Let it snow****

We had a slight dusting of snow for Christmas but today (Weds.) it's finally really snowing! Haley has taken a trip to Syracuse to stay with Papa and Nama for a few days. Mike and I find ourselves bored, not too sure what to do, but are getting a few things done around the house without our inquisitive 2 year old asking "Why"?


We had a Ultrasound this morning. Things are looking a little better than last week as it was detected my AFI (Amniotic Fluid) was a little low. If the baby doesn't have enough it can effect liver function and lead to growth issues etc. However, today's measurement was in the normal range so that was a relief. We did take a quick trip to L&D Triage on Monday night for contractions, but were able to come home after a quick check to make sure things weren't progressing and no sign of infection. We cross the 30 week mark tomorrow!


We had a lovely holiday and were so thankful family was able to come to spend some time with us. We look forward to 2012!


Happy New Year.


Mike, Sara, Haley and baby ???

Everyone is gaining!

Yesterday we had 2 appointments. One for Haley and one for Mommy/Baby.


Haley's was her 2 1/2 year -old well appointment :) According to the growth chart, she weighed in at the 50% for her age at a whopping 25.9 lbs. This is the best she has ever done for her age and we no longer have to analyze what she's eating/ drinking. Although we are hoping she continues to have her healthy appetite :)


She should be getting her new glasses sometime as we ordered them last week. It will be interesting to see if she will actually wear them. We are going to have one more Early Intervention Evaluation to look another look at her gross motor, after she turns 3 she is considered pre-school age and getting her any type of therapy (if needed) turns into a different process.




Following the good news we went to see how Sara/Baby are looking. Sara is now 28 weeks 4 days and had a growth ultrasound, which showed the baby to be around 2 lbs. 12 oz. This is great as he is already estimated to be bigger than Haley was at this point. Other than that nothing terribly exciting. We will continue to watch for signs of active labor and call with more than 4 contractions in an hour. With hopes that all things continue to stay quiet we will be continuing the restricted activity until 36 weeks, at which point the stitch will be removed and they won't do anything to stop labor if/when it starts.


We are staying home for the Holidays and some family is coming to celebrate Christmas Day! We can't wait for Santa to come and Haley is super excited :)


Continued thanks for the love & prayers.


Happy Holidays!!!

A girl, her dog and a carrot.

This is an interaction between Haley and Dunken yesterday as we were sitting on the couch. I almost filmed it but then realized that not everyone has had the limited social interaction that I have and therefore might not find quite as entertaining.  Your welcome.

As if it needs to be said, I am still bored and on bed rest. Last Friday we had some excitement and I got a "free night out". No, we didn't get to go on a movie date or to dinner, we spent the evening at the Pediatric Emergency Room. Haley took a little head first dive off the stairs (she was on the first stair). We didn't think much of it but she woke up vomiting about an hour later. Given Mike's history with concussions (he's had 7) he knew what to look for and we aired on the side of caution and took her in. She vomited again while being monitored at the ER but we didn't do a CAT scan since she was responding normally (walking, talking, tracking, etc.) The ER doc explained the caution over each scan as it is the equivalent of 12 continuous years of sun exposure! She's had them in the NICU so no need to push it. We won't talk about the "tan" that Mike should have...

Needless to say we spent the rest of the weekend begging Haley not to climb or jump off furniture.

We don't have a baby doctor appointment this week :) We go next Monday. I hope everyone is gearing up and enjoying the festivities for the upcoming holidays.

No button nose?

In Haley's early ultrasound we identified that she might have this cute, tiny button nose. We always joke about the origin of her nose, blondish hair, and blue eyes as they are clearly recessive. Today at our check- up we saw baby boy's facial features pretty clear. We are thinking maybe he will look more like Mommy and Daddy?

Today's appointment was okay, after the ultrasound we had a pretty detailed conversation with the doc. I failed my initial Gestational Diabetes screen, this is fairly common, so tomorrow I have to take the 3 hour test for a more accurate measure. After that we will have a better idea if I need to alter my diet to better regulate blood sugar, etc. 


The doctor talked to us about last Wednesday's events and commented that I was "contracting like crazy". She shared that while we were there they did conduct a FFn test. Fetal fibronectin is a protein that acts as a "glue" during pregnancy, attaching the amniotic sac — the fluid-filled membrane that cushions your baby in the uterus — to the lining of the uterus. If the fetal fibronectin test is positive, your health care provider may take steps to address premature birth — such as prescribing medication to enhance the baby's lung maturity. If the fetal fibronectin test is negative, you can be assured that your pregnancy is likely to continue for at least another week. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-fibronectin/
Luckily, mine was negative. We wish they had shared this with us at the time it might have helped to alleviate a little of the stress but we were happy to hear this today regardless. Today's check reassured no changes although he is hanging out very low everything looks stable and closed. Other than that she recommended the continuation of what I am doing (getting up for meals and occasional stretching) and monitoring contractions, she said to not be surprised if that isn't our last trip to Labor and Delivery. She explained to us that they will send me there so that they can monitor more effectively and have interventions (meds.) on hand. At this point, we didn't discuss any meds. to prepare the his lungs for an early arrival, which we are looking at as a positive.  I'll be 27 weeks on Thursday.


We kept Haley pretty busy this weekend. She finger painted on Saturday and "made" Christmas cookies on Sunday.

It's not all boring...

Since most of our recent posts have been "baby news" I figured I would share some of our family. Even though we have to stay pretty close to home, we have still have had some recent fun getting ready for the holidays. Haley is very excited about Santa coming this year, although she was careful to stay a safe distance when she saw him at the mall.

Mike and Haley at the XMAS tree farm.

It took a while to get Haley to understand that we could get a big tree, she liked the "baby trees".

I got the ok from the docs to take the short trip too!

Haley "decorated" with candy canes, most of which seem to be missing now??

Thanksgiving weekend we had some visitors, this is Nama reading to Georgia, Haley and Ruby (in flight)

Haley and Daddy took a trip to the mall, Haley at a "popsicle diggity" aka corn dog for lunch

Haley also went to Strong Museum, she loves the craft table and made Mommy a card to bring home.

No Strong visit is complete without a shopping trip to Wegmans

Butterfly exhibit.

First trip to Labor & Delivery :(

Well Wednesdays are usually my days for check-ups/ultrasounds after last weeks great appointment they decided to wait until next Monday and go a week and a half since I was stable. However apparently the baby missed the memo or just wanted the extra attention because we ended up at Strong yesterday anyway.

I noticed Tues. night that the 'contractions' I have been feeling became a little stronger. Many women experience Braxton-Hicks which are deemed "practice contractions" usually painless, and do not have an effect on your cervix so therefore do not progress labor. The problem is, is that's all I thought I had with Haley too, so they have asked me to pay close attention to them monitoring if they become constant or increase.
At about 10 am I called my doc and reported I have been feeling different and I think I might be contracting, so they sent me into Labor and Deliver to be monitored.  Once being hooked up to the monitor I was definitely contracting and they started with fluids just in case I was dehydrated, which wasn't the case. After a bit they gave me a shot of terbutaline which is kind of like a muscle relaxer for the uterus. This helped and although it makes you feel like your heart is going to explode, it seemed to lesson the contractions. I have several exams and ultrasounds and they concluded that everything looked stable, my water hadn't broken and I wasn't progressing into labor. I do have an infection which is being treated, which just increases my risk for premature labor (thanks, I think we've covered that) due to PPROM (or increased risk for ruptured membranes, aka water breaking).

So, after all this excitement, I returned home (relieved because I really was hoping to stay out of the hospital) to my comfy couch to wait and see what happens... There are other medicines they will try if the contractions return and if things stay quiet I keep my regular OB appointment for Monday.

Here's hoping for a quiet weekend :)

Again thanks to my NS friends who continue to keep us fed and entertained through their generosity, especially Heather, Paige, Jackie, Traci, and Barb. Thank YOU!!!

The baby is 26 weeks today! One funny thing that did happen is he got the hiccups when I was hooked up to the monitor, it was so funny to hear it.   :)

Sweet potatoes, stuffing, and turkey..

We already had our Thanksgiving feast. We were thankful that Sara's parents came last Saturday giving Mike some free time to cook, and they helped entertain Haley. After eating leftovers for a few days we have decided that since it's just the 3 of us (or 4 depending how you look at it) on Thursday, we will just be thankful we are all together and eat some other yummy stuff instead of the traditional feast. 


We had an appt. today and it went well. For now they are going to stop measuring her cervix, since it has seemed to stay stable since this all started, the doc basically said even if it were to change (shorten) they would only treat the "symptoms" and not the change, since we have already done everything we can for that. So, if she starts to show signs of pre-term labor we will cross that bridge with the necessary interventions (meds.) if we get there.  Overall, it was a good appointment and the baby is 1 lb. 9 oz. with LONG legs and arms according to the sonogram tech.


We hope everyone enjoys the beginning of the holiday season with a weekend full of family and fun. When we ask Haley what she is thankful for this year, she proudly responds "crayons".


~~Also a thanks to the Michaud, Foote, Pepper, and Parker families for thinking of us this week. 


We certainly have much to be thankful for!!  Happy Thanksgiving.

World Prematurity Awareness Day!

I was looking back into the thousands of photos we have of Haley searching to find one of her to post today, from our NICU stay, when I realized that Mike had uploaded them to our external drive. It seems as though we have put that behind us and it's probably better I didn't take a walk down memory lane. However, I do want to recognize today, World Prematurity Awareness Day and the families who have had the experience of pre-term delivery. I can say that it changed me forever and I admire all of those who work with these tiny warriors. 

We are all doing fine, trying to stay busy. At my weekly appointment yesterday, things continue to look stable, no changes, which for me just means "continue what you are doing". I am 24 weeks today, which is gestational milestone in the sense it means the baby is viable and survival rates go up from this point on. Yesterday Mike said, "I feel really good about this. He's going to keep in there and now I just have to keep you from going crazy until then". In the end, each positive appointment just affirms and keeps me/us going and we are so thankful.

Continued thanks for those who send treats and well wishes, especially friends at Northside: Jenn, Cassie, Paula, Irene and Sharon, who graciously thought of us this week.

Keeping Busy sudoku

Hopefully everyone enjoyed Veteran's Day, especially my teacher friends who had a well deserved long weekend. 


We had another quiet weekend at home. Mike took Haley "shopping" yesterday which was just supposed to be a trip to Wegman's, however she returned with a bag from the Hobby Lobby filled with pretend dress up hats. So far we have pretended to be firemen, construction workers, coyboys (no we didn't teacher her to sing YMCA yet....) princess' and safari people. It's been fun, I'm trying to get her in a few pics to post.


Mike and I have had a few movie nights, we watched The Lincoln Lawyer and Water For Elephants and enjoyed both. I received a Kindle from my girlfriends (thanks again Marci and Al) and I downloaded something I typically would have no time to read, the 4 books for the Twilight series.  After finishing the first book I watched the first movie. I figure with the new movie coming out next week it at least gives me a little motivation, not that I need it I have enjoyed reading it so far. My friends also sent me some things to keep me busy, a new scrapbook and supplies, some fun sudoku/crosswords, a cross- stitch. I will be keeping myself busy as we start the 2nd full week on our journey to Baby Boy.


Yesterday it was beautiful in Rochester, so I got to sit outside on the porch as Haley played lacrosse and basketball. Hoping to do the same today.


Happy Sunday.

No news= good news :)

Today's appointment was relatively uneventful in the world of high risk pregnancy :) The baby looked great, his heart rate is around 150 bpm (which is up from last weeks 130), and they estimate he weighs around 1 lb. 4 oz., which is really good for his gestational age.  My blood pressure dropped back to it's normal range 101/55 so all the rest has paid off. My cervix is considered "stable" meaning following the surgery there has been no major changes, which is what we were hoping for. 


Mike and I both took a little exhale following the ultrasounds. I had an appt. with the doctor following and she really spelled out for both of us what I should and should not be doing. She stressed the importance of the next 4 weeks, what I need to be looking for and urged us to call for any reason, nothing should be ignored. At this point we are doing all the proactive interventions, now we need to be reactive. Their goal is to act and hopefully stop my body if I go into pre-term labor. Overall, we left feeling good and optimistic for the weeks to come.


Before the appointment, I got to indulge in a little trip to a coffee shop and I had my seasonal favorite, hot cider with caramel. I hope that little treat and public interaction will last me until next week. I go back again on Wednesday.

Haley is enjoying the warm weather at Daycare!

Duggars kid #20 Really?

This morning I enjoyed my morning show routine,  Matt L. is in Spain today so I am living vicariously...  Anyway, the Duggar Family came on to announce she is is pregnant with baby #20. Given that their last baby was  a preemie I felt a little sting. Other than that the news was pretty depressing.

I have to thank some of my girlfriends who have been spoiling us with yummy things to eat. Chili from Tasha, pulled pork and beans from Mollie and Patrick, and a yummy red pepper ravioli that awaits us in our freezer for later this week from Liz! Although Mikey does enjoy cooking things can get pretty overwhelming here at times, so it's nice to have the extra help. We truly appreciate it.

Tomorrow afternoon we go in for an appointment so I will be sure to update.

Happy Tuesday!

thank god for TBS

While I search for my new hobby it is nice to have FRIENDS re-runs on in the back ground :)
We are enjoying the first of many quiet weekends at home. Haley has started to realize I can't pick her up and every now and then she pleads "carry me Mommy". Luckily she is easily distracted and it is pretty easy to get her to do what I need. Mike has "refreshed" our front living room to make it more calming and comfortable, he painted and redecorated accenting with a cool shade of purple and family pics. This is our room with the bay window so I can see outside and keep up with what is going on in the neighborhood (which usually isn't much).  It is also attached to Haley's playroom so we have been busy reading, coloring, and playing dolls pretty non stop.
Just wanted to thank everyone again for their support. My work family has been amazing, sending well wishes and although I think about my kiddos at school often I know they are in great hands.


I hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday (Go Giants!!)

Now we wait...

As Mike and I drove out of Strong hospital yesterday we commented on how long it's been since we pulled an "8 hour shift" there and how we pray we don't have to do it again. 


My procedure went as expected. The part I was nervous about, the spinal, was surprisingly easy and in my opinion pretty painless. For me, the worst part was hearing them talk during the surgery. I was basically tilted upside down on the table so I couldn't see anyone. I value Strong as a teaching hospital, as an educator I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't, but knowing they have needles 2 cm from my babies head didn't make me comfortable when I heard the attending say to a resident, "Well I wouldn't do it like that.".


Regardless after 45 min. I was in recovery, which in my opinion was the worst part. I am a fidgety person and not being able to move my legs was a sensation I did not enjoy. After about 4 hours of waiting we were able to leave and we were home just in time to greet Haley from daycare. Our amazing neighbors had picked her up and made us yummy minestrone soup and salad for dinner. Mike, Haley and I all fell asleep by 8 pm.


I go back to our docs on Weds. so we will assess everything via ultrasound, hopefully with the restricted activity will find no changes and everything will continue as planned...


Thanks for all the emails, prayers and positive thoughts!!

The things we do for love.

No one said having kids was easy, right?


Yesterday's weekly appointment was the one I had fearing. Those sonogram technicians sure are pretty good at keeping a poker face and when she left and said "I'll be back", I actually believed her. Yet, low and behold, 20 minutes later a doctor walked in and the air was sucked out of the room...


I won't get into the nitty gritty about all the things they are checking via ultrasounds, in an attempt to predict an upcoming per-term delivery, but what they found wasn't good and we needed to have a very serious conversation. Luckily Mike and I had been doing a little research on our own and were mostly prepared for the medical terms and information that were being thrown at us. So far the interventions have been no brainers: weekly hormone shots that Mike has been administering, easy enough. Weekly appointments and bloodwork to monitor changes, annoying yet possible. Last week, we had realized that we are dealing with an abnormality with the way I carry babies and today was the dreaded discussion about a minor surgical operation and immediate restricted activity and how to detect and react if I begin having contractions. GULP.


I can't even summarize the statistics that were given by the doctor regarding the link to pre- term delivery and the interventions they suggested. We walked away with the feeling that we have a 50/50 chance of having a full term baby so in the end that 50% is certainly worth the discomfort of the next few months.


So, I sit in my living room clinging to the positive thoughts on DAY 1 of my new "bed rest" adventure.


Anyone read a good book lately??  :) 

Happy Halloween

After failing at our quest to find a "nice wolf" halloween costume (per Haley's request), Mike found a NEMO costume and Haley was content. 


We hope everyone had fun trick or treating this year, Haley certainly enjoyed herself. She was on a mission at each house, ringing the doorbell, putting the candy in her bucket, and asking Daddy, "another house?" at the bottom of each new driveway. She even got a Halloween scare when a neighbors on our street had a spooky surprise in their entry way. Needless to say Haley never will return to the "scary house" and has been talking about it since.


Happy Halloween from NEMO...

Haley making herself at home at our neighbors house, she loves to visit Bob, Diane and Abby 

summer/early fall photos

Haley's golden locks have yet to see a real hair cut!

At Lollypop farm watching the horses

Just a Sat. night shopping at "Wegmans" in the Strong Museum of Play

(cousins) Georgia, Haley and Ruby enjoy some doughnuts at Wickham Farms after picking pumpkins.

Swings!

Daddy Ran the Scarcrow 5K and Haley and Mommy went to cheer him on.

One of the many shots we have of the little man.

It's been a while...

To say it has been a while would be an understatement, but life and time marches on for our family. So here's a quick update:

Haley is doing amazing, relatively healthy fall season (so far). Age 2 is proving to be a fun age, so much to see, so much to do!! Haley's language amazes me every day. She has so much to say and such an excellent memory, Mommy and Daddy aren't going to get away with too much with her around.

Baby #2 is also doing well thus far. At our last appt. (this past Weds.) he weighed in at a healthy 14 oz., so just shy of 1 lb. Since I am 21 weeks that is exactly where he is supposed to be... Our hopes of Haley being a "fluke" in the prematurity scene was derailed at our last appt. and for now we are going with weekly appts. to follow the "unwanted" changes in my cervix. (TMI??) So, for now, I'm resting when I can with hopes I will not be put on bed rest but with the understanding that this is a possibility if not inevitable. Luckily, I chose an amazing husband, Mike has been helping out so much at home with Haley, chores, etc. so when I am at home I am off my feet.

Staying positive :)

I wil update with more pics this weekend!!

Outer Banks Vaca!

Well, we're back! We've been winding back down from our week of fun in the sun in North Carolina. We rented a large house with several friends for the week. The spot was beautiful, ocean front, with dolphins swimming by daily. Haley absolutely loved the beach (and the pool) and was a fish the entire time we were there. She also had 5 "friends" to play with all day so it really was a wonderful week for her. We are spending the rest of July trying to stay cool (it was a record 102 degrees her yesterday) and visiting with family on the weekends. Sara is trying to savor every day being home with Haley and they have been having lots of day time adventures. Side note: Mike is having knee surgery next Wednesday, so for once Haley will be taking care of Daddy :)

Sara and Haley the last night on the beach

Our first day, we had lots of time to kill waiting for our house~ ice cream helped!

Haley loved the pool, hanging with "uncle" Nick

Haley and two friends (Connor and Jude) playing on the IPad

Bring on the Summer!

At the end of a very busy June we are starting to slow down and looking forward to the upcoming summer months. I (Sara) am as excited as I have been ever been to have this summer off! I look forward to spending it with my very active, intentional, inquisitive 2 year old!

We kick started the summer last weekend by taking our first "family" trip to NYC. Although we didn't make it back to the spot of our engagement, we made some new memories with Haley and her Aunt Leanne and "Uncle" Mark. They were gracious enough to put us up for 2 nights, and although I believe they thought we were kidding when we said Haley is up by 6 am no matter what times she goes to bed, they were excellent hosts. Here are a few photos of recent "summer activities" and out trip to the Big Apple.

Haley went to her first RedWings (minor) baseball game, Haley and her friend Mallory had front row seats.

Haley, on an early NYC morning playing at the Park with Daddy.

Park, fountain, and apple juice...what else do you need?

Eataly in NYC, good espresso

Eating on the rooftop at Eataly

Leanne and Sara

uncle Mark and Haley playing around...

FAO seemed like a good idea, but "mine" was Haley's favorite word, the baby aisle was a little much!

Of course we couldn't get out without buying Haley her new FAO bear "Apple"

Near 5th Ave

Aunt Pookie, Sara, Haley, (Apple) enjoying a rest before more walking

Haley is quite the monkey at the Playgrounds...

Shopping in the Big Apple is exhausting! Don't we all wish we could just lay down and nap sometimes?