BP, Nonstress Monday

I had a nonstress test on Monday, 6/28. It went well. My blood pressure was 117/73, which is excellent. The test went well...Peanut looked great, according to the nurse. I had 2 "larger" contractions (still not painful, but they looked more intense on the paper than the others had). I also had smaller ones, but nothing consistent. The nurse happened to be in the room when I had one so I was able to know for sure that the tightening I was feeling was truly a contraction.

Met with Dr. Lo a little after the test. BP was 124/84, which he was happy with. Finally! BUT...he still doesn't think I will go for another 2 weeks! I'm honestly expecting them to have to induce me! I still cannot believe that word is even in our vocabulary!! He also said I can do things at nights/on weekends! Yippee skippy! I think I will go vacuum, go for a run, do some jumping jacks, and throw in a few sit-ups! If that doesn't make things go, not sure what will! I'm kidding, of course!

Life is good...we are so blessed...excited to meet Peanut...hoping for health...praying for a safe delivery...thankful for family and friends...love you all...

Who needs sleep anyway?

Last night we had some crazy storms and tons of rain in a short period of time. We got about 2.2 inches (doesn't sound excessive, but it came so fast). The NOAA weather radio went off constantly between a thunderstorm watch/warning and flood watch/warning. They were talking about wind gusts of 70+ and quarter size hail. Now, I personally didn't care what was going on here and I really didn't mind being up most of the night. But, I was worried about Brad! He is gone on his last overnight fishing trip before Peanut gets here. He's about an hour and 15 minutes Northeast of here and I knew they were also getting nailed with the same storms, if not worse. The kicker is...he's in a camper! And, the campground was already extremely wet before these last storms. So, all I can think of at 3:00 in the morning is whether or not they are ok, did they get the wind/hail/flooding? So, knowing they get up very early for these tournaments, I sent him a text at about 3:30 wishing him "good luck and telling him to be careful with the rising water on the lake." No response. So, I send him another text asking him to let me know they are ok after the storms. No response. So, thinking maybe they weren't getting up until 4:00, I called after that. No answer. I call 2 more times...no answer! Are you kidding me?! What if I was in labor! If any of you are like me, your imagination is 1000 times worse in the middle of the night than during the day. So, you can probably imagine everything that was racing through my mind -- are they alive, what is wrong, do they just not have service, are they already gone to the ramp and his phone is buried under his rainsuit, etc?! Yet, I continue to think the worst! FINALLY (after what seemed like an eternity), at 4:22, he calls and says, "I'm running behind, what did you need?" Oh...just needed to know that you were ALIVE! Seriously, I'm happy he was ok! I asked why he didn't answer..."I had my phone on silent!" Newsflash - I could have been telling you I was in labor!! Oh, honey, I love you! :) The good news is - I really must not be close because I'm pretty sure if I was, this would have put me into full labor! :) This is now a funny story since everything is OK! But, I wanted to put it on the blog so we have a story to tell Peanut.

Everyone have a great day...I will now be going to take a nap!
Love, Kari

We Made It!!

36 weeks TODAY! We did it! We are so happy Peanut decided to stay put this long! And, I feel great! Ever since being off the procardia, I feel so much better! I have more energy, lost weight (not that I care, but must have been retaining water), and have just felt better overall! Plus, I don't have to take meds every 6 hours! The side effects of the new blood pressure medicine have almost completely gone away. I did go to the doctor today again to have my bp checked - it was 120/90. Obviously, still not thrilled with the bottom number. I will have a non-stress test again Monday morning and have my bp checked again. If it's still sort of high, I will go back again next week. If not, I get to wait an entire week. :) Dr. Lo does not think I will go in the next week...thank goodness since Brad is fishing his last tournament before the baby this weekend! If for some reason I still haven't gone by July 15th (or somewhere around there), they will induce me. That would be 39 weeks. I am just amazed the word "induce" is even being mentioned! Who would have thought we would have made it this far?! :) :) So happy we have been able to keep Peanut safe and let everything finish developing this much! Everyone have a great weekend -- I'm pretty sure we'll both be all smiles! :)

Take Care!
Kari

6/21/10 Dr. Appt.

Went for a blood pressure check-up today. The first time they took it, it was 130/90. I rested for about 5 minutes (laying down) and it was then 120/80. Dr. Lo still did not like the first reading. He said it was "reasonable," but with last Thursday's reading, he wanted me to take new blood pressure medicine. And, in case you are thinking, "that doesn't seem that high," here is their explanation: "if that was your normal range, we probably wouldn't think much of it (other than bottom number really is a little high). But, we have checked your bp since day 1 and this is high for YOU." Ok! That makes sense! So, I am on a new bp medicine and they have taken me off the procardia (contraction stopping med) and the magnesium oxide. So far, the side effects of the new med have not been the greatest. I am extremely anxious and have a tingly scalp (sounds weird, but it's annoying more than anything). I am hoping these are temporary!! I will go back on Thursday (36 weeks) to check the bp again. He wants to make sure I'm on enough of the medicine.

They also started with non-stress tests today. I will have one every week until I delivery. It is just being hooked up to the contraction and baby heart rate monitors. Not a big deal and kind of reassuring. We did this in Omaha so it was really nothing new. I asked if I was having any contractions and she said I had 2 in the first 10-15 minutes. I have no idea if the tightness I am feeling is just the baby moving or a contraction. Probably a combo of both.

Dr. Lo said again today that I will probably not go anymore than 3 weeks (either I will go on my own in the next 3 weeks or they will induce me). Shocker - that would be when I thought my due date was all along! Oh well! We'll see what happens.

I think that's about it...everyone have a good night!
Kari

Baby Peanut

Oh, goodness! I have had so much time to think this weekend! If you know me, that is not always a good thing! But, I think it's actually ok this time. Everything is getting more realistic each day. Each time I walk past the nursery, I think, "Wow, we are going to have a baby in that room any day now!" It's almost too good to be true. This pregnancy hasn't been the easiest in the world. And, I have actually decided that's OK. I think it has given me a greater appreciation for this little bundle. Not that I have ever not appreciated the gift God has given us, but I have had days that made me frustrated that it hasn't been a piece of cake for us (and just thinking that frustrated me)! But, it's not always sunshine and roses. Sometimes we have to have the rain and thorns to make the perfect rose. And, that's what peanut will be - perfect! I don't mean that nothing will be "wrong," but no matter what, he/she will be our perfect little miracle! God has truly blessed Brad and I with having the ability to have a child and allowing us to make it this far! We are only 4 days from our 2nd goal (June 24th)!! Not only that, we have been so blessed with an amazing support system. Friends I don't keep up with on a daily basis have e-mailed and reached out to us. Thank you for that! I'm honestly not sure I can ever express how much that means to me/us! I'm sitting here watching golf (of all things) and they keep talking about father/child relationships. I'm so excited for Brad to have that very soon!! I think he will be such a proud Dad! I can't wait until Peanut can hold a fishing pole and stand right by Dad to catch his/her he first bass!! What a priceless moment that will be! Happy Father's Day, Brad! Zeke, Peanut, and I love you!

I will try and update tomorrow after the doctor's appointment! My bp has been great this weekend so I'm very hopeful tomorrow will go well!! Have a great night!

Love, Kari

6/17/10 Dr. Appt.

35 weeks today! We had our regular doctor's appointment today. My blood pressure was 134/96 at first. That was a little too high, according to our doctor. They had me lay down on my left side for about 5 minutes, re-took my blood pressure, and it was 120/70. So, that was better. However, Dr. Lo was still somewhat concerned about the first time it was taken. I have to go back on Monday to have it taken again. If it is still high, he will put me on blood pressure medicine, take me off the contraction medicine and magnesium oxide, and possibly put me on bed rest. I cannot tell you how hopeful I am that it is not high!!! I'm not sure bed rest and I would get along too well! I did retake my bp tonight and it was 120/76. Guess we'll see what happens Monday. He has recommended no travel and definitely down at nights and weekends. I think I have let myself get back in the habit of doing stuff at night instead of absolutely no activity. So, this weekend I will be doing absolutely nothing!! Dr. Lo's gut feeling is that I will not go into labor in the next week, but will not go more than 4 more. So...in the next 2-3 weeks, Baby Peanut may arrive! Whoa - talk about reality! I'm starting to question whether or not I can really do this / care for a person!!! It's all becoming a bit overwhelming for me. I think that's a common concern (at least I hope so)! I guess I would just appreciate any prayers right now!! That seems to help me the most!

Everyone take care -- we love you all! Kari

34 weeks - Woo Hoo!

We are about 5 hours from making it to 34 weeks! Yay! This was goal #1 for us! We're excited that Peanut stayed put until now! I'm optimistic we'll make it at least another 2 weeks.

On Monday night, I was having lots of tightness. It was pretty frequent for about 2 - 2 and a half hours. It finally faded, but then started back up mid-morning on Tuesday. I ended up going to the doctor just to make sure we weren't in for a surprise! They determined it probably is contractions. But, they are hoping they will not cause me to go into labor with the medicine I'm on. Basically, the medicine will hopefully keep them mild enough to prevent labor. I was still measuring the same as our appointment in Omaha so that was great news! Dr. Lo also commented that he thinks the increased fluid led him to think the baby was on the bigger side. He now thinks we'll have an average size baby. Thank goodness for that! We will go back to see him on Thursday, 6/17. Overall, I'm feeling decent. The medicine is really causing some nasty swelling in my feet and ankles. It makes me feel pretty crappy for about 2-3 hours after taking it (every 6 hours), but we're surviving!! I'll be curious to see when I can stop taking it!!

More great news - Angie & Jared (Angie has been a great friend as long as I can remember) were blessed with a precious little girl last night at 9:55 pm! Hadley Dawn Eichholz weighed 7 pounds, 1 oz and was 18.5 inches long!! I've seen 2 pictures now and she seriously is just perfect!! We're so very happy for them!! Angie had to have a c-section so we definitely hope she recovers well from that!! Once again, I just want to hop in my car and drive to see these babies, but know I can't...yet!

Mom and Dad Frerking are coming up this weekend - VERY excited to see them!! I obviously won't be tons of entertainment for them, but it will be great just to relax and visit! Wish them safe travels!!

Everyone take care!! Kari

Omaha Appt.

Brad and I left bright and early this morning for our doctor's appointment in Omaha. We arrived around 6:30 am. We had another ultrasound (not as detailed as last time). They measured my cervix and the amount of fluid around the baby. My cervix has continued to shorten. I think it went from 2.9 to 2.2 in the past 2 weeks. I thought maybe this was ok since we are getting closer to arrival time. But, Dr. Levine said it is just too early for this to be happening. Right now, our goal is to get to 34 weeks (next Thursday). They will not stop labor if it starts then. If we can make it to that, our next goal will be 36 weeks so that we can at least deliver in Carroll. I think Dr. Levine thinks we'll be ok, but just to be on the safe side, he decided to go ahead with the steroid shots. I got one today and will get the other tomorrow. Because they can actually cause contractions, I am taking the Procardia (to stop contactions) a little more frequently, if necessary. The side effects of this medicine aren't the greatest. Coupled with the steroid shot, I am not feeling the best tonight. It's been a long day with only a few hours of sleep. I am very hopeful the side effects will subside by Sunday. Dr. Levine instructed that I continue to be off my feet, especially with the heat. And, for once, I can't say I'm too upset with that order. Dr. Levine did comment that he is comfortable with the baby's size. My fluid levels are about the same as last time. So, for now, we are protecting Peanut with the steroids and hoping for 36 weeks. We will go to Dr. Lo on Thursday in Carroll.

Now...on to the REALLY exciting news!! My friend Kim and her husband Joe (such great people) were blessed with a baby boy last night at 10:32 pm!! Benjamin Joseph Wuertz was 9 lbs, 6 oz! That poor momma! Seriously, though, both Mom and Ben are doing great!! We could not be happier for them! The only thing that is driving me crazy right now is that I can't drive to Kansas to see them!! I did get a picture via text message and he is absolutely adorable!! So, Congrats to them!! We love you!!

Thanks for the continued support and prayers...
Love, Kari

5/25/10 Appt.

We had our "32 week" appointment with Dr. Lo on Tuesday, 5/25 (it was actually 31 weeks and 5 days, but who's counting). I think he was in a hurry so it wasn't the most detailed appointment, but oh well! I am just going to assume that's a good thing. He did check things out and nothing has changed since last week! So, that's great news. Hopefully, Peanut got the hint to stay put! I can't help that he/she is as impatient as me! I'm rather happy to see 32 weeks tomorrow! So, now we will wait until next Friday (6/4) to see Dr. Levine. I sincerely hope nothing happens between now and then (and for some reason, I don't think it will). Dr. Lo indicated they would stop the meds if I can get to 34 weeks...that's my goal right now. Wouldn't it just be ironic if I end up going to 40 weeks?!

Otherwise, we're doing well. I'm still kind of bummed we don't get to go home for Memorial Day weekend. This will be the first Fangmann reunion I have missed. :( But, as my aunt said, what a better reason to miss than for a baby. She's right! Thanks Aunt Brenda! So, here's a shout-out to everyone -- have a great time, eat & drink some for me, and enjoy each other!!

I sincerely hope all of you out there are doing great! Thanks for following us on this journey! We love hearing from you and can't wait for you to meet our special little bundle!!

Love, Kari

3-D & More

First of all, thank you EVERYONE for the thoughts, prayers, comments, and e-mails! Thank you, thank you! We are so blessed to have such a support system!! Things are much better than the last time I wrote...emotionally, at least. I was beyond exhausted Thursday and have been able to really relax and rest this weekend. It has been so helpful! Baby Peanut has been active enough to let me know he/she is ok! Thank goodness for that! I started the test for Dr. Lo today and will finish it early tomorrow morning before work. I will make a quick trip to the hospital before work tomorrow morning and get all of that done. That will be nice! The medicine is going better! It first gave me such horrible headaches, but I think my body has finally adjusted and they are basically gone. Oh well, I'd gladly endure those headaches everyday if it is helping Peanut! One thing I left out on Thursday's post is that we did get the 3-D ultrasound done. We weren't asked if we wanted - they just did it. I, personally, was not sold on getting this done, if asked. I didn't really want to know what Peanut "looked" like until he/she was born. BUT, it has been the best thing ever! Anytime I get frustrated or worried, I just look at this little picture and it makes it all better! What a sweet little thing! I personally think you're looking at a "Little Brad," and that is great with me! Hope you enjoy as much as we do!!

Thanks again for all of your prayers! Love ya, Kari