Beating the odds.

We've gotten through another day! Today was actually a very good day. I am officially done with IV antibiotics, which is great because I hate IVs! I should be able to have it taken out tomorrow when my OB gets here. Of course I will have to get another when I actually go to have the baby, but the break will be nice!! I hate everything about having a needle sticking out of my hand.

My OB came in this morning and said that we have beaten the odds today. He told us that 80% of women give birth within the first week of their water being broken. Today is 1 week and Carter is still snug inside. He is handling things well, so we are just having daily NSTs to be sure that his cord is not being compressed...which can be a concern with low fluid (about 1 in 100 pregnancies). I am still leaking, but it is being monitored and things are still looking OK in that area. There is still a little blood mixed in, but my OB isn't convinced that it has anything to do with my placenta. He said that we are doing good...but to be prepared to go at anytime. I honestly don't feel that Carter will be making his big debut yet. The OB said that if I do carry him to 34 weeks, which would be November 7th, we will induce. He thinks that with the steroids given, Carter will be just wonderful by that point. That way, we don't stand anymore chances of infection. So...by next Friday, I will be a mommy!

Once again, thank you all for your positive comments. I have been reading them over and over to remind myself that I can do this. Blogger friends are truly family and I love you all. I will continue to update as news comes in. Please pray that my uterus holds in my precious baby boy for the next 12 days.

Still hangin in.

We're still hanging in there. My mom offered to stay with the dogs tonight, so Steven will be with me. Praise God. After last night, I couldn't stay alone again. I cried, I was lonely, and I felt so far from home. Finally my cousin (my L&D RN) came in at 3:30am with Benedryl and that knocked me out...until the OB came in for morning rounds at 6. After that, I couldn't fall back to sleep. I called Steven at 8 and he grabbed some extra things that I left behind and joined me up here. I just started bawling when I saw him. I am so happy he is here.

I still feel good. They hooked me up to the fetal monitor for about an hour earlier. Carter is still doing great...totally oblivious. I only had 3 small contractions during that time and to be honest, I didn't even feel them. Fine by me!

We did meet with a NICU doctor, finally! Even at 32 weeks, they are not worried in the slightest. They said we will handle any issues as they come, but they expect Carter to do very well. We both feel much better. I get my last dose of steroids at 7pm and that will make me feel much better even more! I am still getting antibiotics in my IV 4 times a day, since my water is broken. Carter will stay in longer if we can prevent infection, so I am allowing them to poke me as much as they need to...even though I hate it!

I am still leaking fluid with a little blood, but they are not worried by it, so we are just playing it by ear right now. I will update as soon as I have new info. Thank you so much for all the lovely comments. They got me through my 1st 24 hours...and that means more than you will ever know. I love you all.

In till the big show...

Well, here I am...at the hospital. My water did actually break on Sunday. I have been leaking slowly ever since. Today I was scheduled to have an ultrasound at 3. Around 2, I felt another dribble and low and behold...more fluid. We got to the ultrasound and they measured less than 2 cm of amniotic fluid. I have been admitted and will be here until Carter is born. I have been given my 1st dose of betamethazone to mature his lungs and will get another tomorrow. I am also getting antibiotics to prevent infection. We spoke with an anesthesiologist earlier and went over everything for my epidural. We are also meeting with the NICU team to discuss what may happen when the baby arrives. I am very sad and upset. I feel as though I let Carter and Steven down. My only job right now is to keep this baby safe and I am not doing so. Steven went home to be with the dogs, so I am on my own right now. I miss him so much.

So, for now I am stuck in bed and playing the waiting game. The doctor said I could go any time, but we're still trying to get to our goal of 34 weeks. Please...any prayers are so appreciated. I will update when I know more about things.

Chronic Pregnancy Brain.

Its my new disease. I seriously just found Thank You cards from my baby shower and sent them out. I know what you're thinking..."Wow Candi! You're quick! Your shower was just this weekend and you have all those Thank You's sent out?!" Well, you're half right. These Thank You's were from my other shower...the Ohio one...on September 6th. I made them all out the week after and they have been sitting in my kitchen ever since. People probably think I am the most ungrateful brat God ever created! Don't worry peeps...I've met that particular human being already, and I'm not her!

I got my baby monitor today. We were going to do the video monitor, but it just seems like all the reviews are so bad that it is probably just a waste of money. I'd rather waste $50 on an audio monitor than $150 on a video one. We decided on the Fisher Price Sights 'n Sounds dual monitor. I put it in Carter's room and had my friend go in there and whisper from the other side of the room and heard her loud and clear. There isn't any static, so I'm happy with it. It came with 2 receivers, so I put one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Not bad!

I'm feeling good today. I've just been vegging out...as my new norm! Hopefully tonight, Steven will move the love seat downstairs to make room for the Pack 'n Play. I will post those nursery pics when he gets home...the USB cord for the camera is in the truck, which he drove to work. See! My brain is just not functioning properly!

Another close call...

I just got back from the hospital. When I talked to my cousin the other night when I was having those fluid issues, she said not too worry too much unless I had any funky discharge. Sure enough, this morning when I woke up...funky discharge. It was unlike anything I had seen before, so I got nervous. Steven, of course, began panicking. I sent him off to work and promised I'd call the doctor and keep him updated. I called the doctor and his nurse said that I needed to be seen in L&D. They wanted to make sure that my water had not broken and that the discharge didn't have anything to do with my mucus plug. We got there and they hooked me and Carter up. I was having no contractions and Carter was just dancing away. My OB came and checked my water and said that I looked "dry" but wanted to do an ultrasound anyway. He brought in the machine and said that my fluid was very low. Had it been any lower, he said we would have to deliver right away. So, he let me come home, but wants to see me Friday to check again. Please pray for me. I am not ready to have this baby just yet.

On a lighter note, the nursery is done! Everything looks so great. I could just sit in there all day! I will post pictures later...I promise!! Right now, Steven is taking some much deserved Xbox time and I am still refusing to get up! I will have him get some good pics when he gets done killing terrorists. (He's playing Call of Duty 4.)

Truly blessed.

We are home safely and I am still pregnant! Carter was such a trooper. Saturday was a very very long day and he did a great job. We got up at 8am and Steven, Corey (my brother-in-law), Kelly (my BFF), and I went to the mall. I wanted an outfit to wear to my shower and Steven was in desperate need of an entire ensable! I went to Motherhood and got a long sleeved t, a down vest, and my very 1st nursing bra...how embarassing! We were running late, so I changed at the mall and we headed to the shower.

Shower #1 was amazing. My mother-in-law went totally overboard for us. There was close to 50 people there and we got so many wonderful gifts. Our travel system, baither, tons of clothes, toys, books, gift cards...we got it all!! On top of that, everyone brought diapers and wipes! People really were generous and we are so so thankful.

On to shower #2 at my dad's. It was about a 40 minute drive...but I was too excited to rest! My dad got us our dresser and my breast pump, which was a nice surprise...but embarrassing seeing as it came from my dad! Everyone there was also extremely generous. We got more clothes, a sling, Boppy, and so many other things. Everyone there brought diapers and wipes, too! We seriously won't need to buy any for at least 6 months!!

Loading up the car was challenging. Steven went to walmart and bought 2 48 gallon storage bins. 1 was filled with clothes and the other was strictly diapers and wipes...both barely closed! Then we filled up 2 more baskets with gifts and Steven was able to fit everything into the Escalade like a giant puzzle! Bianca didn't have much room to lay.

I started having contractions on the way home and got very nervous. We were 5 hours from home. I drank water and they got better, but not completely. When I got home, I noticed that both of my legs were badly swollen from the knee down. I said a prayer and got in bed. I slept until 9:00am and asked Steven to stay home because I had had a little pinkish fluid in my pants last night...I was kinda scared that my water had broken, but I think my bladder is irritated and I may have tinkled a little and not noticed. I seem to be the queen of pants-peeing with this pregnancy! Anyway, I called my cousin, who is my L&D nurse and she said to watch it and if more comes, we will page the OB and get me right to the hospital. I was honestly scared because I knew I had overdone it this weekend. I am still in need of plenty of prayer.

Today, Steven and my friend Mandy went out to use the gift cards to get the rest of the stuff we needed. We got the glider rocker, Pack 'n Play, sheets, extra Boppy cover, car window shades, dishwasher baskets, and breast milk freezer organizer. All we have left to get is the monitor and swing base. Other than that, we are ready! Steven is going to finish putting furniture together, so the nursery will be 100% finished tonight! I will post pics as soon as we are done.

I have officially put myself on "recliner rest" until I deliver. Other than OB trips, I am done. I overdid it this weekend and scared myself (and everyone else) to death. I need to spend these last weeks of my pregnancy relaxing at home so I can deliver a strong, healthy little boy.

Umm...what?!?

I had my OB appointment today. It was pretty normal...listened to Carter's heartbeat, gave my pee pee sample, then I began asking my usual 500 questions. Big mistake! First, I was just asking cord blood questions and stuff. Then I decided to ask questions about how he thinks my t-shaped uterus will hold up. To my surprise, he goes "Well, if we can hit my goal of 33 or 34 weeks, I'll be happy." Uhhh, 'scuse me???? I wasn't aware that there was a goal...especially not one that is 6 weeks before my due date. Honestly, I am very nervous now. Now for the next 3 weeks, I am going to be freaking out 24/7. I'm just going to need a lot of prayer.

I also had an eye appointment today. I got new glasses and sunglasses! That was fun!! Its like shopping, only you don't have to pay for it! I got Prada glasses and Juicy Couture sunglasses. I know the bill goes right to my trust fund, so I can shop how I want and they can't debate it because its medical!! Anyway, thankfully they will be here in a couple of weeks because Bianca ate my other glasses when she was little, so I've been wearing old ones that are scratched.

OK...gotta go give Bianca and Bailey their baths, pack, and get Steven to clean out the car for tomorrow's trip. Please please pray for me...I am a little nervous about going into labor while I'm in NY. But my Dr. knows I'm going and he thinks everything will be just fine. I'm going to try to stay relaxed and focus on having a good time.

I'll MAKE it fit!

First and foremost...go Browns!!!! We killed the Giants last night, 35-14! Steven and I went tailgating with a bunch of friends. I actually felt great and I think it tired Carter out because I was able to get a pretty good amount of sleep without waking up.

When I was getting ready to go, I got kinda sad because none of my Browns stuff fits right now. So, my friend Mandy and I decided to put slits up the side of my Brady Quinn jersey and hem it...so now it fits! Granted, I actually cut a very important piece of clothing...but I couldn't go any longer looking like I am not a fan!!

As for this pregnancy thing...I have an OB appointment on Thursday, followed by an eye appointment. I am having big problems with my eyes because of the hormones. I normally wear glasses/contacts, but lately they really haven't been getting the job done. We'll see on Thursday. Then...Friday we leave for my baby showers!! I'm so excited!!!

30 weeks!!

(Seriously...can I just have 1 pic where my dogs act normal?)

Yay!! Less than 10 weeks to go! I am elated just thinking about it!! I can't remember what it feels like to take a deep breath. Not that I am not truly blessed to be pregnant, but after 7 months of it I am definitely ready to be done. I just want to hold Carter in my arms and never let go! I just pray for a safe delivery and a happy and healthy baby.

I don't have another OB appointment until Thursday, then I assume I will need to be seen every week. It stinks because the clinic I go to is a 30+ minute drive, depending on traffic. Thankfully, I won't be making the trip too many times before I deliver. My OB wants to induce a week or two ahead of time if I make it that far, to avoid me going into labor at home. The plan is to get the epidural in place before the contractions start, to avoid something called Autonomic Dysreflexia. All that means is that my body, being that I might not be able to feel the pain in the way other women can, has to react somehow. So, to tell me that something hurts, my body will use other ways of getting my attention, such as raising my blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other things. This could be very dangerous because it could potentially cause me to have a stroke. It is different for everyone...so it is hard to predict how my body will react to the pain. Giving the epidural before we even get to that is a good way to keep both me and Carter safe. So, on Thursday I will probably meet with the anesthesiologist as well, since he will play a very important role in my labor and delivery. It is kinda scary for me, but they have all done this before and know what they are doing. I trust them 100% and I am so excited to get it going soon.

Makeover!!

I thought a boyish theme was in order! About time?? I agree! Now my blog kinda looks like a present!

Carter's nightstand came today. It is cute. Its just a plain-jane white table with a drawer, which I filled with burp cloths. I was excited to finally take the lamp out of the package and put it up!! So cute! Only a week and a half until my big NY baby showers...then his room will be done! I am sooo excited!! Hopefully, my contractions stay away or I won't be going anywhere.

I had my breastfeeding class today. I kinda didn't really learn anything new. I have been trying to read about it and get down the basics, but honestly I feel like breastfeeding is something you need the baby to do. Who knows how he will react to it? Anyway, I did get a little bit of good info, so I'm glad I went. Carter was flipping over through the whole class, so every 5 minutes I was a different shape! He enjoys making me look lopsided. Hopefully, he will do it tonight so I can take pictures. I think it is creepy...but its funny. Sometimes I literally look like I am flat on one side! Little stinker!! Anyway, I will post 30 week pics sometime within the next day or 2.

I finally found and filled out my birth plan from thebump.com. Just another item I can check off my list! It is safely tucked into my hospital bag! OK, time to get stuff done before Private Practice. Hope everyone had a good hump day!!

100th Post...what I have learned...

Holy crap! I can't believe I have posted on my blog 100 times! It just seems crazy! Instead of doing a "top 100" anything...which we all know I have no patience for...I think I will recap my journey and tell you what I have learned since post #1.

What I thought:
I began this blog as an outlet when Steven and I first decided that we would give IVF a go. We were so naive to everything we were about to embark on. I thought there would be a few shots, not too many side effects, an egg retrieval, an embryo transfer, and bam! I'd be pregnant. Then I expected 9 months of easy-breezy pregnancy that would end with me holding a perfect little person wrapped in a pink blanket.

What I know now:
IVF is one of the hardest things our marriage will ever endure. It started with blood tests every day, and for someone terrified of needles...that could've been a dealbreaker!! Then came the Lupron injections with the worst side effects of any drug I've ever taken! The hot flashes alone were enough to drive me insane. Next was the Follistim. Looking and feeling 5 months pregnant when you aren't is just no fun! And that awful burn!! I felt like someone had set my left ovary on fire! Egg retrieval was a blast...if you enjoy the feeling of hot sauce in your vagina. I was thankful though. We ended up with 12 embryos and we were just ecstatic!! After 3 days, we went in for our transfer, which was supposed to be the easy part. Well, that went out the window when I peed on the doctor after clearly warning him that he had my bladder too full. Then it was the infamous "2 week wait"...which felt as though it was quite possibly the worst 5 weeks of my entire life! I think I ripped Steven's head off every day for the entire 2 weeks! Poor guy! We were so blessed to find out that we were pregnant!! But thinking that the hard part was over was not the smartest thing ever.

Pregnancy has proven to be nothing like I thought it would be...starting with the color we ended up painting our nursery! All my life, I just assumed I would have a little mini-me that would love pink dresses and pig tails. I never even gave having boys much thought. When we found out that we were having a boy, I was speechless...then I couldn't imagine not having a boy! It truly is amazing how being pregnant changes everything you thought was important. I love Carter more than life itself and I am so thankful to God for blessing Steven and I. I continue to pray for a safe arrival and a long healthy life for my little quarterback! (I'd better quit while I'm ahead...now because I said that, he'll want to be a ballerina! We will love him no matter what!)

Well, that's my 100th post! Thank you all for sticking by my side throughout all of this madness. I never expected anyone to really care about me like you do...just goes to show why bloggers really are true friends. I love you all and hope to share many hundreds more of these posts with you as Carter grows up and we add to our family!

Just like his daddy!

Yesterday's ultrasound was not too much fun...thanks to my very stubborn little boy! (Wonder where he gets that from??) Not only was Carter refusing to move, but he was transverse...and face down! He was folded up like a taco and had his feet covering his face and his hand covering his pee pee. Now, I understand if he no longer wants people seeing his "cash and prizes" but with a face like his, how does he not want people seeing that?? We literally got 2 pictures. One of his thigh and one of what looks like the top of his head. He is soooo grounded when he is born!

Anyway, more importantly, Carter is growing wonderfully. He is 15 inches long and weighs 2 pounds, 9 ounces. The doctor said he is on the "perfectly small size of average"...meaning he is small, but not too small. I was a small baby (6lbs. 11oz., 17in.) so I'm sure he is just going to take after me in that aspect. The doctor saw no physical abnormalities...although he could have fangs for all we know since he wouldn't show his face! But, he is normal and healthy...so I am happy!

I also went to my family doctor yesterday. Remember 2 weeks ago when my ear clogged? Well, up until yesterday I was completely deaf on my left side. It was awful! I tried flushing it with water and peroxide, as well as 2 different prescriptions from my doc...to no avail. I finally told her she had to help me. First, she tried digging it out with this ear spoon thing, but the wax was just too packed. So we moved on to a syringe with a little tube on the end, filled with peroxide and water. After the 4th flush, it finally came out! It was bigger than a pencil eraser...so gross!! I will continue to refuse using Q-tips. I think thats how wax got packed to begin with. Nonetheless, I can finally hear!!

Yesterday I decided to put up Halloween decorations. I just love holidays!! I will post pictures when I stop being lazy. After Steven got home from work, him, me, his friend Wes, and my mom all piled in the car and drove to Seneca-Allegany Casino. Its about 2 and a half hours away, which I drove...both ways! Yuck!! We had a good time, but unfortunately left with less than we had when we came. Steven is actually very good at poker...thank God, since I am not very great at slots!! I can kick ass with the best at the blackjack tables, but those darned video slots get me every time!! It was fun, but I think it will be our last casino hurrah for awhile. We have much more important things to worry about now!

I am off to relax. We are going to watch the Kimbo/Shamrock fight tonight and maybe hang out with my newly preggers friend tomorrow (soooooo excited for her!!). This coming week is a full one for me. Monday I have an appointment with my pain management doctor for my back, Wednesday is my breastfeeding class, and hopefully I can squeeze in a massage or 2...maybe Tuesday and Saturday. I need it these days! Better relax before its no longer an option!!

Ready to go...but let's wait! (Updated)

Well, I packed my hospital bag today. I learned my lesson. What I didn't mention the other night was that a couple of my contractions were so strong that they caused me to pee my pants. Yes...I know pregnant women do that sometimes, but when you don't have extra pants, that is a big problem! I ended up leaving the hospital in a gown...wrapped in a sheet! Its funny now, but it sure wasn't that night!! So...I packed a bag containing everything I'll need if the contractions come back...including two pairs of pants!! Just in case! I no longer trust my bladder!

Just because my bag is packed does not mean that Carter has the OK to come out...not for at least 9 more weeks!

Update: I just talked to the bank and the check for the full amount of the cord blood collection plus 18 years of storage has been sent!! That was the last piece of the puzzle and I feel like the world has been lifted off of my shoulders. As much as I complain about them, the bank really does come through every time...eventually!

BRADY! BRADY! BRADY!

OK this is completely off topic, but its my blog and if I don't vent here, I may start choking people! As you all know, I am a huge football fan...especially when it comes to my Brownies! As I am watching the game, I am getting soooo pissed!! Our QB, Derek Anderson has been screwing up royally since week 1 and our dumb ass coach will not take him out. Brady Quinn was a 1st round draft pick and he could be anywhere right now...playing every week. But instead, he is sticking around in Cleveland, waiting patiently for his shot. In the meantime, Anderson is not only pissing off the fans, but he is also making his own teammates mad. After the last interception, Braylon Edwards had to be pulled back before he went Van Damme on his ass. Tell me again why this man is still on the field?? Maybe the Browns should hire me as their coach.

Whew! Anyway...I am feeling much better. I did have a few contractions last night, but they weren't too bad and I was able to get them under control. Well...I didn't really do it, but they got themselves under control! Carter has been moving just as much as he did before, so until I start feeling something new, I will just keep hanging in there with the contractions I am having.

Tonight, I am going to order the table that will go next to my glider in the nursery. It's pretty plain, but will go wonderfully with our furniture and it has a drawer so I can keep burp pads close while I feed Carter...in case he's a lil puker!! So...that's all for now!

A bump in the road...

I just got back from the hospital. I felt kinda funny all day, so I paged my OB around 3:30 and he said to come to L&D, just to be safe. By the time I got there and got hooked up, my contractions were 5 minutes apart. Carter was handling them well. The doctor came in and checked my cervix and it was closed tight, long, and the baby's head was high. He monitored me a bit longer and when my contractions died down, after about an hour, I was sent home. He said there was no need for Magnesium because my cervix is closed. He was worried that giving it to me would cause my blood pressure to go up, which for a paraplegic is very dangerous. So...I am taking it easy and will need to go back if the contractions pick back up. I'm really tired now, so Steven and I are going to watch the UFC fight in bed. Good night!

How awesome is this?!

So, I'm watching my belly as I often do...and I see some serious movin' and shakin' going on. Glad I had my camera close at hand! Things like this just remind me that miracles happen every day...

(Yes, Bailey always lays like that.)

Yet another fight with the bank...

1st off...I am frustrated because my ear issues are back! Have been for a few days now. This is the 2nd time since I have been pregnant that my left ear has clogged. Since Friday, I have been completely deaf in that ear. Seriously, if I cover my right ear, I got nothin'! It usually only lasts a couple days...with me flushing it 2 or 3 times a day. Today, I decided I had enough and called the doctor. She gave me a prescription...but it doesn't start working until the 4th or 5th day you use it. Great! I can't walk and I can't hear!!

I have managed to pick myself another fight with the bank. I enrolled for cord blood banking about 2 months ago, knowing that my trust had to pay for it because its a medical thing. Even though it is $3,700, I really didn't figure it was even up for debate...considering it could potentially make me walk someday. Well, they are being control freaks again...making me submit my request in writing, along with info on the subject and a fully itemized invoice from CBR. I hope they know that they can't say no. And to top that off, I've faxed these documents twice and they mysteriously "can't find them anywhere". Go figure!!

It's always drama!! So, to make ourselves feel better, we decided to teach Bianca a new trick...

Life is so much better with dogs! I wonder how long it will take us to teach Carter to balance toys on his head.

All done!

Carter's room is done!! We are still waiting on the glider rocker, which we will get when we go to NY for our shower. So...we have one bare wall where that belongs, but other than that, we are ready. We just went to Babies R Us and got the mobile, wall hangings, and a few odds and ends that I needed for the diaper bag. We also got him a homecoming outfit and a winter suit...which he will need shortly after he is born.

Everybody says they can't believe I am prepared so early. I really wasn't aware that I was...kinda thought 6 months pregnant was a good time to get all your ducks in a row. Maybe its because its my first baby. I know that he could come at any time...God forbid...but if he does, we have what we need. Now, we can sit and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy with no worries about not being prepared. I am very happy!

The glider and table will go in this corner.

We are picking up the wall hanging for above the changer tomorrow.

This is where our little slugger will have sweet dreams!

Furniture?? Could it be??

Oh my God!! Yessssss!! My crib is finally in stock! It has been out of stock everywhere for months and I am so picky that I was having a hard time adjusting to the thought of a different crib. Now I don't have to think about it because it is being ordered tomorrow!!

We ordered our changing table a few days ago, so that should be here any day. I can't wait to get it put together! Next, we will get the dresser and then we wait for the glider rocker, which my dad and step-mom want to buy. So, we will get that next month. I can't lie...I am getting very very anxious!! I want the nursery done now!

I started reading to Carter. I got "Oh Baby, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. It is adapted to be read to the baby while in utero. I saw a study that babies who are read to in the womb show better sucking reflexes after birth. So...why not??

I am off to hang with Steven. Lately, we haven't seen each other as much as usual and it makes me miss him so much more. I will update when we get the furniture up.

Go Brownies!

OK...today is a big day in the Butchino house. My favorite team, the Cleveland Browns and Steven's favorite team, the Pittsburgh Squealers...I mean Steelers will face off tonight. There will be a chill in the air inside these walls!! Why do I like the Browns?? Well...for starters...

Meet Brady Quinn. Beyond him, I really am not a girly girl when it comes to football. If it weren't for a certain team stacking cheater, I would've taken the trophy in our fantasy league last year. But I'm not bitter! Anyway...I just wanted to share this picture.

Back to the game! The Browns haven't beat the Steelers in...oh, close to forever. So...as you can imagine, my husband has that smug disposition that he has every year...as he assumes that his team is going to win. Well, not today mister!! I will be squeezing my big pregnant belly into my Quinn jersey that absolutely does not fit anymore and once the Browns win, will proceed to be the sorest winner anyone has ever seen!! I bet my husband wished he had one of those clueless wives!

In other Butchino news...our little Princess Bianca is 1 year old today!

GO BROWNS!!