WOW! Time has flown it seems. Then there are days when it seems like it's dragging it's heels too, but that's not very often. I am now 33 weeks along in this 40 week journey. Although my journey is scheduled to end at 39 weeks via repeat c-section, so I have just 6 weeks left! We are all so very ready to meet this baby boy! My two girls are beyond the whole waiting and ready for him to be here already, but they are remaining much more patient than I am on some days. I have another OB appointment in less than a week and if things have remained as they've been this entire time then I don't foresee any problems. So that is great! By this point in the pregnancy with my oldest I was on strict bedrest. I think I made it a couple weeks further with my second but again I was on bedrest and both pregnancies ended in emergency c-sections. Even though I fought until the last day for a V-BAC with my second! This time I think the risk of a V-BAC would be higher due to the previous 2 c-sections but also with what I know about the disease and how my body handles stress and fatigue I think a repeat c-section is the right choice so I haven't mentioned a V-BAC to my Dr. Although my family has heard me say many times that I have a feeling that this pregnancy is going to go perfectly and it would probably be my only chance to have a vaginal birth. Bummer! But that's life!
Anyway, I've experienced the big question from people finally. The "Are you getting your tubes tied?" question. People seem shocked that I'm not. After all they were thinking we were insane to be having a 3rd little one to begin with but to not tie my tubes!!! That's LUDICROUS! *smile* I have my reasons and they are my own. But for those who read my blog and have wondered if this is on the to-do list your answer is it is not! I even had a lady (mind you she is the sweetest lady and meant no harm!) ask me what was I gonna do with three!?! I smiled and replied, "Same as I did with two. Spoil and love them!"
It amazes me that if this were 50-80 years ago people wouldn't have batted an eye at a 3rd baby. I wonder what has changed so much that it makes a larger family taboo. Is it that there are so many expensive extra-curriculars available today and parents feel the need to give their child everything available making it a cost issue? Is it time available to spend with children? I really wish I knew. Is it that more than 1 or 2 children just require more of everything and parents are afraid they can't meet that many children's needs? It really baffles me. I know that in today's society the "best" is often considered the best because it's the best that money can buy. I'm very blessed that I don't have that mindset I suppose. So far I've been blessed with children who have a mindset that spending time with family is better than spending money on expensive items for themselves. I've been blessed with children who at very young ages are learning the value of the dollar by earning the money they get to spend. They understand that daddy works hard for what he earns and they work hard for what they earn as well.
I guess since becoming pregnant with this 3rd blessing and seeing the reactions of those surrounding us it's brought a lot of questions to the forefront of my mind. Most of which why is it so, for lack of a better term, repulsive to have larger families if that's what is great for your family? Even though we've encountered some negative and humourous feedback about us growing our family we wouldn't change a thing! We know times won't be easy but we learn every day the value of living within your means and enjoying the priceless things in life. I for one am looking forward to another child squealing with joy in the mornings and throughout the day. I'm looking forward to one more cuddler fighting for space in the mornings and just before bedtime. Life is great and is only getting better as time draws closer to our newest family member arriving!
Some have wondered how I will manage a new baby with the disease I have. And my answer is that I'll manage exactly as I have with both my oldest children. With the strength I gain from God and with the love I get from my family. Working together as a family unit like we have even before we knew why mommy wasn't as active and feeling well as other mommies. This is nothing new for us and even though there have been scary times, many scary times, there have been far greater joyous moments because illness has a way of teaching a family that love and time spent together is the best things in life!
So for those of you that stumble upon this blog and read it remember that even with life-altering diseases and setbacks you can have a life altered for the better! Sure you may have to adjust your view a little or adjust the way you feel about what happiness and togetherness means, but it's do-able! It's all in how you choose to view life. Find happiness in each other even in the tough times. Laugh often and loud! Give and receive love from those around you... it's a mind-altering drug that is better than any prescription! :)
Have a blessed day and check back soon for an update on our newest addition! See you soon!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
My baby is a blessing...
I'm lying here in bed resting, because that's what you have to do when you have a disease like Dysautonomia. Also because my OB told me yesterday that resting and hydration should help with the Braxton Hicks I've been having. Ya know, I don't believe I ever had ones that hurt with either of my pregnancies with my girls. I had the tightening sensation but that was closer to the end of my pregnancy and was more of a comfort issue than a painful one. This little boy makes being pregnant SO different! I've been having BH's that actually hurt for more than a month now. The first day kinda freaked me out because I'd never had them like that before, but now I know they are normal just not fun! :) But in either case rest is the answer along with staying very hydrated. Two things I understand well after these past four years of my diagnosis. Rest and hydration are more than important for me, the are very necessary to keep myself from having what I call "crashes". I've had a couple episodes since becoming pregnant this time around and both times were during times I wasn't resting more than I was doing. There is a fine line you have to find and balance on with this disease. Add in the extra fatigue from growing a precious tiny human and finding and balancing on that line is a new challenge! But having said all this, I am not complaining, just stating how things are as of now.
My mother made a comment below a facebook photo I had taken showing my growing belly. She stated, He sure is growing. I think you enjoy your pregnancy more than anyone else. LOL. I love you." I can't argue with her statement at all, in fact this was my reply. "That's because I know how blessed I am to carry this little boy! I thought for sure I'd never be able to have another!" And it's completely true! I never thought, even though I so desperately wanted, that I'd ever have another child. We'd randomly discussed it many times over the last four years and I would say to my husband that I probably shouldn't because of the disease and all. Then one day in December of 2012 we threw caution to the back of our minds and a few weeks later learned we were having another little baby. Just one single night and this beautiful baby boy I am now carrying was created and began growing into something beautiful! My girls were beyond thrilled! My oldest had been wanting a baby brother for the longest time and my youngest had recently declared she'd like a baby sister. (She has adjusted to the idea of a baby brother now, at first she wasn't thrilled though!) In the beginning most of those close to us were very concerned. I understand that completely because I, too, had been concerned at times. But the sheer joy of knowing another blessing was on it's way pushed those concerns further into the back of my mind and they only occasionally pop up.
Knowing that this broken body of mine is carrying and growing such a miracle gives me such joy. Every moment he kicks, even when they hurt, I'm so happy! When we have our appointments and hear that beautiful heart just beating away, my heart soars! The times we had ultrasounds and saw him for the first time and for the first time learned we were having a son, I can't explain the joy! For someone who is so dependent upon others for help so much of my life, this is one thing I get to do for someone else! I get to shelter him, care for him, love him, and carry him for my entire pregnancy and there is no one else who is able to do that. It's all me! Well, me and my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with knowledge enough to know how to care for my body so that I can care for my son. It is truly an amazing and wonderful feeling to know that even at this very moment my body is doing something other than failing me... it's helping support a tiny blessing that I'll soon hold in my arms and love on. A tiny blessing that I'll soon be able to introduce to the world and say, "See, here is a baby who will bring love and laughter. A baby who will soon grow into a boy who will love Jesus and share that love with others. A boy who will do amazing things and will grow into a man who will be kind and caring. A man who I will be proud to call my son as he walks and talks the ways of Christ." Some will say that I can't say those things with certainty. I say that I can. Because the Bible tells me that if I train up a child in the way he should go, that when he's older he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6) Just as my husband and I do with our girls, our son will learn the ways of Christ, so that when he is grown and has become a man with his own life and family, he will then pass the torch on to his children.
Yes, I am very blessed. I am very happy. I am beyond thrilled to be carrying this bouncing (and he does!) baby boy. And I am privileged that I'll get to see him grow into the man he is destined to become. And at the moment, I am more than overjoyed that I get to be the one, the sole caregiver, for this baby boy. It's not often in my Dysautonomic lifestyle that I get to say that! That in itself is my miracle!
Be thankful for the miracles in life and strive to recognize them when they appear! Sometimes, others may not see that situation for the miracle it is. Be sure to remind them! Be sure to give Jesus the praise when He bestows blessings and miracles upon you! Have a wonderful day and be blessed in the Lord!
My mother made a comment below a facebook photo I had taken showing my growing belly. She stated, He sure is growing. I think you enjoy your pregnancy more than anyone else. LOL. I love you." I can't argue with her statement at all, in fact this was my reply. "That's because I know how blessed I am to carry this little boy! I thought for sure I'd never be able to have another!" And it's completely true! I never thought, even though I so desperately wanted, that I'd ever have another child. We'd randomly discussed it many times over the last four years and I would say to my husband that I probably shouldn't because of the disease and all. Then one day in December of 2012 we threw caution to the back of our minds and a few weeks later learned we were having another little baby. Just one single night and this beautiful baby boy I am now carrying was created and began growing into something beautiful! My girls were beyond thrilled! My oldest had been wanting a baby brother for the longest time and my youngest had recently declared she'd like a baby sister. (She has adjusted to the idea of a baby brother now, at first she wasn't thrilled though!) In the beginning most of those close to us were very concerned. I understand that completely because I, too, had been concerned at times. But the sheer joy of knowing another blessing was on it's way pushed those concerns further into the back of my mind and they only occasionally pop up.
Knowing that this broken body of mine is carrying and growing such a miracle gives me such joy. Every moment he kicks, even when they hurt, I'm so happy! When we have our appointments and hear that beautiful heart just beating away, my heart soars! The times we had ultrasounds and saw him for the first time and for the first time learned we were having a son, I can't explain the joy! For someone who is so dependent upon others for help so much of my life, this is one thing I get to do for someone else! I get to shelter him, care for him, love him, and carry him for my entire pregnancy and there is no one else who is able to do that. It's all me! Well, me and my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with knowledge enough to know how to care for my body so that I can care for my son. It is truly an amazing and wonderful feeling to know that even at this very moment my body is doing something other than failing me... it's helping support a tiny blessing that I'll soon hold in my arms and love on. A tiny blessing that I'll soon be able to introduce to the world and say, "See, here is a baby who will bring love and laughter. A baby who will soon grow into a boy who will love Jesus and share that love with others. A boy who will do amazing things and will grow into a man who will be kind and caring. A man who I will be proud to call my son as he walks and talks the ways of Christ." Some will say that I can't say those things with certainty. I say that I can. Because the Bible tells me that if I train up a child in the way he should go, that when he's older he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6) Just as my husband and I do with our girls, our son will learn the ways of Christ, so that when he is grown and has become a man with his own life and family, he will then pass the torch on to his children.
Yes, I am very blessed. I am very happy. I am beyond thrilled to be carrying this bouncing (and he does!) baby boy. And I am privileged that I'll get to see him grow into the man he is destined to become. And at the moment, I am more than overjoyed that I get to be the one, the sole caregiver, for this baby boy. It's not often in my Dysautonomic lifestyle that I get to say that! That in itself is my miracle!
Be thankful for the miracles in life and strive to recognize them when they appear! Sometimes, others may not see that situation for the miracle it is. Be sure to remind them! Be sure to give Jesus the praise when He bestows blessings and miracles upon you! Have a wonderful day and be blessed in the Lord!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
We're having a ...
Well, it's now been over a months since our anatomy scan. First off the baby is doing great and growing right on track as of my last appointment. And we found that we're having a SON! Yep, it's a boy! We are very excited about his upcoming entry into this world! Here's a sneak peek of him. In this ultrasound image he is face down, head on the right, and he's got his right hand at his mouth!
Since my last post so much has changed! My dad came up twice and has done some work on our place getting us ready for our baby boy. Still have some painting that needs to be done. After our baby boy has gotten here and we are a little adjusted then my dad will be back up here and we're going to replace all the flooring in our kitchen/living/and girls bedroom. I'll be so glad when it's all non-carpet! Carpet is a disaster for someone who has a disability, 2 almost 3 small children, and pets!
As far as my dysautonomia and this pregnancy I'm doing ok. I have however already been keeping my activity to the bare minimum and now my OB has stated that getting hot is a no-no and bed rest may occur sooner than I'd anticipated. But until that moment arrives I'm still taking it very easy. My heart rate is staying elevated even with my beta blocker I was allowed to stay on and the further along I get the more it becomes an issue for me making resting even more mandatory. So far my BP is good though. I have fainted a few times but had the foresight to sit before hand so there was no injury which is great. I have my 1 hour glucose test in 2 weeks and although I'm not looking forward to it I don't anticipate any problems.
Well, please continue to keep us in your prayers as we face these last 16 weeks of this pregnancy! I have my scheduled C-section for the 4th of Sept. Before long we'll have an adorable little boy here to make life more exciting! Until next time, be blessed!
Since my last post so much has changed! My dad came up twice and has done some work on our place getting us ready for our baby boy. Still have some painting that needs to be done. After our baby boy has gotten here and we are a little adjusted then my dad will be back up here and we're going to replace all the flooring in our kitchen/living/and girls bedroom. I'll be so glad when it's all non-carpet! Carpet is a disaster for someone who has a disability, 2 almost 3 small children, and pets!
As far as my dysautonomia and this pregnancy I'm doing ok. I have however already been keeping my activity to the bare minimum and now my OB has stated that getting hot is a no-no and bed rest may occur sooner than I'd anticipated. But until that moment arrives I'm still taking it very easy. My heart rate is staying elevated even with my beta blocker I was allowed to stay on and the further along I get the more it becomes an issue for me making resting even more mandatory. So far my BP is good though. I have fainted a few times but had the foresight to sit before hand so there was no injury which is great. I have my 1 hour glucose test in 2 weeks and although I'm not looking forward to it I don't anticipate any problems.
Well, please continue to keep us in your prayers as we face these last 16 weeks of this pregnancy! I have my scheduled C-section for the 4th of Sept. Before long we'll have an adorable little boy here to make life more exciting! Until next time, be blessed!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Meet Baby Powell #3
We had our ultrasound and our little one was measuring right on time! Here is a photo from our ultrasound and for those who don't really know what you are looking at there is a photo that I diagrammed!
It is always amazing to get that first glimpse of the tiny being that God has blessed me to protect while it grows! I am constantly in awe that there is a tiny human inside me and completely dependant upon me! I am so very thankful and grateful to God for allowing me to enjoy becoming a mother for the 3rd time!
Maybe the next time I make a quick post about our newest blessing it will be to show it's next picture and maybe to let you know whether it's a little boy or a little girl! Until then...
Monday, February 11, 2013
And then there were more...
Today I have been thinking constantly on my upcoming ultrasound appointment. In fact for the last 6 days it's been constantly on my mind. Is my baby healthy? Is my baby growing properly? Will he or she have the same problems I have? Is there just one baby or more than one? Will my health hold up for the duration of this pregnancy? See, I have LOADS of questions!!! So many thoughts are running rampant through my mind that it can really wear me down if I chose to let it.
However there are so many less worrying thoughts that I can choose to focus on! Am I right and this baby is a beautiful boy? I can't wait to see my daughters faces as they meet their sibling for the first time! I can't wait to teach this new little one all about Jesus and His loving sacrifice for us! I can't wait to hold my baby, talk to him/her, sing songs to him/her! There are so many exciting things to think about!
Sometimes at night when sleep is seemingly nowhere to be found for me, I find myself lying in bed just thinking of the baby. It's such a miracle at how this tiny grouping of cells came together and day by day and week by week they merge and grow and shape into this beautiful tiny little human! I get these little updates via apps on my kindle. I didn't have these when I was carrying my two daughters! It's so neat to get little daily snippets of what's going on inside of me! Being able to quickly share these cute little updates with the girls and my husband is fun!
So having said that, I'm lying here again thinking about Monday. In seven days I get to finally see my baby! Or babies? "smile" Just as a side note, my mother in law told me she's praying every night for twins! It's possible with our family histories so we'll see! I do know that I imagine and feel like this baby is a beautiful little boy. I was right with my girls down to their hair/eye color as well as their hair texture! Will I be correct again? Will this baby be a sweet faced little boy with light eyes and wavy strawberry blonde hair? Or am I just so off in my "gut feelings" this time and this baby will look nothing like I see him in my mind? So many questions and wondering this or that. I suppose all that I know for certain is that no matter what this baby is already so loved! This baby is constantly on my mind and heart and I pray for him/her daily. I wait for the day when there is more than a flutter of movement that is barely perceived by myself. I wait for the moment when my family can see and feel their baby moving within me! I look forward to the moment when I hear that first cry, have my first glimpse of my beautiful gift from God, hold him/her, nurse him/her, and just love on that which is just pure sweetness! 40 weeks, and I have 10 of those under my belt (quite literally!). We are 1/4 of the way through this beautiful journey and I can't wait to see the finish line that signals the beginning of the rest of our lives as a family of more than four!
However there are so many less worrying thoughts that I can choose to focus on! Am I right and this baby is a beautiful boy? I can't wait to see my daughters faces as they meet their sibling for the first time! I can't wait to teach this new little one all about Jesus and His loving sacrifice for us! I can't wait to hold my baby, talk to him/her, sing songs to him/her! There are so many exciting things to think about!
Sometimes at night when sleep is seemingly nowhere to be found for me, I find myself lying in bed just thinking of the baby. It's such a miracle at how this tiny grouping of cells came together and day by day and week by week they merge and grow and shape into this beautiful tiny little human! I get these little updates via apps on my kindle. I didn't have these when I was carrying my two daughters! It's so neat to get little daily snippets of what's going on inside of me! Being able to quickly share these cute little updates with the girls and my husband is fun!
So having said that, I'm lying here again thinking about Monday. In seven days I get to finally see my baby! Or babies? "smile" Just as a side note, my mother in law told me she's praying every night for twins! It's possible with our family histories so we'll see! I do know that I imagine and feel like this baby is a beautiful little boy. I was right with my girls down to their hair/eye color as well as their hair texture! Will I be correct again? Will this baby be a sweet faced little boy with light eyes and wavy strawberry blonde hair? Or am I just so off in my "gut feelings" this time and this baby will look nothing like I see him in my mind? So many questions and wondering this or that. I suppose all that I know for certain is that no matter what this baby is already so loved! This baby is constantly on my mind and heart and I pray for him/her daily. I wait for the day when there is more than a flutter of movement that is barely perceived by myself. I wait for the moment when my family can see and feel their baby moving within me! I look forward to the moment when I hear that first cry, have my first glimpse of my beautiful gift from God, hold him/her, nurse him/her, and just love on that which is just pure sweetness! 40 weeks, and I have 10 of those under my belt (quite literally!). We are 1/4 of the way through this beautiful journey and I can't wait to see the finish line that signals the beginning of the rest of our lives as a family of more than four!
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