Induction...

So yesterday at our doctors appointment the doctor entered the room and said "so how does Sunday sound?" We said ok... She decided that since Jackson isn't growing that it's time to get him out. So Sunday at 7pm we go in for the first part of our induction. Cervadil for the first 12 hours and then it's on to the Pitocin at 7am on Monday morning. The doctor told me I have a 40% chance of having a c section since the baby has either Small for Gestational Age or IntraUterine Growth Restriction. Apparently these two things make a baby less tolerant to the stress of labor and therefore it can end in a c section. According to my doctor it would be a shame for such a small baby! I agree. I am praying for a normal delivery! The doctor also informed me that my body is not cooperating in getting prepared for delivery so we could take 12 hours or 36 hours to induce... I am pushing for the shorter! We'll see how it goes. For now Kelly and I are planning our final weekend as DINKs. And thinking of fun ways to spend the time together. We are also putting together the swings and bouncers and doing the last bit of shopping. I was also informed that because he might have SGA or IUGR and is so small the pediatrician will probably suggest supplementing nursing with formula to fatten him up. So I am washing my bottles and getting ready for his arrival. Still don't know what kind of formula to get but that's what Kelly's for! Walmart runs after the baby is born!

Thank you for all your prayers! Just a few days more and we'll have our little guy to care for! Exciting and scary all at the same time!

Non-stress test

Well yesterday the doctor sent me in for a non-stress test at Labor and Delivery. Because of his lack of putting on the pounds she wanted to see how he was doing. So Kelly and I headed to the hospital and waited for our turn. There were two other women in the waiting room and they looked much more miserable than me! I guess I should count myself lucky for having a small baby and not much swelling! The nurse said he was doing great but suggested we come back 2 times a week. We'll see what the doctor orders whether she decides to induce which is the standard treatment for a baby with IUGR that is full term or whether she keeps him in to gain another measly 2 oz... We'll find out around 4pm!

Ultrasound

Here are the ultrasound photos from yesterday! According to the ultrasound tech the s/d ratio in the cord looked good and my fluid level was the same. His heart rate has been consistent at 148 bpm in all our appointments so that is good. Here is how his weight has progressed:

34 week ultrasound he measured 4lbs 6 oz.

37 week ultrasound he measured 4lb 12 oz.

39 week ultrasound he measured 5lb 0oz.

I don't see the doctor until tomorrow but I spoke with my coworkers wife who is a Physician's Assistant for an OB/Gyn and she said he most likely has IUGR. This is intrauterine growth restriction. It's basically where the baby can't get the nourishment it needs from the placenta. Because this can also cause the baby to get a lack of oxygen if the mother is full term they typically induce labor to ensure the baby is not still born. Apparently with IUGR there is increased risk of still birth. She recommended I call my doctor today and ask about his growth and share my concerns to see what the doctor says. I plan on calling after lunch. I know God is watching over our little guy and many are praying! I really appreciate the prayers. He is still a very active little boy which is a good sign! They say typically babies with IUGR grow at the rate they should in the womb after they are born. One of my coworkers baby's had it and he said she never lost weight once born at 37 weeks! She just kept gaining!! So hopefully Jackson will do the same if we need to induce! I am praying that he is over 5 lbs and fully developed so he won't have to be in the NICU. They say with IUGR that babies have a high risk for jaundice and lower lung development. So this could mean a little longer in the hospital for our guy.

I'll let you know more when I find out. As of now he is kicking up a storm and tap dancing on my ribs! Thank you for the many prayers on our behalf! I know God is watching over us.

Front view. I think this looks a little scary but if you get past the missing eyes and cartilage you will see a cute little boy with rather large cheeks!! I think he's going to look like Kelly. I need to get our baby pics together so we can figure out which side he looks like!!

From the side! Look at his hand up by his face... I think he might have even picked his nose! Are boys really that gross from the start?!!!

Once again the ultrasound tech confirmed that he is definitely a boy so no surprises for us! I will spare my little one the embarrassment of having his manhood on display!

38 weeks and 5 days....

Well I have been organizing and reorganizing the nursery... Its amazing just how much stuff a little one has or needs (ok so he could do without quite this much but Mom and Dad are thankful for it!). I have filled all the drawers in the dresser and the crib and have moved onto baskets in the closet. I have moved diapers and wipe boxes to the linen closet in Jackson's bathroom (i thought it was a fitting place!) And still I am stuffed! Of course it wouldn't be so bad except I put the changing table at the front of the closet so I lost a hanging bar to that. But I really didn't have a place for it out in the room nor did I want it seen all the time!



The curtains are finished, the lamp is done, the bedding is complete, and his clothes and blankets are washed and ready to go! I am so ready for him to be here!

We have an ultrasound today to check again for the IUGR, amniotic fluid level, and S/D ratio (blood flow in the cord). The doctor will use these checks to see if we need to induce for Jackson's health. My luck the answer will be no and I'll fulfill her expectation of carrying our little guy well past my due date! I'm walking and eating spicy food though so we'll see if I can surprise her!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far! More updates to come!

37 week Doctors Appointment...

Well Kelly and I went to our 37 week ultrasound/dr appointment. I was very nervous since the reason for the ultrasound was to check my fluid levels and if it was below 6cm then I would be induced right away. Well my fluid level actually went up! That was very good. But Jackson is only 4 lbs 12 oz with a margin of error of 6oz. The doctor wasn't kidding when she said he'd be small! Unfortunately, I haven't begun the dilation process and the doctor doesn't think that I will either. So my options will be medication to help the process along and if it doesn't work then it's a C section for me! I'm not excited about that prospect. So now I am praying for my body to decide to cooperate for me!
The ultrasound technician did a few 4d ultrasound photos for us as a bonus! She was really nice! So here is a sneak peek at Jackson!

Baby Showers!

Sloan, IA Baby Shower!! What a cute theme we had! It was all children's books. All the tables were decorated with books and their stuffed character!

My s-i-l Jill made placemats with different clues about which book it came from! Can you get them all?

Of course I thought I forgot my camera until I looked in my purse and found it after the shower so I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted. I definitely have "preg"mentia!

Natalie and Kade read a special book to everyone at the shower! It was adorable and so special for us! Karalee and Jill also put together scriptures and gave us a gift that corresponded with each verse! It was such a cool idea.

South Yukon Baby Shower

Then there was our shower in Yukon! My friend Jenni coordinated it and decorated for it! She did an amazing job! All the hostesses who helped did amazing!!

I think this is the first pic of Kelly and I together while pregnant!!

It was very special to have the Sterling Women at my shower! 4 generations are represented in this picture, Grandma, Mom, Tricia & I, and Jackson!!

I now have this frame in Jackson's room! It matches perfectly!!

Joni makes the best diaper cakes! Isn't it adorable!

Jenni made argyle cupcakes for me!! They were awesome!

Kelly and I are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends to put on 2 amazing showers for our Jackson! We are so thankful to all who helped and attended. Love you all! Can't wait to get to show off our little man!!!