May 7th was a beautiful, sunny day in Austin.  I felt particularly good going in for my  38-week checkup.  First things first, Maria the nurse checked my blood pressure.  She had a worried look on her face and told me that it was a little high (137 over 92 I think).  This freaked me out a bit as my blood pressure had been great throughout the pregnancy.  She had me lay on the table on my left side for about 10 minutes and then came back and checked me again.  Still high.  We did this routine a good three or four times before the doctor came in to examine me.  The cervical exam was interesting though.  I was almost completely effaced but still only a fingertip or so dialated.  After that, Dr. Rodriguez explained that I needed to head over to the hospital next door to have my blood pressure monitored for a while.  If it went down, I could go home.  If not, Ava would be delivered today.  "Okay," I thought.  "I can handle this...no big deal."  When I got back to my car I called Jeff and my Mom.  I told them both that it wasn't a big deal and that my blood pressure would probably go down and I would go home that afternoon.  I could tell that both Jeff and my Mom were concerned but I was strangely calm.

The hospital got me into a room immediately when I arrived.  A nurse stopped in to get me into a gown and told me to leave a urine sample.  This was nothing new.  I had become a pro at peeing in cups without spilling a drop!  After another stellar pee performance, I looked at my specimen and thought, "that looks dark."  And when I looked down at my underwear I realized why.  I was bleeding profusely and had been for a while--probably since my exam at the doctor's office.  Now I started to panic a bit.  I called Jeff and told him to come to the hospital right away.  I knew he would freak out too, but I didn't know what else to do. Around that time (11:00am-ish) my contractions started.  Perhaps the cervical exam had gotten things started or perhaps it was just time.  Either way, deep down I knew I wasn't leaving the hospital that day.

When Jeff arrived, (no kidding) he was as white as a sheet and was clutching his chest with his hand.  He looked as if he was about to have a heart attack.  I was more worried for him than myself.  Turns out he had been practically hyperventilating on the drive to the hospital--poor thing!  Still, I was oddly calm about everything.  My nurse was a wonderful woman by the name of Lori.  She was a traveling nurse stationed in Colorado and was on temporary assignment in Round Rock for a nurse who was on maternity leave.  Lori pretty much confirmed that I would be having the baby that day after looking at my urine sample, my blood pressure readings and my contraction patterns.  She notified Dr. Rodriguez who came over immediately and confirmed that we would indeed be having a c-section immediately.  Jeff and I sat there in wonderment at the fact that we would finally be meeting our precious Ava that day--a week earlier than planned!

My contractions continued to intensify over the next few hours to the point that when I had one I couldn't talk.  All I could do was breathe through them and tell myself that it would all be over at 4pm.  See, I had eaten a Fiber One bar at 8:15 that morning.  Even though I was scheduled to have a c-section that day, there's a rule that you can't eat anything for at least 8 hours prior to having surgery.  Much to my relief, they came and took me to the operating room early (around 3:30pm) to do my spinal block.  The surgery itself was a bit of a blur for me.  I was terrified that I was going to die at any moment.  After getting the spinal block, my blood pressure dropped suddenly and I felt myself fading away.  My vision went to tunnel vision, I couldn't open my eyes, talk or breathe.  As I was going unconscious, I heard the doctors say, "She has bottomed out--let's get some epinephrine."  Once they gave me that medicine, I was back immediately, but scared!  I just wanted Ava out so that I knew she was healty.  Jeff was there by my side the entire time encouraging and supporting me. 

After what seemed like an eternity, I heard the doctors getting excited and then I heard Ava!  Two long gurgling noises and then a strong cry!  Oh my gosh!  It was my little girl!  Our little angel I had been carrying around in my tummy was finally here!  Joy overwhelmed me and all I could do was cry, laugh and look at Jeff.  I couldn't see Ava at all for the first five or ten minutes.  The warmer was behind me and out of my field of vision.  Jeff was right there with Ava and I could hear him marveling at how beautiful she was.  I was relieved that she was okay and had all of her fingers and toes.  One of the nurses bundled Ava up and held her by my head so that I could see her.  It was the most wonderful moment ever--to be able to finally look into Ava's eyes and know that I had done a good job getting her here safely.  We couldn't believe that she had a full head of brown hair!  That was a shocker!  She was beautiful---perfect.  What a miracle to behold!  It was truly the happiest moment of my life! 

Motherhood has surpassed everything I thought it would be and more.  I have come to love the little bit of spit-up that inevitably ends up on the shoulder of every clean shirt I wear within 10 minutes of putting it on.  Even when Ava is crying (this is Red Baby), I can find something cute about her.  I get excited about poopie diapers and pee pee diapers and laugh hysterically at every little toot!  When she smiles, my heart swells and feels like it is going to burst with joy.  I stare at Ava for hours looking into her eyes and seeing myself and Jeff in her face.  Every day has a new meaning for me and my life and I am so grateful to have the blessing of being Jeff's wife and Ava's mother.  

Ava, when you read this someday I hope that you understand how much we love you.  From the moment we saw you on the first ultrasound, we were in love with our little "Bean."  As you grew inside my tummy, our love for your grew too.  Every conversation Mommy and Daddy had for 38 weeks included you in some way.  At night when we were going to bed, we would talk to you and Daddy would put his hand on my belly and feel you move.  We used to sit in your nursery and read books to you and talk about what you might look like.  Those are memories that we will always cherish!  Little one, now that you're here, we can't wait to make more wonderful memories with you! 

As I write this message, you are three weeks old.  And what quick progress you've made already!  You can hold your head up on your own (for the most part) and do what we call "baby push ups" where you lift yourself with your arms.  When we put you on your tummy, you can scoot yourself backward and forward.  We know you're hungry when you make your little "Birdy Mouth" face and when we get the bottle close to your mouth, you shake your head back and forth vigorously trying to find the bottle nipple!  Such personality already!  You smile several times each day--and even in your sleep!  Grammy P. says that when you smile, you're talking to angels!  As sweet as you are, I wouldn't doubt it.  You are a gentle and thoughtful baby.  We can tell that you study things in great detail; one of your favorite things to look at right now is the ceiling fan in the living room!  We can't wait to see what you do next!  Every day is the best adventure of our lives with you! 

Ava, you are such a blessing and joy to us and you will always be our little girl no matter your age.  We love you with all of our hearts and we thank God every day for giving us the best gift of all--being your parents.    
 
Mystery Solved! 04/22/2010
 
So, the great question has been answered!  C-section it is!  The perinatologist and my OB both agree that this is the best course of action given Ava's size and my diabetes.  Dr. Rodriguez wants me to get to 39 weeks which puts Ava's estimated arrival date at some point around May 10-14.  She also said that if I were to go into labor early, the plan would still be to do a c-section just to be safe.  From a planning and expectations perspective, this gives me a little peace of mind since I don't have to worry about a lengthy labor with an uncertain outcome.  Yet, I still have some concerns.  Because of my diabetes, Dr. Rodriguez says that I'll have to have a drain for my incision to help avoid infections.  This really freaks me out!  I can't imagine having a tube hanging out of my already painful incision.  Also, I'll have to have some special injections of medicine to help me avoid blood clots.  All of these things make me pretty nervous because it is major abdominal surgery we're talking about.  I just want to feel good enough to take care of Ava when I get home and the thought of having drains plus my insulin pump attached to me plus stitches just isn't the picture I had in my head of how it would be bringing Ava home.  But, I guess no one's expectations are in line with reality when a new baby is brought home.  The good news is that my Mom and Jeff's Mom will be here afterward to help out.  

I've been having more Braxton Hicks contractions over the past couple of days, so I know my body is gearing up for the big day.  Ava's room is ready except for getting her clothes folded and into the closet.  My bag is packed but I still need to bring along some clothes for Ava.  Any suggestions on this one?  I'll definitely take a couple different sizes of clothes for her since we don't know how big she'll be.  But are onesies appropriate or should we go with t-shirts to avoid irritating her umbilical stump?  I have no idea about this stuff...Do I need to take anything else for her besides a blanket or two?  Speaking of stuff for Ava, my coworkers and Jeff surprised me with another baby shower!! Can you believe it??  We had a team meeting planned with our new Wells Fargo counterparts and all of us Texas trainers from Wachovia.  But when I walked into the room, I discovered that my teammates had taken the opportunity to also throw shower for us.  It was a wonderful surprise that my good friend and coworker, Stacy Binckley spearheaded.  When I saw Jeff standing there amongst my coworkers, it was a weird experience--two worlds collided as my personal life and work life were briefly intertwined.  Even the Wells Fargo management team for Learning and Development were there and gave us a beautiful gift basket of goodies for Ava.  My teammates also brought many wonderful gifts all the way from San Antonio, Houston and Dallas.  It was a fantastic day.  Jeff and I are truly blessed to have such wonderful family, friends and coworkers to support us as we prepare for Ava's arrival. 

P.S. Dear Ava, we are so proud to be your parents.  Every time we see an ultrasound it is astounding to think that you are half of Mommy and half of Daddy!  There are so many people waiting for your arrival so we'll warn you now:  Lots of people are going to be taking pictures of you and holding you.  Mommy can't wait to touch your sweet little chubby cheeks!  Oh, every ultrasound picture of you is more beautiful than the last.  We can't wait to see you!  So, if you're ready before 39 weeks, come on out!  We wouldn't mind one bit!  But if you've still got some growing to do, we'll be patient.  We love you Little One!
 
35 Weeks 04/20/2010
 
Sorry it's been a while since the last post.  Our home computer hasn't been cooperating with us until today!  The last checkup went really well.  Ava's approximate weight is 7 lbs. 3 oz. and she is measuring the size of a 39 week old baby.  No surprises there!  Although, the scan can be up to 18 oz. off (plus or minus).  Had my lovely Group B Strep screening test too, so should know by the next appointment on Thursday whether I'll have to have antibiotics when Ava arrives.  We are getting more and more anxious to meet our little one!  It's getting harder and harder to pay attention and keep focused at work.  All we can think about is AVA!  Who knew that you could already be in love with a little person you've never even seen yet! 

The doctor says that we will formulate a delivery plan over the course of the next one to two appointments.  Hopefully we will have more news to share on Thursday when we have the next ultrasound and checkup.  Our neighbor is a former paramedic and seems to think I'll go into labor during the next full moon.  He says that for some reason, gravity changes during the full moon which sends a lot of women into labor or gives them Braxton Hicks contractions.  I didn't really put two and two together until after our conversation, but on the last full moon, I had terrible contractions but haven't had many since then.  The next full moon is on April 28th, so who knows what might happen! 
 
 
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Our Little Drama Queen! If you look closely, you'll see that Ava has the back of her little hand (top right) pressed over her forehead. Very dramatic!!
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Ava has her arm in front of her face to ward-off the paparazzi! Her little lips are curled into a pouty face. In this 4-D image, you can see how chubby her cheeks are!
 
Drama Queen... 04/06/2010
 
Today was our 34 week check up with Dr. Rodriguez and we are pleased to report that Ava is still doing well!  As usual, we had a biophysical profile.  Her tone, breathing and movement is perfect! And boy, was she moving around today!  I've noticed that she moves the most when it's been a while since I've eaten.  I imagine that she's dancing around in there saying, "C'mon, Mom!  Let's eat NOW!!"  She must enjoy eating as much as I do!  But you can see that just from looking at her ultrasound photos.  She is one chubby baby!  Dr. Rodriguez says that it's better that she is nicely sized and "healthy" versus being too small and skinny, so I suppose it's a good thing. Her little cheeks are SO plump and cute!  That's to be expected though--Jeff and I both have pretty round faces and chubby cheeks.

During the ultrasound, the technician kept trying to get some pictures of Ava's face, but she had her hands in front of her face the whole time.  We managed to get a couple of good photos and in one, she has the back of her hand pressed against her forehead in a most dramatic pose, so the technician labeled that photo "Drama Queen!"  How cute is that?  I told the technician that Ava was just trying to keep the paparazzi from getting a good shot of her!

Our next appointment is on April 15th.  We see Dr. Berry at 8:30am.  At that visit, we will have an ultrasound and he will estimate Ava's weight to give us an idea of what to expect.  We'll be at 35 weeks by that point, so it should be accurate within one pound according to their diagnostic equipment.  From there, Dr. Berry and Dr. Rodriguez will put their heads together and see if a c-section or a natural delivery would be the way to go.  That same afternoon, I'll have a biophysical profile done at Dr. Rodriguez' office to make sure that the placenta is still doing its job and that Ava is still doing well.  I asked whether or not I could have both things done at one office, but each office uses different equipment, so it's best to have each type of ultrasound done at the same office for the entire pregnancy.  After those appointments, we will have another update to share here on the blog.

P.S. Dear Ava,
What a lucky girl you are!!  You had two baby showers last week!  Daddy's work threw a shower for you on Friday and it was so beautiful!  Lots of Daddy's coworkers came by to wish us well and ask how you are doing.  They brought lots of beautiful gifts and yummy food for you (remember the tres leches cake?)  Mmm!!  It was quite an event!!

Then on Easter Sunday, your Auntie Becca planned a surprise baby shower for you (Mommy had no idea!!)  Jason, Davina and Jackson, your Grammy, Aunt Emily, Aunt Amy, Cousin Daniel, Aunt Erin and Aunt Kayla all came over to celebrate your impending arrival!  We played games, ate more yummy food and opened presents for you.  Mommy and Daddy are very grateful to everyone who participated in your baby showers!  Now, we are all set for your arrival!

Oh Little One, so many people love you already and are looking forward to meeting you.  We can't wait to see your cherub face and hold you in our arms.  Ava, you are fortunate to have been blessed with so many friends and family members who will love you  and support you as you grow up.  As we get closer and closer to your arrival, our anticipation and love for you grows immeasurably!  We love you and will see you soon,our little Ava Noelle!! 
 
Week 33 Checkup 04/01/2010
 
We saw Dr. Rodriguez this past Monday for our 33 week checkup.  Ava is doing wonderfully and passed her biophysical profile test once again, with flying colors!  The ultrasound technician said that Ava still has plenty of amniotic fluid, so she may decide to turn breech again.  She also said she's seen babies get back into the right position as late as 38 weeks, so I'm not really worried about it.

Dr. Rodriguez talked a lot about c-sections and explained how routine they are.  She says I'm at a higher risk for needing one due to my diabetes and my weight.  (Ugh!  No one has really said anything about my weight or my pregnancy weight gain until that comment.  Boo!)  Dr. Rodriguez sold Jeff and I pretty hard on going with a scheduled c-section at 39 weeks if I haven't gone into labor before then.  I can see that this route has its merits, but major abdominal surgery is a scary thing.  I guess the silver lining would be that I would get one of the bigger recovery rooms afterward...

Who knows what will happen in the end.  It's all in God's hands and not ours.  We will do whatever is best for Ava above all else.  So, now it's just a waiting game.  People at work have been asking me how I feel a lot since I've been on my feet facilitating for the last two weeks.  Suprisingly, I've had a lot more energy than I thought I would.  Sitting down appears to make the discomfort worse, so teaching has been a good thing.  Ava seems to have her head jammed right against my cervix, so that has been pretty uncomfortable.  I swear I'm going to stand up and she's just going to fall right out!  My ankles and feet have been swelling pretty bad by the end of the day, but that's to be expected.

Even though my level of discomfort is growing, so is my anticipation and excitement about Ava's arrival.  I've had two dreams where I've actually seen Ava's face and in both dreams I could feel the love welling up inside my heart at the sight of her!  I actually woke up and realized that I had been crying tears of joy in my sleep!  Pregnancy hormones are insane!  Well, I guess that's it for now.  The next checkup is on Tuesday afternoon so, I'll provide another update then!  Thanks to everyone for your well wishes, gifts and support!  We love you!
 
Whew! 03/23/2010
 
First of all, thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement.  Jeff and I received several calls from friends and family after our last doctor appointment.  We are pleased to report that today's checkup with Dr. Rodriguez went really well.  Ava has turned around and is now head-down!  I told the doctor about our harrowing ultrasound at the perinatologist's office last week and she really helped to calm my fears.  She basically said that we just need to take everything week by week and the goal is to get to 39 weeks which would put Ava's arrival date somewhere around May 12-13. 

Ava's movement, practice breathing and flexing of her fingers and toes looked great on today's biophysical profile.  My amniotic fluid looks good too.  My blood pressure was a little elevated both at the last appointment as well as this one--130 over 82.  That could be due to stress though, so Dr. Rodriguez is going to keep a very close eye on us every week from here on out. 

I told her about my concerns with Ava's size and she said it's perfectly normal for diabetic women to have bigger-than-usual babies.  She also said that babies usually gain only half a pound per week from this point on.  And that ultrasounds can be up to one pound off target high or low.  It's possible that Ava only weighs four pounds now and may only get to somewhere around nine pounds by delivery.  She said that if Ava looks like she's too big for me to deliver that a scheduled c-section would be the way to go.  She seems to be more comfortable with that option for her diabetic patients.  I'd still like to try to deliver naturally, but I will have to trust Dr. Rodriguez' judgement on this one when the time comes.

Jeff and I are breathing a big sigh of relief tonight, knowing that Ava is a healthy girl and that we're right on track.  I'm starting to make a list of things to take to the hospital, so if anyone wants to share ideas, please do!  I'm sure that there are things I'll forget!  It's going to be a busy April for me since I have a new class of Personal Bankers starting training this week.  Once they graduate, I'll be within two weeks of delivering Ava!  I've been having a lot of ligament pain and back pain, so I think I'm going to invest in a belly support band soon.  Standing up and teaching all day every day is definitely going to necessitate a little extra support!! 

Thanks again for all of the prayers and well-wishes!  I'll have another update to share next week!

 
 
Five pounds??? 03/18/2010
 
So, today I went to have an ultrasound at the perinatologist's office and talk with the diabetes educator.  My blood sugars have been horrible since my checkup last month so I knew that some updates to my insulin pump would be in order.  But I didn't expect to receive the shocking news that I did during the ultrasound.  The technician was surprised to see how big Ava is!  She weighs almost five pounds and she's only at 31 weeks gestation!!  She should weigh about three pounds at this point.  Her head is measuring big.  Her abdomen is measuring big.  Even the length of her leg bones is measuring big!  How big you say?  She is measuring the size of a 34 week old baby!  That's right...three weeks ahead of pace.  And to boot, she is still breech.  Today she was curled up in a c-shape with her head on my left side, her rear end on my right side and her lovely little feet jammed into my cervix (so that's what I've been feeling down there...). 

Needless to say, this sent my mind into overdrive.  Babies at this stage gain somewhere around one pound per week leading up to delivery.  If Ava keeps that pace, she will weigh nine pounds in one month's time and she'll only be at 35 weeks gestation.  I can't help but think that all of this is my fault.  I was warned in the beginning that diabetic women can have large babies if they don't keep their blood sugars under tight control.  While I try the best I can to do this, I do cheat here and there.  But I always take my insulin to counteract whatever I eat.  However, with the placenta making hormones that fight against the insulin I take, it's been a losing battle in the third trimester.

Although my mind was racing during the ultrasound, I managed to hold it together.  That was, until I talked to Jeff.  He couldn't be at the appointment with me, so I texted him what I had found out.  He immediately called me and the concern in his voice paired with my self-doubt and thoughts of being a horrible mother already just came crashing down on me and the tears started.  I still had to meet with Jenifer, the diabetes educator.  While I waited to see her, Jeff did his best to calm me down, but I just knew that I had ruined poor little Ava's life already.  When I got to Jenifer's office, I continued to have a good cry.  She assured me that the only thing within my control (to some extent) was trying to control my blood sugar.  She told me not to worry about c-sections, or having a premature baby or any of that other terrible stuff my mind was stuck on.  Just then, my cell phone rang.  It was Jeff.  He was on his way to meet me at the doctor's office.  He actually left work for the rest of the day so that he could support me and be at my side while I was bawling my eyes out.  What an awesome and wonderful husband I have!

I wasn't able to talk to Dr. Berry about my concerns and worries because he's out of the country.  So, the only thing we can do is wait until my next OB appointment with Dr. Rodriguez on Tuesday to discuss the best plan from here on out.  I will be having another ultrasound--actually a biophysical profile.  From that, we will be able to see how well Ava is coping in there.  Please pray for us and little Ava that everything turns out well and according to God's plan.  We will keep everyone posted as to what we find out on Tuesday.  For now, I'm letting go of my worries and counting my blessings.
 
4-D is Amazing! 03/04/2010
 
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At our last checkup, I was freaking out a little bit because Ava hadn't been moving much at all in the previous 24 hours.  So, I told Dr. Rodriguez about it and she swiftly got me in for an impromptu biophysical profile.  Luckily, the nicest technician, Leigh was there to do the ultrasound!  So, we got a DVD of the whole thing and a few still shots of Ava's face in 4-D!!  It was awesome!  I could tell right away that she has Jeff's lips, eye structure and face shape.  His mom says that she has his forehead too!  I wonder what features she'll get from me!  It was so neat to have a little preview of our baby girl.  All along I've said how cool it would be to have a window in my tummy so that we could look-in at Ava anytime we want to.  So, this was a treat!  The biophysical profile went really well--Ava got a perfect score (8 out of 8).  They check for things like movement, practice-breathing, hand flexing etc.  So, she is already a genius getting high marks!  I'll be going back next Tuesday for another checkup.  After that, it's weekly visits for biophysical profiles and more sneak-peeks of our Ava!

 
 
Can you believe it?  We've finally made it to the third trimester!!  This week is our 28th week out of 38 or 39.  At my OB visit this week, I confirmed with Dr. Rodriguez that I'll be delivering earlier than my original due date of May 20.  She thinks it's going to be more like May 12th or 13th as long as there are no complications which would require Ava to be delivered earlier.  So, only ten or eleven weeks left until we meet our beautiful girl!  She currently weighs-in at two pounds and six ounces; which is right on track for her age!  Yippee!  I was worried that she would already be huge and I'd be giving birth to a toddler! 

I go back to Dr. Rodriguez next week to get a Rhogam shot.  I have to have that shot because I have O negative blood and Jeff has A positive.  This shot will sensitize me to the Rh factor so that my body doesn't recognize Ava as a foreign invader!  At 32 weeks, I'll start going to see Dr. Rodriguez for weekly biophysical profiles to check to see that I am still a suitable environment for Ava.  My blood pressure has been great--114 over 73 at my last visit.  Blood sugars have been a little higher than normal, but I haven't been eating as well as I should be.  We did have to adjust my insulin pump settings a little and over the last week, my numbers have been near perfect.  I just have to be extra diligent with my diet and exercise during this last trimester!

We've made a lot of progress toward getting ready for our little one--which is very exciting for me.  Jeff and I checked out a couple of daycares in the area and we found one that is not only affordable but also close to home.  We met with the manager and toured the facility and everything seemed to be on the up and up.  I also checked the state's daycare inspection records to make sure that this place has good ratings and they did.  So, we're thinking that Twinkle Learning Center may be the winner.  I would still like to check out Round Rock Montessori school though.  They are more expensive, but I like their curriculum and all of their teachers have college degrees.  Perhaps when Ava is older we can send her there...we'll see.

This weekend we will be working on Ava's room.  We need to move the computer and computer desk into the guest room, take down the shelves, paint the room and hang curtains.  I'm really feeling the pressure to get everything done ASAP--especially since Ava is going to be here sooner than we thought!  Once we get her room all set up, we can then buy her crib and other big stuff that we don't have room for yet.  That's what I'm waiting for!  Once her crib is in the room and we have things ready, I'll be able to relax a little!  Every day brings more and more excitement as we prepare to be parents.  Jeff and I are so blessed to have each other and our little Ava Noelle!

P.S. Dear Ava,

As you can tell, Mommy and Daddy are making lots of preparations for your big arrival!  Your Aunt Amy hand made a beautiful sweater and hat for you that I know you are going to love!  And your Grammy has already bought you several cute outfits for the holidays and your very first purse!!  It's a Vera Bradley purse, just like Mommy's!  It's hard to believe you've grown and developed so much.  Mommy is surprised at how strong you've gotten!  When you do your big tumbles and flips, my whole belly moves.  Your Daddy is really enjoying the fact that he can see and feel you moving around now.  And you are one busy girl!  It seems like you're always on the move and we love it.  Ava, our sweet girl, we can't wait to meet you and look at your precious face.  You are such a blessing and gift to your Mommy and Daddy!  There are lots of family and friends who are anxiously awaiting your arrival and are excited to meet you too.  We love you so much Little Ava "Bean!"  See you in a few weeks!