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The birth story.

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I’ve been putting this off I suppose. It was a wonderful special day. How sad though that this will be my forever last birth story I get to share. I mean I have had 7 so I know that’s a lot but it’s all just bitter sweet for me. So I’ll just jump right to it.

So for my last pregnant night I just enjoyed those last few kicks and playing time. I actually fell asleep pretty quickly and got up early feeling so excited for the day. I did my hair and makeup and cried a little before I left. It was a good cry. I was just so happy we made it. There was a point when I thought we may not get here. With two failed attempts before transfer three that was meant to be. Then we had such a low first beta number I was sure it was bad news again. Then we had two scares of early bleeding that we couldn’t figure out. Needless to say this baby girl was hard work to get here. But so worth every sad and scary moment. I would do it all again for her and her family.

Once we got to the hospital they got us in the room and all set up. Karen and Roger arrived soon after. We were all very excited and chatty. Once baby Mac knew we had a time set for her to come she decided she was perfectly content staying. I am still shocked I was just walking around at 5cm and 50% effaced. I was half way done with labor. Dr Sammons told me the first thing to tell them was to make sure she was still head down! So they checked and all was good. Woohoo They started my pitocin and we waited. We all took a guess at the times we thought she would get here. The nurse said well definitely before my shift is over at 5:00! I don’t remember my guess but it was after that and everyone else was guessing afternoon times.

Kailynn thought this was a super fun game and enjoyed keeping track of the times and telling everyone when they had lost as everyone’s times kept passing. I was so happy that she was able to be there with us for such an amazing experience. I have had babies for other moms and dads for basically her whole life. This was the first time she was really really into it though. Like the birth and stuff. When she had asked me if she could come and watch the baby be born I was like on man what do I say? Once I talked to Karen and she said she was fine with it I told Kailynn she could. I made sure to explain that sometimes I would be hurting and might get quite or not want to talk but that was normal and ok. We also told her if she wanted to not be there last minute she didn’t have to be.

As the hours kept passing and the day nurses left I was still laboring. I finally got to the point they said they would break my water at 5:00 I believe. I was very proud of myself for turning down the epidural still. They always try to give it to me before I feel the need for it and I promised myself not this last time! I wasn’t going to get it until I really needed it. So they broke my water and soon after the contractions started getting more intense. But I wanted to really wait to need the epidural. So I decided to do the laughing gas option. I was a little worried because before I could take it they told me I might feel really sick from it. But I ultimately decided to take it. Thankfully I never felt sick from it. I did feel like it helped. I was able to push through for another hour or two I would guess before I was ready for the epidural. Then everyone stepped out except Karen. She was so great and held my hands and let me squeeze as much as I needed too. If you have had an epidural you know all the uncomfortableness that comes with it. Its always worth it but those 10 mins of getting it all set up and ready suck! Trying to stay still and then breathe through contractions while they shove an enormous needle into your spine and tell you to wait for the odd sharp pain down your leg/legs and odd taste in your mouth. Like I said it’s all worth it though. When it was over I opened my eyes and poor Karen was crying. I felt so bad. I was like did I squeeze too hard! She just felt bad I was in pain and thanked me for everything. It was so sweet of her. ❤️ I assured her I was fine and that would be the worst part for me. After this we were smooth sailing! I think it speaks volumes of Karen though. She’s so incredibly empathetic and loving. I told her I’m not even crying so she didn’t need to worry about me. It was a beautiful moment for us. These are the moments I know it’s all worth it. I am so blessed and lucky to be her friend and be able to help her and all the other incredible women I have helped.

The meds kicked in quickly and I was feeling great after that. Just getting hungry and feeling bad everyone was waiting on me after thinking it would go so quickly. Finally we ordered food before everything closed and I was hoping I could deliver and it would still be warm ish 😆. Good news I was PUSHING when the food came. The nurses went down to get it so no one had to miss anything. If you have been around for awhile you know I’m a super pusher! I love it. Kailynn was so excited and loved every second and Karen was so great encouraging her and being there for her when I couldn’t do much obviously 😂. She was next to Karen the whole time and watched the whole thing. She was amazed and not scared at all! I loved that we got to experience this moment together. Child birth is incredible and so cool that our bodies can do this. Of course we were all so excited to meet this sweet little girl we had all waited for and prayed for. Two whole pushes and she was out! It was SO FAST! They put her on my belly so all the cord blood could be beneficial for her. Karen and I touched her and admired her beauty. Roger got to cut the cord and Karen finally got her baby girl all to herself! It was so beautiful to see her enjoying skin to skin with her perfect little daughter she’s waited so incredibly long for. It makes all the hard times we had worth it one thousand times over.

It was a perfect ending labor and delivery of my very last pregnancy and delivery. My heart is so sad knowing I will never again feel a baby moving inside my body but my heart is also so happy knowing I was blessed and able to successfully carry my own two children. Then I was then able to go on and help three other mothers. My body is amazing and I’m forever grateful for all of these experiences. I can’t imagine anything in my life ever being better then this. If you have ever considered doing this please reach out. It’s not always easy but I swear it’s so worth it!

We got to spend the next day and a half loving on little Miss Maggie Jane. I was able to nurse her in the hospital so she could get all the extra nutrients before she went home. I got lots of love and snuggles before we all went home. As usual I cried when we left. It’s such an emotional experience. I never cry because I want to take the baby home. I cry because it’s all over. All the sudden it’s just finished. My little part in their whole big lives is over. I take my job of keeping them safe during pregnancy very seriously and once it is over I know my job is done and now their parents get to take on that roll. I obviously miss them and the joy I get from pregnancy but I love knowing they are safe and loved and that I now get the joy of watching them grow and flourish in this great big world! I’m so excited to watch and see all the amazing, incredible things these children do. Seriously how lucky am I!

While I was in the hospital Karen gave me my push present. Though it was only two pushes so we joked that I didn’t deserve it! So it’s a labor gift instead. 😆 It was a matching heart bracelet to match the heart necklace she gave me for our second transfer. Since I would be carrying her babies heart. The bracelet has 7 hearts on it. She had it made so that their would be a heart for each baby I carried and birthed!!!! You guys how incredibly sweet, beautiful and thoughtful is that. I wear it every day now just like I do my necklace. It was such a meaningful gift I just love it.

Closing this chapter of my life sucks. I wish I could say I was ready or happy but that’s just not true. I will forever miss all things pregnancy and delivery. I’m still pumping and that’s helping me feel like it’s not all over yet. I’ve been producing a lot this time and feeding babies is pretty cool! We don’t really have any freezer space but I just keep pumping. It’s been 3 months now I’m pretty proud of that accomplishment as well. I’ll add some cute pictures now. Thanks everyone for following along on this last journey and all the others you have been apart of. All the prayers and well wishes. I will be forever grateful for all of it.

Last bump pics!
I loved these overalls 😍
Gas mask time!
Waiting is exhausting 😆
Things are getting real!
It’s finally time to push!
We are excited
Pushing look how excited Kailynn is!
Look who’s here!
She peed all over me when she came out. 😆
❤️❤️❤️
Dads time to shine!
First family photo.
Look at these cheeks
The hand off 🥰
She was pretty good at eating too!
First bath
Her first birthday cake. We ate it for her! 😆
How adorable are they!
So precious
Baby number 7 😂 Everett’s idea
Happy birthday! 🎂
My push gift from Karen and Roger. ❤️

36 weeks and 2/3 days. Guess what’s happening?

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Well I’ll start off by saying if Dr Sammons tells me she’s going out of town that’s how I know I’ll have an issue! 😂 So remember on Thursday I was 3cm and 50% effaced still. My Friday appointment went great actually baby girl FLIPPED! She was head down so the dancing, acupuncture, and cold pack stuff worked. I actually think it was mostly the cold packs but they were all still fun to do. What a relief. So on Saturday Ricky and I went to the farmers market for a bit to get out of the house and we took Bo to hobby lobby to get GG (our kids great grandma) a cute sign for her door. He enjoys the car rides and does well in stores. We came home and I took a nap. I don’t sleep much at night because she loves to kick and play.

I got up to go do a few pictures with our family photographer for something a little extra to remember this last pregnancy by. I wasn’t going to do anything but then one day getting in the shower I was looking at my body thinking this is really it. I am never going to look like this again. It’s really a bittersweet feeling. So I decided last min I was going to do something for just me if no one else. I may not always love the way I look or my body but I can’t forget the amazing things it has done. I’ve been so blessed to be able to get pregnant and carry my children and then five more for other women. Wow sometimes that even surprises me. My old uterus has been good to me and my body has held up well concerning how many babies I have grown and birthed.

Anyway after the pictures I told Ricky I was having a few contractions but nothing I was worried about yet. He came home and we were watching tv. The contractions kept coming so I decided I better start timing them just in case. Well they got pretty timeable! So I drank extra water and moved positions. All the things they tell you to do. I finally gave in and figured better safe then sorry I will go in to be seen. I wanted to make sure I gave Karen and Roger enough time to get here. So off we went.

Once I got to the hospital it was like the contractions were like haha never mind. I told the nurse I swear I was having them for like the last 2 hours! Well then they started again and were even getting stronger. The house Dr came in and checked me. I was 4cm and still 50% effaced. So that was a change from Thursday appointment. Because I am not 37 weeks though they can’t do anything to encourage labor. So they gave me some fluids and said we would check again after some fluids. I told Karen to wait until my next check for us to make a decision on what to do. So about an hour or hour and a half goes by and she came back in the re check me. You guys I was then 5cm! I called Karen and said I would feel more comfortable if you guys came. They were ready to go! So the hospital said they were keeping me over night for monitoring and they would keep pushing fluids and sugar water to see what happens.

I wanted to sleep but as everyone knows in the hospital that doesn’t happen. They came in constantly trying to get this girl back on monitors. One nurse was like no wonder you don’t get any sleep. I don’t mind too bad though we manage. Karen and Roger made great time and got to the hospital to say hello around 3am ish. They went ahead and went to a hotel since not much was happening. Once I got up they decided they were sending me home! 😳😬 That’s right I am literally 50% done having this baby and they are like go home and good luck. Just come back if contractions start coming again and get worse. I am sure I looked panicked because the nurse was like is everything ok? I said well I a mean this is my 7th baby and delivery we all know it can go fast at this point. She was trying to be kind and reassure me but I finally said well I am not trying to have a baby in the car! She was very sweet but also young. I know she was doing her job but I just couldn’t believe this was happening.

So I told Karen and packed up to come home. On the one hand I totally get it. They want her to stay in and healthy so do we I, but I can’t help to think I have NEVER been 5cm and not been in the hospital actually birthing! She is obviously trying her best to come out. To make things extra exciting I lost my whole mucous plug I think! I was losing a bit in the hospital I thought but couldn’t be sure. Well once I was home a huge amount came out. I was sure that was it! It was so yucky looking. I made Ricky come look because well I needed someone else to see it I guess. 😂 He wasn’t happy about it. So now I’m thinking how much faster will this make things? Dr. Google haha says hours/days. I am thinking soon for sure. I can’t imagine walking around have way done could last much longer. I guess we will see.

So now I guess we wait and see. I know whatever birthday she picks will be the perfect one. This is still my favorite part and I am so glad Karen and Roger made it safely for the birth. Whenever she decides it should be. I’m going to keep praying she stays head down! I actually may call the office today to just see if they had time for a super fast check just so it can put my mind at ease to make sure with all her moving she hasn’t flipped again. You all know how much I wanted to experience my water breaking naturally. I still kind of do but I will say I’m a bit more apprehensive now that I’ve naturally progressed so far. My fear is if my water breaks I really might have a baby in the car!

That’s all the information and updates I have so far. Let’s all keep praying for baby Mac and that her birthday is wonderful and that we all make it to the hospital in time. 💓

33 weeks more crazy stuff this week too.

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Just when I thought everything that could go wrong in two weeks had happened nope there was more to come! Our microwave broke silly I know but just something else crazy to happen. So we ordered a new one obviously. Then we FINALLY got news about our car. Kia agreed to fully cover our engine replacement! You guys this was seriously the best news I almost cried. I’m really hoping this car lasts a long time now and I won’t have an extra car payment for awhile so we can save more money. You know for vacations or purses or something. 😆 I was really impressed with Kia and the customer service really. I really thought we were going to have to fight with them over this so it’s nice that they did the right thing. They are even covering our rental car and the towing bill.

So then the next bad thing to happen was Sunday. It was a regular day a great day at church came home to relax etc. all normal stuff. Then at dinner I started noticing a few contractions. Braxton hicks are common. They seemed to keep coming though and I got a little worried. So I immediately knew what to do chug lots of water and lay on my left side and wait for them to go away. Unfortunately they just were not going away. After I started timing them my app said I should probably go to the hospital. I called Karen and Roger to let them know what was going on. I was just trying to make sure I got there in enough time that if I was in labor they could try to stop it. It was still to early for her to come.

Once they got me hooked up they gave me a bag of fluids to try to get them to stop. Even though they said I was actually very well hydrated! (We all know what an accomplishment that is for me) Well the fluids didn’t do anything. So they called an on call dr and he recommended some pill to try. So I took that. It still wasn’t stopped so I got another of the same pill but an extended release one. By then they had actually slowed back down so that was good news. They checked me just to make sure I wasn’t dilating They also decided to give me steroid shots to help mature baby girls lungs just in case. So I had to get one that night in my butt and go back on Monday at 8pm for a second one.

Ricky and I didn’t get back home until about 3am. Thankfully my dad came straight over and stayed on the couch so just in case the kids needed anything. We were all tired that’s for sure. I had to take Monday off and see My Ob. So thankfully she had one appointment available. I hadn’t seen her since all the the crazy things and new diagnosis’s of GD etc. literally as I am driving to the appointment I get a call that she had to go to the hospital for an emergency. Of course she did. I should have expected something else to go wrong. They put in on a new guys schedule. I am super hormonal at this point and just wasn’t happy about some random new guy anyway. I feel bad because I know I didn’t give him a fair chance but this guy knows nothing about me or my ob history. Dr Sammons does and I just couldn’t trust him after a 5 min conversation. He told me to go ahead and take the rest of the week off work and let’s see what next week brings.

I decided to text my Dr (I’m very thankful she trusts me with her number) I just explained I would really feel better if I could at least speak to her over the phone about my situation. She called me today and thankfully went over everything with me. She said she is ok with me going back to work next week. There are obviously conditions though. She said if I start having more contractions then I will be pulled and not able to work. I totally understand and don’t want to risk her health in any way. Hopefully it was just a fluke though and we can move forward no issues. Dr Sammons said we will induce at 39 weeks if I make it that far. She doesn’t have high hopes of that happening. She thinks I’ll go on my own before then. That’s honestly what I hope for because it makes birth easier. She just needs to wait closer to 38 weeks. I feel like that’s a good time frame.

Yesterday at my ultrasound and non stress test everything went well. She was even head down. Though I feel her moving so much I don’t think she’s staying down there yet. I think she’s going to be long at least because she really likes to get up under my ribs! My extra fluid is still high but it was lower then last week so I feel like that’s a good sign. Next week they will do another growth scan to measure her again and we can check weight and see how much bigger she’s gotten. Today we are doing a 3/4 D ultrasound and Karen and Roger are in town to see her. I love that they are able to come to so many appointments. At today’s appointment we got some cute face pictures and her squishy cheeks are just the best. I can’t wait to see them in real life too. They also said it looks like her hair is really growing. I think that’s a fun perk also. After our appointment we went to St Charles Main Street since the weather was so great! We just enjoyed walking around and nice weather. It was perfect. I am really hoping that now all the crazy things that have happened are now over with and we can just enjoy now. I am really really enjoying these play sessions. We are not getting a lot of sleep but it’s totally fine because she’s so fun to play with. With only 7ish weeks to go I am just going to enjoy all of this. I am going to forever miss all of these beautiful things I have been able to experience. Closing this chapter of my life is definitely going to be hard. Pray for me.

I got some great videos of her kicking and playing I’ll share them as well as what she’s up to this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is growing up so fast! Your baby is 17-19 inches tall, the size of a cauliflower blossom, weighs between 4 and 6 lbs. At this point in pregnancy though, there is a large variation in size from one baby to the next, and it’s harder to give an estimate for how big Baby Mac is getting. Baby Mac is going to keep putting on about a half pound (230 g) a week, and as long as your healthcare provider says they’re on track, it’s safe to assume that your little one’s growth is just perfect for them.

Your baby is also beginning to keep their eyes open while they’re awake, and before too long you’ll get to see those eyes look right into your own! Baby Mac’s bones are still forming, and though relatively soft, they keep hardening. And your little one’s brain is developing more and more every day. 

Is Baby Mac still causing a ruckus in there? While their kicks should have become more regular now, counting kicks is as important as ever as it can go a long way in helping you monitor your baby’s health. So it’s a good idea to pick a moment each day to count the kicks. 

What’s new with you?

Your growing body may increasingly be making some of your normal activities harder and more uncomfortable. So take care as you move through your days — take your time getting in and out of bed, cars, or up from seats; be careful moving in crowded spaces as you might accidentally bump your belly into furniture, and just be patient and forgiving as do your usual activities with an amazing body that’s still changing every day. 

Many folks also experience insomnia during their third trimester, which you can blame on a restless mind, restless hormones, and trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in. Getting enough rest is very important though, so try to get as comfy and cozy as possible so that you can sleep as much as you can. And if you haven’t started using a sleep pillow yet, this may help you get more comfortable and feel more supported so that you can get in those zzzs. If you’re being kept up at night by prolonged or severe feelings of sadness or extreme worry and you think you might be experiencing anxiety or depression, seek out professional support. You have lots of options. 

She’s so fun! 😍
Non stress test
Little miss sweet cheeks! 💓💓💓

32 weeks and growing!

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Well we have made it to 32 weeks now. I would be lying if

I said the last couple weeks have been easy. We have just had so much going on in our personal lives as well as the pregnancy. I am doing my best to stay as stress free as possible. It’s just crazy to me that everything can just seem to happen at once. Our grandma has been Ill and we are trying to get her moved to a nice place where she can be safe and closer to us. Plus I had literally 5 drs appointments last week plus work! Then on top of that Ricky texted me that our car just stopped working on the highway!!! Thankfully he was able to not crash and get it to the shoulder. We had it towed to the house and we’re hoping it was an easy fix. Nope of course it wouldn’t be… Apparently the whole motor just locked up and quit working! We almost had it paid off and I was really really excited to not have any car payments for a bit.

Maybe some good news though Kia is trying to get the motor covered under warranty because our year had recalls for bad motor issues. It’s extra stress though just waiting to hear if they will cover it or not! Plus only having one car is not ideal. So everyone pray and cross your fingers and toes that it can be covered. That would be such a relief at this point. Other good news is my Bistro MD meals came. They are a meal delivery service and you can get meals for diabetics! Honestly they are actually really good. It’s super simple and convenient and that’s what I like about it! I don’t have to worry or stress about if it’s good or not. So far all of my blood sugar tests have been great too! That’s such a relief for me.

The drs seem to think I will be just fine controlling everything with diet. Since I only had a few high numbers anyway. Baby girl is moving great and I am really trying my best to stop focusing on all the crazy and negative things going on in my life and enjoy these last few weeks of my last pregnancy. 😭

I really want to soak up every little kick and wiggle all the hiccups and rolls. She’s been a great little last belly buddy and I want to treasure this last little bit of time we have together. I know her whole family can’t wait to have her and she’s going to be so spoiled and loved. I just need to focus on enjoying these last few weeks and that’s it. 7 weeks or less now! It’s just going so fast. These are for sure my favorite weeks. Preparing for all the early labor signs and symptoms. Over analyzing each contraction thinking are these the ones? Hoping and praying my water breaks this time. Hoping she gets in that head down position! Wondering how long labor will take. Then that incredible high you get after birth and seeing so much Joy and happiness on someone else’s face. Knowing you had a part in that. Nothing can compare to that happiness and joy that fills a hospital room after birth. My heart always feels like it could just burst!

So these last few weeks my focus will be on this sweet baby girl and keeping her as healthy and happy as I can. Enjoying each and every movement and even pain knowing this is it. It’s all worth it! Now let’s see what baby Girl is up too this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

As Baby Mac keeps getting closer and closer to being born, they now measure in at 17-18 inches, are the size of a pomelo, and weigh about 4.3 pounds. Your little one’s head also has a coating of fuzz, and their skin is continuing to fill out. Baby Mac is still a little ways away from their first mani-pedi, but they already do have a full set of fingernails and toenails! In fact, one of your baby’s favorite activities right now is sucking their fingers, which is not only cute, but actually improves their coordination and familiarizes them with their body. 

And Baby Mac is really practicing for the big stage, breathing and “swimming” like crazy. Your baby is also probably already in the head down position with their head moving closer to your pelvis as they prepare for delivery.

What’s new with you?

This late in your pregnancy, you know your own unique symptoms pretty well. Symptoms are different for every pregnant person, but one of the most common symptoms of the third trimester is the increased need to pee. Hemorrhoids, flatulence, and constipation might continue as well. And you’ve probably reached a peak in the increased blood flow that’s, by now, been contributing to any number of symptoms. That extra 50% of blood does have a purpose though — currently it’s helping to keep Baby Mac snug and safe, and it’s also going to help make up for the blood you lose in delivery. 

It’s also time to start thinking more about your hopes and plans for labor and delivery, including thinking about if you may want to use any pain management. Talk to your provider about your options and what makes most sense for you. Epidural anesthesia is among the most common pain management options, though many opt for other medications, or elect to have medication-free births. It is also possible to labor without  analgesics (pain meds) but need other medications like pitocin and/or antibiotics. Ask your provider about the pain management options available to you and any other questions you have about labor and delivery. It does help to go into labor with an understanding of your options, but keep in mind that you can always ask more questions even when in labor if you change your mind then. Everyone’s desires and needs are different, and your provider and care team will help you do what’s best for you. 

It’s also important to prepare for life after delivery — you want to be as prepared as you can be for Baby Mac’s arrival, since you’ll be busy with your little one before you know it. If you’ve finished with some of your baby prep basics — Crib? Check! Diapers? Check! — and want another project to keep you busy as you count down the days to your little one’s arrival, it’s never too early to start with some baby-proofing. Putting up baby gates, getting some cabinet locks and door knob covers, and mounting furniture (like dressers, changing tables, or bookcases that can tip over) to the wall so it’s not a fall hazard are all items that can be added to your baby-proofing to-do list, whether now or later. Certainly, Baby Mac is several months away from trying to climb dressers or explore under the kitchen sink, but if you have some extra time to do some of this prep now, you’ll be glad to have dealt with any potential safety hazards long before your little one is particularly mobile.

My stretch marks are really coming out now!
My amazing friend and client got me a survival bag! 😂 Ps the jolly ranchers are delicious

22 weeks is she still a girl???

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Yesterday we had had our big ultrasound! Karen and Rodger came in Wednesday for the festivities. We had a wonderful dinner at Charlie Gittos my favorite St. Louis restaurant. My family dressed nice even the kids! We didn’t even get a picture. Surprise surprise. Sometimes I think not having pictures means we had even more fun because we are so wrapped up in conversation and fun that we don’t think of anything else. So it’s memory pictures we will have to remember. ❤️ Ricky was stopped and asked if he was a famous star from Top chef! 😂 Our waiter was incredible and just swore it was him. We looked the guy up and there was a resemblance! The kids thought that was just great. I really wanted baby Mac to move so Karen could try to feel because the other night Ricky said he could feel it! Apparently baby Mac enjoyed dinner so much that it was straight to bed! I was so excited to get home to sleep I was beyond full and sleepy.

So Thursday morning our appointment was at 9:30 am. I don’t really like early appointments. I feel more rushed but it was fine. Baby Mac was moving and kicking like CRAZY during my ultrasound even the tech could feel it. They went ahead to re check and make sure she was still a girl and she definitely was! That would have been quite a surprise and shock if we had seen something different lol. She was moving so much she put on a great show. She was so precious and perfect. We even saw her sucking her fingers! They said her size was perfect and right on track. She was estimated at one pound and 3 ounces. ❤️❤️❤️

You guys are not going to believe this but it looks like I have a two vessel cord AGAIN this time! How weird is that. Thankfully I know because of last time that it’s nothing to worry about it just means I get more ultrasounds and appointments to go to. I won’t complain about getting to see her cute face more often. I’m honestly wondering if this is more common in ivf or it really can just be a fluke and happed to me two times in a row?

They also said at 36 weeks they want me to do non stress tests. Basically I will go in once a week and be hooked up to monitors and they will just watch her I guess and make sure we are all good to go. It was funny though because she said it was because of ivf pregnancy but as we know my last 5 pregnancy’s were ivf and I have never had these before. 😆 Weird but I’ll be there. After the appointment we left and went to the hospital for a hospital tour. They showed us the birthing room and told us they will do their best to get us rooms close together. I made sure to get a cup of that great ice before I left! All in all we had a great time. It’s so exciting to be getting so close. Today I have a regular appointment with Dr Sammons. Oh I almost forgot to mention baby is also already head down. Well at least so far! She obviously has lots of wiggle room and can be switching it up any time but I hope for my sake she stays like this.

Let’s see what baby Mac is doing this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is now just under a foot long — about the size of an ear of corn — and weighs just over a pound (478 grams). 

When Baby Mac isn’t sleeping the day away (which at this point is 12-14 hours a day), they’re trying to touch anything they can. Whether it’s their face, body, or umbilical cord, your baby is working on their physical abilities and motor skills by practicing movement and getting a feel for things. Your little one’s inner ear is also developing their sense of balance. While Baby Mac may not be using that sense of balance on any gymnastics equipment yet, the more their ears develop, the better the chance that your baby is hearing you when you talk, and learning your voice, so that when they arrive, they’ll recognize you!

Their eyes are still developing, and right now your little one still lacks pigment in their iris, so doesn’t have an eye color just yet. And his pancreas is already busy creating its own hormones, which helps alleviate all of the hormonal heavy-lifting you’ve been doing. 

What’s new with you?

Your feet and hands may be some of the next places to feel pregnancy’s side effects, as some swelling is not uncommon during these months. You might notice that any rings you wear on your fingers might start to feel tighter, and your feet could grow a whole size bigger. Wearing maternity compression stockings may help improve your circulation and reduce swelling in your feet and legs, in addition to helping with varicose veins if those have been an issue for you. 

And your expanding womb may have turned your “innie” into an “outie” by now. Don’t worry, it’ll go back to normal after you give birth. Your newly out-facing belly button might be a little sensitive, especially as it rubs against your clothes, but that’s generally nothing to worry about. If, on the other hand, it’s causing you pain, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure that you’re not dealing with an umbilical hernia. 

Really, as any strange symptoms or discomforts pop up for you, be sure to ask your provider about it. Even if there’s nothing wrong, it never hurts to know exactly what’s going on in your body, and it can help you feel better knowing that whatever’s going on is normal.

We celebrated Bo’s first birthday yesterday!
We needed a picture by the expectant mothers sign!
Mr. Shawn Brock from top chef. Who they thought Ricky was. 😆

Happy 14 weeks

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Great news everything pregnancy wise has been so great. I’m not having any bleeding and my energy is coming back so I don’t need naps every day! I did get sick with what I thought was Ricky’s cold and my Dr had me go to my primary just to get tested to make sure I didn’t have the flu or Covid. I was positive I just had a cold I felt fine other then my nose was so stuffy I couldn’t breathe or sleep. The Dr came back in to tell me I had Covid! I was seriously in shock I really didn’t feel that sick. So needless to say I had a week off work. I wasn’t happy about that and I know my clients weren’t either. Everyone was extremely kind and wished me well. Thankfully I was only pretty sick for 2 ish days. Nothing awful though. Just a hangover headache and super stuffy. Now that I’m on the mend let’s do the fun stuff! Cravings: still fruit and I did have two buffalo chicken salads this week! I surprisingly am not craving ice yet. 😂 We all know it’s coming though. Im nervous for that now that I have braces I’m sure my orthodontist would say to not chew ice all day but seriously what am I supposed to do! I have to have it. I haven’t gained any weight yet woohoo!!! I am having stretching ligament pains. They always hurt. My best way to explain it if you haven’t had them is someone stabs you with a knife and each time move or breathe it feels like they twist it. I know that seems extreme but that’s kind of what it’s like. 😂

I wanted to go back to the Covid story because the kids were so sweet about me being sick and wanting to make sure baby was safe and not sick with Covid. Everett is learning in science about all the good blood cells. How they chase down the bad germs and fight them off. Everett said if he could see in my belly he bets that all my good strong fighting cells just lined up around baby Mac to keep her the safest since she needs it most. I’m not really sure how it all works but I really like Everett’s pick! It sounds like a heroic story to save a princess. Maybe I’ll ask him to write me a book on it and see what he comes up with. ❤️

We are leaving in 2 ish weeks for the beach! I’m so excited to get away and hopefully sit in some sunshine and listen to the waves. We also get to visit Jen, KC and the BOYS!!! 🥰🥰 They are so big already. While we are there Karen wanted to do something for the kids and us for Christmas and so we decided/I tricked Ricky into driving to Disney for a much needed magical experience! It was that or the Tampa zoo. Disney was only 30 mins further so you can see the choice was easy! We are incredibly grateful for such a wonderful generous gift! We were going to skip disney this year and now we will keep our streak going 4 years in a row now. So I guess we can say Karen and Rodger officially win Christmas this year! 🎄 kailynn said I bet Karen and Rodger can’t wait to take their baby to Disney a lot too. ❤️ I’m so proud that my kids get to experience all of this they see how it works and how wonderful it can be!

Let’s see what sweet baby Girl Mac is up to now!

Baby Mac’s growing like wild — they’re between 3 and 3.5 inches long, the size of a beet! Your baby’s weight is only going to start increasing even more as they begin to add fat to their skinny little frame over the next few months. And the fur-like lanugo that’s covering most of their body will keep your little one warm until their baby fat comes in. 

Baby Mac is also moving like crazy in there, though you probably can’t feel it quite yet. By week 14, your little one can squint, frown, and even suck their thumb! And your baby’s liver, spleen, and kidneys continue to develop and function better every day. 

Another big development as you embark on the second trimester is Baby Mac’S immune system. The beginnings of your little one’s immune system started developing weeks ago with early immune system cells, but while Baby Mac is in your womb, they’re protected by the sterile womb environment — meaning that their immune system  won’t need to protect against pathogens just yet. And He is now producing white blood cells too, which will come in handy when your baby needs to fight infection on their own after birth, when your immune system will no longer be able to send strong, adult cells along. Your baby’s immune system will continue to develop for several months or years after birth, but they’re well on their way! Once they’re here make sure to follow guidance from their provider to stay on a recommended vaccine schedule. 

What’s new with you?

The second trimester is worth celebrating! Most folks report this trimester to be the most enjoyable of their pregnancy. There are, of course, some new symptoms that may be popping up, including headaches and dizziness. But sandwiched between the nausea of the first and adjusting to a very different, very pregnant body in the third, during the second trimester there’s a good chance you may feel more comfortable. Your breasts are going to continue to grow, but the soreness is likely to decrease, as will the fatigue. Doesn’t the second trimester sound a little more lovely?

Round ligament pain is common during the second trimester too, which occurs when your growing womb puts added pressure on the ligaments running from your lower abdomen to your groin. It sounds simple, but one of the best ways to deal with round ligament pain is to give yourself time to rest and to avoid sudden movement. In the longer term, performing pregnancy-safe exercises to strengthen your core can also help you avoid round ligament pain. If, however, you feel intense pain in your abdomen, or if your pain doesn’t go away after resting, you should call your healthcare provider. 

As you move full steam ahead into trimester two, it’s important that you continue to care for yourself in ways that allow you to feel your best and promote a healthy pregnancy. It can help to stay active with movement or exercise that you enjoy, eat nutritious foods that help you feel satiated and good, and get enough rest. And it’s important to start taking a prenatal vitamin high in folic acid if you haven’t yet started doing so.

The screams and girly squeals make my mom heart overwhelmed with joy 🥹 

(Huge thanks to karen and Rodger for helping make our trip even more exciting and fun!!! I can’t wait to show you a million pictures you probably don’t really want to see! 😂 )

I think if she has blue hair I should get some special hairstylist achievement award! Like an Emmy or something along those lines. 😂
I know we don’t want real mice in our homes but this little one is so wonderful she’s just tearing up stuff inside me and using it all for her bedding nest. It’s ok I want her to get extra cozy. I want her to pull all the extra fat from the walls and just use that stuff most. 😂

Happy 9 weeks and 3 days

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How’s Baby Mac?

Happy 9 weeks. Things are going along pretty well. I’ve still been feeling pretty good. I have had a few days were I felt nauseous and just not good. But it hasn’t been to bad. My legs are also super crazy itchy from the meds I guess. So much so that I accidentally bruised myself pretty bad. I swear I didn’t think I was scratching that hard. Just 12 more days of meds. Not that I have a count down. 😂 I get asked alot how I’m feeling and I generally always say I feel good and fine. Because that’s generally true. We did have a scare last week though I had some slight spotting of brown blood. It’s never a good thing to see blood when you are pregnant. I tried to relax and not worry. I went to the dr and thankfully baby Mac was just fine in there. We didn’t get an explanation for what or why the bleeding happened. Thankfully since then I have had nothing though so that makes things much better!

I’ve had a couple people also ask about cravings. I guess I would say I am maybe craving soups? Lol I have been eating lots of soup the last week or two. I also always crave fruit in the beginning of my pregnancy’s. I’ve always loved fruit but, with each pregnancy I feel like I just want yummy ripe fruit all the time. Our next appointment is November 3rd. Karen is going to be in town for this one. I’m excited for her to be here. It feels like it’s been forever since I have seen her now. I’m thinking of all the fun St. Louis things to show her. Mostly food! 😆

Baby Mac is now almost an inch long (.9 inches), the size of a pecan, and though they’re not fully developed, all of their essential muscles and body parts are present. Your little one’s kidneys, liver, brain and lungs that are all starting to function on their own too, and they’re even starting to develop taste buds! Although Baby Mac’s eyes are forming more complex structures, their eyelids will shortly fuse shut for another four months or so. Your baby’s inner ear is also beginning to form the fluid that will allow them to develop a sense of balance. Baby Mac also has toes, bones in their arms, and joints that bend in their elbows.

Perhaps the most exciting part about week 9 is the increased likelihood that you may be able to hear Baby Mac’s heartbeat using a fetal doppler, a super special first for you and your little one. Baby Mac’s heart has been beating for a while now, but now it’s really starting to develop, forming distinct chambers and valves. They grow up so fast, don’t they?

My poor leg!

Last ultrasound before transfer!

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Ok today was our last ultrasound and blood work before transferring on the 30th! So just 7 days away. I’m happy to report everything looked good lining wise and we are just waiting for my blood work results to come back although I expect them to be fine also. My lining looked to be 14/15 in thickness this week so that’s good they want over a 8 I believe.

We had a great trip in Branson visiting our GG and the kids went back to school yesterday. I’m happy and sad. I love spending summers with the kids but I know they enjoy seeing friends and lord knows they need some structure and less snacks all day! 😂

Karen and I are both feeling excited and anxious. As to be expected I suppose. I still don’t know if I will test this time. My heart and brain are saying no right now at least. I haven’t even bought any tests this time. Usually by now I would have already had a stack ready to go. I’m still hurt by the fact that last time we were pregnant and then suddenly it all just went away. Talk about cruel. We all had the rug ripped from under us. It was just so sad.

I’ve still been doing my acupuncture twice a week and today’s session was my most relaxing yet! I honestly think I fell asleep a bit. I definitely didn’t think I would be able to relax that much knowing I had needles poking out of me. I told Heather my acupuncturist that these were the last two she would see me for and that now all the pressure is on her for our success! Haha She’s so sweet and said she would take all the pressure so I didn’t have it.

Karen already has appointments for me set up when I am in town for the acupuncture the day before and day of transfer. I’m happy to feel like we are doing everything we can to help this little embryo along. We will be transferring another girl this time. I’m praying my body is exactly what she needs and I can provide a soft, fluffy, cozy little home for her until she’s big enough to go live in her home with her mommy and daddy.

Today before I took Everett to school he was asking me if this would be the last baby I would have. I told him I think so as long as the baby sticks in my belly. He said mom you sure have had a lot of babies! I said I know but I really love to be pregnant and have babies. I asked him what he would have thought if I would have wanted that manny babies for our own family and we had to keep them all. He said well I think that’s too many babies for us. Lol he then said if I did have that many to keep he just wanted 4 boys and 4 girls so it could be even. Kids are just so fun.

Well now I’ll just wait for the all clear from Carrie at FCI in chicago. Once she says we are all good I’ll wean off my Lupron this week and I will be doing the big butt shots later this week and all the pills I have to take. Then I’ll fly out Monday and do the transfer on Tuesday. Remember the new motto!

✨TRANSFER THREE IS MEANT TO BE ✨

✨TRANSFER THREE IS MEANT TO BE✨

✨TRANSFER THREE IS MEANT TO BE✨

First ultrasound today.

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I’ve been on the Lupron but today was our first ultrasound and blood work. I got up got there. I was just expecting my usual when all the sudden she says oh well looks like you have a fibroid! I was shocked and didn’t know what to think. I immediately said well I bet this cycle is canceled. I have never had a fibroid as far as I know but I figured no way it was a good thing. My ultra sonographer was so sweet and did her best to talk me off my ledge. She explained that they are very common and that it was actually super tiny and not at all in the way of my lining. It was nice but I definitely was still upset. I even told her I probably wouldn’t see her next week. 😔

As soon as I got to the car I called Karen. I explained what they say and that the ultra sonographer was not worried but I really was. I was super upset because they made me be put under for the HSC procedure to check for any polyps scar tissue etc. this was literally 30 days ago and they said everything was all good and clear. How the heck does this just happen? I was honestly heart broken. I just felt like my body was giving up on us. I called Ricky and he was nice and too calm about it all. I just wanted someone else to also feel horrible about the news and to be sad and angry with me but he wasn’t. He told me there was only room for one of us to be all worried and worked up. That’s true and I’m glad he didn’t also freak out with me. It really wouldn’t have done me any good.

I went straight to acupuncture and was in tears. Going twice a week I feel like we are all besties there now. 😂 The girls were so kind and I explained what the ultrasound showed and Heather just listened and put in my needles. I closed my eyes and just rested and prayed. I prayed it would go away and that it wouldn’t be an issue for baby being able to implant. I prayed that we wouldn’t have to cancel it all and do more tests and procedures. I actually really did get to relax while I was there. I did feel more calm and at peace while I was laying there. I needed that because I was obnoxiously stressed and anxious at this point.

Once I was done I went to the car to come home and I decided to just call FCI and ask to talk to a nurse. Thankfully I was able to get through quickly and tell her what happened and ask her opinion. I knew she didn’t have the official report yet but I told her I just couldn’t wait all day waiting to hear if it was likely going to be bad news. So I told her everything I was told and waited for her to tell me what I just knew was the bad news coming our way. 😔

Much to my surprise she wasn’t surprised or shocked in the least. She said it was super common and that if didn’t sound like I should be worried at all. She said obviously she needed to see the report and have the DR go over it but that she didn’t expect it to be anything to worry about especially since we just did the HSC test. This was very reassuring for the time being. I called Karen and cried a bit because I was so relieved that my body was still ok and working hard for us.

I real take this so so seriously! It’s not lost on me how much trust these families have put into me. I just need to learn to not put so much pressure on myself. I know I can only do so much it’s just hard to remind myself of that. I had to wait a few more hours to wait for the other nurse to call me and really confirm all was ok. I let the doubts and anxiety slip back in. I always go to the worst case scenarios.

When she called I was of course with a client at work but she was so kind and let me answer. Thankfully they re confirmed all was still a go and that it was super super tiny and not of concern. I could have cried again. So in a few days now I will be adding in the estrogen to start bulking up and building my lining to a super thick and cozy home the new little embryo! I’m praying so hard that this little one is actually the one. The third times the charm!!!

I’m hoping at next week’s appointment my fibroid has just disappeared or that it at least stays small and doesn’t get in the way of anything. Thanks as usual to everyone for the thoughts and prayers during all this. It’s such a crazy roller coaster of emotions. I’ll update next week after our next appointment.

3 day past 6 day transfer

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I’m officially 3 days past the transfer at like 10 am today. I’m still in Chicago. I stayed in bed for two solid days. Day of transfer and the day after. Yesterday I ventured out and walked around. The weather was gorgeous low 70’s. I had some cramping the first day and a half I would say. Now nothing. It’s so hard knowing they put the embryo in and now you have to wait and over analyze every little thing. I have hours where I’m so at peace and confident that this time it’s the time. I feel like we had such a great transfer day. The embryo looked SO SO great and my lining was even thicker then last time. Plus the music gave me such comfort. It all seemed so meant to be. But then I also have too much time on my hands because I’m here alone 😂. That’s when my brain starts saying STOP you can’t be too excited Rashel. Sometimes it just doesn’t work. Then I spiral into what if it fails again. What if I take test after test and they are all white again. I will once again have to feel all the emotions while on all these crazy medications. Then I pick myself back up and say no stay positive. I know I have done everything perfectly. Taken all the meds and all the appointments looked great. My body has done everything it’s supposed to so that this little girl should want to stay. It’s now up to her, God and science!

I did finish my book and have watched some tv. Today is my last day in Chicago I go home tomorrow morning. Today is a BIG day for Karen she has been working hard for this fundraising event to help the boys and girls club. They will all get to wear gorgeous gowns and drink and dance the night away. Hopefully they raise lots of money from the auction to help the club. I get to go do hair for everyone tonight before they go out! I’m excited for that.

We decided to take our test tomorrow morning before I leave for the airport. I didn’t want to test today and her be sad or disappointed for the event she worked so hard for. Plus hopefully tomorrow we can have a stronger line on the test anyway. I keep visualizing there being two lines. We want it so bad. I know even if a line doesn’t show up tomorrow we would have time for it to show up but it sure would be nice to see it earlier. I really want Karen to have such great news.

Karen also gave me one of the best gifts ever while I was here. She is seriously too kind and a wonderful gift giver. She gave me a copy of a special poem that has significant meaning to her and Rodger. They always tell each other they have each other’s hearts and carry them. So then she gave me a heart necklace to Symbolize that I get to carry their baby’s heart! You guys 😭😭😭😭 it was so so beautiful. The meaning behind it is so incredibly beautiful. I am so lucky to be trusted with peoples most precious of things. Their babies! That will never be lost on me. I just keep praying so hard that this little girl is strong! That she can find a perfect cozy spot inside of me so that she can live and grow! So I can hold and protect her tiny heart until she’s big enough and ready to go to her mommy and daddy! I will keep this necklace on forever. ❤️🥰❤️

For a funny story yesterday Ricky told me that the cardinals were actually here in Chicago playing! I had no idea. So I was with Molly and I teased him that Molly just said I could go with them! (They always get season tickets and he knows it) I will upload the screen shots from our text. Let’s just say Ricky wasn’t happy that he didn’t get to go. 😂 But then when I got back to the room I had a delivery! It was an edible arrangement. Now I felt extra bad for the trick because I still hadn’t told him I wasn’t actually going to the game. Turns out he went to his physical therapy appointment and told everyone there how excited he was for me that I was going to a cards cubs game at Wrigley Field. 😆

So I will update everyone tomorrow at some point about our first test. Please PLEASE be praying and sending all your good thoughts and emotions our way. We need them. here are the fun pictures so far.

First messages!
Second message and then he FaceTimed us! 😂
I just happened to have packed one cards shirt so I put it on to show him I was going! 😂
My delicious delivery
❤️😘❤️
The poem. ❤️😭❤️
It’s so so pretty
It’s perfect!!!