Another dietary restriction...

Yesterday we started a 3 week trial of no gluten for Xander.  He had become increasingly more aggitated and after giving him 4 weeks to adjust to life with a little brother, we decided we had to look deeper.

Our chiropractor suggested we try gluten.

So we are. 

So far, things seem to be simmering down.  Our chiropractor did let us know that we needed to do at least 3 weeks to see results.

We also discovered that he cannot tolerate Red Dye 40.  We've seen a great improvement after stopping that.  (We cut out Red Dye before gluten.. have to stay somewhat scientific in our trial. LOL!)

~Stephanie

Some pictures to tide you over...

5 days old

 

Isaiah and Lainey.  She squealed with delight the entire time she held him.

3 weeks old and wide awake

3.5 weeks old. Two words: Milk coma. 

Lots of Drama... But He is Here!

Sunday, July 29th we went to church as usual but I was really not feeling like myself.  When we got home we ate lunch and all laid down for our usual Sunday nap.  But there was no sleep.  I was contracting regularly and in a really abnormal amount of pain.  So we headed into L and D.

My doctor was on call and came to see me.  I hadn't made any progress so he told me to walk the halls for 2 hours and we'd check again.  Still no progress although they could see the contractions on the screen and he noted I seemed to be in an abnormal amount of pain.  I had an appointment scheduled with him the next morning and fully expected I wouldn't go much longer.

Monday, July 30th, I wore my sunglasses into the doctor's office to hide my bloodshot eyes.  I had no sleep the night before despite ambien and my usual benadryl (for hives.)  The office lady put me in the computer late and my doctor didn't see I had checked in, so he left for surgery.  We left and came back after lunch and saw his partner. 

Dr. E was very concerned about the monitoring strip with my regular contractions but still making no progress.  He was also concerned about Isaiah and asked me to go across the street to the hospital for more monitoring.  He wanted to push fluids as well even though I was well hydrated (not an easy task for me...) 

We arrived at the hospital and things moved really fast.  Fluids were run and monitoring was done.  It looked concerning for a long time.  Then they decided that maybe some pain meds would relax me enough to space things back out.  Isaiah perked up, but I was still in a lot of pain and still not able to sleep.  The on call doctor, Dr. M, asked if I'd be okay with an amnio and we consented.  Results would come the next morning.  I was admitted to the hospital.

July 31st, we were shocked to find out that the amnio indicated that his lungs were not mature.  A repeat csection was scheduled for August 10th but we'd be watching everything very closely.

The days were exhausting and the nights were without much sleep.  Brandon was still working, my aunt was holding down the fort at home and I was doing everything I could to will my body to hold him in.  I really, really didn't want to be separated from him at birth and have him sent to the NICU.  So we prayed and waited.  It never failed right before Bran would have to leave for work, something would go wonky with monitoring.  I went from twice a day monitoring to three times a day.  20 minute strips turned into 2 hours. 

Contractions were still coming and yet nothing was happening. 

My pain was still unable to be managed and my body was quickly giving out.  I waffled between begging God to please just let him come and begging God to keep him in just long enough for us to be able to stay together.  

Sunday, August 5th, the homesickness became too much.  I begged Brandon to please bring me the children although I didn't want them to see me in pain, I needed to see their faces.  He promised he'd bring them after work on Monday. 

Monday, August 6th, I woke up and things just weren't quite right.  I couldn't put my finger on it but told every nurse that asked that something was off.  Brandon brought the children for about an hour and it really helped my spirits.  It took so much energy to try to "fake it" for my girls.  I think they knew things weren't quite right but they didn't say much.  Julianne was most concerned that I had an IV in my arm with several ports.  My 2nd IV of my stay.  I lost that IV shortly after their visit.  

That night Brandon decided we needed something other than hospital food.  He helped me shower and get in fresh pajamas and we enjoyed a quiet dinner just the two of us.  Shortly after, the contractions picked up. 

My third monitoring of that day was obviously different than the first two.  Brandon and I prayed and watched the Olympics.  I had the same nurse for the third night in a row and she kept trying to pinpoint my "not quite feeling right" description, but I couldn't narrow much down.  Soon after I was holding onto the hospital rail, begging Brandon to come stand right next to me. 

The nurse decided to give me my night medications and give it an hour.  Shortly after my nurse assignment changed and we were calling for my nurse.  I had been given ambien, pain medication and my nightly benadryl and was still awake and in pain. 

They connected me back to monitors and it was obvious that things had picked up even more.  She phoned the doctor on call and we started fluids again but first had to do some work on my 4th IV of my stay.  Then they ran a relaxant and the contractions got stronger.  Still no change and Isaiah was not presenting correctly.  There was some murmuring as multiple nurses watched the monitoring strips.  I was afraid to probe too much... this being my 4th delivery, I knew something wasn't right...

It was announced that I'd be having Isaiah that day but we were going to need a repeat csection. 

Things went really fast and then he was born.  He was watched in the nursery for about 40 minutes and then we were put back together.  He didn't need the NICU!  Praise God! 

We were discharged together on 8/9.   We took the early discharge... but that is a story for another day.

We are over the moon excited that he is here and all is well.  I'm still having severe back pain.  Even through the pain medication for my csection.  Prayers are appreciated for that issue. 

Every second of the rollercoaster ride was worth it.  He is WORTH IT.  I start crying when I think about all the prayers that have gone up for my sweet baby boy.  We had no idea how this was going to end when I woke up months ago in that puddle of blood but God HAS worked it all for good. 

I feel so blessed.  Blessed beyond measure. 

Isaiah Samuel:  7 lbs 12.7 oz (my biggest!), 20.5 inches long (my longest!)

Born August 7, 2012

The first picture of the Fantastic Five.  It was love at first sight.

Father, I am so very thankful that You have chosen to bless me with five children.  Thank you for sending Isaiah to us safely.  Thank you for the preparation that my VBAC was not meant to be.  Everyone seemed shocked that I was calm but I had such peace.  Your will for my life continues to leave me breathless.  It hasn't been an easy path, but You've blessed us in our obedience.  I'm blessed beyond measure by You.  Love You and praise You.  

~Stephanie

Quiet but Still Here...

Today I am 35 weeks 6 days... I've gotten quiet on the blog because there isn't much to say.  I spend my days nesting like a crazy woman and chasing toddlers who have suddenly decided that they are going to push every button with a frazzled nerve underneath.  My aunt is here and I feel like part of it is showing off. 

I've packed almost everything that we will not need in the next few weeks, tied up some loose strings from our homeschooling year and spent way too much money on Magic Erasers.  LOL!

I am contracting but irregularly and nothing is happening on the baby arrival front.  At 35 weeks I'm not far along enough to help yet I'm far enough along that no extreme measures will be taken to stop me.  So I'm living in baby limbo land for now. 

Isaiah is NOT in a good position for labor or delivery (though he is head down) and that is part of what is causing me serious pain.  I secretly feel like my VBAC odds are closing in on me and this will be a repeat csection. :/  Not thrilled in the least about that, since there are NO doctors here that will allow a patient to VBAC after 2 csections.  But I digress. 

The rest of the pain I feel is from a fall I took on Tuesday.  Brandon and I came in from the rain and I was wearing flip flops (the only shoes that fit these days.)  When I got to the kitchen tile, one leg went one way and the other went the other way and all 35 weeks pregnant of me nearly did a split.  I snatched my back and grabbed the counter but walking and even sitting upright has been painful since. 

This afternoon I am headed back to the chiropractor.  I usually go on Mondays, but fear if I don't get in soon I'll REALLY not be able to walk this weekend. 

The house closing seemed to be going smoothly, but now we seem to have hit a small snag.  I'm growing weary about that because we have already turned in our notice of intent to vacate for our rental.  Anyway, prayers are appreciated for that but I can't get into specifics openly on our blog. 

Anyway, more of the same, pretty much. 

~Stephanie

34 Weeks and Chugging Along...

Last week, I had a big ultrasound because my records had not been sent over from OB #2... sigh... and so Dr. S wanted his ultrasound tech to do a looksie. 

Everything looks good.  No previa, baby head down (but laying in a capital L all on my right side), placenta looks good etc.  They estimated his weight at 6 lbs (which can be +/- 1 lb.) 

Last night, friends from church threw an amazing baby shower for us.  I didn't take any pictures but one of the girls that threw it did so I'll post pictures when I get them.  I was so touched and blessed that even baby #5 was celebrated.  I held back tears most of the night. 

Today, I went in for my week #34 appt and Isaiah is still laying in his L.  I was a bit dehydrated but promised to drink up and Dr. S let me go instead of getting fluids.  Gotta love that he trusts me at least that much. 

We talked some birth plan stuff and officially decided which hospital we are going to deliver at.  (Dr. S delivers at three.. so I had my pick.)  We are delivering at the one closest to us, our friends and our church.  Today we drove to the hospital (that we have never been inside) asked some questions about which way to enter during business hours and night time.  (I've had two night-time admission babies and so that is a very important thing for me to ask!)  And I pre-registered so hopefully everything will go smoothly.  *fingers crossed*

Looks like ol' Webster worked out for me as far as getting Isaiah head down!  I've had zinging back spasms going up my spinal cord for the last few days, so I'm eager to get to the chiropractor this afternoon.  I believe something is pinched and being adjusted always makes me feel better. 

Just a few more things on my nesting list.  Between the Craigslisting for the move, packing things that we don't need out right now for the move and the extreme cleaning, the Bunch is getting a little nervous.  I like to keep them on their toes. ;) 

~Stephanie

Webster Adventures with Isaiah...

So I've been to my chiropractor twice.  Both times I felt much better when I left.

The first try was on Friday.  I was very out of alignment and could barely walk.  The insides of my legs had the worst searing pain.  At the end of being adjusted that had already disappeared.  While Brandon and Xander were being adjusted, my belly completely changed shape and the movement I was feeling was right in the middle.  Su-weet!  But it felt too easy... 

I arranged to go back on Monday.  I thought Isaiah was still in the middle but could feel a catch in my hip so Dr. H did alot of hipwork for me and again I was walking better when I left.

BUT, last night as things quieted down and I started paying more attention, I realized that the movement was mostly on my right again.  And this morning it is further to my right.  My belly shape has changed back. 

*sigh* 

I have an ultrasound tomorrow and we will see what is going on.  There could be a reason he prefers this position.  Then Monday, I have an OB appt and then back to the chiropractor. 

Seeing the chiropractor surely can't hurt even if Isaiah won't stay head down. 

Now.. to work on my iron which doesn't surprise me a bit.  I've not been crazy about meat, especially red meat in this heat, so it's not a shocker. Usually red meat is how I manipulate my iron which is usually borderline at best due to my blood disorder. 

I see a steak in my future. :)

~Stephanie

Wrong way, Isaiah...

So for quite some time I've been very uncomfortable this pregnancy.  I attributed it to being super busy and stressed and chasing two little boys aged 3 and 2. 

And then one night when it was quiet, I noticed that the movement was not in the usual spot.  I mentioned this to my OB and he agreed with me.  Isaiah is laying wrong. 

Instead of head down, which is how all my babies have been well before now,  Isaiah is laying across (transverse.)  My doctor has said that this could be keeping me from having to deal with as much preterm labor as I'm used to because baby is not engaged. 

So while that is good, it also poses it's own issues.  Unless Isaiah moves, I'm looking at a repeat csection.  This is kind of sad to me, because I've worked so hard to keep my options for a VBAC open.  But I've had this sinking feeling the whole pregnancy...  but pushed through. 

Most of the issue is that I don't go the full 40 weeks, so he doesn't really have too much time to move based on my history. 

I have some tricks up my sleeve that I'm going to try... but we'll see!

I, of course, know that no matter how he arrives, it will all be worth it.  I just don't like being pigeon-holed.  And of course, no one looks forward to major abdominal surgery recovery.. especially not with our sized crew and Brandon having only 1 week of vacation time. 

So we pray and we wait.  (This is the theme of 2013.)  Will you join me in prayer?  

I go for another ultrasound on July 12th at 5:30pm... we are hoping he is engaged by then.  C'mon, 'Saiah (what Xander calls him) be nice to mama!

~Stephanie