updates and birthday smiles

Life continues to move on whether I'm at home or not. Apparently our frig had a leak so I helped arranged for it's repair, which thankfully was still under warranty. We also were able to close on refinancing our home. We were grateful that they were able to work with us especially when it came time to notarize the final paperwork. My parents have also been helping with home improvement projects. Over the holiday weekend, they put shelving up in my garage. Bryan and Christina came to help and Tomee supervised.

 supervising

 

 

Amanda helped decorate my apartment for the holiday. 

Cousin Ryan came to visit before heading off to celebrate with friends.

Here's Kate just after swimming lessons.
She enjoyed spending the holiday with the Thomas clan. 

My blood pressure keeps going low and coming back up. They say this is typical in the second trimester and also because I'm primarily on bed rest. I'm not symptomatic, although sometimes I can get quite tired. They don't plan to change my heart medication unless my blood pressure stays low. Found out I'm anemic again so they have doubled my iron dose. That may have also contributed to being tired at times too. Earlier they did hear a pocket of fluid in my lung so I had to do a breathing exercise, but after a few days my lungs were clear again. Looks like they would induce right at 34 weeks on the dot, so August 22nd could turn out to be Spud 2's birthday. Also have to pray the baby turns by then so I don't have to have a c-section. There's nothing they can do to make the baby turn because of it's age and size, and it's harder for the baby to turn when there's little fluid, so we'll wait and see.

On Friday I had an ultrasound back at labor and delivery unit with the better equipment. Mom drove up to visit and see her grand baby. Things continue to look good. Baby is now 2 lb 3 oz which we're told is normal size for it's gestational age. Spud 2 will be growing at a faster rate as the pregnancy progresses. Fluid volume continues to be around 5 although I'm still leaking. I got just a few ultrasound pictures, but there's no point in posting as you wouldn't be able to tell what you're looking at. The reason I don't have good pictures is due to how Spud 2 is positioned. It's curled up butt and back facing out and with the lack of fluid there's no way to get a clear view of the full body or face. Cousin Ryan brought us lunch which we ate outside in the sunshine. It was a nice way to celebrate turning 28 weeks. I've been here four weeks now.

On Sunday I had another ultrasound to check fluid volume and it showed 6.3 so it appears Spud 2 is healthy in replenishing more amniotic fluid. I continue to have daily blood sugar checks, but I now only have two a day rather than four; my fingers are happy about that! My blood sugars have been fine since the restricted diet and even with outside food.  Please continue to pray for the health of Spud 2 and I as well as Jay, Kate, and all the caretakers. You can also pray for fiances as medical bills are starting to trickle in. We thank each and every one in whatever way your helping our family. I'm especially grateful for the frequent visitors because it's definitely helped pass my time. We are blessed by our community. We eagerly await the results of our baby gender poll so don't forget to cast your vote.

Kate's been having lots of fun the last few weeks, going on many adventures.

Jay and Kate find new parks to visit weekly

multitasking-eating bread while shopping

Here's the text from my mom: "Making flower soup, want me to bring you some tomorrow?"

 

 

 Irvine Spectrum with Yia-yia

train ride

 

 First ferris wheel ride

 

 

 She learned how to cross her eyes.

 

Hospital garden

 

 Outdoor fun blowing bubbles with daddy

Thomas clan visits

 

Thanks to Nana and Aunt Peggy, my window is looking very homey
I get lots of complements

Water fun at Nana and Papa's

Here's the closest I get to relaxing at a pool this summer.
 In a wheelchair at the hospital garden.

Today is Jay's birthday. He enjoyed taking Kate to her first water park. 

They had a blast although the weather was cool.

Happy Birthday Jay!!!