Category: Pregnancy

Esther Mae is here

Posted on by Lauren

Well I guess I just needed to post about still being pregnant to not be pregnant anymore.

Monday morning I had a Dr. appointment to monitor how she was doing. She had enough fluid, but her heart rate wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do. After talking to my doctor we decided that I was far enough along that breaking my water would get things going. Based on her heart rate she should be delivered sooner than later.

I went back to get Dave and get my things together. Then we headed into the hospital to deliver Esther. Around 7PM they broke my water. Because of her constant monotoring, IV and the anxiety of her birth I opted in getting an epidural. My other births (except Ezra’s c-section) I delivered with out anything. I am glad I got the epidural for this delivery. I was comfortable and pain free. When I was ready to push we paged the NICU team to take care of Esther. With pushing during 3 contractions she was out. Whisked away by the NICU team to get intubated. Dave was able to head up to the NICU with them while I finished up with delivery. He said there were over 17 people taking care of her waiting to do what they need to do.

They are taking good care of her and for how critical she is, she is doing pretty good. They have her intubated and started an oscillator on her. The oscillator pulses oxygen into her lungs to simulate breathing. It seems to be going well so far, but it can change at any moment.

They are taking X-rays through out the day to see what her insides are doing. Her diaphragm opening is quiet large and a lot of her insides  are up in her chest. They are hoping that with the lungs taking in oxygen that it will naturally move some things around. The surgeon is hoping to do her diaphragm patch surgery Thursday or Friday. She is wanting to line up he best team for Esther.

From the X-ray they found some air outside of her right lung. Which means her right lung was leaking a little. It is something that will repair itself but the had to put a chest tube in to clear the air. Things look good once they put that in there.

When they pick on her she doesn’t like it. Her silent cries are hard to watch. Even though I can’t hold her yet I can cuddle with her. Not the same but I’ll take it. They started giving her some sedation drugs to keep her calm. Her movements make her work to hard than she can handle.

I set up a Facebook prayer page to do quick updates for her. Feel free to like it. www.facebook.com/esthermaehannon

Also we do have a PO box set up here where we will pick up our mail. The address is PO BOX 2703, Grand Rspids, MI, 49501

 

imageHanging out with Esther.

 

Esther Mae Hannon, born June 24, 5:57 AM, approximately 7#14oz. No height yet.

She is the perfect addition to our family and I can’t wait to take her home.

 

 

Update about nothing

Posted on by Lauren

I guess it’s time for an update.

And yes, I’m still pregnant. 40 weeks and 6 days pregnant incase you were counting. I have no idea when I’m going to go into labor. I’ve been having on and off contractions since about 36 weeks. I was sure I would deliver around 38 weeks. Now I feel like I’m 3 weeks overdue, not just a few days.

We are monitoring her by checking the amniotic fluid every few days. My doctor is fine with me going to 42 weeks before trying anything. I’m hoping to deliver on my own before that. The real issue comes if she decides to poop before I deliver her. We won’t know if that happens until she is here. If she does it would get in her lungs. Praying nothing like that happens.

Anyway, still impatiently waiting to get this craziness started. Thanks for the prayers and messages from everyone. I plan on updating things when things get more interesting.

And here is a very pregnant time at the park.

image

 

Hanging out

Posted on by Lauren

Yup I’m still pregnant. I really thought we would have her sooner but I guess she is comfy and not ready yet.

We have been spending some time in Grand Rapids waiting for the baby to come.  Even though Dave is still working it feels like a mini vacation. Though I much prefer to not be 9 months pregnant on vacation.

We have enjoyed our time here and are starting to settle in. Nothing too exciting to share. But here are some pictures of some of the fun.

Lots of time spent at the park
GR Collage 

We found the boys like this one night.
I asked Atreyu why he wanted to sleep with Ezra and he said
“Well, because I love him sometimes”

sleepy boys

 

And of course I have gotten a little bit of sewing in.
Noelle in her new dress.

noelle dress

 

 

Today I am 39 weeks. I do feel like I could go into labor any moment. This end of pregnancy has by far been my most uncomfortable. The others were so easy compared to her. It’s nice having Dave “work from home” this last week since he has been a huge help to me.

Thank you to those we have talked with and the encouraging things and prayer you have for us. We are thankful that our church has a church plant here that we have been able to visit. It feels like home and are blessed by the people there.

Pink or Blue?

Posted on by Lauren

Today we had the much anticipated Ultrasound. With my first two the ultrasound meant finding out if they were a boy or girl. Now they are about finding out if the baby is healthy. Crazy how views change in a couple years. The tech first scanned in on the brain and from what I could see it looked perfect. Kids with Spina Bifida have a “lemon” or “banana” shaped brain. So this was a great sign of a healthy baby.

After a few more scans and a little twisting and turning trying to get the baby to move around. We saw a healthy brain and a healthy spine! What a blessing!

And of course we got the “money shot”

In November we will be having our first baby girl! Now to get to sewing the cutest little clothes for her.

And I thought this picture was just too cute. She was resting her little arm on her leg.

Number 3

Posted on by Lauren

Our new baby. yay! Giving a little wave to everyone. My due date is the end of November.

 

We had our first appointment last week. I love hearing that heartbeat. It’s like “wow, there really is a baby in there!”  I think the doctor caught my anxiety because they brought in the ultrasound machine to take some pictures! It was great to watch this baby move around. From what I can tell (which isn’t much), but everything looks perfect! We will have more ultrasounds later to find out the sex and if the baby is healthy, but for now I am just getting through these first few weeks with lots of naps. And looking forward to November to meet this little one!