Week 37 - Checkup / Stress Test

We had our weekly appointment today. Baby Ty decided to do "The Flip".

Yes, his head is in position! :-) I had a slight feeling that he had moved since I am feeling more kicks and more punches. Of course, we had our hearts set on seeing our Bundle of Joy on September 8th, but we may have to wait a little longer. I also was looking forward to my last day of work being on September 4th. I am not sure when that will be now. It's all a waiting game from here. We have not canceled the September 8th date just yet. The Doctor just said to wait until next Friday for our next appointment.

As far as the rest of the appointment, everything went well. My blood pressure, weight, etc is great and Baby Ty's heart is going strong. During the Stress Test, he knew exactly what to do because he was just a rolling around like crazy!! Mommy did not have to talk him through it this time. He was a trooper! Daddy just sat there and watched us.

As far as how I am feeling, I am still doing great! I am still walking at least 6 days a week every morning. I am not sure how long I will continue since I am starting to get a bit out of breath, but will keep it up as long as my body can handle it.

Cleaning the house is starting to get a bit hard and I am impressed that I have gone this far with it. Shaun has been a big help, but no surprises there. He has been very supportive, but in the next breath says he is going to get me a mop to clean the tubs since I can not bend over too much anymore. How sweet is that?! :-)

Baby Ty is going to act just like Daddy, I am sure. I am in for a real treat!!

Below is a new photo of my belly... yes, it has grown quite a bit in the last few weeks!

Visiting While in Hospital

We have been asked by family and friends about the visiting hours and rules related to visiting.

We thought we would share a few important things with you in case you decide to visit.

• Visiting Hours are from Noon to 8 PM
• No more than four visitors in the room at any time
  
• All visitors must report to the reception on the 5th floor and provide Photo ID
• You will NOT be allowed in the department without photo ID

Week 36 - Weekly Checkup / Stress Test

Lori's weekly checkup went well today. She had a fetal stress test before her visit with the doctor. Everything went well.

Ty did not seem to cooperate as well this week as he did in last week's visit. However, he did seem to move just enough to gather enough data to satisfy the technician. Below is a picture of mommy during her test.

Lori has only gained 11 total pounds which the doctor gave her kudos for her excellent efforts. Her sugar has been excellent as expected.

Next week the doctor plans to do a quick sonogram to view the orientation of the baby. From what she felt today, she believes he is still breach.

Lori has been sleeping well and that means I am sleeping well. We are just enjoying sleep now, which everyone that has ever had kids and some who haven't, is telling us to do. Good news is I have yet to be kicked out of the bed. With just over two weeks to go till B-day, I doubt I will be.

We are pretty much ready to rock and roll to the hospital for B-day. Lori has pretty much everything from personal clothing to the baby bag packed. Packing my stuff is on my task list for this weekend and yes, the camera is the first thing on the list!

I have successfully tested the ability to take a picture from my iPhone and send it directly to this blog. So when Ty enters the world I only have to send to one email address and I do not leave anyone out accidentally.

Please bookmark or make this page a favorite and come back often.

http://thesmithfamilybabyblog.blogspot.com/

Week 35 - Doctor's Visit

Lori made her weekly doctor's visit today and seen her favorite OB in the practice, Dr. Orndorf.

Lori has lost 4 pounds which puts her only gaining 10 total pound throughout her pregnancy. :-) She was kinda worried about that weight! Ty should be about 6 pounds now that pretty much means Lori's weight is All Baby!!!

The Baby Stress Test results were perfect and Ty had a heart beat of 145 beats per minute.

Dr. Orndorf spoke with Lori and told her that Ty is still breach. The doctor gave her the choice of trying to physically move Ty around to the correct position by pushing on Lori's belly or a C-section. Lori did not care for the pushing and moving... so she tentatively scheduled a C-section on Monday, September 8th (time TBD) to be performed by Dr. Orndorf. :-)

So if that holds true, T-Minus 4 weeks and counting until Ty Gregory enters the world!

Keep checking back for updated news!

Report from Harrisburg

We traveled to Harrisburg to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Office on Thursday for a check up.

We are happy to report Baby Ty and Mommy are doing great. Baby Ty is now up to 5 lbs 2 oz. His blood flow through his embilical cord is excellent and symptoms of a two vessel cord, such as low weight, are not being seen by the doctors.

The doctor said Ty is still breach (butt down - should be head down) but he did say with 6 weeks (soon to be 5) to go, Ty has time to move around and get into place for natural birth. He did mention c-section but that is all he did.

So it is looking like we will have a healthy baby boy... my guess, around 7 lbs 6 oz. :-)

Another Surprise Shower for Lori @ Her Office

The folks at Lori's office surprised her on Wednesday with a Baby Shower. She was surprised... in fact she told me this, "I am so loved around here I can hardly stand it." Well she is loved by everyone and it was apparent by the gifts and generosity showed by her coworkers. Lori got a Baby Monitor, Bouncer, Bath Tub, Books, Clothes to mention a just a few things. Thank you to everyone at her office for helping produce this party and show the kindness you have! Thank You!

Checkups, Stress Tests and Busy Week

Lori had her two week checkup and baby stress test yesterday. Everything went well and Lori and Ty are both happy and healthy. Lori has gained 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks. The doctor was not happy with that, but to Lori's defense the appointment was late afternoon after Lori had consumed 2 meals and 2 snacks. We are hoping it is lower next week!

Lori is now down to weekly visits with a baby stress test before or after every checkup. The test is simply two monitors placed on Lori's belly and she is asked to press a button every time Ty moves. Ty's heart rate is monitored and printed out. This is being done basically because of little things that have come up throughout her pregnancy.

Tonight (Tuesday) we go to Breast Feeding Class. *laughing* Dad is not thrilled about this and getting instructions on breast feeding, but he is going to be supportive of his lovely wife and son! :-)

Thursday morning we go travel to Harrisburg for one last sonogram examining the two vessel umbilical cord. Lori and I are really looking forward to get a few new pics of Ty and seeing his approximate weight!

Will post again on Thursday or Friday with updated news!

Week 34 - Baby Shower

On Saturday Lori was given a "Surprise" Baby Shower. She had an idea that it was Saturday and believe me, she asked many questions about it... so many questions in fact one evening I got a little adjitated with her and had to tell her to relax. :-)

When I arrived at the Baby Shower no one but Lori's Grandparents were there. Mother Nature showed her ugly side with a very big Thunderstorm complete with Wind, Heavy Rain and even penny sized hail. But it only lasted 20 minutes and the sky cleared and Mr. Sunshine came back out. *Shew* I was glad to see him!

Lori arrived just after 3 o'clock and was not surprised of the party but surprised to see the location and everyone that was able to make it. Thank you for all the well wishes, gifts and for sharing our special day with us. We really enjoyed it!

Tracey and Andrea put a lot of time into the making the invitations, taking RSVPs and oraganizing and setting up the decorations. Lori's mom provided the good food. A Big Thank You goes out to them and anyone else who contributed to putting together the day, Lori and I sure do appreciate it!

The cake was prepared by a friend of Tracey's with, what else, a frog decoration! The cake was half chocolate walnut and the other half vanilla. It was delicious.

We received a lot of great things that we put on our registry... a stroller, car seat, diapers, bottles, blankets and lots of clothes among many other things. We have to say that we were quite overwelmed and thankful for the generosity of everyone.

I even got a special gift to use when Ty comes courtesy of my best buddy Jeremy! :-) A Gas Mask for when I have to change diapers along with some nice thick latex gloves! I could not stop laughing!

Lori like to say Ty is going to be and act just like his daddy... by the look of my new hair style, I am sure she is right on the mark!

Again, thank you to everyone, who came from near and far, the gifts and well wishes. With only 6 weeks to go, the days are going by fast and Lori and I are both very excited. Can't wait for everyone to meet this bundle of joy!

We will keep you posted on the health checks on mom and Ty! Keep checking back!