Lots of News and Updates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

31 weeks.....measuring 36 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes...5 weeks ahead of schedule!

This picture is evidence that my belly has EXPLODED!!!! I feel like I can't get any bigger! Today was my 31 week appointment, but I'm already measuring FULL TERM...*GASP*. Since I have gestational diabetes, Dr. Greve doesn't recommend I go much past 38 weeks. Madden will for sure be here by 8/21! I don't think that I will last that long. I'm predicting I'll just make it full-term....so 8/7! I will have a sonogram in a few days to see how much he weighs. My doctor is predicting that he will be an 8-8 1/2 pounder! If he's bigger than that, I will have to have a C-section; which I'm really not looking forward to. I do have to start having 3 appointments each week: a weekly check-up, a sonogram, and a consultation with the dietitian. Not exactly how I planned to spend my summer...but I am excited about getting to see Madden every week! Overall, I was happy with my appointment today. Dr. Greve said my sugar levels couldn't be any better and my total weight gain is below 5 pounds; which is probably hard to believe when you look at how huge I am in this picture! I almost forgot to mention my favorite part of going to the doctor: Madden's little heart was beating at 150 today! Let the countdown begin.....I'm now officially due in August!

The Playroom is Coming Along!!!!!! Mike has done a fabulous job!

Here's a few more updates that Mike has done to the nursery....Madden has the best daddy!

30 Weeks

My New Best Friend (a sugar monitor)

Today was my 30 week appointment. Dr. Greve was happy with my sugar levels, but wants to start seeing me EVERY Monday until Madden arrives. I'm hoping this will make the next 6-10 weeks fly by. Nothing has changed too much.....Madden and I are both healthy and his heartbeat was 140. My belly is measuring at 33 weeks...YIKES! I will have a sonogram next week to see how much our little boy weighs. I'll post some big belly pics on Monday with my weekly update.

4D SONO- My Daddy's First Post

I have my Daddy's smirk!
Dude, why is everything upside down? Is it time to come out yet?

Man, does she ever stop talking? (My Daddy told me to say that:)

My Daddy is cooler than your Daddy!

Everything Happens For a Reason

Bad news.....but not horrible news. I just barely failed my glucose test. You have to pass 3 out of 4 sections. Here's what the numbers are supposed to be and what mine actually were:

First blood drawn:
Needs to be below 95/mine was 75
Second blood drawn:
Needs to be below 180/mine was 188 (The nurse said I was at my sickest during this time)
Third blood drawn:
Needs to be below 155/mine was 135
Fourth blood drawn:
Needs to be below 140/mine was 143 (Most doctors want you below 145...but my Dr. isn't most doctors)

I do have to go to a dietitian on Friday and get my sugar monitor. The nurse said I have nothing to worry about, because I just barely failed. I'm actually not bummed out about it. She said I shouldn't lose more than 10 pounds on this special diet and that I can still workout. The upside is that we are going to get a lot more sonograms now! After getting my results, I'm actually in good spirits!

Our 4D sonogram got moved to tomorrow, so be looking for pics tomorrow night. I hope Madden puts on a good show for us!

Glucose Update

As you all know, I failed my 1 hour glucose test. In preparation for today's 3 hour glucose test, I ate a diet low in sugar and starches for 4 days. It was very hard, but I thought that's what I was supposed to do. In actuality, I should have been eating 150 carbs per day prior to taking my test this morning. So, I believe I did myself a disservice by going on a strict diet like that. I also had to fast for today's test. This is how it all went down......

I had my "fasting" blood drawn at 8:30. Then at 8:40 I had to drink 100 grams of glucose. I had my "1 hour" blood drawn at 9:40. At about 10:00, I started to feel very nauseated, dizzy, hot, turned extremely pale and everything short of literally passing out. Let me remind you, I wasn't allowed to drink ANY water. They moved me from the waiting room to an examination bed. My mom and three nurses laid me down and put wet towels on my head, face, and neck. I still felt very weird, but I was determined to stay and finish this test. I had my "2 hour" blood drawn at 10:40. After that, my body went through another crazy spell. At that point, they said they would stop the test and just put me on a diabetic diet. Again, I was not going to give up after coming this far. The nurse patted me down with ice cold water again and turned the lights off so that I could rest before my blood had to be taken again. I was so thankful that Grammy was there with me. No matter how old you get, sometimes you just need your mom. Finally, at 11:40 I had my "3 hour" blood drawn for the final time. I was so relieved that it was all over! I won't know my results until Wednesday or Thursday. After all of that, I really think I deserve to pass.

On a happier note, I got to hear Madden's heartbeat today. It was nice and strong at 154! That was the highlight of my day. The things you have to go through when you're pregnant.......Madden's MORE than worth it though!

Disappointing News

I knew my pregnancy was going way too well. I received the phone call that I was dreading...I failed my 1-hour glucose test with a 159! My doctor wants it to be under 130. I go back Monday for the 3-hour test. I'm hoping to pass that one. If anyone has passed either one, please tell me your secret:)

Glowing And Growing

7 Month Belly Up-Close

As you can clearly see, I've really POPPED!!!!Today was my 7 month appointment. Madden's heartbeat was 135. It's usually in the 150's, but the doc said it would decrease throughout my pregnancy. The normal range is anywhere from 120-160. I have gained another pound; which puts my total weight gain at 4 pounds. That's so hard to believe! I feel huge, but apparently it's all baby. I was very sick in the beginning of my pregnancy and lost a little bit of weight, so I think I'm just starting to catch back up to where I need to be. Although I'm measuring close to 30 weeks, Dr. Greve is not going to change my due date. I'll be full term on August 7, so we'll just have to see when Madden decides to arrive. I also had my glucose test today. They gave me 2 minutes to down a PURE sugar drink on an empty stomach.....that's just wrong! I felt horrible after drinking it. An hour later, I had my blood taken. I should get my results by Thursday. Wish me luck! I go back for my 30 week check-up in 2 weeks:)

This morning before I went to the doctor.......feeling GREAT!

This is what I felt like after the BIG BAD glucose test.

Shower Collage

I know this is M-A-J-O-R picture OVERLOAD, but I couldn't figure out how to create a slideshow. Thank you, Cousin Laura for being my little photographer yesterday. You captured some special memories for me:) I have the best friends and family that anyone could wish for. I hope everyone enjoys the collage. I realize that the pictures are a little squished, but if you want a better look at your picture, you can double click to enlarge it. Love ya!

Baby Shower

Grammy and I with Madden's Diaper Bag

Nana, Me, and MiMi Morris

Madden's Cake

I was definitely given a shower filled with LOVE today! I want to thank Cynthia, Jayme, Melanie, and Connie for throwing me a beautiful shower. It was absolutely perfect! My friends and family came together to celebrate Madden at Nelda's. We feasted on yummy food and delicious cake. I am so grateful for all of our fabulous gifts......so incredibly generous! My sweet friend, Amy Cook, recorded all the gifts. She did a fantastic job and I'm sure her hand is VERY sore! Today was a very special day! I really appreciate everyone for celebrating my first baby shower with me. It's a day that I'll always remember. Much LOVE!!!!