35 Weeks

Well we have completed 3 weeks of NSTs. Each week the amniotic fluid levels dropped, especially since it wasn't very high on at the first NST (11.7 down to 8.9). Josh and I were really worried about what harm could be coming to Ellie even though she was passing the NSTs. We were told at the first test that 10-20 was good and that anything under 10 was worrysome and was watched closely. A 5 was way too low and one would be induced. The specialist saw our numbers and still sent us home with our next appointment in a week like normal. Upset, we left.

Today we went in for our weekly visit with our doctor. We told him about our numbers and how we were upset. He did a good job on calming us down and letting us know that the placenta was just tired and was slowing down and that we would probable have a baby here in a couple weeks. He told us that a 7 was borderline and that is when they would start taking more action and he had no problem if it came down to inducing me (with how much we have already dropped I am sure that next week we will be a 7 or at least pretty close). He also checked for any progress and there was barely any dilation but I was being to thin. I was curious about the baby "dropping" because I had felt a lot more pressure on my pelvis and down low and sometimes even a uncomfortable pain. He checked and indeed she was beginning to drop.

Pretty exciting, we might not be waiting until April to meet our little girl!

My 33 week belly

Ellie 33 week ultrasound photo

Foggy Morning

This morning Josh and I headed out for our first NST (non stress test) with the specialist. We walked outside to FOG. Just walking outside the house we could hardly see the neighbors homes. It was beautiful and scary at the same time. Not many people felt the need to use their headlights.

The driving range

Coming off Black Ridge

Going past the baseball fields on 700 S.

600 S. getting ready to turn into the parking lot

We were there for almost an hour getting set up and having the test explained to us. We got to see Ellie for a quick minute as the tech measured the fluid around her. Then I got hooked up to the monitors. One monitored Ellie heart rate and the other monitored my uterus. Ellie was very active and kicked and pushed the whole time. Josh loved every time she would kick her monitor and there was a loud thud. The tech explained that I should eat before coming in hopes to ensure a active baby. She showed me her device that she would use if Ellie were to be not active enough. It was a little vibrator. She touched it to my hand for me to feel. I thought to myself, "that isn't strong enough to get any reaction our anybody." Then she touch it to Ellie's back and Ellie jump so hard inside my belly, kicking the monitor and making Josh laugh. Everything went well, I had one tiny little contraction, but not enough to worry about and Ellie is doing just fine.

31 1/2 Weeks

I woke up to find that my belly has GROWN. Only bigger from here I guess!!

Two weeks ago we had an appointment with the specialist. Little Ellie is getting Really big! She weighed about 2 pounds and 13 ounces! We expect her to make it to term, April 2. YES!! The Specialist said there was NO SIGN of the blood clot! He even said that we could say we were back to a NORMAL PREGNANCY! Wonderful, wonderful news. Josh can finally relax, just in time to begin to worry about having her here!

We will still start non-stress tests once a week in a week and a half. Plus, we begin going in for check ups every two weeks instead of every four. I can't believe the end is actually in sight!

We took my friend Rokelle with us to the ultrasound this time. Had to show her what exactly was growing inside me! Josh and I were shocked to see how big she has grown since we first started doing these ultrasounds in October. The high point is ALWAYS seeing her face. The tech was able to catch a glimpse of profile, she had her right arm (far arm) to her face and she was opening and closing her mouth. The detail was amazing! Then Ellie moved.