Looking Out For You

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Dear Stella Rose,

Mama went straight in for your ultrasound this time, because last time they did the non-stress test first and you were so active that it took 45 minutes to get you on the monitor. Then when it was time for the ultrasound where they wanted to see you move, you decided it was nap time and it took 30 minutes before you showed all your tricks!

You looked great on the ultrasound as far as your movements, heart rate, dopler and measurements go. You weighed in at 2 lbs 10 oz.

Your cute little hand and look at your kissy cheeks! (Mama thinks you have her nose and papa's lips.)

Next, mama went in for the the non-stress test. Before it even got started, Dr. Kerlin came in and said not to worry about the test. Turns out your fluid had gone back down; this time to 6.2 cm, which was lower than the first time mama had to go in to the hospital. Mama felt the surge of emotions overcome her like it normally does when she is about to cry. She knew what that meant; you gals were going to have to be readmitted to the hospital.

Dr. Kerlin arranged for mama to be readmitted to the hospital and have Maternal Fetal Medicine come to mama's room to do the ultrasound to make sure they got the same fluid measurements. Before mama left Dr. Kerlin's office, they waited for mama to call papa. Papa was able to get off work early and meet mama at the hospital.

Kimberly, the nurse from Dr. Kerlin's office, wheeled mama over to the hospital to get readmitted. Mama let Tracy know she didn't need to pick her up, and then they took her to her room.

The floor was full that day, so mama got put in the room that they house the "birthing dummy," Noelle. Yep, there is actually a simulation doll that they use to do mock emergency situations, and she actually gives birth. Noelle's room was much smaller than mama's room the last time, and it was an interior room without a view. Mama's bed was a labor and delivery bed rather than a post-partum bed, so that wasn't too comfy, either.

Maternal Fetal Medicine came over to do the ultrasound, and they got the same fluid levels. Mama got hooked up to the monitor for 24 hours to see how you were doing and if mama was having any contractions. She also got an IV, but thankfully didn't have to be hooked up to any fluids; it was just in case of an emergency. Mama had to get more labs run, start the 24 hour urine test again, and get another round of the Celestone steroid shot, too.

Papa arrived quickly, and Dr. Kerlin came to talk to them. She said that mama was going to finish out her pregnancy in the hospital. Since mama had already tried the bed rest at home and it didn't work out, Dr. Kerlin didn't feel comfortable with only being monitored once a day. Mama and papa understood that this was in the best interest for you, and at least if something were to suddenly go wrong, mama would already be at the hospital.

They talked about in what cases she would induce mama or do an emergency C-section prematurely. Dr. Kerlin said that if you started to not look good on the monitor (decelerations in your heart rate), if you stop moving (which means you aren't comfortable with the low fluid anymore), or if mama started to get sick (high blood pressure, liver starts failing, preeclampsia symptoms elevating) which would make it unsafe for both you and mama. She also said that if mama started to go into labor prematurely that she wouldn't stop it with any medication, because it was just you and mama's body saying it was time.

Dr. Kerlin arranged for the NICU nurse to come talk to mama and papa to educate them on premature birth and NICU care at the hospital, which would provide some relief to mama and papa.

Love,
Mama & Papa

Week 2 at Home

Dear Stella,

Sunday was a busy day. After church Matt, Shelli, the kiddos, Corey and Leslie all stopped by with lunch. Pizza, salad and Oreo cookies! It was so nice to see them! As they were leaving, Nana came by with dinner. Then, as she was leaving Auntie M.A. and Laura came by with a baby shower gift since that was the day M.A. had originally scheduled to throw you a baby shower at her house. Then mama's cousin, Caitlin, who she hadn't seen in 3 years came by on her way home from visiting a friend in Muncie. They all played mama's new favorite game, Monopoly Deal. Then Haleigh (one of your babysitters) came by to visit and play Monopoly Deal, too! It was a long fun-filled day with lots of visitors!

That next day was the first day that Grumpa and Lola wouldn't be there during the week. Lola had a doctor's appointment, and Grumpa has chemotherapy treatments every 2 weeks. They weren't going to be there until the next week, so mama had registered on mealbaby.com. It's a pretty neat website where you can sign up for days that you need help with meals. It didn't take even a whole day for all the days for lunch and dinner to be taken up by all mama and papa's loving friends!

Monday was another busy day. Lynda Shade came by with Panera for lunch. It is always great to spend time with her! Then, mama's nurse came by and you did well on your non-stress test again! Then, Christie Heller came by with Jenna (one of your babysitters), Cade and Kendyll. It was great to visit with them, too, especially because mama and papa had missed watching them once a week. Kendyll got a kick out of Bandit's tail! After they left, Jill Hutchinson came by with Melody and Ian. She brought mama some healthy protein goodies because her midwife had told her that protein was good for preeclampsia. Ian got a kick out of the smiley face balloon, which was still floating strong! For dinner, Stephanie Etchison came by with the kiddos and brought a yummy stuffed bread loaf and an Oreo milkshake from Steak n' Shake (mama's favorite flavor!!)

Tuesday wasn't as busy with lots of visitors, but it was a lot of fun! Haleigh came over and made mama mac n' cheese and turkey n' cheese tortillas for lunch. Haleigh brought over "Blades of Glory" which mama thought was a little "disturbing" at parts but funny and "Tommy Boy." Jenna came over a couple hours later. They all had a coloring book party and played Monopoly Deal, of course! It was a fun day! After papa had come home and the girls had left, a family from church whose son is in papa's small group stopped by with dinner. Ziti with marinara sauce and chicken breasts! Yum!

Every day this week, before papa left for work, he brought up peanut butter and jelly toast with decaf coffee just the way mama liked it. Papa is the best!

Wednesday, "Aunt Tracy" was there to pick mama up to give her a ride to your doctor's appointment that was at 10:00am. However, mama ended up not needing her to come back to pick her up.

To be continued...

Love,
Mama & Papa

Should They Stay or Should They Go

Dear Stella Rose,

Prior to mama going into the hospital, a pastor and friend at church forwarded papa an email from the pastor of another church in Indy that was searching for an intern for their youth ministry. Mama and papa decided that it wouldn't hurt to email him and see if papa might be who they were looking for. After papa did a short internship with the Community Works and Jr. High ministries over the winter with WRCC, papa really felt the call into full time youth ministry. The plan was for papa to go back to school at Cincinnati Christian University on the Indian Creek campus on the southside of Indy for youth ministry.

Mama and papa checked out the church's website. It just seemed like maybe God was opening a new door, and it was worth exploring. Papa sent the email and heard a reply back the next day, which was the Saturday before mama went into the hospital. The plan was for papa and Pastor Steve to talk over the phone that Monday. However, they weren't able to talk on Monday, so they rescheduled for Tuesday after work. That was the day mama went in to the hospital, so they didn't get to talk then, either! Since mama was in the hospital for a few days, they finally got to talk on Memorial Day Monday.

The conversation went really well, and they decided to meet in person on Wednesday to talk in more detail. At first mama was hoping that papa would end up wanting to stay at White River, because mama didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave all the kids she's gotten to know in the Jr. High ministry, and they just felt so at home at White River. Mama got to think and pray a lot while home on bed rest. Mama prayed that if this new church was where God wanted them to go that mama wouldn't be selfish and really seek do what God wanted them to do. Mama felt God changing her heart when she saw how excited papa was after meeting with Pastor Steve. They both thought it would be a good fit, but papa asked him if he could have some time to talk with mama and pray, which he of course agreed!

As the next few days passed, Mama really started to feel comfortable about the transition to move. It was almost like it would be easier for mama to be able to leave since she was already on bed rest and not able to go to church. That next Sunday before papa left for church, he had asked mama to be praying for him. He was starting to doubt whether they should go to the new church or stay where they were comfortable. Mama had already started to lean towards going to the new church.

Mama reminded papa of when they first decided to start serving in the Jr. High ministry almost 2 years before. Papa knew mama's heart was for the youth. They really wanted to serve somewhere together, so they decided to give Jr. High ministry a try. Little did papa know that he would be the main speaker during the second hour service, Pulse Remix. Papa is an introvert (mama is an extrovert and could have fun talking to a fly). This was totally out of papa's comfort zone.

After almost 2 years, you should see how much papa has grown! Growth in study of God's Word, in speaking, and in loving and building relationships with the kids. Talk about God using you when you are least comfortable!

Mama reminded papa that change is normally uncomfortable, but God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Mama told papa that since they were so comfortable where they were that maybe it was God moving them to take that step of faith and GO! Sometimes God wants us to take risks. It's about listening to what and where God wants to lead you and being obedient. Mama and papa pray you will grow to understand that!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Bed Rest: Week One at Home a Success!

Dear Stella,

With mama on bed rest at home, the change was a little bit harder on papa. Mama and papa are different in the way that papa energizes by being by himself and mama usually energizes by being around people. Papa was used to coming home from work around 4:30 and having an hour and a half to relax and collect his thoughts before mama got home from work around 6:00. Even though Papa loved having Grumpa and Lola around and appreciated their help so much, it was an adjustment papa had to get used to... coming home from work with a house full of people, mama included!

As for mama, the first week went by really fast, and it actually helped to have Grumpa and Lola there every day not just to help, but for their company. Mama loves to spend time with Grumpa and Lola, and you will, too!

Every day you did great on the monitor and mama's blood pressure had not elevated at all. Wednesday was your appointment at Dr. Kerlin's office, so the Alere nurse didn't need to come by. You were ornery! First, it took 45 minutes to get the non-stress test monitor to pick up your heart beat because you were dancing around in there! Then, when it was time for the biophysical exam ultrasound where they want to see you move, you must've decided to take a nap! It took 30 minutes before you woke up and started moving! You passed with flying colors again...an 8 out of 8! Plus, your fluid levels had gone up to 10.0!



Dr. Kerlin was happy that you were doing well with mama being at home! By the time you and mama were all finished, it was time to wake up Grumpa, who had fallen asleep out in the waiting room!

On Friday, mama had a little scare. She thought she may have been leaking amniotic fluid, so she called Dr. Kerlin's office and they said to come in. Mama called papa and he took off work because he wanted to be able to take mama himself. It turned out that mama wasn't leaking any fluid, but they did another ultrasound to measure the fluid just in case. It was actually lower than it was on Wednesday at 7.8, but it was still considered stable because it wasn't lower than it was when mama was first admitted to the hospital. Keri, the ultrasound technician, said that the difference between 7 and 10 really isn't that big of a difference, because you could pee and it would increase your fluid by that much. So no worries...that was a relief!





Officially, week one at home was a success. The balloon that everyone brought you and mama before they left on vacation was still floating high and well, too! Aunt Shelli said it was because it was full of love!






Love,
Mama & Papa

Designing Your Nursery

Dear Stella Rose,

Grumpa and Lola came back the day after Memorial Day to stay for the rest of the week with mama. It was such a blessing to have them around. Not only was it wonderful for mama to get to spend lots of time with them, mama also got to enjoy Lola's wonderful cooking! You will see for yourself! Hopefully, you take it from mama and you're not a picky eater like papa! :)

During the day, mama kept busy making the designs for your nursery. A few weeks back, was mama's first Mother's Day. Grumpa and Lola brought down your whole nursery suite, and Uncle Russ, Grumpa and papa put it all together.

All those little bibs, blankets and shoes were given by "Aunt Nikki" and "Uncle Eric." Some of the really soft blankets were given to you from "Uncle Corey."

Stella means "star"

The dresser is actually already full of clothes given to you, again from Nikki and Eric. The big star is going to be painted magenta and the smaller star is going to be decoupaged in the fabrics that match the rest of your nursery. The big stars were given by "Aunt Shelli" and "Uncle Matt."

Yummy fabrics!

Mama had found the fabrics for your nursery from a locally owned store in Noblesville called Always in Stitches. Since mama was on bed rest, she found a website online called Hawthorne Threads that had the same fabrics, and they just happened to be on sale for 40% off! Mama hated to not support the local store, but a 40% savings was too much to pass up...plus it was delivered, which was convenient since mama couldn't leave the house.

Now for the designs...

Your baby blanket and curtain mama designed.

Actually, it was papa's idea to use the rose patterned fabric for the big stars on the blanket!



Mama came up with the design for the crib skirt, and she used an Amy Butler pattern to come up with the design for the crib bumpers.

Mama was so excited to get started sewing!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Staying Busy

Dear Stella Rose,

Papa was working overtime on Saturday, so Grumpa and Lola stayed with mama until papa got home. Then they headed back to Lowell to give mama and papa some time to spend together. It was such a blessing to have them there with mama.

Saturday was the first day for Alere, the home healthcare company, to come to the house. They brought a big box with the monitoring machine in it. Mama had to sign a waiver that she would be responsible to pay $5,000 if the machine wasn't returned or if it was damaged! Whoa!

You were still looking great on the monitor! Mama's blood pressure was great, too!

After Grumpa and Lola went back to Lowell, mama and papa stayed busy through the Memorial Day weekend watching movies and playing games.



Auntie Eree told mama of a really fun game to play with papa...Monopoly Deal.


Mama beat papa 3 times in a row, so mama thought that was why he never wanted to play again! :)





Mama and papa also played Super Mario Brothers Wii together. Papa beat the game a long time ago, but it was still fun to play because multiple players can play and be on the screen at the same time.






Mama and papa's really good friends, Jon and Heather, (who will also be like an aunt and uncle to you) wanted to do something for mama and papa while mama was on bed rest. Since they were still living in Nebraska, they thought of a really great idea to do something for them from afar. Netflix! Mama and papa could order movies online and they would be shipped to the house. There was even a selection of movies they could watch instantly with the instant streaming disk that goes right into the Wii! It was very thoughtful of them!

It was a nice relaxing weekend for mama and papa to just relax and spend time together!

Love,
Mama & Papa

All Day with the Animals

Dear Stella Rose,

Paoli hadn't seen mama in 4 days, so she was so excited to see her. She was sniffing her like crazy! It's neat how dogs can sense if something is wrong. As the week went on, it was like Paoli didn't know what to do with herself being out of her crate. She must've thought she was on bed rest, too.


Zelda was glad to have mama home, too. She became protective and would follow mama upstairs and downstairs.

Bandit is pretty old, so he seemed indifferent. He usually just sleeps all day, randomly plopping himself on the floor or on the couch with Zelda. When he is awake, he is usually wrestling with Zelda...or eating!



Thought you would enjoy those pictures!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Heading Home!

Dear Stella Rose,

Today was the day mama and papa were supposed to leave for Gulf Shores with "the family" (the Morrisons, Leslie and Corey...they will be like aunts and uncles to you and Logan, Morgan and Cole will be like your cousins!) They all stopped by in the morning to visit before they left, which made mama happy!


Not too much longer after they left, Maternal Fetal Medicine came in to do another biophysical exam, and Grumpa and Lola got to see it! They thought it was so neat! It was! Here are a couple pictures:

You always seem to have your foot and a hand up by your head!

You passed your biophysical exam with an 8 out of 8 again! Your fluid levels had gone up to 9.0, too! The doctors considered that stable since it was still lower than normal, but it hadn't gone down since a few days before.

Mama's blood sugars went back down to normal, so Dr. Frick said mama should just be able to manage her blood sugar levels with her diet. The dietician said not to cut out carbohydrates completely because you still need those to grow. Managing carbohydrates wasn't going to be too bad; mama just wasn't going to be able to eat whatever she wanted like normal.

Good news! Dr. Kerlin said that since everything was stable and you were looking perfect on the monitoring and biophysical exam that mama could go home and finish bed rest at home! Mama would have a home healthcare nurse visit every day to put you on the monitor and take mama's blood pressure and temperature.

There were certain restrictions to mama's strict bed rest:

• Mama could only go up and down the stairs once a day (once to come downstairs for the day and once to go back upstairs for bed.)
• Mama was allowed to take a shower once a day as long as she was only standing for 10 minutes (mama sits down in the shower anyway).
  
• Mama was only allowed to get up and walk to the bathroom...that's it! (no making Taco Night for papa anymore!)
  
• Mama was not allowed to leave the house accept for her weekly doctor's visits (mama wasn't even allowed to attend her baby showers, so one got cancelled and another post poned...mama tried to see if papa could take her to a movie since she'd just be "sitting there" but Dr. Kerlin said that wasn't a good idea.)
  
• Mama could sit outside in the sun for 20 minutes a day but only during the cooler parts of the day (mama tried to see if papa could take her to the pool since she'd just be "laying on a lawn chair" but Dr. Kerlin said it would've been okay if the pool was in the backyard)...mama tried!
  
• Mama was allowed to sit at her sewing machine to work on your nursery for 20 minutes per day (as long as it didn't stress mama out, Dr. Kerlin said.)

It was going to be a huge change for mama and papa, especially because they were so used to constantly having something going on every night after work. It was almost like they didn't know how to slow down! It was sad because mama and papa weren't going to be able to watch the Heller kiddos anymore, and they quickly missed them a whole bunch! It was also going to be hard for mama not to attend church and to miss out in the Jr. High ministry!

All in all, mama and papa only cared for what was best for you. If bed rest was what you needed to stay healthy, then you are worth it baby girl!! Mama's friend, Christie, made a good point. She said that once you become a parent you will live the rest of your life making sacrifices, and this situation was giving mama and papa a taste of what that will be like before you were even born! You will always be worth the sacrifice!

Love,
Mama & Papa

God Is In Control

Dear Stella Rose,

It was going on day 3, May 27, 2010. Mama was getting treated for gestational diabetes, having to get her finger pricked before and after every meal and taking insulin shots to cover the carbohydrates she ate. Dr. Frick, the diabetes doctor, came to visit mama bright and early (6:30am!) He said that if mama's blood sugar levels continued to stay high that someone from the diabetes care center would be in to teach her how to take her blood sugar and give herself insulin shots before and after meals. Thankfully, mama's blood sugars started to go back to normal later in the day! The Celestone shot must've been wearing off!

Christy Heller came to visit in the morning, and guess who else came to surprise mama in the morning?! Grumpa and Lola! They came to stay for a few days to keep mama company during the day while papa was at work.

It was Dr. Kerlin's day off, so Dr. Rasmussen came to check up on mama. She said that due to the signs of early preeclampsia, mama was most likely going to have to be on bed rest the rest of her pregnancy, but she didn't know how much of that would be in the hospital or at home. Uh oh, mama started to get really anxious again, thinking about having to be off work that long without her income coming in! Mama had to remind herself that God provides all that you need and he was in control of this whole situation.

A couple weeks before all this happened, mama started to get really anxious as she wondered how her and papa were going to afford child care and all their bills. It just didn't make sense on paper. Mama goes through phases where she worries about money and then she doesn't. Papa had even told her one time that she was acting like the Israelites when they would question Moses on where they would get food to eat. Although God provided for them time after time, so quickly they forgot of his provision over and over again! Just as God continued to provide for mama and papa time and time again, mama still tried to take things into her own hands. Having to come to the realization that mama wouldn't be bringing home a paycheck for at least 3 months really threw things so out of her control that she HAD to rely on God!

Between the fear of something going wrong with you to the enormity of this financial burden, mama and papa couldn't imagine going through something like this without having a relationship with the Lord, the great comforter. That night mama was overcome with such a sense of peace that God was in control; that he was protecting you and her both and that everything was going to be okay, for God's plan is perfect.

Mama received an encouraging text from her friend, Tracy. It was Psalm 139:15-16 that states, "You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Everyday of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." How encouraging to be reminded that although noone could see you, yet...that our Heavenly Father sees every part of you and will take care of you!

So many friends and family have been praying for you, mama and papa, it's no wonder why mama has felt such a sense of peace. You just hang in there! You'll be 27 weeks on Sunday, and Dr. Kerlin said our goal was to at least make it to 28 weeks!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Not Just 24 Hours

Dear Stella Rose,

It wasn't a full 24 hours until 5:30pm. In the meantime, mama had to do the 3-hour glucose test, so mama didn't get to eat until 12:30pm because she had to fast for 12 hours. Not fun for a pregnant lady! Mama's blood had to be drawn in the morning and then 3 more times every hour for the next 3 hours. Unfortunately, mama didn't pass the 3-hour test either, but it still could've been from the Celestone shot.

Mama had to get a second dose of the Celestone shot at 5:30, and she also had to wait to finish the 24 hour urine sampling. Mama and papa knew they probably weren't leaving the hospital until at least the evening.

The results came in. All mama's blood work labs for signs of preeclampsia were negative, but her urine came back with protein in it. The 3-hour glucose test didn't pass either. Dr. Kerlin said mama would need to stay another night, so mama could be treated for gestational diabetes.

Mama asked Dr. Kerlin what time she thought she'd get to leave on Thursday so that mama could let her work know. Dr. Kerlin said, "Oh, you won't be going back in to work!" She also said to plan on not going back on Friday, either. Mama and papa were supposed to leave on Friday to drive down to Gulf Shores, but Dr. Kerlin said they better not! A little more serious than mama and papa expected!

As mama and papa thought about it, they were actually glad that Dr. Kerlin noticed something was off before something possibly could have went wrong while on vacation! It's just another one of the many ways God looks out for his children!

Maternal Fetal Medicine came back to do a biophysical ultrasound exam. You scored an 8 out of 8! This is what they look for: movement, practice breathing, heart rate, umbilical cord dopler, and amniotic fluid levels. The aminiotic fluid levels were still the same, but they consider that stable since the levels didn't go down.

You were looking great on the monitor! You love to move around! It's like the low fluid didn't phase you one bit! Dr. Kerlin said you even look better than most babies look at 26 weeks! What a relief!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Mama's First Overnight Hospital Stay

Dear Stella Rose,

Mama got to her room and had to answer lots of questions about her health history. The she was hooked up to an IV to make sure she was getting enough fluids, and her belly was hooked up so they could monitor your heart rate and if mama had any contractions. They wanted to make sure your heart rate didn't drop for an extended period of time (called a deceleration) because that could be you cutting off the circulation of your umbilical cord. They also like to see multiple increases in your heart rate (called accelerations).

They also drew blood work to test for signs of preeclampsia (blood platelet counts and liver function). They also drew blood for the 1-hour glucose test to test for gestational diabetes. A 24 hour urine sample had to be collected to test for any protein in mama's urine, which would be a sign of mama's kidneys not functioning properly. That is also a symptom of preeclampsia. Other symptoms of preeclampsia are: high blood pressure, swollen feet and ankles, bad headaches that don't go away with Tylenol, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, blurred vision or seeing spots.

Good thing mama doesn't have a fear of needles! Mama got a big steriod shot right in the hip. The Celestone steriod would help to develop your lungs in case you were born early. The Celestone shot also makes blood sugars elevate, which could have been why mama didn't pass the 1-hr glucose test. The next morning mama would have to get tested with the 3-hour glucose test, so she couldn't eat anything after midnight.

The maternity suite was actually very nice. Papa had his own "man cave" with a TV, DVD player, microwave and mini fridge. There was a couch for his bed. The room had a nice view, too! Mama couldn't believe how much food she was able to order! 2 entrees, 4 sides, 2 breads, 2 desserts and 2 drinks! Whoa! That should keep you happy!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Unexpected News

Dear Stella Rose,

Mama was expecting to go to your 26 week appointment and you would be measuring right where you should be and that her belly would be measuring right at 26 centimeters. Mama and papa went straight in to do the ultrasound.

It was so neat to see you moving around and just how much bigger you had grown! You measured at 26 weeks and 1 day, only a day off from your due date. You measured right in the 50th percentile, except your legs measured in the 10th percentile! You just might be tall!

So far, so good...

Next was the visit with Dr. Kerlin where mama and papa awaited the belly measurement results. Instead, Dr. Kerlin came in and said that everything with you looked good, except the amniotic fluid was lower than normal. She said she had called the specialist, Dr. Dungy, at Maternal Fetal Medicine to see if they could squeeze in a last minute appointment before 5:00.

Mama was concerned. She asked Dr. Kerlin what it meant regarding your health to have low fluid, but she said she'd rather wait and see if the specialist got the same results and then talk about it. Mama and papa appreciated that she didn't want to scare them before anything was certain. Dr. Kerlin didn't even want to finish the rest of the appointment, so mama and papa left right away to head over.

Maternal Fetal Medicine was right on the same floor as the maternity ward of the hospital, so it was just a short walk over. Except it seemed long because mama started to get nervous.

The ultrasound technician did a biophysical exam ultrasound. You were moving all around, your heart beat was good, and your umbilical cord dopler was good. Once she was finished, she left the room to get the doctor.

In the waiting time, mama just started crying. She had an overwhelming fear that something was wrong with you and became terrified of what the doctor was going to say.

Dr. Dungy soon came in. It seemed as though she noticed mama's anxiety. Surely the uncontrollable tears gave her an idea! She began by saying how great you looked on the biophysical exam, which did help mama's anxiety. When it came to the fluid, she got the same result...7.4 centimeters.

She explained the risk of having low fluid was that as you continue to grow that you wouldn't have as much cushion to move around, and you could possibly restrict the nutrient supply from the placenta through your umbilical cord to you. Scary! She explained the possible causes of low amniotic fluid and two causes are gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sometimes the cause is unknown, but usually it is due to one of the two.

Dr. Dungy recommended that mama be admitted into the hospital overnight for 24 hour monitoring. Wow! That was totally unexpected! Dr. Dungy gave mama a hug and told her she would pray for her. Then one of the nurses wheeled mama over to the maternity ward with papa walking right by mama's side.

Love,
Mama & Papa

That's Odd

Dear Stella,

Dr. Kerlin wanted mama to come back for your 24 week appointment to measure her cervical length. Papa came with because they thought Dr. Kerlin said they would do your measurements, but mama was mistaken. Dr. Kerlin said they would need a medical reason to do another ultrasound with the measurements, but they still let us peek and see you!

Papa had worked a bunch of overtime, so they could buy a video camera to have after you were born. Mama brought it with so papa tried to video tape some of the ultrasound but it was hard for papa to see the screen. They got a few more pictures, though!

When Dr. Kerlin measured mama's belly, it was only measuring 22 and a 1/2 centimeters. She said she would like to have us back in 3 weeks and that this would qualify as a medical reason to do your measurements. Mama and papa were supposed to be on vacation in Gulf Shores in 3 weeks, so Dr. Kerlin said she would rather have us back in 2 weeks rather than wait a whole month. Dr. Kerlin said not to worry, because she still thought you were growing just fine. Even though mama's belly was measuring within 2 centimeters of the number of weeks you were old, it was kind of odd that everything had been measuring right on up until then.

Mama was reassured that Dr. Kerlin said not to worry, and that she was just taking the proper precautions. Plus, mama and papa were excited to have another ultrasound to see just how big you were growing!

So back in 2 weeks it was!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Your First Kick

Dear Stella Rose,

Mama started to get anxiety again right before your 22 week appointment. So many people kept saying how small mama's belly was. Between that and not feeling the "flutters" made mama wonder if you were okay. Mama just kept praying for God's peace, because He is in control of everything.

Mama went in for your 22 week appointment. Dr. Kerlin measured mama's belly, which measured right at 22 centimeters. Perfect! Dr. Kerlin said that mama's belly should measure as many centimeters as weeks pregnant, give or take 2 centimeters either way.

Mama expressed her concern to Dr. Kerlin about not really feeling you move, yet. She said not to worry about anything and to give it two more weeks and mama would surely be feeling you move by then.

Only a week later, mama was sitting at her desk at work. She happened to have her hand on her belly when, what do you know! You kicked (or punched)! Mama was so excited! She immediately tried calling papa but couldn't reach him, so she texted him to let him know. Then she told everyone in the office. It was so much fun!

It took about another week before you let papa feel you kick. Every time mama would feel you move, she would hurry up and get papa. Then you would hide!

You should have seen the smile on papa's face when he felt you REALLY kick for the first time! Mama and papa were driving down to Evansville for mama's friends, Erin and Kyle's, wedding. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and mama was just relaxing on the car ride down, feeling you moving around a whole bunch. Mama had papa put his hand on her belly, and BOOM! You gave him a high five! Papa was grinning from ear to ear!

Love,
Mama & Papa

You're a Girl!

Dear Stella,

You have no idea how excited mama and papa were to find out that you were a girl! You know what's funny? Mama thought you were a boy up until the end of the first trimester. Then, mama started having dreams that you were a girl and then started hoping you were a girl! Mama and papa had your name picked out a year before they even knew mama was pregnant, and there was no boy's name that mama and papa loved as much as they loved, Stella Rose!

At your 18 week appointment, mama and papa went in for the exciting ultrasound. It was so much fun to see you moving around. You kept kicking out your legs, and it looked like you were trying to scoot up higher in mama's belly. It was really cute, because it looked like you even waved to mama and papa!

You decided you wanted to keep mama and papa in suspense a little longer, because you wouldn't move to a position where it was evident whether you were a boy or a girl. Mama and papa went in to see Dr. Kerlin and then went back in to do the ultrasound again, hoping you might have repositioned yourself. This time you decided you would reveal your identity! Mama and papa cried in excitement...again!

It was fun to tell Grumpa and Lola the news, because they day of the news was actually Grumpa's birthday, March 30th! Nana was super excited, too because she had been hoping you were a girl all along. Nana never had the experience of having girls, and she couldn't help but notice all the frilly girls' clothes every where she went even before she knew you were a girl!

You have been and still are much awaited for baby girl!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Okay Whacky Hormones...You Can Leave Any Day Now!

Dear Stella,

Mama's hormones were still whacky well into the second trimester! She was just so sensitive about everything! Poor papa!

Here’s a funny story:
mama and papa took a trip to the Castleton Mall to shop for some summer dresses that mama could wear while pregnant. One particular store had a rack of dresses that had a sign hanging on the front that said "Dresses $19.99" and one of the sales associates said everything in the store was "Buy One Get One Half Off." Mama was really happy about that deal, because she didn’t really feel like spending more than $20 per dress.

Mama found two really cute dresses, but when the cashier rang everything up she said the total came out to close to $50 (when it should have been just a little over $30 with tax!) The line was already long, and papa didn't want to wait and said just to get them and not worry about it. Mama was mad because she would have bought some other dresses she saw at another store if she wanted to spend more than $20 per dress, so that was what was most annoying.

Mama told the cashier that she was pretty sure she saw something that said $19.99, but the cashier insisted that they were each $26.50 before tax. Mama and papa went ahead and paid for the dresses, but mama wanted to get to the bottom of it. She went over to the rack of dresses and there it was...the sign that said "Dresses $19.99!" Mama showed the sign to the cashier and all she said was, "Oh, sorry. We changed the sale today, and someone must've forgotten to take that down." Wow, was that bad customer service! She should have honored the sale price on the sign AND the buy one get one half off deal! Even worse, she was just going to leave the sign hanging there if mama didn’t hand it to her!

The part of the story where mama’s hormones were whacky is coming up…

After mama and papa left the mall, they stopped at a drive through of mommy’s favorite sandwich shop drive through to get dinner. Papa is very picky and only gets turkey on his sandwich, so he ordered a “Turkey Slim” and mama got her favorite, the “Beach Club.” As they started to drive away, they noticed that papa’s sandwich had all the toppings on it, so they had to turn around and go back. Mama got excited because she thought she just scored an extra sandwich!

Mama couldn’t believe it. The drive through cashier asked for the sandwich back! Anywhere else would have just let you keep the sandwich! Here’s the funny part…
Mama thought that the cashier purposely messed up the order so that they would have to come back and return it so the cashier could eat it! Silly, huh?

Mama blamed her irrational thoughts on the back to back instances of bad service, but deep down she knew it was still her whacky hormones!

Love,
Mama & Papa

And Here Comes the Bump...

Dear Stella,

Mama finally started to notice her belly bump around week 15. That's when she started to take pictures of the weekly changes.

Look at you grow!

Weeks 15 thru 17


Weeks 18 thru 20


Weeks 21 thru 23


Weeks 24 thru 26


Mama enjoyed watching her belly grow as you grew!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Hello Second Trimester

Dear Stella,

After week 10, the remaining 3 weeks of the first trimester flew by and the second trimester was here in a flash! Mama noticed five major changes:

1. The tiny bit of morning queasiness actually went away at week 11.
2. Mama wasn't exhausted anymore and could actually stay up at night with papa until 11:30 again.
3. Hooray for no more heartburn! Mama could even eat pizza and Mexican food again!
   
4. The sudden craving for sweets began at week 15 (particulary Oreos and milk!)
5. Mama's belly bump finally started to appear at week 15.

Cravings

In the beginning of the second trimester, mama still loved the Healthy Choice Ziti (or basically anything with marinara sauce!) Then around week 16 the foods she loved in the first trimester started to get old.

On to AVOCADOES! Anything mama could put avocadoes on did the trick...usually turkey wraps on wheat tortillas.


Mama fell in LOVE with the Guacomole Steakburger from Steak N' Shake!




Then the new thing for mama and papa was Taco Night on Mondays for dinner, and mama would make enough to have tacos for lunch for three days in a row!

Mama also loved to make pasta for dinner and sauteed vegetables



Mmmm...mama's new sweet craving were Oreos and milk! Can you believe only 3 cookies make up a serving?! Mama could eat the whole package if she didn't restrain herself!




Your Growth...compared to food


Weeks 14 through 26





























Told you the food comparisons are fun!

Love,
Mama & Papa