The Alsmans

I went today for my 38 week appt. I measured between 1-2 cm but the doctor was concerned that my belly was only measuring 34 and last week it was 36. Not sure what that means. So she wanted to check my amniotic fluid. It was at a 6 and it should be at an 8. So she called the on-call doctor and they both agreed that I should be induced today. She asked how I felt about it and of course I would rather not be I diced but if it means the baby is safe, then that's what we do! She thinks it should go pretty quickly! We'll see! I am just waiting for Grant to get home and we are off! Luckily Caitlin is at daycare so I didn't have to worry about her!! My parents will pick her up later! She will be so excited to meet her sister! She has been saying all week that she wants Elise to come out of the bubble (that's how we explained it to her)! So excited and so nervous to welcome our new baby girl! We have been waiting a LONG time for this! Our lives are about to completely change! Of course, for the better...

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 11:08 AM 0 comments

Oops, I am a little late posting this! I went to the doctor last Thursday! I was 1 cm dilated and she said my cervix was very soft. She also said the baby is very low! But, I am still pregnant and nothing has really happened since then! I have had some contractions on and off but they usually go away! I am still feeling pretty good and am able to continue going to the gym! I think this has really helped me! I go back on Thursday for my 38 week appt! Will try to remember to post afterward!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 3:16 PM 0 comments

I had another ultrasound today to check my placenta! Great news, the doctor thinks it has moved far enough for a vaginal delivery!!! Of course there is still a possibility of a c-section if I bleed too much in labor. But they did an external and internal ultrasound and don't think it is covering my cervix!!! Finally some great news :)

Elise is looking great! She is measuring 6 lbs 6 oz. The doctor said that isn't too big or too small! The u/s tech said she thought she saw a little hair on her head but it was hard to tell. I did get to see a 3D pic of her little nose and mouth. She was also opening her mouth and sticking out her tongue during the u/s. Too cute! The doc said her head is nice and low!! Can't believe it is 4 weeks or less! The u/s tech was impressed that the placenta actually moved away since I had a complete previa at 20 weeks. I feel very lucky but know that a c-section is still a possibility! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:19 AM 0 comments

I had my 33 week appt on Monday.  I met the new doctor in the practice and really like her.  She explained more about my previa.  She said the u/s report stated that it is a marginal previa which means it isn't complete anymore.  However, there is not guarantee that it will move completely away.  We will still wait and see what the 36 week u/s shows!  She did say I would have my c-section at 39 weeks if it goes that way (praying I don't have to have a c-section).  So that would put the c-section around April 14th!

I have been having a lot of abdominal pain the last two days.  It is probably just BH contractions but is more uncomfortable than I remember.  I am praying it is nothing else.  Last night I thought for sure they were real contractions (paranoid pregnant girl over here). 

This little girl is SO active.  The doctor couldn't get her heartbeat right away because she wouldn't stop moving.  So we both just watched my belly.  She said, "oh look, there goes her foot."  Elise is just like her big sister!  Caitlin was so cute the other day.  She was all serious and said "Mommy, when is Elise going to come?"  She is getting very impatient!!!  She gives kisses and hugs to my belly every night and talks to her sister!  She has been feeling her kick and move a lot lately and she just loves it!

I go back to the doctor at 35 weeks and then every week after that.  Looking forward to the 36 week u/s.

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 8:30 PM 0 comments

I wish I had better news. The doctor said my placenta moved a little but not a lot. They won't commit to a c-section yet. I will go back at 36 weeks, on March 26th. He said he didn't seem hopeful that it would move :( He seemed surprised that I haven't had any bleeding. So still have to wait but it looks like I need to prepare for a c-section :( Good news is Elise is head down!! But guess that doesn't matter if the placenta is still in the way.

The doctor said all her measurements are perfect! She weighs approx 4 lbs 5 oz. her heartbeat is about 141 bpm which is normal! I could see all 4 chambers of the heart clearly :) She kept opening and closing her mouth!! The tech said "wow her legs are really high up there." I figured that since I keep getting kicked in the ribs :( not very fun :(

So guess we will keep praying! Doesn't look good though :(

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:27 AM 0 comments

Our friends, Laurie and Drew, got us a giftcard for a 3D ultrasound when we first got pregnant.  Thanks guys!  Grant started researching when the best time to get this done and realized it was right around 30 weeks.  I thought it would have been better at the end, but I guess the baby is too big at that point.  We called today and got in today!  Yay!!  I was so excited for Caitlin to see baby Elise.  She was interested for about 2 minutes.  After that, she ran around the room like a crazy person.  The u/s tech said "all the attention is on the baby so that's probably why she is acting that way."  Uh oh, we are in for some interesting behavior once Elise arrives if that's the case :)

I will post some pics at the end of this post.  We didn't get great ones because Elise likes hanging out on my placenta.  I am fine with that b/c it appears the placenta may have moved.  We aren't sure if it has moved enough (will know on the 25th) but we know it is at least partially on my side!  Woohoo!!!!  The doctor at my 20 week u/s said he thought I might end up with a lateral placenta, which seems to be the case right now, but who knows!  Not getting my hopes up until I know something for sure on the 25th!

Covering her face, she's camera shy, haha!!! Looks like she is giving us a smile!  Also looks like she is being smashed by the placenta!
Grant is convinced Elise looks just like Caitlin as a baby.  I have a hard time seeing it.  It's so hard to tell from these pictures!  She does seem to have a cute little nose and the perfect little mouth!!  The ultrasound tech also confirmed that Elise is still a SHE!  Yay!!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:15 PM 0 comments

I had an appointment on Tuesday!  I can't believe I have hit the 30 week mark, woohoo!  This week started out awful because I had a horrible cold or sinus infection (not really sure what it was).  Grant stayed home from work Monday because I barely slept the night before.  It was nice for him to see what a day is like for me and Caitlin.  He had to handle preschool drop-off and pick-up, a playdate, ballet, etc.  He did a great job!!  I asked my OB on Tuesday for an antibiotic which has really helped me feel better.  Finally, I feel better (it's Friday)!  Not much else happened at my appointment. I still find it so weird that the doctor barely spends any time with you when it's your second pregnancy.  I go for my next ultrasound on Feb 25th.  I am hoping my placenta has moved!! 

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:50 PM 0 comments

I was having a great week until Thursday. I have been having some tooth pain over the last week or so. It was starting to hurt when I ate so I decided to call my dentist on Thurs. They were able to get me in that day, which was great. I was so nervous about going being pregnant and all. They took some X-rays, which I made sure was ok with my OB ahead of time. They then just said "ok we have to refer you to an endodontist.". So the dentist walked out of the room and when he came back he said "they can take you right now." I was a little nervous. He said we needed to take care of this soon. I was supposed to be going back to work and didn't want to cancel but I drove over to Hinsdale and met with the endodontist. After a few more X-rays, she said I needed a root canal, ahhhhh! I did my best not to start balling in her chair. I had 45 minutes to wait and they were going to do it. I was freaking out bc I didn't know how safe this was while pregnant and I know that lately my body hates anesthetic. Well I was right, it was awful and my body still hates anesthetic. I could feel probably half of it or more. She had to stop after about 45 minutes or so bc she said she couldn't give me any more drugs. So now I have to go back in two weeks and do it all again. Luckily she said she got most of the really inflamed stuff, so that is good. But, talk about a crazy and unexpected thing to happen on my perfectly normal Thursday
:( no fun! I definitely don't recommend a root canal when pregnant.

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:27 PM 0 comments

I had my 26 week appt yesterday.  I had to do the glucose test.  It wasn't too bad but I was starving when I left.  Never do that test at dinner time :)  I haven't heard about the results yet.  Other than that, everything was fine!  it is so different the second time around.  The doctor was in the room for 5 minutes tops.  She listened to the heartbeat and checked my tummy and was on her way.  She said everything looked great.  She gave me hope that my placenta might move.  She wasn't as pessimistic as one of the other doctors.  I still have to wait until the end of Feb for the ultrasound to check the placenta again.  I haven't had any bleeding though, which is a great sign!!!

I have been feeling pretty good lately.  I have lots of energy and am trying to get as much done now as I can!  I have gone through all the girl clothes and we are getting all the baby stuff out of storage.  Man, I forgot how much stuff you need for a baby.  How did we fit all of this in our condo with Caitlin?  Crazy!

I was sleeping so well for a few weeks but I think that is coming to an end :(  I need to try to go to bed earlier to make sure I get enough sleep!!!

This baby DOES NOT stop moving!  She is so busy.  I can't believe I have 14 more weeks of this.  I won't lie, I kind of like it.  But it can be annoying!

We finally took another belly picture.  We definitely haven't been as consistent with that.  We did a 12 week pic and a 26 week pic.  Oh well, she will have something!

Back to the doctor in 4 weeks!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 8:41 PM 0 comments

One year ago today we found out our first IVF treatment didn't work. What a difference a year makes. Thinking back to last Christmas, I definitely wasn't myself and realize now how sad I was. I am so thankful for the gift we will be given in April, especially after hearing of the tragedy in CT. All of those families are in our prayers. I just couldn't imagine losing my child.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year! Can't forget that! Love to everyone!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:34 AM 0 comments

I went back to see my OB again today.  My doctor said everything was right on track.  We discussed the placenta previa and she said it is highly unlikely that my placenta will move because it is a complete previa.  I almost started crying in the exam room.  I really don't want to have a c-section.  Nothing with this pregnancy can be easy :(  I know c-sections aren't the end of the world, but placenta previa can cause lots of complications later in the pregnancy.  Please, please pray that everything is o.k.  I will have my next ultrasound at 32 weeks, hope the time goes quickly!

I definitely have more energy these days but have been getting horrible nosebleeds all week :(  My doctor said if they continue, I might have to see an ENT.  I am hoping they end soon!!!

My next appt is Jan 15!  I will have my glucose test then, woohoo!  Let's hope I don't have gestational diabetes too.

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:03 PM 0 comments

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 2:59 PM 0 comments

We were so excited to have our 20 week ultrasound yesterday!  It was great to be able to see our baby and see that everything is looking good so far!  The baby weighs 12 oz!  The u/s tech said our baby was very cooperative!  It was so cute to see all of his/her little parts.  We got a great picture of one of the feet, so sweet!  I will post pics from my phone later!  The only negative is that the placenta is completely covering my cervix right now.  So we need to pray that it moves as my uterus grows because I don't want to have to have a c-section.  The doctor thought I had a good chance of it moving!  I will go back at 32 weeks for another ultrasound so that will be exciting!

We did find out the gender but are waiting to share the news in our Christmas card!  We are very excited to welcome the newest Alsman though :)

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 8:22 PM 0 comments

Hi again,
I am definitely starting to feel our active little one!  It is non-stop some days.  It is the best feeling now because I know everything is ok when I can feel him/her.  I CANNOT wait until Dec. 3rd!!  Grant is so excited too.  I didn't think I would be so excited to find out the gender since we didn't with Caitlin, but it will be so wonderful.  Can't wait to share the news with everyone!

Caitlin was so cute on Thanksgiving.  When I asked her what she was thankful for, she said "my baby" (which is what she calls the baby) without any prompting.  She can't wait to be a big sister.  I am nervous about this though because she has been EXTREMELY clingy lately.  She wants mommy all the time and throws huge fits when Grant tries to help her. It's sweet that she wants to spend so much time with me but it just isn't always possible.  I am hoping this is a very short phase!!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:49 PM 0 comments

I went back to the doctor today for my next appointment.  I get so nervous before each appointment thinking that I am not pregnant.  I know this is ridiculous because I am starting to show, but I still get nervous.  Today wasn't any different.  To top it off, it took the doctor a while to find the baby's heartbeat.  Everything is fine, we just have a busy, busy baby on our hands.  My doctor said I should be feeling the baby move very soon because he or she is such a busy body (just like their big sister)!!!  I actually thought I could feel the baby when I was waiting for the doctor to come in :)  So exciting! 

We went over all my labs today and everything came back fine!  I am Group B positive again, which just means I need antibiotics again when I am in labor.  I had this with Caitlin too!!  I also got my flu shot, so I hope I don't get sick!

We are very excited for our 20 week ultrasound on Dec. 3rd.  I will go back again on Dec. 13 for my next appointment. 

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:46 PM 0 comments

My appointment today went well! My doctor thinks the bleed is gone. She wasn't able to see it and did both types of ultrasound! What a relief! She said I might still see a little spotting! I can resume my normal activity!!!

Other than that, they just took all my blood :) Everything looked great! I go back on Nov 15th! I need to make my appt for our 20 week u/s too!!! Can't wait for that, so excited!

I am attaching the picture we got today but it isn't great :(

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 3:26 PM 0 comments

I cannot wait until my appointment tomorrow!!!  I have had some spotting and cramping on and off since the bleeding started.  I am hoping I bled it all out and everything will be ok!!!!

I stopped going to acupuncture at 11 weeks.  Don't get me wrong, I think it really helped me.  But, I am so glad I don't have to go anymore.  It took almost 3 hours out of my day, driving there and back and actually going to the appt.  It has been nice to not have to go anymore!!!

I will update more tomorrow!!  Hopefully we get another picture from the ultrasound.  We requested another one :)  I have heard that they can determine the gender this early.  We'll see if they can tell tomorrow!!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 8:52 PM 0 comments

We made it!! I can't believe this is real but it seems to be! I will feel more comfortable next week when we get to see our baby again. We asked for another ultrasound at our 13 week appt because of the bleeding. It has been about a week without bleeding. I am crossing my fingers that it is all over! I am also hoping this nausea is almost over too! I am starting to feel a little better but I am still not really sleeping
:( I am now getting some pretty bad headaches. There has to be an end in sight!!!

We did make our first purchase for the baby...a new diaper bag!! We know it is early but it's the kind we want and we found it at a low price (not like diaper bags are cheap)!!! I have also started going through all of Caitlin's old clothes. Wow, this girl has WAY too many clothes, insane!!

We are hoping to find out the baby's gender at our 20 week ultrasound. I don't know if I can wait that long :)

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 4:35 PM 0 comments

Grant came with me to the appt! So nice to have him there. I was so nervous before the appt. When I saw the baby and the heartbeat, all I could do was cry. What a relief! I can't handle all the ups and downs this pregnancy is bringing. My doctor did say that the bleeding is coming from my uterus. It is not a concern right now but could become a concern. She instructed me to rest as much as possible for the next two weeks. That means no exercise :( that will be hard for me. I know how important this is though so I will listen!!!! I canceled my client for today and will be taking it easy on the couch all day.

We got another picture of the baby. My doctor said we have an active one because the baby would not stay still when she was trying to get the heartbeat! After looking at the u/s pic, looks like baby is measuring at 11 weeks but I am technically 10weeks4 days! We have an overachiever!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:51 AM 0 comments

It was a rough night last night. I started bleeding and having cramping around dinner time. It was a lot worse than any other time this pregnancy or with Caitlin. We called my OB and I am going in at 8 to have an u/s and exam. Please, please pray that everything is ok. It just doesn't seem like it will be. I was bleeding most of the night and still have cramps this morning. I am just about 10 1/2 weeks, getting so close to the "safe" zone. Hope I am worrying for nothing!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 6:51 AM 0 comments