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

Trying to Keep Peanut Safe!

Hello everyone. Just wanted to give a quick update. On Wednesday, I started bleeding and cramping. I went to see Dr. Lo. He discovered that my cervix was not as "long" as it should be at 31 weeks. My blood pressure was also high (I still think that's due to anxiety). He scheduled a test for preeclampsia and sent me to see Dr. Levine (Omaha) this morning. Dr. Levine performed a very detailed ultrasound and discovered I have the following: 1) More fluid around the baby than he would like to see; 2) a "mature" placenta - more mature than he would like it; 3) contractions (cannot feel). He has put me on a strict protein diet for the fluid, complete rest at home after work and on weekends (thankfully I can still work), and a prescription to stop the contractions. I really feel that Dr. Levine has everything under control. Well, as much as he can control anyway! He is a great doctor and was able to explain everything and we're confident in his diagnosis and treatment. For now, I will do one test over the weekend, see Dr. Lo on Tuesday and also have another test done requested by Dr. Levine, and see Dr. Levine on June 4th. At this point, I'm definitely hoping to make it to 36 weeks - June 24th! We would sure appreciate all prayers during this time! I will try to update everyone a little better, but for now, I'm exhausted! Thanks for everything! Love, Kari

30 Weeks

We've made it 30 weeks (ok, I'm a few hours shy, but I'm going to count it anyway)! I remember when week 20 came and I thought, "30 will be the next milestone - wonder how long it will take for that to get here?!" Well, I think it's gone fast for everyone but me. But, we're 75% of the way there! I think Brad is ready for it to be over. I'm just not a very patient person and I'm so ready to meet little Peanut. Obviously, I do not want to meet him/her yet (let's make it past 36 weeks to be on the safe side), but I am just so anxious! And...we still don't have a boy's name! If you know me, you have to know this is about ready to drive me crazy! At this point, I'm almost hoping it's a girl so we don't have to make up a boy's name! How crazy!

Since I last wrote, the doctor has put me on prescription iron pills (325 mg). I can't say it's made me feel too much better. If anything, my nauseousness has returned. But, as long as it's helping Peanut, I'll deal with it! I had my last check-up on Monday, May 10th. Everything looked great! She didn't tell me the heartrate, but my blood pressure was normal and the baby was measuring just over 30 weeks...just like I think it should be! I have been having some weird feelings under my right rib. They are thinking it's my gallbladder. So, I have to watch what I eat - no greasy foods, cut back on fatty foods, etc. And, the worst thing for a gallbladder? Hamburger! That's honestly about the only meat I can eat at this point. I'm not totally convinced what I'm feeling is my gallbladder, but I am trying to change my habits anyway! I really don't want to have surgery before baby gets here!

As for our family, Zeke is doing well! We're still fighting his "reverse sneezing." Poor little guy just fights through each attack. But, he's back to 100% as soon as they're over. We just love him like crazy! On Saturday, May 8th, we sold the Pontiac G6 that I've driven for the past 4 years! It was actually kind of sad to see it go. We were going to wait to purchase anything else until July (after new rebates came out), but ended up going to the dealership on Saturday and purchasing a Chevy Equinox! We will be getting it on Monday, May 17th. I can't say I'm excited to have a car payment again, but it will be nice to have a warranty, dependability, and something a little bigger for Peanut's arrival!

Brad left today for his final "long" fishing trip before Peanut gets here. Just to be on the safe side, Mom is coming up tomorrow night and we'll spend the weekend together! Yay!! I'm very excited! One of my co-workers, Annie, is hosting a shower for me this weekend, also! I'm pretty sure she's done way too much already, but she just won't listen to me! :) I am excited for it and very thankful to have such great co-workers and friends!!

I think that's it for now...next appointment will be an ultrasound on 5/25!

Love, Kari