Good News!

On Friday afternoon, we saw a maternal fetal specialist to learn more about Shep's kidney. Our ultrasound lasted around an hour (which seemed so long for just one baby). First of all we were so shocked when she told us that Shep was head down. I guess he can still move around in there! With Shep in that position, she was able to have a really clear view of the kidney. The tech was easily able to find blood flow to the kidney and that made us feel so much better. The tech was so sweet to turn on the 3D and take a few "just for fun" pictures of our baby for us! I can't wait to share!

The doctor came in next and did a little ultrasound of his own. He did confirm that Shep has a *mild* (yay!) case of hydronephrosis. He explained that there is probably a blockage in his kidney and possible reflux. He told us to call the pediatric urologist and let them know about our situation and that they would probably want to perform some tests during his first few days in the hospital. There is a chance that Shep will need surgery to remove the blockage (if that is the case) but it also could heal on it's own. At this point, we won't know any more about kidney function until the tests are performed once Shep is delivered. We are still praying for Shep's health but thankful that this seems to be an issue that won't affect his long-term well being.

we think he looks a LOT like Holden

my sweet little nicu baby

Baby #3 Week 33

This has been an interesting week. We learned that Shep may have an issue with his kidney. We have a doctor's appointment this afternoon to learn more. We continue to pray for this little guy and that the problem resolves itself. I'm anxious to learn more at our appointment today.

I'm feeling a little frazzled about delivery. I really wanted to try to go into labor on my own but have feeling they will try to schedule something early. I'm trying to hold out as long as Shep wants.

We made some major nursery progress last week and I'm excited that the crib is in place. I spoke with a lady that will be making his bumper pads yesterday and am excited to get the ball rolling on those! We're taking a break this weekend but will hit the nursery hard next weekend and hope to have it complete within the next four weeks.

I've ordered a bunch of personalized things for Shep this week and am so excited for the packages to start arriving!

I'm really finally feeling pregnant. I have to sit back in my chair to give Shep room to move. If I sit up straight he moves around a ton. I feel like he's trying to stretch out :) It is taking me a little more effort to roll over and bend over. After a long day I'm ready to hop into bed for some rest. I get a little out of breath when I lay on my back.

Again, it is crazy to compare this pregnancy to last time. At 33 weeks with the twins I was 2cm dilated and 60% effaced. I was sent to labor and delivery because my blood pressure was high, I was having pre-term labor and they thought that I might have preclampsia. The twins also got steroid shots at this point to mature their lungs for delivery. I am so thankful that this pregnancy continues to be uneventful, that I am able to continue caring for the twins, and able to be at work.

33 weeks with Shep

33 weeks with twins

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Friday, February 28th, 2014

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Pregnancy Countdown: 49 days or less

Size of babies: A Durian (what is that?) The babiy weighs between 4.2 to 5.8lbs (Measuring in at 5lbs as of Tuesday afternoon) and should be between 17.2 and 18.7 inches long. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still at 20lbs (I was up 44lbs at this time with the twins)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, the tops are getting tiny! I had a little belly hanging out incident at lowe's this past weekend. My poor mother was so embarrassed. I need to get a few new pieces to get me through!

Gender: Boy- Arthur Shepherd Carroll

Movement: A TON! Shepherd has become crazy! Especially during 9-11am. I have to sit far away from my desk or he'll kick it and it hurts! He flips and rolls and I can see body parts sticking out of my stomach.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. I woke up last night in the middle of the night and it took me awhile to get back to sleep because Shep was so active. I am still staying up until 11 and waking up around 6:15.

What I miss: sushi... I cannot wait to have some!

Cravings: salads. It is so weird. I totally hate salad normally but that's all I've wanted recently (well that plus dessert). I've definitely not been eating as much because I get full really easy. I can eat a pretty big lunch and then just a small snack for dinner.

Symptoms: I am getting more frequent braxton hicks. the acid reflux let up for a little bit but comes back if I eat anything with tomatoes. I just start getting incredibly hot in the evenings and I had to dry my hair with the window open (it was 32 outside) this morning. I've been having some round ligament pain on my lower left side for the past two days.

Best Moment this week: all of the sweet prayers, comments, texts, and phone calls we've received from friends this week. Shep is one very loved little boy and everyone's concern for him has been heartwarming.

Baby Shep Update

We had an ultrasound for baby Shep yesterday afternoon. I ended up taking the day off work to get some things done around the house prior to the ultrasound. I met Jay at the doctor and we were sooo excited to see our little guy! With the twins, we had ultrasounds at least once a month (add in kidney stones and preterm labor and we had them almost every two weeks). With Shep, we've only seen him a few times as a tiny tiny thing at REACH and then once when we had our first appointment with the OB and once for the anatomy scan at 19 weeks. The scan yesterday was for growth and to check on Shep's kidney. Unfortunately, baby Shep was looking in towards me and the only picture we got was an "I'm STILL a BOY" shot. I was a little sad we didn't get to see this sweet baby's face. The ultrasound was long and complicated and a little scary. We quickly realized we were there for medical issues and not to see our cute baby suck his thumb or wave to us.

I'll start with growth. Shep is measuring at least a week ahead. His belly is measuring two weeks ahead and the ultrasound tech asked me if I had gestational diabetes! The doctor didn't seem as concerned but he is also super chill (we'll get into that later). Shep is also totally breech with VERY little chance of turning. My plan for VBAC is 99% out the window. The plan is to schedule a c-section but we'll talk about that once I get to 36 weeks. Shep is currently weighing in at 5lbs which is crazy to me that he could possibly weigh more than Emma Cate when she was born (the weight can be off by 15% either way).

As far as Shep's kidneys go, the left kidney is looking good. The right is unfortunately still swollen with fluid and doesn't appear to be functioning. The ultrasound tech took lots of photos of the renal artery and it doesn't appear that blood is flowing to the kidney. Both the Dr. and ultrasound tech said it could just be a positioning thing because he was laying on that side. I'm saying a prayer that that is true but not holding my breath.

I consider myself to be a very strong person. I can't change the hand I've been given, I can only accept fate and move forward. I like to know everything I can about any issues that arise (infertility, my mom's cancer, preeclampsia, etc.). I don't like surprises. I want to be told flat out what is going on and not hold onto false hope. I was really disappointed in my doctor yesterday. When he talked about Shep being breech, I asked if there was a chance he could still turn. He was like yes, it could very well happen but you may want to start preparing for a c-section. I'd rather him tell me "seriously, there is a tiny chance but pretty much you're going to have a c-section". He is very sugar-coaty (like my new word?). He was also the doctor that my mom saw when she first found a lump in her breast. He told her it was probably nothing but was going to send her for an ultrasound to be sure... probably nothing turned out to be stage 2 cancer. We spoke with him about the kidneys and after hearing a pretty blunt (but appreciated) take on it from the ultrasound tech, we were amazed at how he conveyed his opinion to us. After he left the room, Jay said "seems like Shep will be totally fine and there is really nothing wrong with his kidney". It made me so mad that the message the doctor conveyed made Jay feel like that. In actuality, he is sending us to the maternal fetal specialist asap to have them take a look and having a pediatric urologist in the delivery room. I could be wrong but you don't normally do those things when you think a problem is no big deal... Ugh I am just so frustrated with the lack of info. I know doctors don't want their patients to worry but as a mom I worry way more with less information than I do with more. Tell me worst case scenario. I appreciate that. At least then I can prepare for the worst and pray for the best.

Enough gripe, now onto how we are doing. In all honesty, I'm not that concerned about Shep's kidney/quality of life. Like I stated before what will happen will happen and we will handle it like we would handle anything. I love this baby sooo much and have 100% faith in God that he will do what is best for our family. I trust that God wouldn't give us anything we weren't capable of handling. I also trust that Shep will be a happy and healthy little big boy but if he isn't, we will love him just as much :) Please keep this sweet baby boy in your prayers and also please pray that at the next appointment, we will get some much needed answers.

So Exciting & 27 week U/S stats

I'm excited to finally share my news that I posted almost two weeks ago! My parents are moving back to Charlotte! My Dad just accepted his new job and put in his notice at the old one. Technically, my dad will be moving and working right outside of Philadelphia. He and my mom are going to buy a house in Charlotte and she'll live their full time. He'll fly out to Philly on Monday mornings and fly back to Charlotte Thursday evenings or my mom will fly up to stay with him. I am so excited for this awesome opportunity for him :) I'm also excited because Philly has some of the best children's museums in the country and it'll be fun to bring our little family up to visit :) The Atlanta house will be going up for sale soon and we've already been emailing links for Charlotte houses.

In other news, I finally had my ultrasound yesterday and learned why I haven't been feeling Holden kicks on my right side. Seems like this little fella is nestled quite comfortably across my upper stomach. His feet and Emma Cate's feet are in the same spot. So I've been feeling him kick this whole time. He is also quite the mover and I can see him wiggle across the top of my stomach especially after I've been drinking orange juice.

via

This is one of the only pictures I could really find explaining that shows somewhat what the twins look positions look like. Holden is a little higher up, basically sitting right under my breasts (oh that's why its hard to breathe!). 

The babies are measuring really well! At my last ultrasound they were a few days behind schedule but now they are measuring right on and a few days ahead!

Here are the 27 week stats:

Emma Cate is weighing in at 2lbs 4oz. She is measuring at 27 weeks and 1 day. She's calm and peaceful with a heart rate of 137.

Holden is weighing in at 2lbs 5 oz. He is measuring at 27 weeks 3 days. He was a busy little boy and had his heart rate up to 144.

Both my blood pressure and weight gain were perfect (thank God!) and my cervix was holding strong at 4.67 cm. Average for a singleton baby is between 4cm and 5cm. Anything below 2.5cm puts you at risk for preterm birth (and bed rest).

The doctor I saw yesterday was very confident that I would make it to 38 weeks and they would schedule at C-Section at my 38 week due date, July 4th. He also told me that I could schedule it for the 5th or 6th if I didn't want them to be born on July 4th. 37 weeks is the average delivery time for twins so hopefully I'll go into labor on my own but if not we know they'll be born by July 6th :)

If the babies' stay in the same position they are in now, I will definitely have to have a C-section. Emma Cate has been in the same place every ultrasound and Holden has moved from breech (feet down laying beside her) to this lovely transverse position. My doctor said he wants both babies head down in order to even try for vaginal birth. I'm not thinking that we are going to have the option.

The ultrasound tech tried to get us pictures of the babies but it was hard. Their isn't a lot of room and she couldn't get body shots, only ones of their face. This was NOT my favorite ultrasound tech so hopefully the next time we'll be able to get some 4D pictures before they are too squished!

I also thought I spotted my first stretch mark but instead it's a lovely spider vein about the size of a pencil eraser. It popped up near my right hip of all places. I don't know which one is worse!   Besides that, my lower stomach is stretching out pretty good but no marks yet. My belly button ring scar is super tight and looks strange. I still have a pretty deep belly button and I'm wondering if it will every turn outie!