Dear Ryan,
Well, you certainly surprised Daddy & me along with everybody else this past weekend. On Saturday morning, I woke up with really bad back pain. I thought it was just my pre-existing back condition & didn't think anything about it. Grandma & I went to Mt. Pleasant to get our taxes done & I took some strong pain medicine & continued on with the day. On Sunday, my back was still hurting really badly & I spent all day on the couch with severe pain in my back. Then, on Monday I got up & got ready for work & my back was still hurting. I had an appointment scheduled for Tuesday with the Dr. to have you checked out, but after talking to Daddy & Grandma about my back pain they thought I should call the doctor before I went to work. So, I called into work to tell my boss I would be late & called the Dr. office & explained my pain & they told me to head to the hospital immediately to be checked out. I thought I was over-reacting by calling since I have this pre-existing back condition, but did as I was told. As it turns out, it was a good thing I went to the hospital!
When Daddy & I got there they did a check & found that I had already dilated to 4 sonomenters & that I had been in active labor for 3 days! Imagine our shock to find out this news, especially since there was still 7 weeks until your arrival! They stated that they were admitting me to the hospital & were going to try & stop my labor. I was very scared & upset & so was Daddy. I called Grandma & told her that she needed to get to the hospital right away because I was in labor & we didn't know what was going to happen.
They admitted me to the hospital & started me on this awful medicine called Magnesium Sulfate through an IV. It makes you really hot, disoriented, sick, nauseous, weak, & just plain feeling awful. I was contracting 10 times per hour which was not good & they were not sure they were going to be able to stop the labor. They also had to give me a steroid shot to help your lungs develop in case you did decide to make an early appearance. Despite feeling so awful, I was so worried about you & hoping that you were OK. We all were just really scared.
After 2 1/2 days of this treatment & your second steroid shot, they finally got the contractions to stop. Upon further exam, they did find that I had now dilated to 5 sonometers. So now, you & I are remaining in the hospital until your arrival. We are hoping to keep you in my belly for at least another week, but you are very eager to make an appearance & the doctor is not sure that we are going to make it that far.
There are lots of people praying for your safety & well-being & we just want you to be healthy & happy. So, I am writing this blog from my hospital bed wondering if today is going to be your birthday or if we are going to make it just "one more day". Daddy & I are so excited to meet you, but we are also scared because we want you to be safe & healthy. We are lucky that so many people are praying for your safety & we know that God is continuing to protect you as he has done since day one.
I just want you to know how much you are loved & that we just want what is best for you. However, if you decide to be impatient like Mommy & make an early arrival, know that we have & will continue to do everything we can to make sure you are safe & healthy. You are truly our wonderful miracle from God & we are just grateful to know that God has blessed you with us. Please continue to stay in my belly for a little while longer & get a little stronger. In the meantime, we are all anxiously awaiting your arrival & we can't wait to meet you!
Baby Countdown!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
30 Weeks
Dear Ryan,
Mommy is now 30 weeks & 1 day pregnant with you! Your expected arrival is only 10 weeks away! Daddy & I so excited to meet you. You have been very active these past few weeks. You love when Daddy sings & reads to you, you always give him big kicks. We decorated your nursery today. It looks really cute! We still need to put your bedding on, but for the most part, it's completed. Time seems to just be flying by & standing still all at the same time.
We go to the doctor again on Wednesday & get to have another ultra sound. The last one we had was 3 weeks ago & they said you were already 2 pounds, 8 ounces, you are so big! We can't wait to see you again this week. :D We saw the pediatric urology surgeon on Friday to talk about your kidney. You are going to have to have some tests done & some procedures performed when you arrive. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. It also sounds like the doctor has confirmed that a Cesarean section is the best way to go for your delivery, so you will probably be arriving in 9 weeks instead of 10.
You also went to your first hockey game on Friday. I bought tickets for Daddy for Christmas since he likes hockey so much. Grandma & Grandpa went with us too. I'm not sure how you felt about the whole thing because you didn't move the entire time. It must have been your nap time, but I don't know how you could sleep through all the noise!
I am having my first baby shower in about a month. Grandma & "Aunt" Cindy are throwing it for me. Everybody is getting really excited for your arrival, not just Daddy & me. I'm having my second shower a week after the first. Aunt Lisa & Aunt Lindsey are throwing that one for us.
That's about all we have to report for now. We are just counting down the days until we can see you! Keep growing & know how much we love you & can't wait for your arrival.
Mommy is now 30 weeks & 1 day pregnant with you! Your expected arrival is only 10 weeks away! Daddy & I so excited to meet you. You have been very active these past few weeks. You love when Daddy sings & reads to you, you always give him big kicks. We decorated your nursery today. It looks really cute! We still need to put your bedding on, but for the most part, it's completed. Time seems to just be flying by & standing still all at the same time.
We go to the doctor again on Wednesday & get to have another ultra sound. The last one we had was 3 weeks ago & they said you were already 2 pounds, 8 ounces, you are so big! We can't wait to see you again this week. :D We saw the pediatric urology surgeon on Friday to talk about your kidney. You are going to have to have some tests done & some procedures performed when you arrive. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. It also sounds like the doctor has confirmed that a Cesarean section is the best way to go for your delivery, so you will probably be arriving in 9 weeks instead of 10.
You also went to your first hockey game on Friday. I bought tickets for Daddy for Christmas since he likes hockey so much. Grandma & Grandpa went with us too. I'm not sure how you felt about the whole thing because you didn't move the entire time. It must have been your nap time, but I don't know how you could sleep through all the noise!
I am having my first baby shower in about a month. Grandma & "Aunt" Cindy are throwing it for me. Everybody is getting really excited for your arrival, not just Daddy & me. I'm having my second shower a week after the first. Aunt Lisa & Aunt Lindsey are throwing that one for us.
That's about all we have to report for now. We are just counting down the days until we can see you! Keep growing & know how much we love you & can't wait for your arrival.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
24 Weeks
Dear Ryan,
I'm sorry it has been awhile since I have written to you. We have been so busy with doctor appointments & the holidays, but be assured, we are ALWAYS thinking about you! Two weeks ago we saw the Perinatalogist, Dr. Roth, & he was really nice. We did find out that you have one kidney that is not working properly & will probably not work after you are born. Daddy & I were very sad to learn of your issue, but the doctor said that you were in no pain & you wouldn't be in any pain once you are born & that you will be able to live a long, healthy, productive life with only the 1 kidney. As sad as we are that you have to have this issue, we are so grateful that it isn't something more serious. We are going to see a Pediatric Urologist to see if they think they can do anything with you kidney & he will also see you once you are born. We know that God is watching over you & if it is something they can't fix, that you will be fine & you will always be perfect to Daddy & Me.
Mommy is now getting her shots weekly to make sure you don't make an early appearance. They are going well. They don't hurt & I don't appear to have any side effects & the doctor thinks they are working well & that there is no reason to think you will appear too early, so we are also grateful for that news.
You have been kicking a lot more lately, or at least, I am feeling you more often. Daddy & I love to feel you move around. You seem to really like music. Every time we turn on music you start to move. Daddy & I love music too, so we are thinking your love of music is starting early. You also kicked Daddy in the head last week. He put his head on my belly to talk to you & you kicked him in the temple! It's OK, Daddy & I thought it was funny & cute.
We celebrated Christmas 2 weeks ago. Even though you aren't here yet, it was mostly about you, which is great! I got you a little outfit that says "Handsome Like Daddy" & picture frames for all the Grandparents so they can proudly display your picture once you arrive. We also celebrated New Years a few days ago. Grandma & Grandpa came over & we put your room together! It looks so nice & we are so excited for you to come. All we need to do is put on your bedding & decorate. Your Grandma Jill is making a slip cover for your glider rocker so it will match the nursery & we are really excited to see it completed.
I go to the doctor on Tuesday for my 24 week visit. I fully anticipate that everything is going to go great! We also see doctor Roth again on the 21st. He wants to check your "good" kidney again just to make sure that everything is still OK.
Well Sweetheart, Daddy just got home & is making dinner, so I am going to go for now. You continue to grow & kick & know how much we love you. We will finally get to meet you in about 111 days...we can't wait.
I'm sorry it has been awhile since I have written to you. We have been so busy with doctor appointments & the holidays, but be assured, we are ALWAYS thinking about you! Two weeks ago we saw the Perinatalogist, Dr. Roth, & he was really nice. We did find out that you have one kidney that is not working properly & will probably not work after you are born. Daddy & I were very sad to learn of your issue, but the doctor said that you were in no pain & you wouldn't be in any pain once you are born & that you will be able to live a long, healthy, productive life with only the 1 kidney. As sad as we are that you have to have this issue, we are so grateful that it isn't something more serious. We are going to see a Pediatric Urologist to see if they think they can do anything with you kidney & he will also see you once you are born. We know that God is watching over you & if it is something they can't fix, that you will be fine & you will always be perfect to Daddy & Me.
Mommy is now getting her shots weekly to make sure you don't make an early appearance. They are going well. They don't hurt & I don't appear to have any side effects & the doctor thinks they are working well & that there is no reason to think you will appear too early, so we are also grateful for that news.
You have been kicking a lot more lately, or at least, I am feeling you more often. Daddy & I love to feel you move around. You seem to really like music. Every time we turn on music you start to move. Daddy & I love music too, so we are thinking your love of music is starting early. You also kicked Daddy in the head last week. He put his head on my belly to talk to you & you kicked him in the temple! It's OK, Daddy & I thought it was funny & cute.
We celebrated Christmas 2 weeks ago. Even though you aren't here yet, it was mostly about you, which is great! I got you a little outfit that says "Handsome Like Daddy" & picture frames for all the Grandparents so they can proudly display your picture once you arrive. We also celebrated New Years a few days ago. Grandma & Grandpa came over & we put your room together! It looks so nice & we are so excited for you to come. All we need to do is put on your bedding & decorate. Your Grandma Jill is making a slip cover for your glider rocker so it will match the nursery & we are really excited to see it completed.
I go to the doctor on Tuesday for my 24 week visit. I fully anticipate that everything is going to go great! We also see doctor Roth again on the 21st. He wants to check your "good" kidney again just to make sure that everything is still OK.
Well Sweetheart, Daddy just got home & is making dinner, so I am going to go for now. You continue to grow & kick & know how much we love you. We will finally get to meet you in about 111 days...we can't wait.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Lazy Saturday
Dear Ryan,
We have now known that you are a boy for 5 days. It still seems unreal in some instances. Daddy & I have wanted you for so long that sometimes it's hard to believe that you are actually on your way! On Monday when we found out that you were a "he", we went & got your baby bedding. It is so adorable & I hope you like it! Yesterday, Daddy painted your room. He still has to finish up the trim, but it looks great! We are hoping to put your furniture together next weekend with the help of Grandma & Grandpa, but we will have to wait & see.
I am laying around the house today like I am supposed to in order to keep you safe. I think it's going to be a long weekend, but I don't mind. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you to keep you safe, healthy & happy.
Christmas is in 2 weeks & even though you aren't here yet, I think you are going to make out like a bandit! When Grandpa found out you were a boy, the first thing he said was, "Can I go do my Christmas shopping now for my Grandson?". It was so cute. Just like Daddy & I, Your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins are so excited for you to come & can't wait to meet you.
I'm going to let you go for now. I have to sit up to write to you & I need to lay back down again. I hope you are having a good time kicking away & growing. We love you & will write to you again soon!
We have now known that you are a boy for 5 days. It still seems unreal in some instances. Daddy & I have wanted you for so long that sometimes it's hard to believe that you are actually on your way! On Monday when we found out that you were a "he", we went & got your baby bedding. It is so adorable & I hope you like it! Yesterday, Daddy painted your room. He still has to finish up the trim, but it looks great! We are hoping to put your furniture together next weekend with the help of Grandma & Grandpa, but we will have to wait & see.
I am laying around the house today like I am supposed to in order to keep you safe. I think it's going to be a long weekend, but I don't mind. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you to keep you safe, healthy & happy.
Christmas is in 2 weeks & even though you aren't here yet, I think you are going to make out like a bandit! When Grandpa found out you were a boy, the first thing he said was, "Can I go do my Christmas shopping now for my Grandson?". It was so cute. Just like Daddy & I, Your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins are so excited for you to come & can't wait to meet you.
I'm going to let you go for now. I have to sit up to write to you & I need to lay back down again. I hope you are having a good time kicking away & growing. We love you & will write to you again soon!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Breaking News...
Dear Baby,
Well, today was very informative, both good & bad. I had my 20 week ultra sound today to see if you are a boy or girl & to make sure that you are developing normally & that you are healthy. The most wonderful news is that we now know that you are a boy! We no longer have to refer to you as the baby, we can now call you by your name: Ryan Christopher Allard. We are so excited to know "what" you are & to start referring to you by name. I have to admit, that I was surprised because I really thought you were a girl. I am just so blessed to have you & thankful that the Lord has given you to us. Daddy is very excited as well & of course, we can't wait to meet you!
The doctor also had to give us some distressing news as well. The first bit of information is that there is something wrong with your left kidney. The ultra sound showed that it was distended (enlarged), but they don't know why. We have to go to a Perinatologist to have a special high tech ultra sound done to see if they can find out what is going on. Needless to say, Daddy & I are very scared. The doctor said that you may have to take medicine for the rest of your life or that you may have to have surgery to have it removed, we just don't know yet. We are continuing to pray everyday that the Lord will protect & heal you & that whatever it is, it goes away on its own. It saddens Daddy & me to know that you may have to start out in this world with an obstacle, but be assured, that no matter what, we will always love you & we will do whatever it takes to make sure you are healthy & happy.
As if the kidney information wasn't enough, they also informed us that my cervix is shortening. This usually happens at the end of the pregnancy when you are ready to be born. It is way too early for you to come, so this is not good news. I have to start taking shots once a week to hopefully stop it from progressing & I am on modified bed rest now. When I get home from work & on weekends, I have to lay flat to keep any pressure off my cervix to help it not to dilate. Apparently my cervix is in the "normal" range when there is no pressure, but when they pushed down on my belly which applied pressure to my cervix, it dropped to 2.8 centimeters. 2.5 centimeters is when things start to get really serious. So again, Daddy & I are praying that God will continue to watch over me & to help my body to cooperate & do what it should. We just love you so much & even though we want to meet you, it is way too early right now for your safety.
Some other good news I can report is that I can feel you kick quite frequently. It makes me feel confident that you are strong & healthy. The doctor said that my placenta is on the front side of my uterus, so when you kick, in order for me to feel it, you have to kick through it which is like kicking through a pillow. She said that most women whose placenta is in this position don't feel the kicks until much later & sometimes, not at all. Therefore, you have to be kicking pretty hard for us to feel you!
Speaking of us, Daddy got to feel you kick for the first time on Sunday. He was so excited! He talks to you every night before we go to bed. He tells you how much he loves you & how happy he is that you are coming & he always asks for you to give him a kick. You haven't responded to his direct requests yet, but when I feel you moving, he tries to "catch" you at those times.
I just wanted to check in & let you know of all the information we have received. We are just so blessed to have you in our life. You keep growing & getting stronger & keep kicking Mommy!
Here are some pictures from our visit. A profile view & the confirmation that you are a boy!
Well, today was very informative, both good & bad. I had my 20 week ultra sound today to see if you are a boy or girl & to make sure that you are developing normally & that you are healthy. The most wonderful news is that we now know that you are a boy! We no longer have to refer to you as the baby, we can now call you by your name: Ryan Christopher Allard. We are so excited to know "what" you are & to start referring to you by name. I have to admit, that I was surprised because I really thought you were a girl. I am just so blessed to have you & thankful that the Lord has given you to us. Daddy is very excited as well & of course, we can't wait to meet you!
The doctor also had to give us some distressing news as well. The first bit of information is that there is something wrong with your left kidney. The ultra sound showed that it was distended (enlarged), but they don't know why. We have to go to a Perinatologist to have a special high tech ultra sound done to see if they can find out what is going on. Needless to say, Daddy & I are very scared. The doctor said that you may have to take medicine for the rest of your life or that you may have to have surgery to have it removed, we just don't know yet. We are continuing to pray everyday that the Lord will protect & heal you & that whatever it is, it goes away on its own. It saddens Daddy & me to know that you may have to start out in this world with an obstacle, but be assured, that no matter what, we will always love you & we will do whatever it takes to make sure you are healthy & happy.
As if the kidney information wasn't enough, they also informed us that my cervix is shortening. This usually happens at the end of the pregnancy when you are ready to be born. It is way too early for you to come, so this is not good news. I have to start taking shots once a week to hopefully stop it from progressing & I am on modified bed rest now. When I get home from work & on weekends, I have to lay flat to keep any pressure off my cervix to help it not to dilate. Apparently my cervix is in the "normal" range when there is no pressure, but when they pushed down on my belly which applied pressure to my cervix, it dropped to 2.8 centimeters. 2.5 centimeters is when things start to get really serious. So again, Daddy & I are praying that God will continue to watch over me & to help my body to cooperate & do what it should. We just love you so much & even though we want to meet you, it is way too early right now for your safety.
Some other good news I can report is that I can feel you kick quite frequently. It makes me feel confident that you are strong & healthy. The doctor said that my placenta is on the front side of my uterus, so when you kick, in order for me to feel it, you have to kick through it which is like kicking through a pillow. She said that most women whose placenta is in this position don't feel the kicks until much later & sometimes, not at all. Therefore, you have to be kicking pretty hard for us to feel you!
Speaking of us, Daddy got to feel you kick for the first time on Sunday. He was so excited! He talks to you every night before we go to bed. He tells you how much he loves you & how happy he is that you are coming & he always asks for you to give him a kick. You haven't responded to his direct requests yet, but when I feel you moving, he tries to "catch" you at those times.
I just wanted to check in & let you know of all the information we have received. We are just so blessed to have you in our life. You keep growing & getting stronger & keep kicking Mommy!
Here are some pictures from our visit. A profile view & the confirmation that you are a boy!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thank You!
Dear Baby,
So, you know how Mommy keeps asking you to kick me so that I can finally feel you move? Well, apparently you heard my first request & I just didn't realize it! Yesterday, I felt you move for sure because you were very active. It was the same movement I have felt for the past 2 weeks, but a little stronger. I didn't realize those first feelings were you! Mommy feels so silly not realizing that I have felt you kick for the last few weeks. However, I am just so happy to finally know that I can feel you moving around. I anxiously await the next movement & when you do move, I know that you are awake. Daddy is very excited & he can't wait for you to get a little bigger so he can feel you kick too! So, now that I know you are big enough for me to feel you move, keep on kicking away!
So, you know how Mommy keeps asking you to kick me so that I can finally feel you move? Well, apparently you heard my first request & I just didn't realize it! Yesterday, I felt you move for sure because you were very active. It was the same movement I have felt for the past 2 weeks, but a little stronger. I didn't realize those first feelings were you! Mommy feels so silly not realizing that I have felt you kick for the last few weeks. However, I am just so happy to finally know that I can feel you moving around. I anxiously await the next movement & when you do move, I know that you are awake. Daddy is very excited & he can't wait for you to get a little bigger so he can feel you kick too! So, now that I know you are big enough for me to feel you move, keep on kicking away!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Crazy!
Dear Baby,
Wow! It has been a crazy few weeks over here, let me tell you! However, Daddy & I have constantly been thinking about you as always.
About 3 weeks ago, I was getting in the car to leave work & I fell. I landed right on my bad knee (I have already had 2 surgeries on it). Boy, did it hurt like crazy, but not as much as worrying if you were OK. After talking to 20 different people, they assured me that since I didn't land on my stomach, that you were OK. That made me feel better.
As if the fall wasn't enough, last Saturday Daddy & I were out crib shopping for you. We were having so much fun & then bam! We were rear-ended in a car accident. I was actually on the cell phone with Grandma when it happened (Daddy was driving) & was completely hysterical. I called 911 & they sent an ambulance to take me to the emergency room. I was so worried that you were hurt. Luckily, the doctor was able to find your heart rate & it was beating normally...140. I felt so much better.
Now the countdown is on to find out if you are a boy or a girl. The suspense is killing us over here. I want you to know that no matter what, we will love you just the same & we are just blessed to have you. I want to know so that we can paint your nursery & get cute bedding for you! 2 1/2 more weeks & we have our appointment to find out just what you are, so....you better cooperate! :)
Last weekend Daddy & I were able to go crib shopping again & we got your crib & dresser/changing table. It is really nice & we can't wait to bring you home. I feel much better knowing that you now at least have a place to sleep.
Thursday is Thanksgiving. You're going to love it because I am going to eat like a pig! You have made me so hungry it is unbelievable. You sure do eat a lot for being so small! That's OK, anything to help you grow & be healthy.
That's all we have to report at this time. I just wanted to "check in" & fill you in on all the craziness that has been going on. Hopefully, I will have some more news to report soon. I still haven't felt you kick & wish that you would. So again, I'm asking...please kick me really hard so I can feel you & know that you are in there & are OK. You can sleep at night with Mommy & kick away during the day! We love you sweetheart & can't wait to meet you!
Wow! It has been a crazy few weeks over here, let me tell you! However, Daddy & I have constantly been thinking about you as always.
About 3 weeks ago, I was getting in the car to leave work & I fell. I landed right on my bad knee (I have already had 2 surgeries on it). Boy, did it hurt like crazy, but not as much as worrying if you were OK. After talking to 20 different people, they assured me that since I didn't land on my stomach, that you were OK. That made me feel better.
As if the fall wasn't enough, last Saturday Daddy & I were out crib shopping for you. We were having so much fun & then bam! We were rear-ended in a car accident. I was actually on the cell phone with Grandma when it happened (Daddy was driving) & was completely hysterical. I called 911 & they sent an ambulance to take me to the emergency room. I was so worried that you were hurt. Luckily, the doctor was able to find your heart rate & it was beating normally...140. I felt so much better.
Now the countdown is on to find out if you are a boy or a girl. The suspense is killing us over here. I want you to know that no matter what, we will love you just the same & we are just blessed to have you. I want to know so that we can paint your nursery & get cute bedding for you! 2 1/2 more weeks & we have our appointment to find out just what you are, so....you better cooperate! :)
Last weekend Daddy & I were able to go crib shopping again & we got your crib & dresser/changing table. It is really nice & we can't wait to bring you home. I feel much better knowing that you now at least have a place to sleep.
Thursday is Thanksgiving. You're going to love it because I am going to eat like a pig! You have made me so hungry it is unbelievable. You sure do eat a lot for being so small! That's OK, anything to help you grow & be healthy.
That's all we have to report at this time. I just wanted to "check in" & fill you in on all the craziness that has been going on. Hopefully, I will have some more news to report soon. I still haven't felt you kick & wish that you would. So again, I'm asking...please kick me really hard so I can feel you & know that you are in there & are OK. You can sleep at night with Mommy & kick away during the day! We love you sweetheart & can't wait to meet you!
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