More Tests

I had to go back to the hospital today for some extra tests. I have crossed into the mild preeclampsia stage. On Sunday I started a 24 hour urine check for protein and we got the results today. My protein levels were at 460 mgs and mild preeclampsia starts at 300. However, severe preeclampsia is 5 grams, so we are quite far from that. The only problem is that severe preeclampsia can strike tomorrow, next week or next month. There is no way of knowing. If it comes at all. So, she gave me the steroid shot to help develop Alexis's lungs. I go back tomorrow for the second shot and another ultrasound to see how she is reacting to the steroids. I am off for the next two days and going to try to go back to work on Monday. My doctor doesn't believe that bed rest will help, so she says it isn't necessary. For me, this is all confusing. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure, not the other way around. So, if I cross over to severe preeclampsia, my blood pressure will increase and I will most likely get a severe headache. So, I still need to watch for those signs. As for now, we are closely monitoring and hoping we make it to the next week. I was prepared for her to maybe come at 34 or 36 weeks, but not prepared for 30 or 32 weeks. So, I'm a little freaked out and praying she stays in there longer so we don't have to visit her in the NICU. For now, I guess I need to pack a bag and be prepared to go to the hospital at any time.

As for right now, I'm looking forward to my first baby shower this weekend. It is at my Aunt's Tea House in Montgomery and I can't wait! I'm just really glad I can make it and hoping we can make it to our shower that our friends are throwing us in June. Hopefully it won't be a meet Alexis party!!

Alexis's Room

After weeks of bedding searches and painting, Alexis's room is 95% complete. I still want to get something with her name on it and maybe hang a little more things on the wall, but I'm pretty impressed with the progress we've made. The only thing missing is our little angel and we are even more anxious for her to get here.

Grandma Barak (we are still thinking of names) and Grandpa Mannion don't think their angel will need the time out chair, but Mommy and Daddy know differently!! I found it at Home Goods and thought it was perfect for her room.

Our crib and changing table came from Pottery Barn. As soon as I saw it in the magazine, I knew I had to have it. Last week we changed out the white knobs for some pink ones. A little personal touch to make it unique. I'm thinking I want a sign with her name hanging above the changing table. We can't wait to fill up the drawers with clothes and the book ends with books to read to her nightly. The "I know I'm somebody 'cause God don't make junk" sign was given to me when I was a baby by my Great Aunt Billy, so I had to pass it on. And NO, I'm not passing on Raggedy Ann and Andy!!

I just LOVE her bedding. I looked for weeks for this bedding in purple and green, but it doesn't exist, so I found it in pink and green and I couldn't be more excited about it!!

I found this frame and saying in a shop and just had to have it. And a special THANKS goes out to Aunt Debbie for finding our chandelier. We looked all over the Internet and she found it at Hobby Lobby!!

While Daddy was checking out at the book store one Sunday at church, he found this cross and surprised me with it! I was so excited when I opened it. It matches the room perfectly and Mommy just loves crosses!!

I Passed My Test

On Tuesday, I had to take my glucose test for gestational diabetes! I was FREAKED out! I was so worried that I was going to have it because I took the test at the end of the day. Everyone else told me that I needed to reschedule because I was supposed to do it in the morning after fasting, which totally makes sense! My appointment was at 3:00 and I just had an awful hour and a half with my last class, so needless to say, between worrying about this test and dealing with unruly 7th graders, my BP was through the roof! I drank the not so great fruit punch and then went into to see the doctor. It is safe to say that Alexis will have a limited amount of sugar as a she grows up, she gave us a brief insight to the life I'm about to start with her! She is already giving us trouble! It took the nurse about 15 minutes to find a steady heartbeat because she was kicking and moving and rolling around! The nurse even broke a sweat! It was quite funny, actually. We knew she was OK because I could feel her and she kept kicking at the nurse, so the nurse could even see her. We finally got a steady read at 160. She is typically in the 140s and low 150s. So, we now know how Alexis will react to sugar. In the end I passed my test but my iron was low. Now, I've added more pills to the list of pills I am currently taking, but it is better than having gestational diabetes!



On a different note, I thought I should record the things that I've been craving with this pregnancy. I think it is funny since I'm such a picky eater and prior to this pregnancy, I hardly ever ate meat other than fish and an occasional juicy piece of chicken. Now I can't get enough BEEF! Still not a fan of the pork products, but I've had steak several times and am even enjoying BEEF fajitas! Since we got pregnant I've definitely had my fair share of cheese burgers, but lately, I want a grilled chicken sandwhich from every restaurant that we go to. I'm also loving me some Mc Donald's chicken nuggets. Now, I'm not going to lie, yesterday after leaving work, I did stop and get a blizzard! I've been really good with my sweet tooth lately because I go to bed so early that I don't have time for it to kick in. But, I figured since my test was over, I deserved a treat! As for now, I'm not into the pickles, but I also love pizza. Last night I was even craving some chicken Parmesan??? That is definitely a first for me. Brian enjoyed it because he got to go to the Italian restaurant around the corner and he typically never gets to eat Italian food with me. I think I've covered all my cravings!

Stay tuned for Alexis's finished room!!