We're Here

We arrived at the hospital an hour or so ago. I'm hooked up to an IV and ready to go. Another girl was in labor and had to have an emergency c-section, so that means that my time got bumped back a little. They think that my surgery will be around 1:15 EST. Please keep us in prayer. We'll keep you posted! We are so excited to meet our Karis Joy!

39 Weeks Today

What a week! I started my maternity leave on Monday, mainly due to the fact that I had sooooo many things yet to do at home. I'm too embarrassed to post the video that I shot on Monday. I wanted to remember just what was going on around here, 8 days before Karis was scheduled to enter the world. Suffice it to say that it was rather difficult to navigate throughout the house without stepping on something! And the nursery....well, it was the worst room of all. We had exactly one onesie for Karis to wear. All of her other clothes were still under beds or in closets. The crib still had the same sheet on it, from several months ago, plus it was piled high with space saver bags. Next to the door was a huge pile of clothes that no longer fit Gracie. The rocker had a variety of items stacked on it. You get the picture!

Before any of that could be dealt with, we had to make room. So, Monday I cleaned out closets and made a large collection of things to take to Salvation Army. Then- that night- my parents arrived from Ohio!!!! Hooray! The cavalry came to rescue us!!! We have worked hard. Yesterday I got my suitcase packed, and even got to get my hair and nails done. We are now ready for baby girl to make her entrance.

I'd love for her to come today so that my doctor could deliver her, and so that my husband could have even more time to love on Karis before returning to work. But, so far, nothing is really stirring. I have had several braxton hicks contractions, and I'm pretty uncomfortable, but nothing consistent or FOR REAL! We'll let you all know if anything changes. We're so excited to meet our newest member of the family!!!!

Today's Appointment

I had another Non Stress Test and U/S today. Within 5 minutes, the nurse said that my baby had already passed the test, but we stayed on the monitor for the full 20 minute time period. My blood pressure was up slightly to a whopping 110 over 65. :) It was so low the other day that the machine had a hard time reading it! My U/S was just to check amniotic fluid. I did get a glimpse of the back of Karis' head though. The fluid level was still very good. The dr. said, "Your baby is hitting a homerun today!" Praise the Lord!

I am soooo glad that things are going so well this time around. I was terribly swollen and completely miserable from that at this point in my pregnancy with Gracie. I had already started my maternity leave because the only shoes that remotely fit my feet were my husband's size 11 crocs! Here's a picture from 3 years ago....

My legs and feet look nothing like that now! But, believe me, I remember the feeling, and can completely sympathize with those of you that are experiencing swelling!



It hit me today that Karis will be here 3 weeks from today! I can't wait to meet this precious girl that would have never been a part of my life without God's awesome, sovereign ways!

36 weeks today

Hi everyone- I thought I'd write a quick update on how things are going. I had a dr.'s appt on Tuesday and discovered that my regular doctor has ordered Non-Stress Tests for me, twice a week until Karis is born. This isn't for any one reason, but because I had pre-eclampsia with Gracie, I've been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes this time, and she didn't say so on Tuesday, but....because of my age. :)
I was stressed about these Non-Stressed tests because it meant I would have to take time off of work. I've been out of leave for about 6 weeks now, and am docked pay each time I'm absent. I explained this to the nurse in charge of scheduling all of these tests, but she wasn't very willing to work with me. I really made it a matter of prayer in between appts. And guess what? Everything got worked out yesterday. I had my second NST at Labor and Delivery yesterday. When I told the Dr. on call about my concerns, she told me to go by their office, pick up the schedule, come back to the hospital and they'd re-schedule any dates that don't work for me to take place at the hospital. So, we're all taken care of now! Thank you Lord!
By the way, the nurse told me that I get the award for "the best non stress test results" for the day. Everything was looking great and my Karis was very active.
My last day at work is going to be on the 20th, which will give me a little of a week to rest and get ready for the big day!