21st Century

Dear Munchkin,

So we finally bit the bullet this weekend and replaced the old Toshiba. Your Mommy and I have been wanting a new TV for a while now, but we had decided to put it off - but then the Toshiba started having issues. It probably would have lasted for a while longer, but Circuit City had a deal we couldn't refuse. I ran it by your Uncle Geoff and found that even at his cost it wouldn't really make a difference. So anyway, I wanted to let you know that now you won't have the enter the world watching outdated technology and we can watch ESPN together in high definition (even if you end up being a girl).

Love,

Daddy

Trip to Women's Hospital

Dear Munchkin,
During the course of this week, I begun feeling more and more crummy. I finally decided that I needed to see the doctor because I was pretty sure that the infection was back. I was starting to feel all of the same symptoms as last time. I knew I didn't want to head into a long weekend feeling badly and without my doctor's office being open. When I arrived at the doctor, I had to see the Nurse Practitioner since the appointment was made on such short notice. While the NP is a very nice woman, she wasn't really sure what to do with me. And I am sure she doesn't have very many pregnant patients, since she exclaimed "Oh, I didn't know you were pregnant!" when she came into the examine room. I had to explain to her (and the nurses) several times the situation from a month ago and how I came to be diagnosed with the Strep B infection. After she did an internal exam and swab test, she felt like I needed to be put on the monitor to rule out any chance of preterm labor. This monitor is the NST machine that I will be hooking up to twice a week from now on. At this point, it was after 5:30 PM and my blood sugar had dropped rapidly. I didn't have an afternoon snack because I was rushing at work, stressing out about all this going on, and simply forgot. In addition, at 2 PM my blood sugar reading was only 79 and should never be lower than 60. I finally asked them for a piece of hard candy so I wouldn't fall over and I knew that I had to eat some dinner ASAP. I stayed on the monitor for about 20 minutes and because you were moving around so much, they were unable to get a good read on your heart rate, but they were able to see my contractions. The NP told me that they were pretty certain the contractions were the results of infection, but wanted to run it by the on-call doctor before I left. The on-call doctor decided that since they couldn't get a good "tracing" on the monitor, she wasn't comfortable sending me home without ruling out preterm labor. So it was off to Women's Hospital for further testing. Before I left, I nearly had a breakdown complete with shaking and sweating. I knew I needed to eat...like now. The NP called Women's to tell them I was on my way. Your Daddy picked up some food and meet me in the maternity admissions area. They got me all set up on a new monitor and let me have some dinner while being on the monitor. Boy, that was a relief. I really thought they were going to have a pregnant lady on the floor, but at least I would have been in the hospital! Anyway, they kept me on the machine for about 45 minutes and then took us for another ultrasound. You looked great and had a perfect ultrasound score. After that, they sent us back to the room for more monitoring and questioning. My blood pressure was a little high (duh), so they checked it a couple times. Finally, they talked to the on-call doctor, who released me to go home. Of course, on the way home we had to stop by the pharmacy to pick up my antibiotics. Which is all I really needed to begin with! I totally understand that the doctor needs to everything to protect us and I am not upset about it, but it ended up being a really long night for a simple problem. The whole process took about 5 hours from start to finish. When we got home, I took my medicine and crashed. I am feeling better today and will have a nice long weekend to take it easy. Rest assured that we have had lots of testing done to let us know that you are one healthy and very active baby!
I love you,
Mom

Uh-Oh

Dear Munchkin,
Things aren't looking good here. I suspect the infection is back. I been having contractions again and I am headed to the doctor this afternoon @ 4:45. Hopefully I can get on some antibiotics quickly and they can figure out what's going on. My sugars are higher than normal, but within the the acceptable range. I just have sneaky feeling that my old pal Strep B is rearing it's ugly head again. Your Dad and I supposed to have a make up birth & baby class tonight, but I don't see that happening. Wish me luck and say a few prayers for me.
Love you,
Mom

General Updates

Dear Munchkin,
There has been a lot going on in Munchkinland during the past few days.
Sugars- I went to the doctor on Monday morning and received a nice pat on the back for controlling my sugar levels. Then, after Monday morning's reading, it was like the medicine quit working. My sugars are elevated (after eating standard meals) and I have been experiencing some mild cramping/tightening of my belly. I called the doctor yesterday because I know that something isn't right. He has doubled my dosage of medication in an effort to bring down my numbers. I started the new dosage this morning and so far so good. Breakfast reading was slightly higher than the norm, but it might take a while for the medicine to kick in. Due to the Strep B fiasco, I am slightly paranoid whenever my belly hurts. I am not sure if it is due to infection, stress, high sugar, or even the way I have to hunch over at my desk all day. Add that to my worry about rising sugars combined total lack of sleep and it makes for one very grumpy mama. I did take a Tylenol PM last night which helped my get a few hours of much needed sleep. I felt better this morning and perhaps all I need is this bump in medication. Hopefully that will be all it takes to get me back on track.
Massage- You Daddy surprised me with a gift of a prenatal massage yesterday. It's just what I need and couldn't have come at a better time. There is a lady who comes to Moses Cone to give little mini-massages once a week or so. She needed some help with her computer, so your Dad traded his computer skills for her massage skills. I just need to call her to set up the appointment after work or on the weekend. Your Dad is going on his annual golf trip the weekend after next, so I might schedule it then since I will have lots of "me" time that weekend. Yeah!
3rd Birth & Baby Class- We had our third B&B Class last night. As usual, it was very informative and slightly scary. I know I am learning a lot from these classes, but it's almost making me more nervous about labor & delivery. Part of it has to do with the fact that I have just pushed (no pun intended) the whole idea out of my mind and now I am forced to think about what will actually happen when you are born. But then again, it's one day. You will bring us a lifetime of joy. That thought far outweighs and any pain or discomfort I could possibly imagine. You in my arms. Me as your Mom. I can't wait! The class started out with some massage and breathing lessons. We talked about Lamaze and focus breathing during pushing. Then we discussed what will happen with you right after birth. One interesting fact I need to remember is that you need breastfeed right away even before your first bath and nursery visit. Once you have a bath and get all cleaned up, you might not breastfeed as well because you will get cold and have all sorts of new smells on you. It also makes for a special bonding time for our new family before everyone get their hands on you and passes you around. Once you and I are cleaned up, of course our family & friends will be welcome to see you. But I think it is important that the very first thing that happens is a bonding between you, me, and your Daddy. The last part of the class was spent discussing pain control during delivery. We watched a video on epidurals/pain management and looked at all the tools a doctor or nurse might use. It was comforting to know that the drugs will be there when I need them! Next week we tour the maternity ward. I know that will be fun and I am looking forward to it.
Love,
Mom

Holy Upcoming Appointments

Dear Munchkin,
I went to see Doctor Davis this morning for a quick check-in. My total weight gain is +2.2 lbs, my blood pressure was 130/72, and your heart rate was 140. Doctor Davis checked my sugar log book and was extremely happy with my numbers. It appears that the medicine and my diet control are really paying off. I am very proud of your Daddy and I. I was thrilled that he was happy with the way things are looking. I just need to continue of on this path of self monitoring and healthy eating. On the down side, starting next week, Doctor D has ordered twice weekly Non-Stress-Tests. Apparently, this type of medication *could* lead to increased risk of still birth. He did stress that he doesn't think I am specifically "at risk", but he still needs to make sure to keep a close watch on you (whew!). Basically, the NST involves hooking me up to a machine which records your heart rate for a period of about 15-20 minutes. They look for patterns, regularity, and consistency. It's not really such a big deal, it's just more of an inconvenience since it will take up a lot of time during the work week. I will also have another ultrasound @ 32 weeks and there could be more to follow. Between doctor visits, baby classes, and getting everything ready for you, September is shaping up to be one b.u.s.y. month!
I love you,
Mama

2nd Birth & Baby Class

Dearest Little One,
Last night was our second birth & baby class. When we arrived, Cheryl was already putting the pregnancy pack (boobs and all) on one of the unsuspecting Dads. It was pretty funny! Your Dad didn't get "chosen" last night, but all of the Dads will wear it at some point, so I need to remember my camera next week. We started off class with a review from last week complete with door prizes. Candy...which I can't have ..ummp. Then we watched a video of one couple's birth story which did not involve medication and featured a very supportive husband. It was beautiful to watch, but I am pretty sure that it wasn't a typical birth scenario. I know they aren't actors, it all seemed a little too calm and relaxed for me to completely buy. I think they must have edited some bad language or at the very least a few of her grimaces of pain/moaning. After the video, we split into two groups (guys & gals) to discuss what to bring to the hospital and what to do at the hospital. We made a list for the guys and vice versa. It reminded me that I do need to start thinking about packing a bag or at least get some sort of list started. About half way through the class, we took a much needed bathroom break and I checked my sugars. They were a little on the low side (which kind of makes me feel badly) and I need to work on getting them into the right zone. It's difficult because I am so afraid of them being high that I overcompensate by restrictive eating. That's not good either. With this new medicine, I have to learn how to balance things. It will come with practice, I am sure. After the break, we watched another video about changing positions during labor and getting the baby to face the correct way. There was a lot of discussion about back labor. Apparently this is a common problem for first time Moms and usually results in a C-section. I really hope that you don't get confused and turn the wrong way. The last part of the class was spent practicing massage techniques on each other. The assigned homework is that your Dad has to give me three massages this week. I am really looking forward to it and would love to have a professional prenatal massage. Next week we will attend our third class plus the fifth class because of a scheduling conflict in September. I am sure it will be information overload!
I love you,
Mom

Good Checkup

Dear Munchkin,
It's been a while since I have left the doctor's office feeling like we were all in a good place. This morning, I meet with Doctor Tavon (Doctor D is on va-ca) and he gave me an excellent report. My total weight gain is up +.8 lbs, blood pressure is 118/70 and your heart rate was 158 bpm. It took the nurse a while to find your heart beat since you were wiggling around like crazy. We could both feel you moving around, but you were being uncooperative by facing my back. Doctor Tavon checked my sugar log book and told me that everything looked great. I expressed some concern that my sugars seem to be elevated in the evening and he said that perhaps after next week's check up we could do some modification to the medicine. For example, taking half the pill in the morning and the other half at night. He did say that some of my sugars are borderline, but that probably isn't the reason for "my humongous baby" (now I am wondering what is?) and that I should expect more ultrasounds. I told him that I was still very concerned about controlling my sugars and your weight gain. "Keep up the good work" was his response. That was encouraging to hear! I will report back to the office again on Monday with another week's worth of data. This evening, your Dad and I have our second Birth & Baby class and I am sure it will be very informative. I will fill you in on all that we learn tonight in tomorrow's letter.
I love you,
Mom

Big Stuff

Dear Munchkin,
Yesterday your Dad and I went to see Doctor Davis for another ultrasound and a recheck of my sugar levels. Everything looked good on the screen and the technician told us that you were indeed measuring bigger than expected. So we weren't surprised when Doctor D told us the same thing. However, we were shocked when he told us how much bigger you actually are. They estimated your weight to be approximately 3.5lbs. That puts you into the 91st percentile for growth at this point. Your target growth should only be somewhere in the 50th percentile. Because my body is not processing sugar well, you are producing way more insulin than needed. Insulin is growth hormone, thus causing you put on weight a lot more quickly than desired. Doctor Davis explained to us that during this stage (28-33 weeks), you are beginning a period of rapid physical growth and are really starting to pack on the "baby fat". If we can tighten down your insulin levels, things will probably shift back to the natural progression of weight gain. So I have started an oral medication (not insulin shots) called Glyburide once a day to control my blood sugar. Even though I am trying my hardest to control my sugars with diet and exercise, I still need help in the form of medication. Taking this medicine will require weekly check in's with the doctor. When I hit 32 weeks I will likely need twice weekly monitoring and I can probably expect more ultrasounds. He mentioned that I have a lot of fluid which should be reduced by the medication. Glyburide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid/glucose which in turn lowers insulin levels. Hopefully I will be able to pee out all the excess glucose that's making you grow larger! Even though this isn't the desired outcome, I am trying to stay positive and remember that Doctor Davis is doing everything he can so that we remain healthy. The bottom line is that I need to do what's best for you and myself. I will still continue the diet regiment and finger prick monitoring. I hope to see my sugar levels dropping off consistently and the medication doing it's job. Some other statistics from yesterday's visit: blood pressure of 122/80, your heart rate was 142, and my total weight gain is down to -.6 lbs. Again the weight thing baffles me because the average pregnant woman has gained between 17 and 24lbs at this point, plus I have a growing belly with a 3.5lb baby inside. My prayer is that my efforts and this medicine will ensure you remain healthy. That's all that matter to me now. And forever.
I love you,
Mom

Birth & Baby Class

Dear Munchkin,
Last night your Daddy and I attended our first Birth & Baby class. In an attempt to gain some insight into labor, delivery, and all things baby, we will be meeting once a week for the next five weeks. Our class size was about thirty people. We started the class by talking to the couple next to us and introducing them to everyone. Of course, this is the first baby for all and most people are worried about the pain of labor. I was the only one whose worry is lack of sleep! We were also just about the only couple who aren't finding out the gender. After the introductions, Cheryl (our teacher) talked about the anatomy of labor. I will spare you all the details. In fact, most of the time I was making my "EWWWW" face while she was lecturing. Next, we watched a video about the stages of labor. It broke down early labor, active labor, transition, pushing, and delivery. It also showed an actual delivery and delivery of the placenta. I did close my eyes during that part. I know it's coming and I have accepted it, but I just don't really want to SEE it happening to someone else. Once the video was over, Cheryl reiterated and expanded on all of the stages, signs of labor, what you are feeling (mentally and physically), and the role that partners play during this time. It was interesting, but still a little scary. The last half an hour was spent on the floor with pillows, practicing breathing and relaxing techniques. This was the best part! She coached us through some exercises that are designed to help everyone "calm down" during the big event. I think I need to start practicing now! Overall, we really enjoyed the class and are looking forward learning more about this whole process. It did reassure me that I am not alone in my fears and offered a sense of control about the situation. Cheryl has a very humorous and calming way about presenting some potentially frightening material!
In other news, I went to the doctor this morning for my ultrasound and checkup. Don't worry, things are OK, but I need to devote a whole other letter to fill you in on all the details. Work is piling up left and right and I need to focus on that for a while today. I promise, I will update soon.
I love you,
Mom

Sweet

Dear Munchkin,
How nice are your Daddy's co-workers? They sent this email invite out today. Two showers in one weekend. Squeeeeee!!!!!

Love, Mom and Dad

28 Weeks

Dear Munchkin,
Today I am 28 weeks pregnant. We are 7/9 of the way through our pregnancy journey together. Can you believe it? Looking back, it's a been a fairly difficult month for us due to some health related complications and it seems to have taken a toll on my mental state. So far, I have been blessed to have felt relatively worry-free for the majority of our time together. Now I am feeling a bit of anxiety and I don't like it at all. Not of all of this is due to health concerns. A lot of it stems from the simple fact that I am entering into the last phase of pregnancy. I feel as if time is rapidly slipping away from me and I have so much to get accomplished in order to get ready for your arrival. We have a ton of activities (both baby and non-baby related) planned in the upcoming weeks. We will start some baby classes, I will be headed to Doctor Davis more frequently, baby showers have been planned, and all the other "general" baby stuff that needs to be done. I know everything will fall into place, but sometimes it feels a little overwhelming. On a more positive note, most of the major decisions surrounding your upcoming arrival have been made. We have secured childcare, all of your furniture is assembled, and we are confident that we will be ready before you get here. This past month also allowed us to visit with family, which has really lifted my spirits up. I can feel the love radiant from your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and other family members when they talk about you. Hopefully you won't be too spoiled by them! I don't want you to misinterpret this letter. Truly, I feel like one of the luckiest people on the world to be carrying you inside of me and I feel a sense of sheer joy that I never knew was possible. My heart feels like it is growing like The Grinch when I think about meeting you for first time and I can't wait.
I love you with all of my heart,
Mom

Checkup

Dear Munchkin,
I had a quick checkup with Doctor Davis yesterday afternoon. Everything looked good: total weight gain of 3 lbs, blood pressure of 112/78, and your heart rate was 153. My feet have been pretty swollen the past couple of days and apparently this is quite normal for this stage in pregnancy. Doctor Davis checked my sugar log book and wants to see me again in one week. He is concerned that I might need to start taking an oral insulin which will require closer monitoring. Basically, my sugars have been higher than 120 maximum threshold about 25% of the time in the past month. Considering the fact that I haven't know what exactly to eat, dealt with a nasty infection/contractions, and traveled for two weekends, I think I am doing pretty well. But Doctor Davis isn't really interested in my excuses, all he sees are the numbers. So he has given me a week to prove that I have it under control with diet and exercise. I hate to think about taking a daily medication and going to the doctor once a week until you are born, but it is what it is. And I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are a healthy growing baby. He has also ordered another ultrasound for next week because I am measuring ahead (or bigger than expected) and he wants to keep a close eye on your size. One of the dangers of gestational diabetes is having a larger baby, which can sometimes lead to complications. He told us that some women just measure big, while others have a lot of fluid, or in some cases it is the baby itself. Either way, he wants to take a peek at you to find out what's going on. So next week, your Dad and will head back over to his office for another look at you while crossing our fingers that my sugars will stay on a nice even keel for a while.
I love you,
Mom
PS- In the immortal words of Emily: "I have a friend with a secret and if this friend doesn't spill to the world soon, I might die. You know who you are."

First Kick

Dear Munchkin,
Your Daddy felt you kick for the first time this weekend! We were on the airplane headed home from my cousin Matt's wedding in Chicago and you started doing all sorts of crazy acrobatics during the flight. I have been able to feel you kick for a while now, but your Daddy has never been able to catch you in the act. I loved the look of surprise of his face when he felt you move. Hopefully you will get stronger each day and he will be able to feel you more often. We had a great time at Matt and Alison's wedding. Once again, it was a whirlwind of family events. I am feeling more tired than usual this week and I am looking forward to staying home to rest this weekend. Nowadays, I am moving slower than usual and I think the past few weekends have finally caught up to me. I literally fell into bed last night. We arrived in Chicago Thursday evening. Your Uncle Ross and Aunt Amber arrived Friday morning, we spent the day hanging out together and then attended the rehearsal dinner. Friday was real hot and humid, but Saturday brought perfect weather. Matt and Alison are an interfaith couple, so this wedding was a unique blend of Gentile and Hebrew traditions. They did a great job of incorporating both of their faiths into their union. Your Grandpa Wilkin delivered a reading during the ceremony. It was a joyous celebration! Afterwards, we partied down at the reception and soon it was time to head home. On Sunday, there was a family brunch and it was off to the airport of all of us. It feels like there is never enough time to spend with loved ones during these short weekends and the time passes so quickly. Here are a couple of snapshots from the weekend.

Alison and Matt (Check out Matt's Chicago Bears Yarmulke)

Grandpa Wilkin

Great Grandma Wilkin and Aunt Amber

I am headed to the doctor this afternoon for a check up, so I will write tomorrow with all the details. I love you very much, Mom