37 Weeks

Not a lot has happened this week...that I can remember. haha ;)


We met with Dr. T on Wednesday.  My body has not made any progress  towards starting labor...ugh.  I have several issues, but not one of them has crossed the threshold  into the "we need to take the baby" zone.  

My thyroid has been under control my entire pregnancy, so at this point...it isn't causing an issue.


We still have the Persistent Right Umbilical Vein issue, but it honestly doesn't seem to be a real issue.  Everything else that it would affect has not been affected, so it just is what it is.


I am very swollen...especially my hands.  My feet aren't looking so great either, but dang my fingers are fat.  I also have a fluid pocket below where the baby is sitting, but it does't seem that big to me.  Maybe my gigantic baby belly overshadows that?


My blood pressure is high, but not high enough.  I am averaging in the 140s/80s...my highest being 149/91.  Dr. T is concerned I am mildly pre-eclamptic...or that I have hypertension.  I don't really want either one, but I guess it isn't my choice.  Dr. T sent me for more testing at the hospital.  




I already had my NST the day prior, but she sent me for another.  She also had me get some blood work done and she had me do a 24-hours urine collection test.  (For the record...that was gross.  You have to keep ALL the urine collected in the freaking fridge. Gross.  I know I'm not the first person to do this test, but ick.)

(My newest stretch marks...ugh.  I guess I should feel luck they aren't all over my belly...  Being a girl sucks.)

I am still going to the hospital twice a week for NSTs and on Fridays (my second appointment) I also get an AFI to measure my amniotic fluid.  Normal is between 5-25 (cm, I think).  My levels have been at 12...then last week it was at 11.  This week she first measured me at a six...then remeasured me at an eight.


One of of the concerns is that Blip is measuring small.  That could be because Blip is small...or that IVF babies are statistically smaller than non-IVF babies.  Or it could be because the placenta is no longer working properly.  If the fluid levels drop, that would indicate the placenta is not working properly.


Because my numbers were still within normal, we were sent home.  I was concerned that my fluid levels seemed to have dropped significantly over the last week, so I called Dr. T as we drove home.  I left a message for her medical assistant and waited for a return call.

A few hours later, I received a call from one of the nurses in the office.  She told me Dr. T was not in the office, but that she took my questions/concerns to another OB in the office (Dr. W).  That OB was also conceded with the drop in fluid levels, but because I am still within normal, she did not believe anything needed to be done immediately.  Dr. W does want us to have a more in depth ultrasound to measure the baby on Monday. The nurse said she would have someone call to schedule us for the ultrasound on Monday...she also said she would inform Dr. T of what was going on.


After that call, I received another call. This time it was Jean...my nurse that does my NSTs at the hospital.  I really like Jean.  She told me that the doctor (not sure who he is, but someone over Maternal Fetal Medicine at the hospital) was unhappy with my NST results.  She said he wanted me to come back to the hospital and redo it and he wanted a BPP (BioPhysical Profile ultrasound) done too.  Just to be safe.


I was at Richelle's house when I got the call, so I drove home...threw some of the stuff I think I need into a bag, ate dinner and then drove myself to the hospital.  I half-packed so if I didn't get to come home after the test, it would be easier for my sisters to pack my hospital bag for me.  


I have been putting it off for weeks now.  I'm not sure why I don't want to pack it, but every time I say I am going to do it...I find something else (like sitting on the couch) to do.  I think it just bothers me to pack a bag I may not need for weeks...and there are things that go in that bag that I use every day, so I just think it's all stupid.  Not sure what my problem is.


Now there is a suitcase on my floor with a bunch of Target bags tossed in or near it.  I'm sure whoever finishes packing that bag (if it's not me) will be pissed...and I'm sure Mike loves tripping over it, but I don't feel compelled to pack it yet.  I hope that isn't a sign that I will be pregnant FOREVER!!  Cause that's how it feels...like this is the never-ending pregnancy.


We will wait to see what comes of the ultrasound on Monday.  Dr. T also asked me to move my "normal" growth ultrasound up a week, so that is scheduled for this coming Wednesday.  However, the one Monday may take its place...not sure about that yet.


We are as ready as we are going to be.  I need to do some stuff to Blip's nursery still, but again...I can't get motivated.  I started washing some of his clothes, but it feels weird to wash his stuff when he isn't here yet.  All of his stuff is put together (the swing, bouncy seat, stroller, car seat, etc.)...we are just in the holding pattern, I guess.

To My Sweet Son

To my sweet son, 

I have been thinking a lot about your impending arrival over the last few weeks.  Although I have wanted you for more years than I can count, the fact that you will be here...in my arms...in a few short weeks (maybe even days) astounds me.  There is so much I want to teach you.  So many things I want to protect you from.  So many things I want you to experience.  

As your due date nears, I find myself missing my own mother more and more.  I will teach you about her as you grow, but it breaks my heart that you will not know her on this Earth.  During my adult life, there have been many occasions I wish my mother were here to experience with me.  None of those life events can compare to how much I long for her now.  I don't think I knew how much I missed her in my own life until I found out I would myself become a mother.  There are so many questions I want to ask her...and so much advice I wish she could freely give me.  There are so many questions I have for her. 

It's hard to explain, but I am already so in love with you.  I've never held you, and other than an ultrasound, I've never even seen you...yet I can't imagine life without you.  You aren't even here yet and I already understand why my mother wanted so badly to beat her cancer.  During those six long months, my mom told us she wasn't afraid to die, but she did not want to leave us...her kids.  16 years later...as you grow in my belly...I understand what she meant.


Conceiving you was a challenge.  I'm sure you'll have heard the story more times than you will care to remember, but I want you to know how thankful I am for those trials.  Although I always wanted to be a mother, I think suffering through infertility strengthened that desire.  It also forged a bond between your daddy and me that is hard to explain.  Our marriage, like every marriage, has its good days and its bad, but our struggle...together with my hard pregnancy really helped to solidify our family.

My pregnancy with you was not easy.  Although...I honestly don't know pregnancy to be anything than what is has been.  I wish I could have been healthier after all of the hormones were introduced into my system for so many weeks.  I didn't know how much those fertility drugs would affect me.  I always planned to work right up to my due date.  I never imagined being unable to work nearly the entire time.  I have only been able to do a few activities for months now.  It's frustrating at times, but there is also a "good" side to it too.  I would have done anything to make sure you were able to grow inside of me...and to be delivered at a healthy stage.

I have truly loved every second of just feeling you move and squirm and grow inside of me.  There were so many days I got to lay in bed or on the couch and just enjoy you.  It has always amazed me how much I have loved to feel you move.  I waited for it to get annoying, but it never did.  The bigger you grew, the more I could feel you.  As much as I want to you be ready to join us here, I know I will miss those moments that were shared only between the two of us.  Your dad and I spent hours laying together just feeling and watching you move...we laughed a lot and loved every second of it.


The days and weeks are slowly, but quickly passing as your dad and I prepare for you to come live with us.  You are already our favorite topic.  All the things you will need (and we will need for you) are quickly taking over our house.  We have done our best to make sure you will be comfortable...and sleep as much as possible. Haha :)


I have done my best to journal all of our experiences thus far...from trying to conceive you, through the trials of pregnancy.  I will continue with your birth and your milestones as you grow.  It's something my mother did for me...as best she was able.  I pray I don't leave this Earth as early in your life as my mother did, but someday I won't be here to tell you the stories, so I want you to know them with or without me here.  


Son, a lot will be expected of you.  Your dad and I will give you all the tools you need to succeed.  You will never be without the things you need, but you will not always get what you want.  We pray everyday you will grow in to a man of integrity.  A man who works hard, and strives to take care of his own needs and his family's needs when the time comes.  We want you to one day have your own family...that you love and take care of.  A man who believes in Christ and wants to be like Him.  A man who stands up for what's right...and doesn't make excuses.


The most important thing I want you to remember is this- You are loved...from long before you were born we have loved you, prayed for you, and longed for you to be here in our arms.  I don't regret anything.  I have tried to embrace each step of this journey...and I hope I have not only endured it well, but lived it each day with the right attitude and the right amount of grace.  I have done my best to make sure you were able to stay inside of me to grow and thrive until it you were ready...and healthy enough to come out and join the world.


I am so anxious to meet you.  I can't wait to hold you in my arms and whisper in your ear how much I love you...over and over.  Always remember this:  I promise "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living...My baby you'll be."


Love, 


Mom

1 Week Post Surgery

I thought I would post some pictures one week post surgery.  

Mike has been pretty uncomfortable this week.  His face has been very swollen...and has bothered him quite a bit.  He even wore his glasses (instead of his contacts) one day.  And that is saying A LOT.  He hasn't complained very much, but I know he hasn't felt himself.  The Dermabond so close to his eye really bugs him...which I can only imagine.


We have one more week until our follow-up with Dr. R.

9 Months Pregnant

Today made 36 weeks pregnant.  I can't believe we made it this far!!  I am super excited, but I am so ready to be done.  Over the last week or so, I have been experiencing the reasons women complain about their comfort level while pregnant...heart burn, dislocated ribs (it really feels that way), no sleep, peeing constantly, etc.)


I think I feel pretty good.  My ovaries are still at least double what they should be...not sure how much they add to my pain, but there is a definite difference between discomfort and pain,


I met with Dr. T on Tuesday.  I haven't dilated at all, but that's good for the baby, for now.  Blip is measuring small.  He's in the 13th percentile at just under 5 lbs.  Dr. T said at this time we have nothing to worry about.  It is not abnormal for IVF babies to be born a bit smaller, but 6 lbs isn't any smaller than normal, non-IVF babies in my family.  

I will continue to do my NSTs and AFIs (to measure my amniotic fluid levels) twice a week to ensure that Blip's smaller size is not because the placenta stopped working properly.  I didn't like to hear this, but so far, everything appears to be functioning properly...and it could just be that he's small.


I have been having back cramps (like awful period cramps).  They aren't my favorite part so far...especially since I can't take any decent medicine to dull the ache.  Oh well.  Dr. T said this is normal...even though my body hasn't progressed any.


My feet and hands are still swollen.  My hands always look awful, but my feet look best when I stay off them.  Both my hands and my feet fall asleep a lot...the tingly, pins and needles feeling was annoying the first time.  It's so bad it wakes me up at night.  Weird.


My blood pressure is still going up and down.  It's averaging around 140/85.  Higher than we'd like, but it hasn't gone much higher than that, so no immediate concern about that.

As of our appointment this week (I was 35 weeks 5 days), we are hoping to go until Blip is ready to come on his own.  I will be honest...I hope he is ready as soon as we hit 37 weeks.  I am hoping Dr. T will induce me at 39 weeks if everything stays as it is right now.  I would hope for 38 weeks, but I need more significant medical issued to arise for that to happen.  I've read that normally IVF babies come early on their own, but I haven't done anything normally thus far, so....we'll see.


I have been mentally preparing myself to go back to work when Blip is 6 weeks old (8 if c-section), but the closer I get to having this baby...the harder it seems to leave him that soon.  Ugh.  Stupid modified bed rest....it so screwed me.  Oh well...it is what it is.  I can't change anything, so I need to figure out how to deal with it.


I have no complaints.  I have never been happier than I am right now.  Happy, but terrified...and excited.

Mohs Surgery

Today was the big day for Mike's Mohs Surgery...the one to remove his skin cancer.  We had been feeling a bit uneasy with the whole thing this week...especially as the procerdure day/time got closer.  We both did our fair share of reading about Nonemelanoma Basal cell Carcinoma and about Mohs Surgery.  I think we both felt some-what knowledgeable about both, but the location of the cancer is what made us uncomfortable.

I think Mike is beautiful on the inside and the outside.  I love his face...especially his blue eyes.  He can still melt my heart just by looking at me.  I would love him no matter what he looked like...if he always looks this good, when he looks old, if he was to be disfigured, etc.  But if there is no reason to scar up his perfect face, I would rather not.  I know I would not want my face to be scarred if it could be avoided.  The few scars he does have are endearing, however, I completely understand his desire not to add any more to his collection.

We discussed (and were referred to) using a plastic surgeon instead of having a Dermatologist do the Mohs Procedure.  Everything we read stated the Mohs Surgery is the most efficient way get rid of this type of cancer...and a plastic surgeon wouldn't be performing Mohs.  A plastic surgeon would cut the cancer out...and hopefully get it all in one chunk.  He would then close up the wound beautifully.  If there happened to be more cancer, the procedure would be repeated...possibly at another time. 

If Mike's cancer hadn't been A) on his face and B) so close to his right eye, I highly doubt we would have thought twice about any of this.  But it was THAT close to his eye and it IS his face.

We agreed that Mike did not have to go through with the procedure today.  We decided we would talk to the doctor and ask our questions...and then decide what to do.  So we did.  She was wonderful.  She answered all of our questions and I felt at peace with going ahead with the surgery.  I don't think Mike felt quite as comfortable as I did, but he is the one who was being cut on, so I would assume there isn't a lot of comfort to be had.

She told us she could not be certain how large the scar would be...and said there was no way to know until all the cancer ws cut out.  She explained that Mike's tumor could have rooted itself down into the eyelid, or up on his face...and it was unknown how deep.  It was also possible it hadn't done that.  The type of tumor that Mike had started on the top of his skin, which she explained was in his favor.  Other tumors can start under the skin and not show themselves for years...leaving the cancer to grow and root very deep and a large part of the face (or wherever) would need to be removed (like an entire cheek). 

Dr. R did not believe that would be the case with Mike's tumor.  She also explained that if the tumor had rooted itself too close to Mike's eye or eyelid she would refer us to an ocular plastic surgeon.  I didn't even know such a person existed.  (Of course, I never knew there were doggie neurologists until I had a reason to know.)  We asked if she did the surgery, could he close the wound if we were unhappy.  She said of course.

I felt going through with the Mohs Surgery was the best way to eradicate the cancer.  We also had options for a plastic surgeon if the tumor appeared to be more than hoped for...so we agreed to go forward.  I really liked Dr. R and felt comfortable with her.  She was confident, but comforting.  Mike asked her how many Mohs Surgeries she had done...her answer: 1,000 a year for 15+ years.  I'd say she has some experience with it. 

I knew by looking at her diplomas she wasn't brand new, but it was interesting to see her skin...it was perfect.  No wrinkles, no acne, no ance scars, no aging at all.  I should have asked her what she does to her face...or what products she uses.  Cause damn.  I don't want to look old...and I hate that I still have stupid acne.  Stupid genetics.

I was allowed to stay in the room for the surgery (which made my curious brain very happy).  She told me I was allowed to stay...as long as I did not become the patient.  Mike just laughed...she clearly doesn't know either one of us.

The nurse numbed the area...and told us Mike would most likely get a black eye.  The doctor came back in, picked up a cutting tool and went to work.  She cut for a few minutes, put the skin she cut off on a slide, put some colored dye (or something) on the skin and said we were done for the time being.


We were shown to a waiting room to wait until the lab finished testing the skin for cancer cells.  After 30 minutes-ish, the nurse came back for us.  There were cancer cells found on the biopsy, so the doctor needed to take another layer.

She drew a picture to show us the two small spots of cancer she needed to remove and where they were in relation to the original tumor.  Luckily, they were near the top...away from Mike's eye, eye lid, tear duct, etc.  It was relatively good news.  Dr. R made one more incision, cut out the pieces she needed, placed them on a new slide, did the dye thing and was done.  


We walked back to the waiting room...and waited.  We were lucky and met some very nice people.  The mother of a Phoenix Sergeant, a fraud investigator and his wife...and a nice little old lady.  Mike and the fraud investigator actually worked on the same case a few months ago...they hadn't met and didn't know that information until today, but what a small world.

The nurse came to get us.  She walked us back to our room.  She sat Mike down and numbed the area again...then we found out Mike was all clear!!  There was no more cancerous tumor to go in and cut out.  It was great news!!  

Dr. R explained she wanted to leave Mike's wound open to heal on its own.  She said it would definitely be a bad scar if she stitched it.  She also said she didn't think doing a skin graft was right either.  She told Mike that if she put a graft on the wound the scar would always be that size, that color, etc.  She then said if it were her face, she would leave it open.  She said it would have a better chance to heal and look natural.

We asked what happened if we didn't like the way the healing process was looking.  Dr. R told us we could always do something different in a week or two.  She said she would be happy to refer us to an ocular plastic surgeon at that point...if we felt it was not healing nice enough.  We felt comfortable with what she explained and said okay.


The nurse cauterized the wound a little more and then bandaged it.  She then explained how to care for it.  Dr. R wants to see us back in two weeks to evaluate the healing.  Mike will leave the dressing the nurse put on for two days.  After that, he can wash it with soap and water in the shower...and then we are supposed to dress it with a dermabond dressing we bought from the office.  

If you Google Mohs Surgery and look through the images, it will sicken you.  I'm glad I hadn't looked through the images prior to today.  Mike had...and after doing it myself, I completely understand why he was so nervous.  The pictures are awful.  I think Mike's wound looks better now than almost ALL of the pics I found on Google.

Mike is cancer free. I am so thankful we got rid of the tumor before it rooted further or caused other problems.  I'm most thankful the cancer was nonmelanoma.  I love Mike and need him here with me, so I'm glad he decided to stick around to help me feed this kid in the middle of the night.

Blip's Growth

Today we had another growth ultrasound.  Before we left, we begrudgingly made one more appointment for one month from now...even though nobody believes Blip will still be growing inside of me in four more weeks.  One can hope, right?


When I arrived, I signed in and requested that I not have the chick that did our scan last time.  She was awful.  We had her once before....and she was awful then too.  I did not want her awfulness ruining my week.  I felt quite bitchy asking not to have her, but she was really awful.


We got our favorite, Terri.  She's had us the most...and she is just as excited to see Blip as we are.  She loves to let us look at his face for a long time...she always points out how he sticks his tiny tongue out.  


Today she pointed out the little bit of hair he has growing on his head...she guessed it was no more than "peach fuzz".  Mike and I were both bald and my heart burn has not been as unbearable as I've heard about, so peach fuzz sounds about right.


She also pointed out his chubby cheeks...the ones I can't wait to kiss.


The baby was very quiet today.  He's normally very active, but he only moved a few times during the 20-25 minute ultrasound.  He was doing his "practice breathing" (with the amniotic fluid) the entire time, so Terri could not measure his belly.


She was able to get the couple of measurements needed to tell us how he is measuring in totality.  Today I am 34 weeks 4 days...Blip was measuring 33 weeks and 4 days.  He hasn't been behind an entire week until now.  Since his growth was a concern of the  Perinatologist's, I am wondering what's next.  I meet with Dr. T tomorrow, so hopefully I will know more then.

Miracle Maker

We stopped in to see Dr. Behera this afternoon.  I had no idea how happy I would be to see her again.  It's been about 25 weeks since our last appointment, but it feels like forever.  As soon as she saw us, she had a huge smile on her face...and we embraced.  

We stood and talked with Dr. Behera and Serena (her medical assistant) for a while.  We laughed about all the people I have sent to meet with Dr. Behera...she wondered if she's now met ALL my friends.  I wonder how many people I have referred?  Hmmm...a lot.

We snapped a couple pictures, talked about Blip, the pregnancy and said our goodbyes.


After we left, Mike and I were talking about how Dr. Behera has changed our lives.  I wonder if she truly knows what she has done for so many like us.  Infertility is such a dark hole...it's painful and lonely.  It seems never ending and hopeless.  She specializes is doing everything in her ability to bring people through those hard times to happiness.

Dermatologist

The second week of December I was in California for a few days with two of my sisters (Robyn & Richelle) and my cousin Carol.  We have made it an annual thing to go to Disneyland for Christmas...just us girls...just adults...just the best thing EVER.  I look forward to this trip more than just about anything else all year.  


This year was a little different...with me pregnant, in a wheelchair, Carol came with us, Sydney was working there, and we even got to enjoy the exclusive Club 33.  All fabulous things...no complaints.  Well...the wheelchair thing sucked, but better than not getting to go enjoy the magic with my besties.


So, on Saturday night we got back to the hotel room and I was exhausted.  I guess going to the mall in a wheelchair, waiting in the car at a few other stores, and pigging out at Cheesecake Factory is tiring...who knew?  Anyway...I got in the shower to start the going to bed process.  


At one point, I looked down and the water was brown. And I mean every ounce of water had color to it.  It took me a second to think clearly enough to realize it was blood...and then I even saw red blood splashed up on the side of the white tub.  There was no mistaking what it was at that point.


I stood there for a second trying to think of what I should do.  My first thought was that I must be bleeding A LOT for the tub to have so much blood in it...and that much blood had to be coming from one certain place.  And that one place is not supposed to be bleeding at all.  


I looked down to verify where the blood was coming from, but I can't see past my belly button, so that wasn't going to work.  I tried feeling with my hand, but I was in the shower...so that wasn't working either.  While I am doing all this, my brain was going about a thousand miles a minute...I'm going to have a preemie in California....where will we stay?  How will Mike get here?  How long would we have to stay here?  Can they fly us home to PCH?  Why am I bleeding?  I didn't barely even walk today.  I really didn't want to have the baby without Mike, but how long would they let me wait if I was already bleeding this much? 


Ugh...I was mostly frustrated with the what and why and how of what was going to happen.  


I realized I could not help myself in this situation, so I had to decide who in the hotel room I would want to witness ALL of me in the shower...and have to investigate the bleeding issue.  Well...my BFF drew that short straw.  


I'd already seen Richelle give birth twice...and she'll be there for Blip's birth, so really this should be okay...even though I was about 60 pounds heavier than normal...and standing naked in the shower...with gigantic boobs the size of cantaloupes that aren't quite as pretty as they used to be...and great with child in my watermelon sized belly.


I called out to Carol and asked her to get Richelle for me.  Richelle came to the bathroom door...I poked my head out from behind the curtain and whispered for her to come closer.  She looked frightened, so I just had to come out with it.  I threw back the curtain and asked her where I was bleeding from.  She looked down...and then back up....she still looked afraid of what she was seeing (I don't blame her...I see it everyday!), but she said she couldn't tell where I was bleeding from.


I showed her the water...and I'm sure we weren't whispering by this point.  Robyn made her way to see what the fuss was about...and Carol said she heard the word blood, so privacy was out the window.  Luckily (if luck is a word that can be used here), Carol came around the other side of the tub and opened the shower curtain, so she had a full view of my backside in all my glory (sorry about that, Carol).  She could see that something on my back, up near my shoulder was bleeding...a lot.


I had some instant relief, but then I couldn't figure what/why I was bleeding SO much from some unidentified "thing" on my back.  Since 9-1-1 wasn't needed, the three girls let me finish showering alone...then I got out, dried off and was still puzzled about this new bleeding growth on my back.  Weird.


While my favorite girls made funny comments about me being naked (haha...I will leave those comments unsaid here, but they were dang funny!), I made mention I needed to find a new dermatologist.  Someone closer than Chandler...and someone that would be more helpful removing a mole or two from Mike's back.  Carol mentioned she found an amazing doctor after several not-so-great-doctors visits to help with some issues her kiddos have.


When we got home from Disney, I called and made appointments for both Mike and myself.  I obviously needed whatever was on my back looked at, I needed someone new to help my acne issues as soon as I can take meds again, and it was past time for Mike's skin check.  He has a few moles that need to be checked every year and he also had a small growth near his right eye/bridge of his nose.  We thought it was a skin tag, but it had gotten a bit bigger over time, so we thought we'd mention it.


When we showed up for our appointments on Tuesday morning, they took me back first.  We really, really liked the doc (I think he's actually a PA, but he's great, and probably better than the doc, so a doctor he is!).  


The nurse asked if I wanted to take my shirt off, or if the doctor could look at my issue with my top on.  I looked down at the size of me...and opt'd to keep my top on.  Luckily the growth was on my shoulder...and not somewhere more showy.  The doc came in, looked at my new thing and said it appeared to be growth caused by hormones...most likely from pregnancy (or IVF).  He said it was most likely a harmless blood vessel, but also said it would bleed a lot if irritated.  He said something as simple as my bra strap could cause the bleeding...and it's right where my bra strap would irritate it.  He thought we should take it off.  He'd send it out the lab just to verify it was nothing.  So he cut it off and cauterized that spot.  Done in a few minutes...no big deal.


While the nurse prepped me, it was Mike's turn.  I'm not sure what they talked about in the beginning, since I was in my room and he was in his, but when the doctor came back to do his thing in my room, he said he was going to remove a couple moles from Mike's back and the little flap of skin near his eye.  I asked the doctor if he thought the moles were an issue and he said he did not believe so, but because they bothered Mike he would take them off and send them out to be safe.  He went on to say that he was more concerned about the tiny flap of skin because it resembled basal cell carcinoma.  I was surprised, but he said it would also be sent out to be sure.


After they finished up with me, we all went next door to Mike's room.  The doc removed the moles on his back, cauterized them and then had Mike roll over to his back.  He did the same thing to the  skin flap thingy near Mike's eye and we were done.  


$70 in co-pays, a few less spots on our bodies and a only few minutes later...can't complain. (Not to mention it only took a few weeks to get in.  Some dermatologists I looked in to were scheduling new patients months out.)  We hopped in the car and headed towards our next appointment.  I swear...between the two of us we live at the doctors office these days.  If it isn't for one thing...it's something else.


This morning, while laying in bed, Mike's phone rang.  He reached over and answered it...I was lying next to him, so I could hear the chick on the other end.  She just wanted to let Mike know that the moles came back benign, but the tiny, flesh colored skin flap thingy (my word, not hers) was in fact basal cell carcinoma.  She tossed in there that it was the nonmelanoma type of cancer, so most likely it will be no big deal.  However, it still has to be dealt with...it's still stupid cancer.

I immediately reached for my phone and googled "basal cell carcinoma".  Everything I found said the same thing...very common, unlikely to spread to other parts of the body, etc.  Before the chick hung up, she gave Mike the name and number of the surgeon they recommend we use.  She said the surgeon's office should get ahold of us, but thought we should take down the name and number just in case.


While we waited for my non-stress test (NST) today at the hospital, the surgeon's office called.  Mike is all set for surgery next Thursday.  He will be having the Mohs Surgery...and it will be done by Dr. Romine.


Luckily, we aren't ones to stress about stuff...until it needs to be stressed about.  It's really more of an inconvenience because we currently have so many other things going on health wise for both of us...then add Blip to the mix and we have plenty on our plates already.  We are very thankful this thing came back as a nonmelanoma type of cancer...that is a huge relief to both of us.


We are now praying for no more medical issues for a while.  Blip can join us at anytime, but other than that...we are good for now. 


Now I can honestly say I am so very thankful for that stupid thing on my back bleeding so much that night in the shower.  I am usually very good about keeping up on our check-ups, but with so much going on...and wanting to find a new dermatologist and blah blah blah...I am glad we didn't put it off any longer.

Fat Feet

I have been watching for signs of preeclampsia since my doc noticed my blood pressure several weeks ago.  Luckily, my blood pressure has stayed low, with only an occasional rise to a level we aren't comfortable with.


This week my feet have become swollen...and stayed that way.  I no longer have ankles...and my calves look swollen too.  My flip flops are even leaving marks now.  My fingers have been fat for a while, but now they are really swollen...and even my wrists are swollen.

My blood pressure was 140/90 this week, but has since gone back down to more normal.  When I meet with Dr. T next week, she will be able to give me more info on what we need to do about my blood pressure.


While at the hospital today for my NST, I was told to watch for blurred vision, seeing spots or a headache that can't be relieved with a Tylenol.  If one of those things occurs, I am to go immediately to the hospital.


So really nothing new to report.  I am happily 34 weeks this week....I can't believe how close we are to holding this little guy in our arms.

Ice Cream Cone

We had dinner with our good friends the other night at Red Robin.  I am having an issue with needing chocolate lately...and I hate chocolate, so I blame the baby.  I decided instead of a chocolate shake I wanted to stop and get some Thrifty Ice Cream on our way home. Mmmm....chocolate malted crunch!! (and a scoop of mint chip for good measure, right?)


Mike is very sweet and obliged.  Unfortunately, we pulled up as they were locking the door.  Damn.


I asked Mike to take me to Baskin Robins as a pretty decent alternative.  I can always be super happy with a scoop of chocolate & peanut butter and a scoop of mint chip.  31 Flavors closes at 10pm, so I knew we'd be safe.


We walked inside and I must have looked excited....the guy behind the counter immediately mentioned they were out of mint chip!!!  That about took the wind out of my ice cream happiness sails.  I thought for a second...and asked if I could purchase a pre-packed quart of mint chip...and then he could scoop out a scoop for me into a waffle cone with my scoop of chocolate & peanut butter.


He looked at my belly....and told me, "Sure!"


I grabbed a quart of mint chip (and one of chocolate & peanut butter for good measure) and handed them over.  He made me my waffle cone...and fixed what Mike ordered, we paid and were off.


Mike thought it was hilarious.


I thought it was completely normal...and very smart.

NYE

This year we didn't plan much for New Year's Eve.  I was really wishing we could out somewhere and really celebrate.  Last year, Mike worked and I hid at home by myself.  I was in a bad place with all of our infertility issues...and at that point, we thought we were done....doomed to not be able to reproduce.

Obviously, we figured that part out.  So this year, I wanted to ring in the New Year by shouting my happiness about where we are now.


We talked about going to the Melting Pot, but I said it was too expensive.  We received a gift card for Flemings, so I was hoping Mike would make reservations there.  


Instead, he made reservations with some friends of ours.  Which was a good idea.  We had a great time, but left for home pretty early.  I guess pregnancy does that to you.

This picture is from our first New Year's Eve together...at the same friend's house.  We've come along way since then...

Blip's Place

Mike and I have been collecting items for Blip's nursery since June.  I ordered the furniture for the nursery in July...we picked it up in the beginning of October.  We've had the crib mattress, the bedding (since 2009), new sheets, the rocking chair, and many other assorted pieces we've picked up along the way.  The collection took up all of our upstairs landing...and ALL of the other stuff we have for the baby is stacked in the living room. 

Our house has literally been overtaken by Blip's new stuff.  I think he has more than we do.

I asked my sister-in-law Anna if she would paint the nursery.  She is one of the most talented, artistic people I have ever met.  Add my brother-in-law Kurt (her hubby) in to the mix and you have two of the most talented, artistic people on the planet.  I knew whatever Anna painted would turn out simply amazing.

I really didn't know what I wanted....other than a sky with clouds.  Anna added a couple bumblebees that match the bedding...and they are perfect!!  I love them.  It's very simple...just like I like.  I still need to add curtains, some artwork, etc., but the nursery is coming right along.  I am excited about all of it.  I also asked Anna for some ideas on how to do a Hungry Caterpillar themed playroom.  I never thought she'd want to paint that room too, but she did her thing in there too.  I just love how it turned out!!

Tonight, our dads came over to put up the fan/light and to assemble the crib.  I have been anxiously awaiting this day since we started trying to get pregnant...and that was a LONG time ago.  

Carlys ironed all the bedding, so it was ready to put on the bed as soon as was done.  I finally got to sit in my rocking chair...and just be in Blip's room.  I loved it.

There are quite a few more things that need to be done, but for now I am just happy.  It's fun to see the furniture in person.  I had only seen it in pictures...and it's been in boxes for months. I'm glad we waited until just the right moment to open it.

I started my first load of Blip's laundry tonight too.  I started with towels and blankets...I will slowly move to his clothing.  I don't know why I am so hesitant to wash his clothes, but I am.  I figure I can fold and out away all of his towels, washcloths and blankets in the linen closet.  Then I can move on to his tiny clothes.  I can't wait to organize everything!! :)

I also have A LOT to do in the playroom.  Mostly just organizing and finding the things I want to put in there.  I already know how I want to finish decorating in there, I just have to wait until I have Blip's first photo-shoot with Natty to be able to finish it.

We also have several things that need to be put together...the swing and such.  I think they are all things we can manage between us....it just feels so strange that the time is already here.