Our DIY Maternity Pictures

Two Pics from the PA Shower

The Latest

First - thank you everyone for your prayers for my health. The verdict is Whopping Cough, aka Pertussis. This was a surprising diagnosis. The scary part about this is it is aka the "100 day cough." I am still very much struggling with coughing/breathing/sleeping. Paul has been wonderful throughout and has eased all my fears about his ability to be a good labor support. He has proved he is up for anything! Continued prayers are very much appreciated.

Next, I had my 36 week appointment yesterday. We are awaiting the results from the Group B Strep test. I had my first cervix check and learned that I am 1cm dialated and the baby IS head down!! Wohoooo!! The check was a little painful b/c baby is still way up high. The heart beat has been lower than before (130s) - but still in normal range. Also, this baby continues to let me know (s)he is okay despite my sufferings. This morning I feel like a punching bag as a matter of fact. After our appointment, we had a "Early Home Care" class. The nurse went over with us the variety of things we can encounter postpartum and with a newborn. It was helpful to understand what is normal vs. when we should worry.

Tonight is week 3 of our Childbirth class. The first two weeks have focused on how to know you are in labor, the stages of labor, as well as breathing and positions for relaxation. Hopefully, Paul has payed close attention. Between my coughing fits and discomfort, practicing deep breeathing and relaxation techniques has been quite challenging. Tonight our class is focused on breastfeeding.

Finally, my belly is still growing. Manuevering around myself is much tricker than ever before. I have gained 35 lbs so far (eeek, a little much)...but all is well. I am just amazed that the baby now weighs approx 6lbs and that a whole little person is still swimming around inside of me. Even now as I type, my bladder is being head butted, while I am being kicked in the ribs (at the same time). We are so excited to meet and hold our little miracle.

Only a few more weeks to go!!!

Prayer Request

I have not updated because I have been struggling with bronchitis for the last two weeks. Instead of improving, things seem to be getting worse. This morning, due to my coughing, I popped something (a muscle) in my already very sore back. I have been in contact with doctors almost daily and am currently waiting for the birth center to open to see what to do for today. Prayers are greatly appreciated and I will resume regular updates when I get back up to speed.

33 week update

I just got back from another midwife appointment. I am still on track and the exciting thing is the baby is currently head down. (S)He could still be planning on a few more turns, but they do an internal exam around 36 weeks to confirm the position. If Maluski decides to turn and stay that way, then the game plan is to work with a chiropractor first (in a manuever that allows for a little more room in the pelvis), then the next effort would be the external version done in a hospital. The midwife said they have about a 60% success rate in turning the baby successfully with those efforts. Sadly, because of the threat of litigation, neither the midwife nor local doctors will do a breach delivery. What that means is - please send up prayers that Maluski stays happily nestled where s(he) is right now!

While examining me, the midwife showed me how to feel for the head, rolled my fingers over the neck, and pointed out where the back is (right side) and said that I am likely to be getting kicked in the upper left side. I have just felt so many random movements (and we watch them now too) it has been hard to figure out exactly what is going on in there.

A fun side note to the baby, there is a new ob/gyn doctor who just moved to town to do her residency at Reading Hospital. She has gone through the program at Omaha and is trained to be a medical consultant for NaPro Technology. We got together with her last night and hit it off! She is very cool and we have so many things in common. Her husband is still looking for a job to move to Reading - and it sounds like he and Paul will hit it off when he comes out too. I have been praying for a MC (Medical Consultant) to come to the area, so she is an answer to prayers. AND, our meeting last night opened up an opportunity to tell my midwife about this extra training of hers (and what I do on the side). It is exciting and I have been trying to get that conversation started as well. So, if you get a chance, send up a few extra prayers that we can convert Reading to NaPro technology!! :)

Upcoming Updates:
Baby Shower scheduled for Monday
Birth Classes start next Thursday
Interviews with prospective Pediatricians
Baptism tentatively scheduled for Novemember

Sharing Pictures

Hopefully when the baby comes I will be much more efficient at sharing pictures!! Here are a few from our activities in the past month.

Paul's 30th Birthday Party and then July in Steubenville (a special spot where Paul proposed 5+ years ago)

Nursing in Public by Christopher West

As we contemplate the challenges that come with nursing a child, I just found this link to an awesome article by Christopher West about nursing. He is such a blessing to the Catholic church...I just thought I would share. :)

I also have some awesome experiences to share regarding the Steubenville youth conference. Since we are off to Steuby again tomorrow for 5 days, I will have to save those for another post when I return. Prayers for all our friends and family!!

Whenever I rest my arm on my belly...

...baby pushes it out of the way!! It seems like (s)he is always saying "move momma, i need this room!" The last two days I swear there is a "fight" going on in there. Heavens forbid I lean on/lay on my side/belly. It seems that wherever I rest, there is pushing against me! It cracks me up to imagine this little personality developing inside of me already! I have to say...that is not unlike something his momma would do. :)

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!!!!

We just recieved absolutely thrilling, astonishing, miraculous news that our dear friends Steve and Becky are WITH CHILD!!! Having walked the road of infertility, it is a path that you never want to see another person walk, especially someone close to you. As incredible as our pregnancy has been, it has been difficult longing for our friends to share this same experience. They have just recieved their "11th hour miracle" before more advanced NaPro treatment & surgery. We are so excited!!! Selfishly, of course, because now our baby will have a playmate!

Congratulations Steve and Becky!! Many prayers for a healthy, sticky baby! Praise God for NaPro miracles!

Hiccups!

I love them! Maluski has started hiccuping over the last couple days. Last night I was laughing as Paul was trying to sleep because my belly kept bouncing - bump, bump, bump! It is adorable and fun and ahhhh. Life!

AND, I just got a call from the Pope Paul VI Institute that my levels have jumped again (finally) and now - no more shots!! Wohooo! Hopefully my blood draw next week will confirm that my body has taken over and is sufficiently producing progesterone to support the baby on it's own.

Fathers Day

Some say I am a father and some say next year I'll be a father, I personally fall into the former crew. So today i got a few cards and an awesome meal - the perfect fathers day for me. I wonder what next year will be like when we actually have a babe in arms. Not every one get the privilege of having a fathers day but this was my first and i think i can get used to it.With only 3 months left to prepare it is the final scramble to make sure our loose ends are tied up and our home is ready for our child and there is still a lot to do.

Two Posts in One Day!!

I just wanted to share pictures from my Florida baby shower and say THANK YOU again to everyone who hosted, planned (Linda), prepared (JulieAnne), and attended, etc. I had so much fun!

Opening BumGenius cloth diapers from my mom....wohooo!

JulieAnne measuring my girth

Cutting the lovely Noah's Arc cake from Linda


Entertaining William while the ladies play a game (party host, Linda on top right)

William, Elizabeth, Christy & Matthew

Camping while Pregnant...

In 3 words: FUN but HOT!
We spent a lovely Memorial Day weekend with Steve and Becky at Caledonia State Park (near Gettysburg). For the first time I realized that pregnant women really do run hot. Luckily, the nights were plenty cool. Which would have been great for sleeping, if only our air mattress would have remained inflated. AND, oh the joys of waking up at 4am in the wilderness with a "full" bladder. :) We LOVE our Maluski. And Maluski loves 'smores! Aunt Becky kept us plenty stocked. Due to her generosity, the K's were able to feel a little kicking action around the campfire.

And, the good news is...Maluski has godparents! We are so excited they accepted the challenge ahead. Paul and I are so grateful for their faith and prayers in our life, we know they will be fantastic role models for the baby!

Here is the latest growth and development update:
Your baby weighs about 1.5 pounds and measures 8.8 inches from crown to rump (or about 13.5 inches from head to heel). He or she is becoming stronger as its stem cells continue to develop into bone tissue, and its bones become solid through a process called ossification.

Speaking of the baby....

My First Mother's Day!

Sunday was the first Mothers day that I did not approach with fear and trepidation. Mother's day homilies were inevitably a source of grief and tears in the past. This is the first year I survived. I not only survived the day, but was actually a little spoiled. It started out with breakfast in bed, I received a plant from our neighbor, a gift from a friend - a few cards and phone calls. Weird!! But again, amazing, miraculous, etc. Thanks for all who helped me celebrate the day with your kind words. Again, it is yet another day that reminds me to pray for my friends that are still suffering the cross of infertility.

This week is Week 23! I think we are just at the very early early stages of viability. From the updates I read - our baby is almost 1 pound and 8 inches crown to rump (11" head to toe). He or she blinks, hears, swallows. And (s)he definitely kicks! The kicks are stronger. Paul has felt maluski a few times. As I am growing and expanding, I feel the weight I carry. The wonderful weight. Eating is a little harder again because I always feel full. Rolling over in bed - amusing. Bending over, well - I squat. And I believe I am waddling a little more than before. :) It is a very joyous time!

Sorry for the long time no-updates. Our next midwife appointment is Wednesday. We will keep you posted! xoxoxox Elisabeth & Paul

Half Way There!!

This week marks 20 weeks. I am halfway there!! It is amazing. AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! My old clothes don't fit, I have almost officially transfered to maternity garb, the ultrasounds and dopler radios show there is life within me. I feel this little life within me - just about every day now...and I still CAN NOT believe I am pregnant. Thank you God. "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."

It is so crazy to think that in a few more months, our lives will never be the same! I am so incredibly thrilled for what is to come. Paul continues to talk to and sing to the baby, in addition to listening to his/her heartbeat every night before bed. Pretty soon he should be able to feel some kicks (they are getting stronger). We are so blessed.

Being not too far out from the sting and pain of infertility, I ask anyone checking in...please join me to pray for those that now carry this heavy cross. St. Gianna, St. Gerard, St. Ann, St. Rita, St. Collete - please intercede for these couples and plead for them before our Lord. Amen.

Meet Our Baby!!

Here is the picture from this morning's appointment.

Quick Update

Updated Belly Shot. 18 weeks.
Tonight we heard the baby's heartbeat. Mom and Paul were with me - it was thrilling. We recorded the heartbeat and have been playing it over and over again since the appointment. All is well, I am growing according to schedule. We got an update from the Institute that my hormone levels are recovering (thank you for your prayers). And, as of the last week or two, I am feeling the baby move - I love the little flutters and kicks. This is so miraculous. We should have updated baby pictures after tomorrow. Stay Tuned!

Is it the baby or just digestion?

(contributed by Paul)
We have now reached week 16 and everyone says this is when you may start feeling the baby. So night after night we are trying to feel if he or she is communicating with us by tapping. It is amazing what you notice when you are silent and just listen or feel. We haven't made first contact yet . Although Elisabeth thought she had felt the baby moving and then again and again and again and again and again and then she asked is there a pulse in your fingers ? Needless to say the baby is still masked to us except by Elisabeth's growing belly.

The Lord has brought much joy to us through this little one. We are greatful for that gift of being able to start a family. Only 5 months to go hard to believe we are almost half way to our first face to face meeting . Kinda makes you excited!

PS: (prayer request from Elisabeth)
Last week we got word from the Institute that my progesterone took a nose dive. From something like 44.8 to 23.6. They were not TOO terribly concerned, but my progesterone shots are increasing substantially. Prayers are greatly appreciated that God will protect our maluski (little one).

Second Trimester!!!!!

So I hit the 2nd trimester on Wed. My anytime sickness seems worse the last two weeks. I was disappointed at my first sickness of the 2nd trimester and thought..."liars." The infamous "they" said you feel better...but NOW i find out it it not necessarily on the same day you hit #2. Now "they" say it may be another week or two, or three. Oh well - being pregnant is just wonderful, so I don't mind. :)

BUT the awesome news - is that my progesterone levels are doing great!! If anyone knows anyone about hormone levels, or would like to compare to this chart from the PPVI...
Here is my synopsis:

1/10/2007				~ 20 DPO			39 Days Past LMP
				4w6d			HCG	10,414
				4w6d			Progesterone	26.3
1/22/2007				6w3d			Progesterone	26.3
2/5/2007				8w5d			Progesterone	27.4
2/21/2007				11 weeks			Progesterone	50?
3/6/2007				12w6d			Progesterone	44.8

We got a call from the institute that my levels were so great (high zone 3) that means my shots go from 200 ml twice a week to 100 ml once a week! Wohooo! Which is very nice since the shots have become more annoying as time goes on. They will let me know after two more levels (~1mo.) if I can discontinue.

As I have said before, I am amazed every step of the way that I get good news. I say in my head "are you sure?" "I am doing that good?" "There is REALLY a baby in there?" :)

The Heart is Beating Strong!

12 Week Update:
okay, well really 11 weeks and 5 days...but close enough!

Today I had an appointment at the Birth Center for my first official check up. The best part, I got to hear the baby's heart beat!!! After a long appoinntment of paperwork and reviewing history and turning down all the genetic screening options (anmio, etc)...I finally got to sit on the table. The midwive put some jelly on my belly and within 30 seconds "woah, woah, woah, woah." She commented that the baby was very active because we kept hearing scratching noises. She said he or she was moving around. :) This all still seems totally unreal.

Unfortuantely, Paul was not able to attend. But I made sure to schedule the next appointment so he could. I need another person there to help remind me - this is real! Next appointment will be around 18 weeks, along with a level 2 ultrasound at that time. Every step is like a giant milestone. I am so blessed to not have ANY spotting or cramping. So far, all is good! Hopefully I can have Paul log an entry on our Birth Center tour soon. Thank you for all the prayers - they are clearly working and resulting in what I can say is a very easy pregnancy thus far! Again, MIRACLE!

And now, for those that wish to see my growth updates...here is the first Belly Shot: