8 month update

7 weeks left until my induction!  That seems so soon and yet so far away.  I've been crunching ice like crazy this week (but I'm not anemic thankfully.)  Baby seems to be getting squished in there- I feel her a lot more in my ribs.  

Good and bad news from my doctor appointment today.  The good news is that my weight has started to go up instead of down.  I have officially gained five pounds in this pregnancy- which is a lot better than where it's been.  My belly growth was good and baby's heart rate is great, so that's what matters most.  

The not-so-great news is that my blood pressure seems to be getting higher with each appointment.  I was doing so well the past several months- always like 117/70.  Two weeks ago it was in the mid 120s but I thought it was more of a fluke.  Then I got a bad headache this week so Kevin checked it and it was 134/70.  I blamed it on the headache.  At my appointment today it was mid 130s over mid 80s.  I was told they do not like to see 135 or 140/85.  That is the point they start monitoring for preeclampsia.  The doctor told me if it hits 150 they start talking about meds and/or delivering early.  So I have about 15 points to play with.  I need to try and keep my BP down...if I'm in control at all.  They want me to rest more, to lie down three times a day on my left side.  

I just got my sugars under control without losing weight- what's one more thing to keep track of right?  I got my tDap shot today, so at least with that and my flu shot out of the way I can start making the antibodies she needs.  In case we do deliver early.  I really hope not!

In 13 days I have my next appointment with the doctor, and a growth ultrasound, and I start weekly non-stress tests.  I will basically be living at the doctors office.  Aside from the weekly 40 minute NST, they will start seeing me twice a week when I hit 36 weeks.  At that 36 week mark they'll do my Strep B test and schedule my induction at the hospital.  Hopefully my BP stays low enough that we can still do a 39 week induction and not have to deliver sooner.  I'm thankful though- I want a close eye on my miracle!  My new mantra- "doctor's office is life."  I mean, I already had three needle pokes by 11am this morning, what difference does it make?  

What this all means is, I probably need to set up Christmas early and get my house all clean and ready in case she does have to come early :D

My beautiful rainbow blanket that arrived this week!  Aidia wanted to be in the picture too haha

In other news, this week has been a torturous wait for Kevin's NPTE results.  They told us it could take ten business days to find out if he passed or not (unless we pay $80 to find out in five. Thanks, Satan.)  The poor man felt absolutely sick after the test.  It was definitely the hardest test he's ever taken in his life.  I think any five hour test just makes you discouraged honestly.  He says he's really not sure and it could go either way.  That puts some stress on us because if he didn't pass this time, he can't work as a PT until he does pass.  They don't offer it again for several months so it would be really hard to have no income and a new baby.  We're trying to keep the faith.  Usually at least one of us has a nightmare about it every night!  We just need to know so we can deal with it either way!  If I can keep my stress down, perhaps my BP will follow.    

We were able to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary this last week!  I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband who has stuck by my side and showed me increasing love every year we're together.  We feel especially blessed this year.  

Halloween was also fun!  I was able to help at Jack's carnival and I love being a part of his school life.  He is getting so big, and enjoying all the childhood fun that I look back on with fondness.

I'm so anxious for my baby to be here safe and sound.  I'm still so afraid of stillbirth- but all the extra monitoring should help ease my fears.  We can do this little rainbow!