25 Weeks

Last week, at 25 weeks of pregnancy, I went to my regular OB appointment.  After being so ridiculously sick in the beginning of my pregnancy, I have finally enjoyed feeling relatively normal for the past couple of months.

In my pregnancies with Abigail and Michael, once I got through the hyperemesis, I did well until the very end of pregnancy.  I did develop preeclampsia with both Abby and Michael.  In both cases, I was full term, so I was sent to the hospital to be induced.  Delivering the baby is really the only "cure."  I was induced with Abigail on her due date; I was induced 4 days before Michael's due date.

Before we decided to have another baby, I talked to my doctor to ask his expert medical opinion on whether or not it would be wise for me to get pregnant again.  He told me that because I had developed preeclampsia in both of my pregnancies, I would almost surely have it a third time.  However, since I did not develop any problems until the very end of pregnancy, he thought I would probably be fine.

So, I was unpleasantly surprised last week at my routine checkup with a blood pressure reading that was already starting to rise.  I also had weight gain associated with water retention.  (I couldn't wear my ring!)  The doctor, hoping that my blood pressure would go down after sitting in the exam room, called the nurse back in to recheck it.  It was exactly the same.  That nurse, hoping she was wrong, called in another nurse to check her.  It was exactly the same.

The doctor didn't want to panic, but she was concerned.  My blood pressure was not high enough to technically be considered preeclampsia, but I normally run fairly low and there was a significant rise.  Since there was no protein in my urine and I was not showing other symptoms of toxemia, she said she wanted me to come back in a few days to have my blood pressure checked again.  She also went over all the symptoms I need to be watching for.  If I have any of them, I am supposed to call her right away.  If my blood pressure is still up when I go back on Tuesday, she will do lab work to check everything.  I am supposed to "take it easy," keep my feet up as much as possible, and hope the blood pressure goes down.  If it doesn't, she said I may be headed toward bed rest.

The news is unsettling because my due date is still so far away- 15 weeks until my due date, and 12 weeks until the baby is considered full term.  If I were to develop preeclampsia and it became too severe, the baby would have to be delivered.  It is much too early to even think about that. 

The good news is that Coley has been checking my blood pressure everyday at home.  So far, it looks pretty good.  I'm keeping a log to take to the doctor on Tuesday.  Hopefully, it will be as good when the nurse checks it in the clinic.

Until then, I'm just trying to keep my feet up and not stress! :)   

     

Abigail and her Big Words

The other day, Michael was playing with one of Abigail's toys.  Abigail walked over to him and said, "Michael, you can't play with that toy.  That toy is legendary!"

Where does she get this stuff?

My Little Bookworm

This is how Michael fell asleep last night.  I love that he already LOVES books!

Recital Time!

Last weekend was Abigail's dance recital.  This year they did a dance to "Dancin' in the Street."  The girls all looked like they had a blast on stage!  They performed especially well during the Friday night rehearsal.  On Saturday, one of the girls was unable to dance because she was home with a high fever.  At such a young age, the rest of the class was thrown off a bit by a change in their line, etc., but they still did great!  They also had fun being together while preparing to go on stage.

  

 Abigail just looks happy to be on stage!  I love it!

 Dancing away!

 Abigail (far right) stands with her cute dance class right before going on stage.

Abigail smiles for the camera in her pretty costume.

After the recital, we invited some friends over to have a barbeque.  It was a very busy, but very good day.

A Day at the Zoo (the REAL zoo with Animals)

Yesterday, we met one of Abby's friends (and her family) at the zoo.  It was the PERFECT day to go to the zoo.  It was partly cloudy and only about 63 degrees.  It made it very comfortable for this pregnant mama to spend the day outside!

Abigail and Michael had a GREAT time.  They both love animals and had a great time wandering from exhibit to exhibit. 

Michael and Abigail are both entertained by the tortoise. 

Usually the wolf is hiding, but yesterday (maybe with the cooler weather), he was wandering all over the place.  Michael kept saying, "Dog!  Dog!" 

Abigail, Cecelia, Sarah, and Lilly smile for the camera. 

Abigail and Cecelia 

Abigail and Cecelia actually sit still long enough for me to take a picture.  I had to hurry though!  Those two silly girls are two peas in a pod!

Some of the other favorite animals of the day were the baboons, the tiger, and the sleepy lions.  Our zoo isn't huge, but it really is a nice place and the little ones always have a great time!  I'm sure Abby and Michael will soon be asking to return.  The only problem for me would be ordering such perfect weather conditions again! 

Abby's Preschool Graduation

Yesterday, May 30, was Abigail's preschool graduation.  She looked so pretty and so grown up!  There was a fun program for the families; the children sang many of the songs they have been learning all year.  It was fun to see all of the children standing perfectly in their little line.

Abby stands next to her painting before the program. 

Abby was chosen to hold the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The class sings "This Land is Your Land." 

And now for the performance with the lummi sticks.  (As the teachers were handing out the sticks, most of the children were tapping them together.  Abigail held hers to her side and quietly announced that everyone was supposed to hold their sticks still at their side and that she was being obedient.  She never turned and said anything to her friends standing next to her.  She just made her quiet announcement while looking straight ahead at the audience.  We heard it since we were sitting in the front row.  It was hilarious!) 

 Abby "walks" across the stage.

The whole class freezes long enough to take a group photo. 

  Tara, Michael, Abby, and Coley smile for the camera after the program.  Abby was so excited that Daddy was able to attend, especially since this is the crazy week he is working night shifts!

Preschool has been a GREAT experience for Abigail.  She has learned so much while having lots of fun.  Her teachers were absolutely wonderful!

The next adventure.... KINDERGARTEN! 

Happy 37th Birthday, Tara!

Last Thursday, May 10, was my birthday.  Coley took the day off and Abby didn't have preschool, so we had the entire day to ourselves.  Abby and Coley made me a cake and had a great time in the kitchen.  (I baked some pumpkin cookies for Michael so he would have a treat while we all ate cake.)

In the evening, we went out to dinner.  I was so happy that food actually tasted good at this point in my pregnancy!  I went all out and ate a bacon cheeseburger! :)  Yum!

 Abby and Michael just hanging out and having fun.

 It's time to open presents.  I think Abby was at least as excited as I was.  She knew the presents didn't belong to her, but she wanted to help open them!

 Abby wanted me to wear her birthday crown from preschool.  Doesn't it look lovely?

The evening ended with birthday cake and ice cream.  I'm glad Michael didn't seem too distressed that his treat was different (due to his allergies)!

Another year older and life just keeps getting better!