Last of my appointments in my town, Tracy, CA

Today was my last NST and Ultra Sound at the hospital in my city. I think the nurses are glad to be done with my little guy. He is ALWAYS a struggle to get a NST because he moves A LOT. It's never a quick visit for me. I am usually there for 2 or more hours trying to get a good reading for the doctor. It's going to be weird not delivering here because I have got to know the nurses and my OB/GYN and really like them! Next week I'll have two NSTs at UCSF and my first OB appointment with the doctor who will deliver Austin. Hopefully they'll make me feel just as comfortable as the staff here in town.

During my ultra sound today the tech took a picture that looks like Austin praying. It is precious! That is one great thing about all these appointments, I get tons of ultra sound pictures :).

ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS!

Until Austin arrives, boy how time has flown by! The other day I received some sad news about another CDH baby, Baylee Grace, that was born last month who didn't survive or as they say "grew her wings." I cry and pray for her family. I am very aware of the reality of this severe defect, yet I still can't imagine going through what her family must be going through. I have managed to stay mostly positive this whole time and I don't want to lose that.

On a happier note, I now have a place to stay in San Francisco next week. Thanks to "Nayeli's Faith" foundation, we will be able to stay locally the week prior to my induction in case I go into early labor. I am very appreciative of the support I am receiving through this foundation as well as other CDH foundations such as Breath of Hope, CHERUBS, and Global CDH. I have learned so much from them and the members. We are truly blessed to have so many people praying for us.

Thank you all! I will post another update once I get settled in S.F.

Baby Shower was GREAT!

I had my babyshower Saturday and it was nice. I got some great things for A.J. and it made me get excited for him to be here. I even got a little teary eyed when I saw all the wonderful presents from so many people who care about us. Still trying to figure out where I will stay the week prior to my induction. I only have two weeks before I leave to S.F. Time is flying by.

Latest Ultra Sound Picture of Austin Josiah

A.J. is starting to look more and more like a baby in his pictures. I can't wait to see and hold him :).

Ready for Maternity Leave

Well I guess I spoke too soon in my previous post about my fluid levels being great. The last two NSTs show my fluid levels are high. This usually means the baby has abnormalities, which we know he does, so there really isn't much they will do about it for now. I guess it just means I get to feel even more like a whale and AJ has more liquid to play in (which he loves to do). So far I have managed to only gain 12lbs this whole pregnancy, 4 of the pounds in just these last two weeks (its the fluid & baby, right? ha ha). Anyway, these 4lbs have made a world of difference. I can hardly tie my shoes or get up out of our recliner. I'm starting to feel tired more and losing energy. I am so happy that next week is my last week of work. It will be nice to sleep in and only have doctor appointments to attend. I have to try and take advantage of this time before all the chaos begins ;). My mom joked with me and said "watch, you'll go into labor a week after leave." NOT FUNNY MOM!

Wonderful video that made me cry yet gives me hope

Sofia had the same CDH as my baby. Left Sided with 90% of diaphragm missing with stomach, intestines, and part of liver up. I pray that Austin Josiah will be a fighter like her!



Sofia's CDH Story from Jen Miller on Vimeo.

Twice a week NST

For two weeks or so now I have been going to the hospital in town to have a Fetal Non-Stress test (NST) done twice a week. NST is a non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test.

Since I go into the hospital every Tuesday and Friday after work, I've been getting to know the nurses very well (too bad I won't be delivering there). When I arrive I try to peak around to see if any new babies have arrived. I just love newborns! The nurses weigh me (YUK) and then take me to a delivery room where they attach two belts to my abdomen. One to measure fetal heart rate and another to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes, however, it's been taking longer since my baby moves a lot and its hard to get a full 20-30 minutes of constant heart rate. Last Friday I was there for 2 1/2 hours because they did an ultrasound in addition to the NST to check my amniotic fluid level. I was getting impatient and wanting out of there....can only imagine how bad it's going to be when I'm actually having AJ and having to be in the hospital with him for a very long time. Good news is my fluid level and NSTs have been great.

I am getting eager to start maternity leave. As I push week 32, I am noticing my energy level has dropped. I love to cook, however, I haven't even desired to do that lately. I also wonder if it's depression because I am not having a typical pregnancy. Usually at this time in a pregnancy, one would be decorating the nursery, picking out strollers, etc. I am doing some of that but there is so much more focus on the CDH that it's hard to maintain the "normal" excitement.


AJ 34 Weeks