Doc says, "Sarah, you've got a linebacker in your uterus!"

Okay....so the latest news was that Hudson is BIG.  Today we found out he is REALLY BIG...and going to be really early.

Mom went with me to the doc appt this morning so Adam could stay at work- busy, busy, busy.  Of course mama was thrilled to get to go to an appointment and hear Hudson's strong heartbeat! :)

Here is the news:  Hudson is so large that my uterus is very irritated. Doc says with how little I am, my uterus has already had to stretch like a million percent, and Hudson just keeps getting bigger and bigger! Apparently, all of the growing is what is causing my contractions to continue on a pretty regular basis, so doc said there's NO WAY I will go to full-term. Not a big shock there, but it was a little scary to hear that she's hoping/thinking I go to about 35 or 36 weeks...which is 4 to 5 weeks early...Because of this, she is going to give Hudson the drug that makes his lungs mature faster, so that he has a better chance at being able to breathe on his own when he comes out so early. I'll get 2 of those shots- the first 2 weeks from now and the other a week later. I'm not so thrilled with the idea of having to use those drugs, but I'd much rather Hudson be able to breathe on his own when he makes his early arrival! 

Doc also said that I am anemic- no surprise there.  She gave me some iron pills and told me to eat more steaks! Adam will be happy with that new change in our dinners! Doc said over and over how big Hudson is and that Adam needs to buy me a lot of jewelry for carrying around such a large baby!  I have mom as my witness that she said that!!!  Doc also called Hudson a "linebacker"...good thing we love football so much! My dad might actually get to live out the dream of someone else going to Auburn and playing football!!! 

So...........we're thinking positively about this latest news. We'll have a TURKEY BABY instead of a Christmas baby! And it'll be much nicer to get to be at home on Christmas than in a hospital, right?!?!  Asking for prayers for continued endurance in this battle of a pregnancy, and health for darling, HUGE, Hudson. We know God has us in his capable hands and we'll meet Hudson when God is ready to introduce us! 
Love to all,
A.S.&H. (Adam, Sarah, Hudson)
"Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

Great Doctor's Appointment!

We had an AWESOME appointment yesterday with the specialist.

First thing the doctor said when he got the picture going on my belly...(in a Russian accent) "Whoa! You have big baby!"  I said, "No kidding!!!!" Throughout the appointment, he kept saying "yes, he is big baby"...I kept thinking to myself, "I know! I've been telling everyone that for months!!!"

On the serious side, he said Hudson is measuring only about a week ahead of schedule, but with his large size, he could probably come anytime in December. Everything looked really good with his development and organs and everything. GOD IS GOOD! 

We got 4-D pictures of his little face, which turned out to be pretty amazing.  I didn't think I wanted to see the 4-D pics, because in the past, I've always thought that it made the babies look like aliens...BUT, when the doctor flipped the 4-D switch on, I started crying! He is so beautiful and it was like angels started singing when I saw his little face. What a miracle- we made that. I've included the two pics below, but keep in mind that he had his little hands in front of his face and the cord was also floating around, so you sort of have to stare at the pictures to get a good look...

College Football Saturdays

Not sure how many of you grew up with a sports loving father like mine, but if you did, you know the kind of passion that comes out on College Football Saturdays!

There is something so special about Saturdays in the Fall...I wake up with such anticipation of the games I get to watch that day. I can even sort of smell Tennessee pork bbq on the grill outside, and the top-secret family recipe for the sauce on the stove that burns your eyelashes off if you lean over the pot too close.

There is something magical about College Football...these "kids" who love this barbaric game so much, that they run their butts off for 3 hours, simply for bragging rights. The multi-millionaire pros in the NFL could learn a little something from these boys of fall.

Growing up, I remember waking up Saturday mornings and being soooooooo excited about the Auburn game that day- didn't matter who they were playing either--- there was equal anticipation for all games. For those of you who don't know, my Daddy graduated from Auburn University, and I haven't stopped hearing about how great Auburn is since I popped out of my mom's tummy! My parents even had a special Auburn cheerleader uniform made for me when I was really small- probably no bigger than 4 or 5 years old. I would put that uniform on and get my pompoms every Saturday and cheer on the Auburn Tigers with Dad. I still have that Auburn cheerleader uniform and I can't wait to get to dress a daughter in it one day....I'm thinking Adam won't approve if I try to put Hudson in it!

Anyway, just wanted to share the happy feeling I am having today, after such a cruddy week with this pregnancy. College Football makes me feel like a kid- and I even think I've helped Adam turned back into a kid for a day when I make him watch all the games with me.

Such an amazing thought- getting to watch college football with Hudson. He's going to grow up with the same love for the game that I have, and for that, I am forever grateful to my sports fanatic father...Papa, you taught me to love sports more than any men I know...THANK YOU.  WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!

Is God Drunk?

So, last night Adam and I were talking about this journey we've been on with this pregnancy. I've been having really painful contractions the last 2 days (really painful), and on top of that, our freezer's heater went out (who knew a freezer had a heater?)....Anyway, we've been living out of a cooler since Monday, and with how bad I've been feeling, needless to say it hasn't exactly been a house full of sunshine here!

I started to remind Adam that God is in control of everything- and we never know what will happen from day to day. I wanted to remind him that we have to "let go and let God" (as my sweet mama always says). Remembering that God is in control is the one thing that has truly helped us out during this trying time. Well, right when I started to feel a little bit of peace about everything, my hilarious husband says, "Sarah, I think God's been drinking at the wheel a little bit, because things sure have been bumpy lately!" I laughed sooooooooooooo hard that I almost fell off the couch! It was just what we both needed at that very second.

We know God is in control, we just think he might be hitting the sauce a little...

Duh!

Okay, so I called the hospital today to register for a Maternity Hospital Tour and the lady on the phone actually asked, "Okay, and what are you coming in for?"  DUH!!!!!  MATERNITY HOSPITAL TOUR Lady! You have one job- to register people for maternity hospital tours, and you ask me why we are coming in?????????????????????????????????  Someone fell off the stupid tree and landed on the other end of my phone! Geeze...

My Giant Baby

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. Doc did another FFN (Fetal Fiber Netcin) test to determine if I have a good chance of NOT going into labor in the next 2 weeks. She wants to continue doing these tests for the remainder of my pregnancy. Again, the prayer here is to not hear from the doctor's office by tomorrow- that means no labor!

Doc measured my belly after having noticed how much I was showing. She said that I am measuring at 28 weeks, and I'm only 25 weeks pregnant...SO, I wasn't totally crazy with my "theory" of being due earlier! :)  Doc said that Hudson could just be a REALLY BIG BOY, like his Daddy.  She referenced Adam's stature and build and said that because of him, it's likely that I have a large baby. She also said that I could in fact have him 3 weeks early from my latest due date (dec. 27th), so she said anytime around Thanksgiving might be possible...She said we'd know a little more in about a week and a half. We will be going to our specialist doctor to have some tests done and have little Hudson's bones and organs measured and looked at. That doc will be able to give us a better reference as to how big he actually is.

I asked doc about this ridiculous back pain I've been having for the last week, and she said that because my frame is so small, and I'm carrying such a large baby, I'm going to have the back pain...Oh great, Oh joy, I'm thrilled.  I'm taking suggestions for any stretches that anyone knows that might help with the pain- it's seriously worse than the darn contractions!

As far as bedrest, it looks like I'm still "home bound" for a few more weeks...Doc wants to wait and see what the specialist says and then we can talk about possibly getting out of this beautiful, but boring house!

I have to go back to the doctor's office tomorrow morning for my glucose test. Apparently, you can't eat anything from mid-night on before having the test done, and I didn't know that! I had a piece of toast this morning before I went to the doctor, not knowing that it wasn't allowed. OOPS! I did skip breakfast a few months ago because I wasn't hungry, and that resulted in some major mouth to toilet time--- so, here's hoping that my tummy will accept no food in the morning and not make it a rough ride to the doctor's office!

Hope everyone is feeling good and loving life this Thursday. Thank you for the texts, calls, and visits- they mean SO much to us. God's Peace~ Sarah & Hudson

Belly Pics

Okay, I'm only doing this because so many of you have been wanting to see the belly. Keep in mind, I'm only 6 months pregnant...this kid is a GIANT!!!!!

I don't know where he's going to go in the next 3 months...I might tip over!

Hudson's Nursery

The changing pad will go on top of this mahogany dresser. I love the green "frame" painted on the wall- that color green is incorporated the most around the room.

Not a HUGE fan of blue, so we have little touches of this soft blue color throughout. All of the ribbons in the room have white polka dots.

I love this crib! There are columns on the two front posts, just like the dresser. Hudson will enjoy this bed for years to come!  I hand painted the wooden letters that are hanging on the wall- good project to do when you're on bedrest and bored! The letters are hung with light green and white polka dotted ribbon. Love it!

This was too funny- had to have it!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!! 

We have this window seat that needs some curtains and a few pillows...still working on that. The glider in the bottom left corner is absolutely fabulous! It is ivory and green toile fabric and is the most comfortable thing I've ever sat in! Good thing, since I'll be spending 99% of my time in it!

My Theory...

Okay, so I realize I've never been pregnant before this time, but that doesn't stop me from coming up with my new theory.  Here goes...

It all started when my pregnant buddy Krista came over the other night.  She is due with her son Asher 4 weeks ahead of Hudson. Just by looking at us, you can tell that my belly is bigger than hers, which I understand depends on the person and the pregnancy, but hear me out.  We lifted up our shirts and compared our growing bellies...It was very clear that my tummy is the one that looks WAY bigger than hers! I look like I am the one due in November and she looks like she is due in December! We started talking about that it got me thinking...

I have felt Hudson move for along time now, and his movements are not just little "kicks" or "flutters"----in fact, I've never felt a flutter- I would LOVE to feel that instead of my son re-arranging furniture in my stomach!  Anyway, Krista described her newest feeling in her tummy (remember, she is 28 weeks now and I am 24)...what she described is something that I have been feeling for the last 2 weeks! I looked online and everything about week 24 of pregnancy says that my uterus is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above my belly button...well, I know what my uterus feels like and it is way above that milestone! It is up under my ribs- the left one actually hurts all the time now- I think Hudson kicked the crap out of it. 

This morning I was sharing my "theory" that I might be further along than we think with my friend Leslie (who brought us king ranch chicken for dinner!!! Thanks girl!) Leslie's mom and sister are both labor and delivery nurses and she knows what she's talking about.  Leslie and I measured my tummy just like the doctor's do, and it turns out that my tummy is 31.8 centimeters from top to bottom....which in a doctor's world, would mean that I am around 31 weeks pregnant!!!!  I realize that I am no doctor and could just be losing my mind from being in this house for almost an entire month now, but I really do think I'm on to something.

You might be asking, "What does your doctor say about this? Can't they tell from ultra sound?" Well, we haven't actually had an ultra sound in almost a month because I started having all of these complications and the doctor's were looking at ME, rather than measuring Hudson. AND, it was hard for the doctor's to say when my actual due date was because I never had a cycle...not in the last 2 years!

So, that's my new thought for the day...I'll be willing to bet that we pop this kid out in November, not December, and that he will be full term!!!  I go back to the doc next Thursday and will be sharing my ideas with her...will let you know what she says. 

Until then, we love you all and are so grateful for your interest in our lives. 

Progress

Good doctor's appointment yesterday! It was pretty much what we expected, and that beats something unexpected!

I had another FFN test, so the prayer is that we don't hear from them by Monday.

I go back in on the 16th for the glucose test and rubella vaccine, and if the FFN tests keep coming back negative and the contractions are controlled, doc said I should probably be able to do a few "normal" things again! I can't wait to get to go to the grocery store!!! Pathetic.

So, bedrest (house arrest) for another few weeks, with the possibility of being paroled after that!

Doc reassured us in our decision to quit teaching- he was telling us that in a few weeks I should be able to go back to some normality, and he looked at my chart and said "Oh wait, you're a teacher...." I quickly told him "Nope, not anymore!" The first thing out of his mouth was "GOOD!" He said the last place I need to be is around sick kids. So, even if I can go back to some part-time normality, it looks like subbing is out of the question until the Spring. Even though that's a little bit of a downer, we both felt even better that a 3rd medical professional approved our decision to quit my job! (My doc was delivering babies at the hospital next door, so we saw one of her associates yesterday).

I am feeling very grateful for a positive visit, and I have a "rainbow at the end of the tunnel" feeling... Thank you for your prayers and warm wishes- we love all of you so much and are so grateful for your friendship!

Hump Day

So....Yesterday was AWFUL!!!  I had contractions all day pretty much. They were never "regular" though, so it wasn't hospital worthy. They were every so often throughout the day, and they seemed to disappear by early evening- thank you Jesus!  I'm just wondering though, is this something I'm just supposed to get used to???  Most women only have to go through these darn things during labor and I have another 3-4 months!!!  Ugh.

I did have a very lovely grocery fairy come by yesterday morning with our groceries for the week-  thank you Leslie! Your selflessness during this entire ordeal has been such a blessing to us.  I know Adam is sooooo grateful to you for your grocery visit- he was lost as can be when he tried to go last week! Had fun visiting with you about labor and mommy-hood...can't wait for our boys to get to play together!

I must take a minute to mention my incredible MOTHER IN LAW Suzanne, or as I call her, Mom #2. She has been feeding us dinner almost every night for the last week and boy can that lady cook! Adam and I know how blessed we are to have you so close and we hope you know how much we love and appreciate your willingness to help us out. With Adam working longer hours and not getting home at his regular time these days, we would be eating dinner at 9:00 every night if he had to cook!  Thank you Mom #2 for ensuring your grandson's plump little belly he is going to have!  Love you.

Today is MUCH better...No contractions yet and I plan on keeping them away, thank you very much! We have doc appt on Friday afternoon for another FFN test (think negative people!) and we hope to get some new ultrasound pics.  I will of course post them if we do. 

I hope everyone is feeling good today- we are! Thank you for your continued love and prayers- we love you back!