Sunday Reflections

Well, this week has been a trying one. But I have made it through. I see the Dr on Tuesday for a NST. Hoping it is favorable at this point. Still not sure what to do about my daughter, as we couldn't find anyone to keep her.

I was able to leave the house for a few short hours today and go to church which was such a blessing. It refreshes my spirit to be among the family of God and with friends. We went up front and had this baby prayed for and that alone has given me new hope and strength to get through these next several weeks on bedrest.

My daughter is napping now. She is such a good child. I am so blessed to be her mom. And my husband is at a movie. He cleaned the kitchen and living room and bedroom before he went so that took a great weight off my shoulders. I hope the movie is good and that he enjoys his time out of the house.

Here are some things I am thankful for today:

1. My husband being so understanding and patient during all this. His strength and support help the hard days seem not so hard.

2. My daughter who has so much life and passion in her. She is constantly a joy and has taken everything so well, We have turned this bed rest into a mommy-daughter campout.

3. My church family who have been there tme and again to offer prayers, encouragement, meals and anything we could possibly need.

4. Great Drs who are staying on top of all that is going on, keeping me well informed, and willing to listen to my concerns just because they care.

5. The gift of new life.

6. Clara Elizabeth, who I know will grow up to me an awesome woman one day. I treasure all the little kicks and turns, keep every scan from her sonograms, and just feel so blessed to be her mom too.

7. This new-found group of moms and fathers who have been where I am or in similar places, who can offer support and wisdom from previous experience.

8. All the people who make up my circle of support. I don't think I could go through this again without them.

9. Beautiful sunny days. They make being at home in bed a little more enjoyable if I can watch the birds and look at the sun shining.

10. Online radio. Music is a must for me, especially uplifting music. I need it as much as I need water. It brings peace and love into my home and calms fears.

Clara's Ultrasound Slideshow

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Update

We have had a week filled with questions and doctor visits. It has been a very stressful and faith-trying time. Funny, I was just reading this week in James 1 about having faith through our trials! Just what I needed this week, for sure.


So, I had asked for prayer a couple weeks ago about some pre-cancerous activity in my body and PRAISE GOD the changes were MINIMAL. I was able to avoid having a biopsy while pregnant which was a great relief. I had to have one when I was pregnant with Hailey and it was very painful and caused other issues as well. So avoiding that this time was truly a God- send. Especially with everything else going on.

About the bed-rest, Clara Beth isn't growing too well. (Neither did Hailey!) And the Doctors have been watching very closely for the complications that I had with Hailey (low fluid and placental death) but have not yet found them.

However, they cannot do these checks at my Doctors office because they lack the equipment. So, I saw Dr Wright over at Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine yesterday (had just seen my Doctor the day before!) They did a 3D ultrasound to check Clara's kidneys and heart and also for other deformities. They found NOTHING, PRAISE THE LORD!

What they found was a tiny little girl. She is approximately 2 lbs 3 oz. (Should be about 4 lbs by now) and that puts her in the "less than 3%" for growth. This is where Hailey was also. But, as a precautionary measure, and to hopefully prevent the placental and fluid levels I had with Hailey they also put me on full bed-rest. I am allowed up for bathroom breaks, to get snacks, or to stretch but no more than 10 minutes on my feet. Don't they know I have a toddler at home?!

Well, we've set up camp in my bedroom with toys for Hailey and a cooler with snacks for us and that is how it's going to be until this baby is born. I am going to do my best to make it to church though because I was also on bed-rest with Hailey and remember how difficult it was for me not being there. I need it for my own health. And I am going to talk to my Doctor about getting approval for the book club and to get out once a week besides that just for my own well-being. I may have to get Evan drop me off and pick me up (no driving except to appointments) but it will be worth it.

I see my normal Doctor again on Tuesday for a non-stress test. And the following week I see Dr Wright for another biophysical profile. We are taking this week by week. If they see that she isn't gaining weight (Hailey stopped gaining altogether during the last 3-4 weeks) then they will have to induce. The other reasons for them inducing would be if my placenta starts dying or my fluid gets low, so far this pregnancy those are both okay. We are hoping and praying this baby can make it to 35 weeks. That is our next milestone. I made it to 37 weeks with Hailey but we found these problems later with her too.

Well, I'm sorry this was so long and filled with medical hoop-la just wanted to keep you gals in the loop.

Midnight Musings

Once again I can't sleep. Maybe its the fact that I am in bed lying down all day now. Or maybe it's all the thoughts running through my mind. Either way it's midnight on the East Coast and here I am. I'm so glad I found this site, having people to talk to who have been there has been wonderful for me. Even though my world has shrunk to the four walls of my bedroom, somehow being able to come here makes it not feel so small and me not feel so imprisoned. I know this isall for the best but it is really hard keeping a positive outlook (especially having been through it before.) I'm just trusting God to somehow get me through this and that this little girl will come out healthy, tiny but healthy. I guess that's all for now. God bless.

7 Months- 29 Weeks- 3rd Trimester

28 Week Belly Picture

Well, my appointment today went okay. But Clara is back down in the 3rd percentile at about 2 lbs. So they are wanting me to see a maternal-fetal medicine Dr to see what is going on, check for birth defects and abnormalities, etc. So I'm waiting on a call back for my appointment. I go back to my Dr next Tuesday for a non stress test. Things are going to start getting "fun" now.

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26 Week Belly Picture

Well, they called back and my appointment is TOMORROW at 9am! I have less than 24 hours to find a sitter for my daughter. Oh joy! Well at least they don't play around at my Doctors office. Haha!

6 Months- 24 Week Appointment

24 Week Belly Picture

Well, we have a name for this little girl now: Clara Elizabeth!!

Clara's heartbeat was steady at 143 today. She was measuring in the 25th percentile. It's most likely a growth spurt though. From the way she looks on her scans, we think she favors me. The neatest thing about having so many ultrasounds is watching her grow before our eyes. Keep praying our tiny girl is healthy. :)

22 Week Belly Picture

Everything from my appointment looked great. Heartbeat was good. Blood pressure was good. All in all it was a great appointment and I have no complaints. Oh, and I passed my glucose tolerance test. Yippee! My iron was great too!

5 Months- 20 Weeks

20 Week Belly Picture

WE'RE HAVING A...........


GIRL!!! GIRL!!! GIRL!!!

We had an ultrasound today and she looks great! It was absolutely amazing to see her moving around and even watch hermake faces. Her heartbeat is nice and strong too. She is taking after her sister--petite. Right now she is in the 3rd percentile. We're just happy she is healthy :) Looking forward to meeting little Clara Elizabeth in November!