34 week BabyBaugh update - and 35 week thoughts

(I am over 35 weeks now, but this post/email was written a week ago.)
I went to the OB yesterday, for my 34 week checkup. My midwife confirmed by feeling around what I have felt pretty confident about this whole time, the baby is lying transverse (across) my abdomen. Her head is probably a little higher than her feet - her head on my right side and her feet on my left (slightly diagonal, mostly transverse). I have thought this to be the case, but I know that babies can turn and I figured I had 6 weeks or so before this became an issue. Turns out that the manual turning process (from which, the best I can tell, is called an external cephalic version or just a "version") is usually done at 36 weeks. She just kind of of casually mentioned it at this visit, and I was so caught off guard that I really didn't get to ask any questions. From what I can tell, this is a somewhat serious procedure. It is done at the hospital, because there is a risk of needing an immediate c-section (if the baby's heart rate doesn't recover from the procedure or the cord wraps around her neck) or breaking my water and sending me into labor. That is why they wait until 36 weeks to do it, but the closer to 36 weeks the better (again, from what I know), because the bigger the baby or the less fluid they have, the harder it is to make happen. The baby is monitored via heart monitor and ultrasound during the procedure. It is quite painful for me to go through also.

So here are some prayer requests - 

- That baby girl would turn on her own between now and my next visit, Monday the 29th (a couple of things I read last night mention that the closer we get to 36 weeks, the less chance that a transverse baby can turn on their own. Breech is one thing, transverse is even more difficult. Also, breech can be attempted to deliver - although doctors here don't do it – but transverse can absolutely not fit through the birth canal.)

- I don't really know how this practice handles this procedure - when they do it, what meds they administer, when they would schedule it, what they do if it doesn't work, who does it, etc - I would like to get some of those questions answered before my next visit, over the phone I guess, please pray that they get back with me and answer my questions

- That I could avoid a c-section if at all possible, and that I wouldn't panic about a c-section and the possible complications if that is what it comes to

- That I would have victory over the thoughts that are swirling around in my head

Update today:

Here is what I know so far. I was able to call the OB office last week, and my midwife does call me back. She told me that at 36 weeks, the Dr./midwife will confirm the baby's position by feeling and then possible ultrasound, and we'll talk about our options. If she is still transverse and we go with a version, they will schedule it for sometime that week. It would be done on the labor and delivery floor at the hospital. They will give me a muscle relaxer (not really for pain, but I think more for the success of the procedure and for preventing contractions) and they will monitor the baby for heart rate and via ultrasound. A doctor would do the procedure (assisted by someone, I assume). They would also monitor us for about an hour afterwards. I asked about rescheduling my next visit for a doctor, since that is who would do the procedure and the potential eventual c-section, and she said it wasn't necessary, but it is still what I have done. I go next Monday  morning for my 36 week visit.

As far as the baby goes, I am feeling some new and different movements. I am feeling some things lower and higher that I haven't felt up to this point. Also, her hiccups seem to be in a different location. She may be moving. Our prayers are potentially already taking care of this issue :)  Who knows though. I really won't be surprised next Monday if I find out she is still transverse, if she has turned breech, or if she is head down...I just don't know.

Many people have suggested seeing a chiropractor for the Webster technique. I am somewhat looking into this, but haven't made up my mind yet. I have asked some ladies in my nursing moms group if any of them have had experiences with versions, particularly at my practice, and I have gotten some good and helpful feedback from some. I also am going to call and talk to one on Thursday afternoon.

The Lord brought someone across my path last Wednesday night, and it just kind of randomly came up that she went to my practice and had a successful c-section with her most recent baby. That was really encouraging to hear. I am not panicked about the potential at this point.

Thanks for your prayers.

"The List"

Sometime while we were in Indiana in July it hit me that soon we were going to be in that time period that I had been referring to as "after vacation." You see, I had been referring to after vacation anytime anything came up that would seem to suggest that I needed to think about the fact that a baby was on its way. If someone asked me about where the baby was going to sleep, I would respond, "oh, we are going to worry about that after vacation." Same for how the baby quilt was coming, where the baby clothes were, etc.
On my way home from Indiana, as the panic was starting to set in that we were really at that magical after vacation point, I made a "to-do list." I didn't even really share it with Curt, but writing it all down in one place was magically cathartic.

Here it is, with our progress noted:

• Organize our closet
• Sort kids' toys - the ones in the garage, their room, the front console, and the black organizer in the back
• Finish M&M's baby books
• Move bookshelves to our bedroom, rearrange the bedroom, get a glider for bedroom
• Get facia painted? (budget will probably mean that we need to do this ourselves, and it will have to wait until after baby is born....again)
• Spread grass seed
• Sort our closet (I guess I really wanted this one done..haha)
• Sort kids' clothes in the closet, clean out the upper part of the closet Still need to put some of the bedding that is up there into space bags
• Buy kids' new bed
• Buy additional dresser and clothes bar for kids' closet
• Sew quilt (75% of the blocks are cut out for this. Naptime today may bring progress on the rest of it.)
• Make transportation tot school unit
• Make 2009, 2010 family photo books (2009 is in final editing stages, 2010 hasn't been started)
• Take kids' 3 year photos, get them taken, or edit the ones taken on vacation
• Clean out the garage
• Figure out more storage in the bathroom and clean out linen closet
• Hang kids' growth chart
• Make art to hang on kids' walls
• Make our photo collage of God's faithfulness (not sure where I'm going to hang this anymore)
• Make or frame art for the front wall of the house, get a new lamp to make that spot available
• Get rid of excess kids' clothing in the garage, sort clothes that are ready to go other places
• Potty train (like how I just threw that in there at the end?)....hmmmm....dare I actually cross this one off the list?

Micah's maze

Micah built this "maze" today all by himself. He found all the right size pieces to fill each spot. He is really growing up!

It continues....

Some quotes from Micah today...

"Mom, when I get bigger and bigger (sense a trend here?), I can drive the big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big green car." (referring to Flo)

As we were doing his Look and Find book together: "Mom, you can find Flo, because Flo is a girl, and I don't like finding girls." (hmm, buddy, we'll see about that one.)

Passed along from his teacher today in Sunday School: When it was time to stand for song time, Micah stood up and said, "Let's get ready to rock!!!"
(When Curt asked him what that was from, he proudly said, "Yeah, dad, it's from Mater's Tall Tales." Curt was telling him that that is a fun thing to say at home, but we shouldn't really say it when we are getting ready to sing at church. I told him he could say "Let's get ready to worship Jesus." He didn't like that idea as much :)

Meal Planning

We are working on sticking more closely to a *tight* budget, and we have a baby on the way. So, I am going to work on being much more planned than usual with our meals. I am also going to work on filling my freezer. I have wanted to do a freezer day with friends, but it hasn't worked out. Instead, I'm just going to make bigger recipes and eat half and freeze half instead of saving the leftovers for the here and now.


Here is the next few weeks' plan...


Sunday 8/14 - Sausage Pockets and BLTs (last meal from last week's grocery shopping)
Monday - Chicken Enchiladas (I plan on making this and dividing it into two 8x8 pans. We will eat one and freeze one. Gail says "To freeze, DO NOT pour the enchilada sauce on the rolled up soft shells; freeze sauce and shells separate. To cook, place shells in cold oven and follow cooking instructions.")
Tuesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup (Kim Brown's Recipe) and Cornbread (I am taking a batch of this to a friend, but I would also like to freeze some. Might double the cornbread recipe - it makes a lot to begin with - and quadruple the soup recipe. We'll see. I need to confirm with Kim how she freezes the cornbread.)
Wednesday - Pizza (Traditional Awana night meal)
Thursday - Cheesy Veggie Pasta (Gail adds more pasta and veggies. I plan on putting this in 3 8x8 pans and baking one and freezing two.)
Friday - Pulled Pork, maybe also some Mac 'n Cheese (We will eat some and freeze some - to use later in fried rice, tacos, sandwiches, something - in quart-size ziploc bags)
Saturday - Having a garage sale - hopefully we will be able to have leftovers this night. Maybe I'll make some egg salad to have tonight and throughout the week
Sunday 8/21 - Chicken Rice Wraps - will probably add cheese and might double recipe (Freezing instructions for extras: Simply wrap each folded tortilla in tin foil and place in 1 gallon freezer bag. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for about 2 minutes, flipping once.)
Monday - Chicken Spaghetti - (Makes 2 8x8 pans - I will bake one and freeze one. I'm going to try a method for freezing that a blogger mentioned - put foil inside of a baking dish, fill with the casserole, cover, and then put in the freezer for about 30 minutes to solidify a bit. At that point, you can take the foil-wrapped casserole out of the pan and put it in a ziploc, so you aren't leaving a pan in the freezer. The double wrapping also helps prevent freezer burn. Then, to bake, you can just put the whole foil wrapped package inside the pan.)
Tuesday - Baked Ziti - (Makes 2 8x8 pans - I will bake one and freeze one prior to baking)
Wednesday - Pizza again
Thursday - Chicken Enchiladas (Take 2) - (Plan on baking 6 and freezing 6 before baking, someone in the comments said that she let it thaw in fridge overnight and then baked as usual)
Friday - Plans
Saturday - Plans
Sunday 8/28 - Chicken Chili (Gail Mayes' Recipe) - Freeze individual portions

Getting bigger and boring underwear

(Micah) "When I get bigger and bigger, I can drink Dr. Pepper, Mt. Dew, and cherry coke"

(Micah, Referring to his tighty whiteys) "hey mom, can you help me pull up my boring underwear"

(Mackenna, when asked about putting her head under in the pool) "no, I'm bigger, but I'm not yet bigger and bigger and bigger"

(Mackenna, after having an accident in her undies) "Mama, can I please have some ugly underwear now?" (Somehow this consequence after an accident isn't having its desired effect on her!)

The Big 3-0

Last week I turned 30. It was a really wonderful day, thanks to my wonderful husband, loving children, and good friends. For some, I know this birthday can be traumatic. However, my life feels so full right now, and I'm happy to be right where I am, so the number on the page didn't scare me too much. (Plus, my husband is always older!)

I want to also recap some of the wonderful events of the day, but here is what I mean about having a full life at this milestone birthday.

Things in my life now that I did not have at 25:
- Two lovely children
- Two lovely children who are learning (fairly quickly, finally) how to go potty
- A little life moving inside me, reminding me that soon I get to nurture and feed and love and kiss and snuggle another little life
- House
- Unemployment status for myself
- A minivan (actually two, but that is a different story)
- A Smartphone :) (it is the little things, after all)

Things in my life now that I did not have at 21:
- A husband
- A college degree
- 5 "wonderful" years of teaching under my belt, plus three years of part-time school administration experience
- A Florida resident voting card
- Membership at a church where I am encouraged and challenged by the teaching and by my relationships

And, to not be overlooked, some things in my life now that have been present throughout all these milestone birthdays:
- A Savior who loves me, redeemed me, sustains me, provides for me
- A family who loves me, in spite of my shortcomings, and supports me through all my changes and stages and moods
- Everything I need, and much of what I want

Hey Mommy, When I get bigger and bigger...

- I will fly an airplane to Indiana and pick up everyone else to ride in it (Micah)

- I will go to school and not see mommy and daddy ever, until I come home (Mackenna)

- I will drive a racecar (Micah)

- I will reach the sky and be as tall as Edan (Micah)

Thoughts on Baby #3

I frequently forget that this is really Baby #3 for me. It feels somewhere between #2 and #3. I know I have two children, but I also don't know it at the same time. For example, a friend of mine was commenting that she was going to have two kids before she reached age 30, and I said, "oh, I'm not quite going to make it." Hahaha, pretty sure I "made that" three years ago!

Pregnancy really is a long process. This last part is going quickly, but when I think about the whole thing - like from finding out and puking until now, not sleeping and hot flashes - It really is a LONG time!

I'm starting to panic that this baby isn't a girl. At our 20 week ultrasound, I would have been fine with a boy or a girl. (Yes, I did want it to be a girl a little bit more. I love having a sister and I wanted that experience for Mackenna.) However, at 20 weeks it wasn't a boy, it was a girl. Now, I am not so okay with it being a boy. I have filled my mind with girls names (although I haven't picked one). I have cut out the blocks to a beautiful girly quilt. I have filled her closet with some new clothes and many of my favorite handmedowns from Maggie and Mackenna. I have picked out matching sister outfits for her and Kenna. The thought of it being a boy is somewhat traumatic to me. I don't know why I'm so panicked about this. I hope it is just a natural outcome of me having so many ultrasounds and so many confirmations of gender with the twins vs. just having to trust the one ultrasound I had this time. I hope. I really don't want to cry in the delivery room.

Also, everyone tells me how easy this is all going to seem to me - having one baby. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to hold and snuggle one baby. The idea of holding one baby or wearing one baby and not hearing another baby cry and wondering what to do about it sounds absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to snuggle my little ONE. However, I don't think there are any guarantees that this is going to be easier. I'm pretty convinced that had either of the twins been singletons, I would have thought mothering was a breeze. I had a good delivery, decent recovery, positive nursing experience, okay experiences at night, etc. They were pretty good babies. Put them together...and that was a different story. However, this could go very differently. Currently she is cockeyedly transverse in my belly. How ironic would a c-section be after I so triumphantly had a vaginal birth with twins. Also, what if she doesn't nurse. Again, the irony - champion breastfeeder/poster child who exclusively breastfed twins now bottlefeeds her singleton baby. We'll see. And we'll pray - a lot - in the meantime.

One last thought, I find myself feeling guilty about ever complaining about this pregnancy. I tried to explain this to Curt and it didn't go so well, but I'll try again. All in all (after the puking), this pregnancy has been easy. The second and third trimesters so far (I'm 32 weeks now) have been "easy" and pain free. I don't have high rib pain, I have only had a few nights of heartburn, I sleep pretty well, I can walk, I can bend over (a few times a day), I am doing okay. I would love a chance to just float in a pool and relax - but its not all I can do like it was with the twins!! However, their have obviously been some moments where things aren't so perfect. I get a strange pain, I'm tired, etc. I am tempted to say something about it, and then I think, "suck it up, compared to twins, this is nothing." It is almost as if I think that anytime anyone complains about pregnancy, they are pregnant with twins. But nope, that is not the case. Many women complain about little things in pregnancy and they aren't pregnant with twins either. It just isn't the easiest process - regardless - but I feel weird about it :)

I also realize there are many other reasons to not complain - mainly the blessing of it all. I am blessed to carry a third child in my womb. I will pick up with my 1000 blessings after far too big of a break.

17. BabyBaugh #3
18. The fact that "she" was pretty much a semi-planned accident - especially compared to our journey to conceive the twins
19. That I no longer puke, and I can deal with all the smells and gross things of toddlerhood without gagging
20. The feeling of a baby moving inside of me, and being reassured by those movements, not second guessing "which baby is that?"
21. The anticipation building to hold and snuggle and nurture and love another baby (even in the middle of the night)
22. A closet which will hold three sets of clothes and plenty of drawers for three children's clothing as well, with floorspace for playing to spare
23. That we have only had 4 combined potty accidents in 3 days (and that my birthday dinner didn't end with a puddle on the floor). (A little bit longer parentheses on this one - we are doing underwear, no turning back, until this baby is born. We will re-evaluate then. I am willing to make it "mommy training" for as long as I need to this time. If I have to take them to the potty regularly and not just expect them to tell me, I'm going to be okay with that. I am not going to get impatient if that transition doesn't happen as fast I would like. I am going to be okay with the messes that may come. I need to try this as much as possible for the next 8 weeks or so. Again, a baby will bring with it a lot of reevaluation.)
24. A fairly clean house for a week, and the sense of calm that brings me
25. A wonderful, wonderful birthday full of people I love and love me too
26. A beautiful, three-year-old, feverish girl, sleeping with me this morning, telling me she loves me and holding my hand. A handsome, three year-old, non-feverish girl, arriving at my bed this morning, froggy in hand, ready for a few minutes of snuggling as well.

Haha

We are working on potty training again (for what feels like the 37th time). I was having the kids pee before naptime, and Mackenna was having a hard time going. I told her that the "lunch pottys" should be ready to come out. She responded, "I think they are still eating." Later she got up from nap saying that she needed to go potty. When I got her up on the toilet, she said, "um..maybe they are still eating." I guess the fact that peepees eat lunch is really cemented in her now!

While she was sitting on the potty, she was talking quite loudly, and Micah was still sleeping. I asked her to be quiet. She responded, "I want to talk, God made us to talk."

And to balance out the cute quotes and the "I love yous" from yesterday, I should also mention that there have been plenty of "but I can't pick up legos very well" and "get out of my way" and "get me juice". I guess the cute ones are all that are worth remembering though.