they have determined that we now need to see them twice weekly until the baby is born. It was once a week until Tiffany became a problem child! (Not her fault!) The first eight months were just too good to be true! No morning sickness - no aches - no pains - no complications . . .

All of that has come to an end. Her high blood pressure has put her on permanent bed rest and DRASTICALLY changed how she eats. This is the trauma of the century! She went from 98 lbs. and eating air when she got here to 141 lbs and eating anything and everything she could dream of! Cravings were off the chart! If you wonder what a shock this low sodium diet is to her, check the labels in your kitchen cabinets. And Chris is completely obsessed with it which is taking the fun out of what little she can eat. Good news is, all of her tests came back clear of any trace of toxemia or pre-eclempsia. Her blood sugar is also right on target and the baby's vitals are all very good! The doctor said his head has dropped and he's getting in position.

Yesterday's visit gave us a new "concern" though. Tiffany told the doctor that she's had a very bad muscle ache in her left calf. Concerned about a blood clot, they sent us back over to Bellevue for an ultrasound. Once again, good news. No signs of a clot - appears to be a muscle strain. Hmmmmmmm Could the additional 40+ lbs be the contributor?

Quick sideline on me, it appears I am experiencing couvade syndrome (sympathy pregnancy symptoms.) I won't get into the sensitive details. Suffice to say - this hurts! Aren't hormones fun?

And the fun begins . . .

OK – we just got back from Tiffany’s appointment and this time when they got to the standard question, “So do you have any questions or concerns?” we for the first time said, “Yes.” Tiffany’s feet have been swollen for the past 4 days. We’ve increased her fluids, decreased her salt intake and have kept her feet elevated above her heart, all to no avail. They quickly took her blood pressure and confirmed it was “a little high”. Concerned about toxemia and/or pre-eclampsia, they sent us directly to Bellevue for more tests. They cautioned us that this may turn into an “admission” and worse case scenario may have to be hospitalized for the remainder of her pregnancy. Well, I wasn’t about to be the only one freaking out (not that I’d let Tiffany know) so I called Chris, Donna and Marlea and successfully scared the crap out of them too. I love support!

They hooked Tiffany up to a blood pressure / baby heart monitor unit and I just sat there watching her blood pressure go up and up and up. Her top numbers were 141 over 94. For some people that may be normal but for me, I was getting sicker by the moment. The baby’s heart beat was STRONG and I held the phone to the speaker so Chris, Donna and Marlea could all hear it for the first time. That was the only cool part in the whole day! They also took bloods and ran some labs. We were only there for a total of 2 hours but it felt like 2 days as Tiffany was “starving” and we were both a little scared. Finally, the nurse returned with a bag containing a big orange bottle and a graduate (a urine catch shaped like a hat) with directions to go home and collect urine for the next 24 hours. Yes, we have to keep the urine in the refrigerator and have already directed Dean to not mistake it for apple juice. I have to make a follow-up doctor’s appointment for her for Thursday and will have more to tell at that time. For now, she’s on total bed rest and being well taken care of by Nurse Donna. As for me, I’m going to go open a bottle of wine. Motherhood is tough!

After my comatose December . . .

WOW! Little did I know when I set this page up that I would identify such an obvious weakness! Bethany Schumann-McGhee is my hero – my girlfriend – my attorney – and the best doggone blogger I’ve ever seen! She updates her blog daily and makes it look so easy – and guess what – SHE’S FUNNY! How does she do it? And she hasn’t even slowed down since Dani was born so that “I’m just too busy-can't find the time” excuse falls short of acceptable!!!! Bethany, you’re putting me to shame!!! If you haven’t already done so and you want to see what a real blogger does, click on the Bethany & Wes link on this page and check her site out. Not to mention, her angel is completely adorable and only surpassed by her doting daddy! I’m thinking we might have to reintroduce the concept of arranged marriages as I think Dani and my baby boy may make a perfect match! Yes! I’m starting to be a controlling mother already!

Tiffany and I have a doctor’s appointment today. We are 38 days from our “due date”. Last Saturday, Tiffany, Chris and I took our tour and pre-registered at Bellevue, The Country Club of Women’s Hospitals. We are working on our “Birthdate Wish List” to make sure it resembles our dreams of this day as closely as possible. What a moving experience this was! Reality has begun to set it. While we were there, we stood in front of the windows of the nursery and watched the babies being dressed and cared for. Well, I should say Tiffany and I watched. Chris was frozen in time – standing there staring and oblivious to everyone else around him. He had “Daddy Face” and it moved me to tears. I am so excited for him. He’s going to make such an awesome daddy!

We spent the rest of the day going from store to store looking predominantly at baby cribs but inevitably, everything else that our little man could possibly need or want. We already have his Pack ‘n Play, his car seat and his stroller. I am just about done with the baby registries and will let you know when our “WELCOME BABY” party (shower) is scheduled for. We’re thinking some time in March. Yikes! This is really happening!!!!

Stay tuned. I’ll try to do better!!! I promise!!!!!