We are SO grateful that baby is doing well. He probably weighs a little over 5 lbs. now, which is small for gestational age, but that's what we expected! His abdomen and femur measure just fine and he is growing beautifully. Now that I am full term (37 weeks and 3 days) it is getting very difficult to be patient. So right off the bat, that's now our main prayer request. I've always had a very hard time waiting for exciting things like this and trusting the Lord's timing. It's so hard not to get excited and turn that into frustration that he's not here yet, even though it's still plenty early. It's also difficult for me mentally because I've been having pretty regular contractions which never turn into real labor. So I have to talk myself into believing that they're probably nothing every time they start and just wait until they get painful enough that I know they are the real thing.
But enough whining - we are SO happy that our sweet little guy will be here within the next few weeks and God will bring him at the absolute perfect moment. His birthday is set in stone; we just have to wait for it! And everything is ready for him! Car seat installed, diapers in the drawer, onesies all washed up, etc. :) It's so fun to watch Andrew get pumped to be a daddy as I'm also looking so forward to finally being a mommy. That's what I've wanted ever since I can remember. I get anxious and nervous about it from time to time, but I know the Lord will show me what to do every step of the way just like He always has. It's easy to start thinking that we're on our own with this whole parenting thing, but He always reminds me that I can do nothing apart from Him. That's so comforting to know right now.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:13-14
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."
Ecclesiastes 11:5
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8:24-25
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Doc Appointment
A quick little update:
Had a doctor's appointment yesterday that went well except for a couple issues. Apparently, on the last ultrasound I had a couple weeks ago, the baby's femur and abdomen circumference measured quite small for gestational age. This could just be the way he is, but it could also signal some problems with the placenta or another unknown issue. In my second trimester ultrasound he was 50th percentile and he's now dropped to 17th percentile, which concerned my doctor (and Andrew and I). So the next step is I'll be having another ultrasound tomorrow morning to see if he is still small and showing signs of not growing like he should. If that's the case, a few things may come of that. Probably more tests to see what's going on with the placenta, possibly delivering at another nearby hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (the naval hospital does not have one) and most likely coming in twice a week until delivery to be monitored for 20 minutes or so to make sure the baby is still doing alright.
It's funny, when I used to hear about other parents dealing with little issues like this throughout their pregnancy, I was sympathetic, but a part of me often thought they were just being paranoid. I've discovered it's completely different when it's your own kid. Even if there is a 1% chance that they might not be alright, it's hard not to focus on that 1% and want to demand the attention of every doctor in the area to figure out what's wrong. Prayers for me (and Andrew, but this is more my department) to stay worry-free and trust the Lord on this would be appreciated. Also that the doctors can figure out what's wrong, if anything, quickly.
Had a doctor's appointment yesterday that went well except for a couple issues. Apparently, on the last ultrasound I had a couple weeks ago, the baby's femur and abdomen circumference measured quite small for gestational age. This could just be the way he is, but it could also signal some problems with the placenta or another unknown issue. In my second trimester ultrasound he was 50th percentile and he's now dropped to 17th percentile, which concerned my doctor (and Andrew and I). So the next step is I'll be having another ultrasound tomorrow morning to see if he is still small and showing signs of not growing like he should. If that's the case, a few things may come of that. Probably more tests to see what's going on with the placenta, possibly delivering at another nearby hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (the naval hospital does not have one) and most likely coming in twice a week until delivery to be monitored for 20 minutes or so to make sure the baby is still doing alright.
It's funny, when I used to hear about other parents dealing with little issues like this throughout their pregnancy, I was sympathetic, but a part of me often thought they were just being paranoid. I've discovered it's completely different when it's your own kid. Even if there is a 1% chance that they might not be alright, it's hard not to focus on that 1% and want to demand the attention of every doctor in the area to figure out what's wrong. Prayers for me (and Andrew, but this is more my department) to stay worry-free and trust the Lord on this would be appreciated. Also that the doctors can figure out what's wrong, if anything, quickly.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
"Children are a blessing from the Lord... remember that at 3 AM."
All three of us are still doing well, although we've made quite a few trips to the labor deck over the past few weeks. I've had some pains and strange symptoms that the nurses have been concerned enough about that they've wanted me to come in to get them checked out. A few visits have resulted in putting me on antibiotics, but I've mostly left with instructions to rest and drink as much water as humanly possible. We had a moment of concern yesterday when the baby's heart rate dropped too low during a contraction, but they continued to monitor him and he looked completely fine. So, we're thankful for a healthy baby, but I'm definitely getting more impatient to pop this guy out!
Andrew and I are going to a Phillies/Mariners game tomorrow, which should be so fun. Obviously, Andrew is much more excited about seeing the Phils than I am, but I'm also very aware of the fact that this will probably be one of our last times "out on the town" just the two of us for a long time. :) Plus, I haven't been to a baseball game in years!
Andrew did survive his camping trip with all of his buddies last month and I had a wonderful time in Charlotte seeing Jared get married! It was also so great to see some family members that I hadn't seen in so many years. I got lots of good time with my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and Joel and his family. The hardest part is always saying goodbye, especially to those I know I won't see for a long time. Being away from family is always a difficult thing, but the thought of our little boy being away from his grandparents, aunts and uncles is a little much sometimes.
Happy Father's Day to the best dad there is AND Happy Birthday to the best nephew there is! I can't believe he's going to be 4!!
Andrew and I are going to a Phillies/Mariners game tomorrow, which should be so fun. Obviously, Andrew is much more excited about seeing the Phils than I am, but I'm also very aware of the fact that this will probably be one of our last times "out on the town" just the two of us for a long time. :) Plus, I haven't been to a baseball game in years!
Andrew did survive his camping trip with all of his buddies last month and I had a wonderful time in Charlotte seeing Jared get married! It was also so great to see some family members that I hadn't seen in so many years. I got lots of good time with my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and Joel and his family. The hardest part is always saying goodbye, especially to those I know I won't see for a long time. Being away from family is always a difficult thing, but the thought of our little boy being away from his grandparents, aunts and uncles is a little much sometimes.
Happy Father's Day to the best dad there is AND Happy Birthday to the best nephew there is! I can't believe he's going to be 4!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Babies having babies
Well, I am closing in on 30 weeks pregnant and still feeling good! I've had some minor issues here and there, but our baby is checking out healthy at every appointment and must be studying to be a kick boxer. He likes to wait until I've settled down to sleep for the night to show off his moves - a habit I hope he breaks once he's out of the womb. No high hopes on that though. :)
Our nursery is finally painted and we've been gathering most of the items we'll need for the little guy, thanks to generous gifts from our friends and family! I've had a blast putting everything together. Andrew laughs at all of my lists floating around the house - things we need at the diaper station, best ways to get babies to sleep, things to bring with us to the hospital, etc. I do like to be prepared! Some may say having all of the baby clothes and blankets washed and ready to go 10 weeks early is a bit excessive, but it makes me feel better. It also makes everything feel a little more real. We both have to remind ourselves occasionally that we're going to have a real live baby in this apartment soon.
I'd really like to have a natural birth if I can. I was all about epidurals for the first few months because I was under the impression that the only reason to refuse an epidural is pride. And I have none of that. ;) But after speaking with a few people and doing a little research on my own there are quite a few benefits to going all natural. I'm preparing myself for the fact that they may suggest an epidural and, obviously, if it's in the best interest of me and the baby then I won't refuse that. My main prayer is that I won't have to have a C-section because of my small figure or any other reason. I know these things are done daily and it's really nothing to worry about, but the idea of it flips me out a little. I would really be disappointed to lose the experience of pushing my baby out myself.
So Andrew will be spending the rest of this week alone with the cats while I'm in Charlotte at Jared's wedding! We were both extremely disappointed that he was unable to take leave for this week, but thankful, at least, that I'm able to go. It'll be wonderful to see family and spend time with everyone before the baby comes. Andrew has plans of going out for beers with some friends and possibly camping...with no tents...and sleeping with a knife in case bears come. Sigh.
Our nursery is finally painted and we've been gathering most of the items we'll need for the little guy, thanks to generous gifts from our friends and family! I've had a blast putting everything together. Andrew laughs at all of my lists floating around the house - things we need at the diaper station, best ways to get babies to sleep, things to bring with us to the hospital, etc. I do like to be prepared! Some may say having all of the baby clothes and blankets washed and ready to go 10 weeks early is a bit excessive, but it makes me feel better. It also makes everything feel a little more real. We both have to remind ourselves occasionally that we're going to have a real live baby in this apartment soon.
I'd really like to have a natural birth if I can. I was all about epidurals for the first few months because I was under the impression that the only reason to refuse an epidural is pride. And I have none of that. ;) But after speaking with a few people and doing a little research on my own there are quite a few benefits to going all natural. I'm preparing myself for the fact that they may suggest an epidural and, obviously, if it's in the best interest of me and the baby then I won't refuse that. My main prayer is that I won't have to have a C-section because of my small figure or any other reason. I know these things are done daily and it's really nothing to worry about, but the idea of it flips me out a little. I would really be disappointed to lose the experience of pushing my baby out myself.
So Andrew will be spending the rest of this week alone with the cats while I'm in Charlotte at Jared's wedding! We were both extremely disappointed that he was unable to take leave for this week, but thankful, at least, that I'm able to go. It'll be wonderful to see family and spend time with everyone before the baby comes. Andrew has plans of going out for beers with some friends and possibly camping...with no tents...and sleeping with a knife in case bears come. Sigh.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Baby update
I am 24 weeks today!
I had a great prenatal checkup this week. The doctor said I'm right on track with my weight gain, which was a great relief after hearing so many lectures about being so skinny. I'm not showing quite as much as normal, mainly due to my long torso and the fact that our baby will probably be a bit smaller than average, but I should be popping out more pretty soon. The baby's heartbeat is healthy and strong! He's gaining about 6 ounces per week these days and his facial features are almost completely formed. :) I've been feeling good, for the most part. My main complaint is lack of sleep, but I'm hearing I should get used to that.
Andrew's been working hard standing posts for the last week. It's been a very tough schedule because many of the guys in his division are gone temporarily for various reasons, so everyone has to pull a little more weight than usual. He's been very tired, but thankfully only has one more week to go of these difficult hours.
Thanks to all those who read our little updates and pray for us! Much appreciated.
I had a great prenatal checkup this week. The doctor said I'm right on track with my weight gain, which was a great relief after hearing so many lectures about being so skinny. I'm not showing quite as much as normal, mainly due to my long torso and the fact that our baby will probably be a bit smaller than average, but I should be popping out more pretty soon. The baby's heartbeat is healthy and strong! He's gaining about 6 ounces per week these days and his facial features are almost completely formed. :) I've been feeling good, for the most part. My main complaint is lack of sleep, but I'm hearing I should get used to that.
Andrew's been working hard standing posts for the last week. It's been a very tough schedule because many of the guys in his division are gone temporarily for various reasons, so everyone has to pull a little more weight than usual. He's been very tired, but thankfully only has one more week to go of these difficult hours.
Thanks to all those who read our little updates and pray for us! Much appreciated.
Monday, March 28, 2011
It's a boy!!
We officially found out a couple weeks ago that Andrew and I will be having a little baby boy in roughly four months! Tomorrow actually marks exactly four months from my due date. Obviously, we are ecstatic. We've already decided on the name, but will be keeping it a surprise until our little guy is born.
Andrew's brother, Jon, just left yesterday from a week long visit here. The three of us had a great time wandering around Seattle, playing late night games of Scene It, eating at every restaurant Washington has to offer and showing him a little bit of our lives here on the west coast. We were so sad to drop him off at the airport yesterday, but so happy we'll be seeing him again this summer when he comes to meet his new nephew! Here's a great shot from when we took Jon to see Mt Rainier. Unfortunately, there was too much snow to go up the mountain, but the boys made their own fun by throwing enormous rocks and sticks into this river.
An exciting piece of news from the Oliphint side of the family is that my brother, Jared, will be marrying Jenny Pemberton on May 20th! I already bought my ticket to Charlotte, NC where the wedding will be held and we are praying hard that Andrew will get his leave approved to come as well. Besides the obvious fact that we want to be there to see Jared and Jenny get married, it's also a great chance for Andrew to meet some of my family that wasn't able to make it to our wedding last year! Their engagement pictures aren't quite ready yet, but here's a cute shot of the betrothed couple. :)
Andrew's brother, Jon, just left yesterday from a week long visit here. The three of us had a great time wandering around Seattle, playing late night games of Scene It, eating at every restaurant Washington has to offer and showing him a little bit of our lives here on the west coast. We were so sad to drop him off at the airport yesterday, but so happy we'll be seeing him again this summer when he comes to meet his new nephew! Here's a great shot from when we took Jon to see Mt Rainier. Unfortunately, there was too much snow to go up the mountain, but the boys made their own fun by throwing enormous rocks and sticks into this river.
An exciting piece of news from the Oliphint side of the family is that my brother, Jared, will be marrying Jenny Pemberton on May 20th! I already bought my ticket to Charlotte, NC where the wedding will be held and we are praying hard that Andrew will get his leave approved to come as well. Besides the obvious fact that we want to be there to see Jared and Jenny get married, it's also a great chance for Andrew to meet some of my family that wasn't able to make it to our wedding last year! Their engagement pictures aren't quite ready yet, but here's a cute shot of the betrothed couple. :)
Andrew is currently finishing up his two weeks off and heading back to standing posts this coming Friday. My parents will be coming to spend a few days with us here around Easter, which we are looking so forward to!
Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law, Kate!!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Things are great.
The only semi-bad news is we have a little longer to find out the gender than we thought! Apparently, the doctors and ultrasound technicians disagree on which weeks are best for that. So, we continue to wait with bated breath. Hopefully, another 3-4 weeks or so.
Meanwhile, I'm starting to show, which is very exciting for me! Having never weighed more than 102 pounds, it's amazing to watch all of these changes. I know this is the most obvious statement in the world, but you just can't help but say it when you're pregnant - I can't believe there's a human inside me! Whoever is in there is definitely a kicker. I get a kick (harharhar) out of laying on the couch and feeling those little nudges for minutes at a time. Andrew has yet to feel it, but that's really due to timing not capability. The kicks are strong enough that I can definitely feel some of them on the outside against my hand.
Andrew is mustering up as we speak and concluding his two weeks of standing posts. We are both looking very forward to the next two weeks of relaxation and normal nights of sleep! He enjoyed standing posts for the most part, although it was hard to keep a regular schedule when he would stand post 6PM to midnight and then 6AM to noon the next day. On the bright side, he made friends with some seals and raccoons while on the job (ask him if you're curious enough to know the stories behind that).
One decision we are in the middle of making is whether it would be smart to move to an apartment off of the base. We've looked into a few and the biggest reason for moving would be to save a little money each month on rent. With a sweet little one on the way, we can always use a little extra cash. :) But there are other factors to consider and we want to make sure we make the best decision all around on that. So, we could definitely use prayers in that area that the Lord will make it clear where we should be right now. We only have a couple days to decide and let our current landlords know.
Quick side note: today is our five month anniversary!
I'm going to Philly for a few days next week to spend time with the fam and whichever friends I have time to see. I'm sure Andrew is looking forward to spending time here with ESPN and the kitties. :D Speaking of which, we've decided Winnie is half puppy dog. Even if she is on the other side of the house, all I have to do is say "Winnie come here!" and she comes galloping over to lick my cheek. Philly, on the other hand, has toned down a little bit. I'm not sure if Winnie tires her out from all of the playing or if she's just feeling she needs to set a mature example, but she's not near as hyper or attentive as she used to be. You can be sure we still force our love on her and anyone who knows the story of Andrew and his poor little hamster knows what I mean.
The picture below shows nap time at our house - a fairly frequent occurrence when Andrew gets home from work everyday. Winnie and Philly are always happy to keep him company.
Also, Happy Birthday (a couple days early) to Papa Matthews and Mama Oliphint!! Love you both.
Meanwhile, I'm starting to show, which is very exciting for me! Having never weighed more than 102 pounds, it's amazing to watch all of these changes. I know this is the most obvious statement in the world, but you just can't help but say it when you're pregnant - I can't believe there's a human inside me! Whoever is in there is definitely a kicker. I get a kick (harharhar) out of laying on the couch and feeling those little nudges for minutes at a time. Andrew has yet to feel it, but that's really due to timing not capability. The kicks are strong enough that I can definitely feel some of them on the outside against my hand.
Andrew is mustering up as we speak and concluding his two weeks of standing posts. We are both looking very forward to the next two weeks of relaxation and normal nights of sleep! He enjoyed standing posts for the most part, although it was hard to keep a regular schedule when he would stand post 6PM to midnight and then 6AM to noon the next day. On the bright side, he made friends with some seals and raccoons while on the job (ask him if you're curious enough to know the stories behind that).
One decision we are in the middle of making is whether it would be smart to move to an apartment off of the base. We've looked into a few and the biggest reason for moving would be to save a little money each month on rent. With a sweet little one on the way, we can always use a little extra cash. :) But there are other factors to consider and we want to make sure we make the best decision all around on that. So, we could definitely use prayers in that area that the Lord will make it clear where we should be right now. We only have a couple days to decide and let our current landlords know.
Quick side note: today is our five month anniversary!
I'm going to Philly for a few days next week to spend time with the fam and whichever friends I have time to see. I'm sure Andrew is looking forward to spending time here with ESPN and the kitties. :D Speaking of which, we've decided Winnie is half puppy dog. Even if she is on the other side of the house, all I have to do is say "Winnie come here!" and she comes galloping over to lick my cheek. Philly, on the other hand, has toned down a little bit. I'm not sure if Winnie tires her out from all of the playing or if she's just feeling she needs to set a mature example, but she's not near as hyper or attentive as she used to be. You can be sure we still force our love on her and anyone who knows the story of Andrew and his poor little hamster knows what I mean.
The picture below shows nap time at our house - a fairly frequent occurrence when Andrew gets home from work everyday. Winnie and Philly are always happy to keep him company.
Also, Happy Birthday (a couple days early) to Papa Matthews and Mama Oliphint!! Love you both.
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