Logan's Birthday- 10/20/11

Check out www.loganwelch.com for pictures and videos of my c-section and Logan's first few days of life!  Luckily, everything went well and he came into the world at 9 pounds 9 ounces and 20 inches long! It was the best day of our lives!!!

UPDATE...

If it were only this EASY!

On Monday, 10/10, (38 Weeks) Kevin and I went in to the hospital for my scheduled external cephalic version. This procedure is done in a labor and delivery room and is where the doctor attempts to manually turn the baby from the outside!  I was a little nervous since I've heard that it could be very painful and uncomfortable.  When I arrived, the nurse had me change into a gown and brought the ultrasound machine in to double check that Logan was indeed still breech.  Sure enough...the stubborn little man was nice and cozy with his head pushing up against my ribs, and butt in my pelvis! The nurse then strapped me to the fetal heart rate monitor, inserted an IV, and gave me a shot in my arm to relax my uterus.  When the doctor came in (Dr. Angela King), she checked Logan out on the ultrasound for herself, and also measured the amount of amniotic fluid.  Unfortunately, since I was already 38 weeks along, I had VERY little fluid in my uterus.  She said that would definitely lessen her chances of being able to flip him, since there really wasn't much wiggle room.  She was great though, and said that she was willing to give it a "college try"!


I was really preparing myself for the worst, so I closed my eyes and started taking deep breaths as the doctor PUSHED Logan's butt up from my pelvis with all her might and used her other hand to push his head and spine down.  Honestly....it didn't hurt at all!  I think I so in tune with my breathing and SO determined to get him to turn, that I zoned out completely.  The nurse and the doctor kept checking on me because they were amazed that I was so calm.  I kept reassuring them that I was fine, and to continue.  Luckily I was laying down flat and couldn't see what the doctor was doing.  Kevin said that it looked really weird!  Unfortunately, after trying to turn him in both directions several times without success, the doctor stopped.  Logan was just too big, and there was too little fluid to turn him.  The doctor and nurse both said I was a strong lady and were shocked on how well I did.  Apparently my pain tolerance is higher than I thought. (which would have been great for a natural labor, but oh well.)

Dr. King is going to do my c-section next Thursday, October 20th, at 12 noon.  There is always a possibility that he decides to come earlier, though! We wouldn't be surprised one bit, since he seems to love keeping us on our toes!  Kevin, and my good friend Abby are going to be with me during the c-section so that Kevin can stay with Logan in the nursery after he comes out, and Abby can stay with me while I get stitched back up.  I can't believe we'll be parents in exactly ONE week! :)

My heart really hurt when I first realized that I was going to have to have a c-section after all the preparation I've done for a natural childbirth.  It has definitely been a humbling experience to know that I really DON'T have control over things, and that in the end, it's in God's hands.  I am at peace knowing that I tried absolutely everything to help turn Logan.  I just hope and pray for an easy, uneventful surgery, and that Logan is born healthy and happy.  In the end, that's all that matters!!!

Thanks so much to all of you who have given us such wonderful support through these last few weeks! We love you, and can't wait for Logan's grand arrival!

37 Weeks...Breech! :(

37 Weeks: (10/2/11) "Baby's now the size of a watermelon! Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!)."

UPDATE:  We had our ultrasound today, and it turns out that Logan is BREECH! :(  This took me completely by surprise because the doctor said he was head down when she did my pelvic exam last week.  I was holding back tears, and broke down completely once we got in the car.  I DO NOT WANT A C-SECTION!  I've worked so hard preparing for a natural childbirth, hired a doula, practiced hypnobirthing techniques, and had my heart and soul set on an intervention and drug-free delivery.  Thankfully, I called my acupuncturist and  she made me feel much better.  She said that both her children were breech, and she was able to flip them using acupuncture.  She sounded completely certain that I can flip Logan with no problem...even at 37 weeks.  SO...I'm headed to see her today at 3pm.  I'm also working with an amazing prenatal chiropractor that is also specialized in flipping breech babies.  Going to see her tomorrow! Logan is a little stubborn, but I am MORE stubborn, and will not give up until I've tried everything under the sun to flip him. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

36 Weeks...Hello 9th Month!!! :)

36 Weeks:  (9/25/11) "Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy hair that covered his body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term! His skin is getting smooth and soft, his gums are rigid, his liver and kidneys are in working order, and his circulation and immune system are basically good to go. His lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day he gets a little closer to breathing on his own."

UPDATE:  I can't believe it, but we are officially in the 9th month!  Logan will be here in about 4 weeks!!! We can't wait for him to finally be here. :)  I packed my hospital bag, and made a list of the last minute items that I need to throw in there before we leave (phone, camera, snacks...etc.).  We also installed Logan's car seat in my car and had Stephanie (my doula) check to make sure that it was correct.  I've noticed ALOT more movement lately also!  He is wiggling and kicking like crazy these days. :)  He also got the hiccups the other day and Kevin was able to feel it for the first time.  

We had our 36 Week check-up on Tuesday (9/27) and met with Dr. Abrahamson.  She is the other Ob/Gyn at our doctor's office. Dr. Guiroy wanted us to meet with the other doctor just in case she wasn't able to make my delivery.  I had my first pelvic exam done, which was really exciting because she confirmed that Logan was head down, and also said that I'm 2cm dilated! :)  I know that doesn't mean much, considering that some women dilate early and don't make much progress for weeks, but I still think it's a good head start! We are having our last ultrasound on Monday to check on Logan's size!  I'm a little nervous that they're going to tell us he's really big and encourage us to induce. (NOT going to happen!)  I'm really happy that our doula, Stephanie, is coming with us on our next doctor's appointment because she has been a great advocate for us! I know that she will support us in our decision to not induce and let Logan comes when he's ready. :)  We'll see how the ultrasound turns out!!! Hopefully I won't have to even discuss an induction. 

34 & 35 Weeks!

34 Weeks: (9/11/11) "Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers – which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born – are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine."


35 Weeks: (9/18/11) "Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete – he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

34 Weeks

35 Weeks

UPDATE:  Mr. Logan is getting bigger and making me more tired and uncomfortable these days!  I've started going to a chiropractor, and having prenatal massages every other week to help with my sciatica and back pain.  I've also noticed more swelling in my hands and fingers, soreness, and my arms and hands falling asleep at night.  My doctor said that it is carpal tunnel syndrome! :(  It is very common in pregnant ladies because of all the water you retain, but unfortunately there isn't much I can do about it. NOT FUN!  I've also started going to my prenatal water aerobics classes again, 3 times a week.  It's really fun to float and feel weightless, but I feel 100 times heavier when I get out of the pool! haha.  


34 WEEK APPOINTMENT: (9/14/11) Dr. Guiroy said that everything is looking great!  My weight is staying steady, and my belly is still measuring within the normal range. :)  She also commented that Logan's heartbeat sounded great and had good rhythm! What a strong baby!!!  Our next appointment will be next week and I will be having a group b strep test done, along with a pelvic exam. Not really looking forward to that, but oh well.

My best friend Abby with her baby Zoe (29 Weeks) and Logan (35 Weeks) at Abby's baby shower on 9/18/11

32 & 33 Weeks- Start Of My 8th Month!

32 Weeks: (8/28/11) "By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth."


33 Weeks: (9/4/11) "Baby's now the size of a honeydew!  Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.   This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal."

**32 1/2 Weeks:  Rocky Mountain National Park on 9/1/11 for my mom's 1 year anniversary**

UPDATE:  We had our 32 week doctor's appointment on Wednesday (8/31), and everything went really well! My tummy is still measuring "big", but I'm over it at this point.  It could just be the way he's positioned, the fact that I have an anterior placenta, or that he's just going to be a big boy! :) Good News: Our doc said that she is 90% sure that Logan is no longer breech! :)  She said it was a little hard to tell because my tummy is so hard, and the placenta is in between me and Logan, but she sounded pretty sure.  She's going to do a pelvic exam at our 34 week visit just to be 100% certain.  I've been feeling a lot of kicking at the top of my belly though, so I'm pretty sure he's decided to flip!  He loves snuggling on the right side of my tummy! It's pretty funny because sometimes I'll look down and the whole right side of my belly is sticking out WAY more than my left. He's too cute! :)

On Thursday, 9/1/11, we went to mass at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park to remember my mom on the 1 year anniversary of her passing.  The church was absolutely beautiful and the mass was very nice and comforting.  My dad, Kevin, and I really enjoyed being outdoors and in such a beautiful place. My mom loved Estes Park! :)  We had a great BIG breakfast after mass, and then took the breathtaking drive on Trail Ridge Road to the top of Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was so weird, but in a way, I felt my mom there that day.  The beauty of our surroundings, the peacefulness, the light breeze and warm sun, the sounds of the birds singing...they all just reminded me of her.  We ended the day by throwing some purple flowers into the river in her memory.  That was the hardest part of the day for me, because it reminded me of when we threw flowers into the ocean after we spread her ashes last year.  All in all, I was at peace that day, and knew in my heart that she was, and always will be with me.  She's my angel. 

~*~* MOM'S 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Estes Park & 

Rocky Mountain National Park*~*~

~*~*Shopping Extraveganza!!!!!*~*~

After a VERY expensive trip to Babies R Us, we finally have all of the big items for Logey that we were missing! It feels SO good to be prepared! My task this weekend is to practice (and learn how to) install his car seat in my car! He'll be here before we know it!!!! :)

**Also bought the Diaper Genie, but it was upstairs, and I couldn't get myself to bring it down for the picture!**

~* Bailey LOVES playing with Logan's toys! *~

31 Weeks AND Nursery Pictures!

31 Weeks: (8/21/11)

"This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. Baby's now the size of a squash! He's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)"

31 Week belly bump picture! :)

*~*~*~*LOGAN'S NURSERY! (99% COMPLETE)*~*~*~*

30 Weeks- The Countdown Begins!

30 Weeks: (8/14/11)

"Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. Also, his grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger!"

UPDATE:  We met with Dr. Guiroy this week, and everything went great! :)  She was very happy with the results from the specialist, and was relieved that my fluid level went down!  She measured my belly, and I'm still measuring a little big, but we figure it's because Kevin and I were both big babies (and Kevin is 6'4")!  She also said that Logan was still breech, according to the ultrasound the specialist did.  I'm hoping he flips around soon!!!  I've been researching different techniques/moves that are supposed to encourage the baby to flip, so we'll see how that goes!

Putting together the changing table and crib:

29 Weeks- Perientologist Appointment/ Ultrasound

29 Weeks: (8/7/11) "Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons."

HAPPY UPDATE!!!!- Kevin and I met with Dr. Heyborne, the perientologist, or "high-risk pregnancy specialist" on Tuesday afternoon to get an update with my amniotic fluid with a more detailed ultrasound.  I was pretty nervous about this appointment since I had 23 cm of fluid on my last 2 ultrasounds, which could cause pre-term labor if the fluid continued to increase.  We were VERY happy to hear that my fluid level went down to 14cm, which is completely normal! The doctor also looked at my very detailed gestational diabetes workbook that I made, where I kept track of everything I ate, and my blood sugar level after every meal.  He said my numbers looked normal, and that he was going to suggest to my OB/GYN that I no longer need to check my blood sugar anymore!!!! He advised me to stick to my diet as best as I could, just to keep my weight down and keep Logan from getting too big.  His exact words were "you're baby looks fabulous!".  That made our day! :)  

*****Pictures of the nursery to come!!! :) AND a 7 month belly pic! 

7 Months, First/Last Week of Work!!!

28 Weeks: (7/31/11) "By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes." 

UPDATE:  This was my first week back to work! I was SO nervous to talk to my boss about the letter my doctor wrote saying that she didn't want me to do any more home visits.  Since home visiting with low income families is my main job, I was worried about what they would do!  My boss was very understanding and said that she just wanted the baby and I to be safe. :)  She said that she would have to talk to HR about it first, but in the meantime, I could just work on planning, and organizing my new office.  The HR department didn't agree, however.  They said that they would not allow me to change my job description and that I would have to go on short-term disability. SO...I only worked for 1 week!!! The following week was filled with doctor/dietitian appointments, so it really was a blessing to not have to stress about working anymore.  

*I felt my first Braxton Hicks contractions at work this week! It was really weird and felt like my tummy got super hard and tight! 

26 & 27 Weeks- Results, Baby Moon, and Ultrasound

26 Weeks:  (7/17/11) "Baby's now the size of an eggplant!  He's soaking up your antibodies, getting his immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and he'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.  The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat."


27 Weeks:  (7/24/11) "This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on."

BIG STRETCH after sticking his tongue out at us! :)

He kept trying to grab/play with his feet! :)

Looking at us and smiling with his chubby cheeks! :)

Glucose Results: (7/21/11) Kevin and I had a doctor's visit.  She explained my glucose test results to us and it turns out that my numbers are borderline gestational diabetes. 1 of the 4 of my blood samples came back high, and a 2nd one came back at 92, and 95 would be considered high or abnormal.  SO....since you need 2 out of the 4 tests to be high to be diagnosed, I'm considered borderline and have to meet with a nutritionist ASAP.  I will probably have to be treated as if I do have gestational diabetes just to be on the safe side.  The diet is definitely going to be hard to adjust to, but Logey is well worth all of this!


Dietitian Appointment: (7/26/11) So I met with the nutritionist yesterday and she recommended that I start monitoring my glucose with a monitor, and go on a gestational diabetes diet to prevent me actually getting diagnosed, because my numbers were so borderline. I'm having to poke my finger 4 times a day and the diet is going to take A LOT of getting used to. The doc and nutritionist said that I may lose up to 10 lbs on this diet because the extra fluid in my belly will go down! WOOO! :)


ULTRASOUND:  (7/28/11) Today's ultrasound went well.  He's measuring 2 weeks ahead, instead of 2.5 weeks ahead like he was on the previous ultrasound.  I still have the same amount of amniotic fluid as the last ultrasound (23 cm), so at least it hasn't increased!  Hopefully the doctor will call me tomorrow or Monday with more details on the ultrasound and what we should do from here.  From what I know, I'll probably have to keep monitoring the fluid every 3 weeks or so with ultrasounds, and if it does increase, I may be considered "high risk" and have to see a specialist.  HOPEFULLY it doesn't come to that...especially since I'm treating my high blood sugar and exercising like a mad woman! 

*~*~*~* BaBy MoOn *~*~*~*

We had such an amazing time in Scottsdale last weekend! (7/22-7/25)  Since we're new to this whole "Baby Moon" thing, we just played everything by ear and did LOTS of relaxing, swimming at the pool, eating delicious food, and napping. :)  It was VERY hot the entire time we were there, but it was such a dry heat, that it honestly felt really good!  We both got some sun, and really enjoyed the weekend together. :)  One of my favorite parts was finishing dinner on Sunday night at The Grand Lux Cafe, and realizing that a major thunderstorm decided to say "hello"!  We walked out of the restaurant into POURING rain (it was still about 90 degrees), lots of lightning, and thunder! Kevin said he would get the car and bring it up to me so that I didn't have to walk in the rain, but I LOVE THE RAIN, so I said no. :)  We walked to for what seemed like several minutes to our car that was parked super far and Kevin almost slipped a handful of times in the puddles. lol.  Good thing I had good traction on my sandles!  When we finally made it to our car, we were both completely SOAKED and laughing our heads off! :)