31 weeks & Thoughts on Turning the Big 3-0

Helloooo third trimester! How did you get here so fast? It's amazing how quickly time flies when you have a little wild thing to chase after each day. This pregnancy has been a pretty smooth ride and I am pretty surprised with how good I am still feeling this far along. I'm getting nervous though… a happy, healthy nervous. It's hard to imagine our family of three as a family of four, but I am more than excited to meet this little bundle of joy. Over the last few weeks, we have been getting little man's nursery all fixed up so it's a ready to go come November. It's been fun to create a new space within our home. Alec knows that the little room to his left is his "baby brudder's" room and we often sit on the floor together and re-read all the stories I once read to him back in his early stages of life. I think Al is going to make one heck of a big bro. I am really looking forward to seeing my two littles together.

Life is has been hectic lately. We have been road tripping to the beach these past few weekends and most of the time during the week, we have been playing catch-up… trying to run quick errands and get our home back in order. I am looking forward to Autumn. Praying hard that life slows down a touch so we can soak up these last moments together as three. I am also turning thirty this week. I thought I'd be a bit stressed about this upcoming milestone, but in fact, I am actually feeling more than ready. Bring it on thirty, I embrace you.

When I look back over the last ten years, I am more than content with how my twenties panned out. I graduated nursing school, started a rewarding career, married my best friend, and welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure, but each and every moment was perfect, because it led me to this life. And my life is pretty darn great these days. And what's most exciting is that I think these next ten years are going to be even more fulfilling.

36 Weeks

Today, Alec is 36 weeks and one day. Holy smokes, does time fly.

We had our final echocardiogram this morning, as well as, a routine prenatal ultrasound to evaluate his bodily growth. There is only one word I can use to describe our day... THANKFUL. 

I hardly slept last night in anticipation for this morning. We have had such positive, encouraging results at every other appointment... I was really starting to get to a point of comfort with everything. But, my husband constantly reminds me to be "cautiously optimistic"... reassuring me that we don't truly know how Alec will present once he is born. I appreciate this advice. I need to hear this, or I will get swept up in the positive. 

Fortunately, his echochardiogram was once again considered relatively unchanged. The cardiologist is nearly certain that the first surgery will be avoided. We may even be able to avoid any medications.  Hearing this was like sweet music to my ears. To think, that we may be able to bring our son home shortly after birth is the most amazing news. Not to mention, he is growing beautifully. He is approximately six pounds, one ounce. All of his other organs are looking just about perfect. The ultrasound technician even zoomed in and gave us a 3D view of his beautiful little face. I will admit, he looks like he is one handsome fella.  

I can't begin to thank everyone who has supported us through all of this chaos. Your prayers are working, so please please keep them coming. I am so grateful... overwhelmed... humbled by all the kindness and concern that has been sent our way. We are loved and it feels really good. 

xoxo - L

The Last 9 Months... in Photos

... less than 4 weeks to go...

Isaiah 46:4

When it comes to our little man, things have not gone quite as smoothly as I had hoped they would. At times, I tend to get very overwhelmed with emotion when I think of all the abnormal worries that Kiel and I have to carry because of our little man's heart condition. He isn't even physically here yet, and he is constantly on my mind. I found this beautiful bible verse above on pinterest and it really spoke to me. I view it almost everyday and I relate it to my little man and his future struggles. I know that Kiel and I will be great parents to our boy, and when times get tough I will do everything in my power to limit his stress and comfort him.

We have another CHOP visit on July 1st. We will get another echocardiogram to evaluate his little heart. I'm hoping and praying for some encouraging news. Call it mother's intuition, but I have a really good feeling about everything. We are doing what we can to stay positive and our hopes are definitely high. Please keep our family in your prayers. 

Pregnancy Style Done Right

Baby Drake Update

27 Weeks! Where did the time go? I am nearing my third trimester... which is pretty overwhelming when I really start to think about everything. Overall, I have to say, I am feeling pretty wonderful. A few pee breaks during the night, but I honestly can't complain!

Kiel and I had several appointments at CHOP today. We had a standard fetal ultrasound to measure the baby's overall growth. To our surprise, little man is developing beautifully in there. He is in the 75th percentile, weighing in at 2 pounds, 4 ounces already! According to our OB, he is measuring about a week ahead of schedule! And it looks like my placenta previa has finally resolved. Phew! Now, the chances of me delivering my little mister normally have drastically increased! 

We also had a follow-up fetal echocardiogram, to check on his little heart. Apparently, things are looking relatively un-changed from our last visit. According to the cardiologist, "No news is good news" and he stated that things look very encouraging, which we were glad to hear. We were in the hospital all day, with appointments lasting from 7am to 2pm. Needless to say, we are exhausted, but we couldn't be more happy with our decision to receive our care at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Everyone we met was so encouraging and supportive.

Thanks to all for the love and support. Not a day goes by, that I don't wake up feeling grateful for all the friends and family we have rooting for us. 

xoxo - L

Grateful

20 weeks, 2 days

I am feeling incredibly grateful these days...

Grateful for the unconditional love from my husband and family,

Grateful for my amazingly supportive friends and co-workers,

And most of all, I am forever grateful for this little boy that I already love so damn much. <3