You'll Never Know...

You'll never know...
every moment of the wonderment that is a life- that you created- growing inside the womb.

You'll never know...
the anticipation of hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time and the joy that it brings.

You'll never know...
the anxiety-ridden moments of that first sonogram and the elation that it brought in knowing that we had a perfectly formed little being in there.

You'll never know...
the instant that precious little life became so real as you saw her moving & kicking on that screen, as you stared in awe at those precious little features that were her eyes, her nose, her mouth, her arms, her hands, her legs and how she had them crossed at the ankles, like a proper little lady, that would become her *signature* move.

You'll never know...
the relief as the tears streamed down your face and you thanked God- over and over again.

You'll never know...
being in that same awestruck wonder at every sonogram and everytime she suddenly sprang to life on that screen- as you saw her put her hand over her face, or spring her legs up, or stretch out just to curl back up again, to see her- seemingly- playing peek a boo with us.

You'll never know...
the excitement and fun of going through the store and selecting items for the baby registeries, knowing it will be your baby utilizing those items in just a few short months.

You'll never know...
how it feels to know this is the day you will find out- for certain- whether it's a boy or a girl and how exciting it is to finally know.

You'll never know...
what it feels like to put your hand on my belly and feel her kick and to know that is the precious little life that we- with God's hand- created.

You'll never know...
every moment along the way that you missed out on and will never, ever get back.

You'll never know...
the anxiety of every passing month- hoping and praying that she is growing well and perfect and healthy, and the mixed emotions of wanting her to just *be here* already, but also wanting her to wait so that she's ready and the world around her is ready for her.

You'll never know...
every prayer that went up, every tear that fell, every hope that was dashed, every stab of pain in my heart at the slow dawning of realization that you were not going to come through and be here for every step along the way.

You'll never know...
how much it hurt me to give that up and try to muster through without you to answer the *Daddy questions*, to explain time and time again that- no, you weren't involved nor would you be, to see the looks on people's faces, to have to leave half the paperwork empty because you weren't there, and to know that- someday- it will be even worse than all that when I have to try to explain to this precious little child why you weren't around for all of that.

You'll never know...
how this plagues me day and night and how I worry that- despite the unbelievable and unconditional amount of love and adoration and support this baby will receive from so many others, yours will be the one she misses and seeks the most.

You'll never know...
all of this and so, so much more... and that makes me very sad for you... because a path that God chose for you to go down and experience and be a part of, a blessing He tried to give to you, you'll never know...

Hodge Podge...

Just some hodge podge stuff... ;)

J-bug now weighs 9 oz!! She's growing very well and about the size of an avocado. Hmmm... new nickname? I think not. lol "My little peanut" is cute, but I draw the line at vegetables. ;)

I don't know what my weight is and I don't care. lol I'm being sensible, not indulging in lots of sweets or stuff that's bad for me. I did before, don't get me wrong. I went through a MAJOR ice cream phase. MAJOR. And of course the cereal phase, but that was mostly good for you kind of cereal so it's all good. Now I'm just being *normal*. I'm just making sure to get things balanced and make sure my little peanut keeps growing good and strong. :)

STILL looking for a job. Had an interview last week that I felt good about, but still waiting for them to make a decision on it. It would be part-time, but maybe just as well with all the Dr's appts during the day. I could have time in the afternoon for those then work something around that. We'll see. Did a one-day assignment today that basically paid me to sit and update my pregnancy journals, etc. lol Gotta love those. ;)

Ok, here it is... I keep getting these questions. Stats are good, glad to know J-bug is good, but how are YOU? I get it. I know. ;) Truth is, it's an easy question for me to avoid because I don't like the answers I have to give. I know the questions are asked out of love and concern and I do SO appreciate that, it's just hard to answer questions you don't have the answers to- you know? I can't say a standard pat "I'm fine" because I'd have to be living in a fantasy world to believe that answer and if I don't, then it's just a lie. But the truth is- most of the time I am. Really. My days have now become moments and that's a good sign, I think. :) It is hard for a person who analyzes, re-analyzes and OVER-analyzes EVERYthing to just accept that some things don't make ANY sense and that no matter how many times, ways, etc. you run it through your head- you're just NEVER going to make it make sense. It's a hard conclusion to draw and an even harder conclusion to accept. But it is what it is. To try and make it what it is not is just frustrating and leads nowhere. So I understand the questions, but the answer is always the same... no. Nothing. Nada. Zip. And that's a painful acceptance process. At the same time, I have such joy most of the time from this precious little J-bug the Lord has blessed me with that it is hard to be anything but that. :) And I have all of you- you amazing, wonderful, loving, supportive, incredible people that surround my life. :) I love you and appreciate you more than I can begin to tell you. You guys have just ROCKED me with your support through all of this and I am overwhelmed by your amazingness! And I thank God for each and every one of you who contribute so much and something so special and unique to my life. How blessed I truly am. So that one little rain cloud won't darken this sky for too long, I promise you. It's merely in glimpses... and then it passes and the sun is shining once again. So please, no worries... :) And yeah, less of *those* questions would be appreciated. Believe me- if something changes in that way, you will know. Otherwise, it's safe to assume that nothing has changed. Sad, but true.

much love & blessings always...
Melanie

*J-bug* is a...

Girl. :) 100% positively now.

Today was our level 2 sono to look for certain defects, etc. For those of you who know, my history with Kalann having "anencephaly" coupled with my age (yes, apparently I'm OLD! lol) and some other factors have put me in a "high-risk" category with this baby. I met with the Genetic Counselor first to go through all the risk factors given these statistics, family history, etc. She stated that she really wasn't worried too much about me or this pregnancy. Then we went into the sono. I met with one of the residents first who I liked very well. He was very thorough and explained as he went along, which I appreciate. Funny how the ones they consider the "specialists" hardly tell you anything when they're the ones you really are looking for the answers from. But I digress...

The "specialist" then came in and basically did the very same things the first Dr. had done. She measured a bunch of areas and was pretty intense on trying to see her feet straighten out. But J-bug would have none of that! lol She has now had her legs crossed at the ankles in EVERY sono we've had done. (I told Bri she's going to be a ballerina :)

At any rate, they were able to see everything else they needed to, except the heart as well as they would've hoped to. They said it is still a bit small at this stage to see it as well as they need to, but I will go back in a few weeks when they can see it better. They're looking for defects in the chambers because it is a sign of downs syndrome. Now comes the bad part of the appt...

The Dr. then, very matter-of-factly, tells me- "you tested positive for downs syndrome". I don't think I even reacted because she was so nonchalant about it, I think I was just shocked. Remember all the 2 tons of blood they took from me a couple weeks back? Yeah, from that apparently they got those results back. So guess what? Yep, back to the Genetic Counselor to discuss the "options" and "percentages". Thank God Faith was with me and had seen all the stuff prior so she kinda got a grasp on what this could mean. She had been very focused on eating the whole time and couldn't wait to get out of there so she could eat. Suddenly, she changed and was very concerned with me and how I was feeling. I honestly didn't know what to feel at that moment. But I was glad for the G/C as she explained it all in full detail and I felt a LOT better after leaving with her. She showed me all the percentages of everything they tested for and how they all were almost at 1%, which is good, so she wasn't concerned about those at all. She also showed me how I was at 80% risk and when all this figured into it, I jumped to 240%. That meant that every 1 in 240 pregnancies with exactly the same stats as me (same age, same kind of history, same genetics, etc.) will have a baby with downs syndrome. When she showed me the line was at 270% and that had I been below that, there wouldn't have been a "positive" reading, I was no longer concerned. If you're talking about on a scale from 1-270 and mine is 240, those are pretty good odds. ;)

My "options" were to have an amniocentesis to determine, positively, a yes or no. I declined. First, there is a 1 in 3 chance of miscarrying by having that test done. I don't like those odds- at all. Second, it wouldn't change anything for me. It's not like I would choose to do anything other than what I've always done and that is to carry the baby to term. So what is the point? I couldn't see it. The G/C felt I made the right choice and reiterated that she was totally not concerned, that the Dr's are just VERY conservative these days and were just being extra cautious. I can appreciate that.

Thankfully, when I told the Dr. I was supposed to be coming back in 2 days for an inner sono to determine the competence of my cervix, she went ahead and did it. Yay! Saved me another trip to the hospital- woo hoo! :) Cervix looked to be fine, she said. Plenty long and strong enough to hold throughout the pregnancy. The only concerned mentioned- once again- was the placenta being so low. But she said the same thing as the Dr. that first discovered it, in that it should have plenty of time to move up and out of a way.

SO... that's it for this time. It is now *official*... "J-bug" is a little "Jayleigh Sheree". Happiness! :) I have 2 girls happy about that, anyway. lol Faith is used to being the "Princess" and really doesn't appreciate the thought of having to share that title. ;)

Thanks for all your love & support!

be blessed...
Melanie & J-bug

Fibroid Tumors & Pregnancy

For all the questions, and to alleviate some of my own questions & concerns, I did what any good pregnant Mommy would do... I googled it. ;) For those of you who know me, I live to google! lol I won't go into my *google worship* mode right now, but I will just say it is the BEST thing EVER!!

This is what I found on the subject from babyzone.com. *Warning* it's quite lengthy, but very informative. This might also explain why I look 6 months along already at just 4 months.

In this article:
Fibroids and the Growing Fetus
Signs and Risk Factors
Near Forgotten Fibroids
Moving Beyond Worry
Healthy Babies

"Even if you have fibroids, the chance of delivering a healthy baby is high. Learn how fibroids can affect pregnancy from medical experts and two women who had fibroids and birthed healthy babies.

They can be microscopic, the size of a grapefruit, and even grow to volleyball proportion or beyond. These unwelcome guests call a woman's uterus home. We are talking about tumors of the muscle of the uterus, commonly known as fibroids.

The good news is that with the monitoring modern technology enables, the great majority of pregnant women who have fibroids give birth to healthy babies, says Dr. Pedro Arrabal, MD, a Baltimore OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist.

According to Dr. Bobbie Gostout, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, fibroids infrequently cause difficulty with conception. Yet once a woman is pregnant, fibroids can enlarge rapidly—especially during early pregnancy—cause severe pain, and even necessitate hospitalization, Dr. Gostout explains. Still, she says most fibroids do not cause any difficulties with pregnancy.

Nevadra Johnson, of the Washington DC area, was about to undergo surgery to remove her fibroids when she learned she was pregnant with her second child. "It was kind of bittersweet. You're excited about it. You're also worried," she says of the news. "You're saying, 'Will the baby make it?' There's a lot of worry in the beginning stages of pregnancy. It's even more so when you know you have a condition."

Fibroids and the Growing Fetus

Johnson, who was referred to Dr. Arrabal, learned that for the safety of her unborn child, her surgery needed to be postponed until after delivery.

"During pregnancy, fibroids are not treated," explains Dr. Gostout. "We simply try to manage the symptoms in a woman who wishes to preserve fertility." After pregnancy, she says fibroids can be surgically removed through a myomectomy and adds while there are newer treatments which appear promising, so far they have only been applied in large numbers to women who are done having children, "mainly since the unknown effects on the strength of the uterus and the ability of the uterus to carry a healthy pregnancy."

When Johnson's fibroids were first discovered in 2000, she had a five-year-old son, but in early 2006, pregnant with her second child, her three fibroids ballooned from the size of a quarter to grapefruit size. At three-months pregnant, Johnson says her protruding stomach made her look twice as far along.

Johnson admits wondering if the fibroids were cancer. The answer was no. Dr. Arrabal says that the odds of developing cancer as a result of fibroids during pregnancy are less than one percent.

"Whenever we tell anybody things are out of the ordinary, people tend to assume the worst. The way I look at it, it's my job to assume the worst and to try to prevent the worst," says Dr. Arrabal, who asks patients to leave the worrying to him and to stay as positive as possible.

He explains as a woman's estrogen levels significantly rise during early pregnancy, fibroids can grow tenfold or more. The traditional method of measuring a mother's abdomen to determine a baby's approximate size can give a false sense of security, as the fibroids can throw off the numbers. Thanks to major medical advances in the last 30 years, Dr. Arrabal says the baby and the fibroids can be monitored in ways never before possible. Ultrasounds and other tests are used to track the baby's size and the location of the fibroids.

While Dr. Arrabal emphasizes the favorable odds, he also prepares patients for potential complications, such as an obstructed birth canal necessitating a Cesarean section, preterm contractions, and preterm labor. In a minority of cases, the fibroid settles under the placenta, forcing it to separate from the uterus, which Dr. Arrabal says can cause a woman to hemorrhage or have a stillbirth.

Dr. Gostout says there are also potential complications in the first trimester, including the chance of miscarriage.

Signs and Risk Factors

When fibroids are detected during pregnancy, an ultrasound often reveals their presence, says Dr. Arrabal, who lists such symptoms as a larger uterus than expected, pelvic pressure, and premature labor pain. If a woman is not pregnant, signs include a lump or a mass in the lower abdomen, pelvic pressure, and a higher incidence of heavy periods.

Dr. Arrabal reports fibroids are seen more often in African American women, risks increase with age, and once a woman has one fibroid, there is a predisposition for more.

Dr. Gostout adds about 20 percent of women in their twenties and about 30 percent of women in their thirties have fibroids. In a majority of cases, she explains, the fibroids are small and asymptomatic. "The actual odds of fibroid-related problems in pregnancy are unknown," she explains.

Near Forgotten Fibroids

Heather Scott, of Boston, Massachusetts, learned on the day of her daughter's birth in 2003 she had fibroids. At her 37 week exam, her doctor detected fetal stress, high blood pressure, and fibroids. Hours later, she had a Cesarean section.

After the pregnancy, Scott's fibroids shrunk to about five centimeters, and she was told not to worry about them. She nearly forgot about them until her next pregnancy when her fibroids more than doubled in size. Eventually, the fibroids created uterine distress and caused low level daily contractions, resulting in orders for bed rest. "Just taking it easy really helps," Scott says about the uncomfortable sensation of heaviness.

Scott met with a fetal maternal specialist every two weeks to access the size of the fibroids and of the baby; she also received a fetal fibronectin test to check her risk for preterm labor. By 30 weeks, her fibroids were bigger than the baby but fortunately hadn't stunted the baby's growth.

Despite the discomfort, Scott maintained her humor. She says after giving "lots of love" to what she assumed was her baby's back or bottom, a nurse pointed to the same area and said, "'Look at that fibroid.' Surprised, Scott replied, 'No, are you kidding me? I thought [it] was the baby.'"

Moving Beyond Worry

Like Scott, Johnson also was put on bed rest. After a rocky first trimester with several emergency room trips following episodes of intense pain, Johnson says her fibroids became more manageable, but far from pain-free.

At 29 weeks, she spent a night at the hospital after experiencing minor contractions and was given medication to calm the fibroids, which when agitated can cause the uterus to contract.

"I was a little concerned… when the pains were coming," says Johnson, who found herself able to manage the pain once knowing the baby was okay.

Johnson says six weeks later she was confident that the baby was a good size and that she shouldn't have any problems if the baby made an early debut. She focused on trying to enjoy the pregnancy and getting the baby's room ready.

Healthy Babies

Last April, Johnson, her husband, and their 10-year-old son, welcomed a healthy baby boy.

Johnson advises those facing a similar situation to "Do the best that you can. Eat right, take care of yourself, and just have faith." She adds seeing a high-risk doctor and having the additional ultrasounds eased a lot of stress. Johnson had her fibroids surgically removed three months after giving birth. "It's a relief overall to know they're gone," says Johnson.

Scott, who gave birth to a son in August 2006, marvels at the power of modern medicine. "Several years ago, I think [the fibroids] would have been a huge deterrent and potentially a cause of premature fetal delivery or even death, but today thank goodness for modern technology and great doctors. It definitely bumps you into a high-risk group, but as far as high risks go you are on the low end, because it's manageable."

Today's Visit

I know- I'm late on this one. But because of the 24 hour period thing, I couldn't go back to the hospital until 3:30 today and then I got home and was messing with the computer (some memory issue- who knows?) and then I was just tired so I took a nap. I didn't have a nap but just once once or twice while I was on va-ca the past 2 weeks so between that and all the running around the last few days, I'm just whooped! On to the appt...

Ok, here's where the medical community really frustrates me! Yesterday, they told me to come back today, bring my 24 hour *stuff*, get poked again for another test (the one I said they determined at the last minute yesterday) AND drink the yummy orange stuff in a bottle (not!) for the diabetes test. So considering they didn't give me the 24 hour thing until around 2:30pm and it was 3:30pm by the time I got home- would the logical conclusion NOT be that it would be past 12pm today when I took it back to the hospital?? Would you think they might- at that time- TELL me that they CLOSE on Fridays at 12pm? Ya', not so much! I was not a happy camper going all the way back to the hospital for the 2nd day in a row anyway (after being there for 5 hours yesterday and considering I am supposed to be at the point in this pregnancy where I only go once a month!), but was obviously willing to do it and get the stuff done. They just don't seem to think about people's time, having to pay for parking, gas, etc. It's frustrating!

So I was at least able to turn the 24 hour thing in, get poked for my other test (which took all of about 2 seconds and 1 itty tube of blood compared to the 8 big ones of yesterday) and turn in my pre-admin paperwork to the hospital so at least it wasn't a completely wasted trip. But they will just have to wait for me to do the diabetes test until I go back in 2 weeks. So there. lol

I have to say- as much as I DETEST needles and have to psyche myself out everytime I have to give blood or get a shot,etc.- these people really seem to know what they're doing. Both yesterday and today, it hurt very little. I was scared when she wanted to poke the same arm today as yesterday, but I also didn't want to have TWO sore arms as opposed to one so I let her. I typically bruise very badly just in general and very often where I get blood drawn from so I expected bruising today, but there was very little. And neither of them had to poke me more than once, which is odd for me. I have one major vein that they always want to hit, but I always tell them- I've been told it *rolls* so it LOOKS like it's an easy target, but it will fool you once you're in there! So they usually have to end up digging around for it, which is where my hate for the whole process comes in! That crap HURTS! And I nearly pass out everytime. So then they end up having to try and find another vein which is- apparently- easier said than done. Anywho- all that to say that these ladies are apparently very skilled at what they're doing and none of that was necessary. I'm assuming it must be that because I doubt my veins have just suddenly changed somehow after 39 years of life. ;)

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday... during the sono yesterday, the Dr. found a *mass* that appeared to be on the inside of my uterine wall. She concluded that it is *probably* a fibroid tumor and should be fine. Perhaps this is what's been causing the pain to my lower left side that I've mentioned. If not that, I don't know what it would be. Either way, she said we'd just "watch it and see what it does" over the next several months. She didn't seem to think it would be a problem nor do I. More of a problem might be the lack of water in there. J-bug needs room to swim! And right now, my water is just barely enough for her size. All my research showed that this week would show a growth spurt for her and it was right! My little *avocado* sized J-bug is filling out that space rather nicely now as opposed to 3 weeks ago. :) It also said I would have a growth spurt as well. Yeah- could've done without THAT one! lol

Guess that's it for now. Will keep you updated!

be blessed...

Melanie & my little *peanut*, J-bug ;)

The One You've Been Waiting For... ;)

Well, I think I can honestly say that today was the LONGEST Dr.’s appt. I have EVER been to in my LIFE!! They told me it would be long, but good grief! I got there at 10:00am and we didn’t leave there ‘til amost 3:00pm! So be prepared for a LOOOONG blog! lol

I am going through Baylor (where I had my last pregnancies) and today was the first time for me to go. I got registered in and all the “pre-admin” paperwork filled out, etc. While waiting for the actual appt.- Holly, Faith and I went downstairs to grab something to munch on and come back and wait. I forgot to look at the clock then, but I would guess it was about an hour from the time we got there that we were going into the room. My Dr. was busy with another sono so she sent in another Dr. that was just a joy- and was appropriately named “Joy”. :) She asked a TON of questions about my medical history (which is extensive) and then asked about the other side that I couldn’t answer. That has to be the most frustrating part. Anyway, I digress… I answered what I could and she moved on to the physical exam. I won’t go into details here (lol) other than to say that they did a typical “physical” and then the women’s exam and I’ll leave it at that. ;)

Then it was sono time… YAY!! Their equipment is SO much better and more advanced than that of the other 2 I’ve had so everything was MUCH larger- on the screen and in pics, as you will see. The girls, of course, just wanted to see one thing and I think they were both waiting with baited breath… but on opposing teams! LOL (Faith wanted a boy and Holly wanted a girl). The Dr., of course, had to give her little shpill about how- “I can’t be positive, but if I had to make an educated guess…”

Oh, did you want me to tell you what she guessed? LOL We determined that J-bug MUST be… wait for it… lol

.

.

.

.

.

.

A “little lady”… because in every sono thus far, she has had her legs crossed at the ankles! lol Which is absolutely adorable, as you can see in today’s sono pics. ;) Again- it isn’t 100% positive at this point, but pretty darn sure. That’s what Sheree and I guessed after the first one, too! :)

J-bug was more active than EVER today- too cute! She was moving CONSTANTLY! And I told the Dr.- well, I did have that sticky bun this morning… she’s probably on a sugar-high! lol So after Faith bursts into tears and determines that God does not love her after all (joke) and Holly and I practically dance around the room (another joke), they release us to go BACK to the waiting room to wait on labs. That took almost an hour because the system wasn’t working properly and inputting my extensive medical history, etc. Finally, about an hour later, I get called to go to the lab. My FAVORITE part! NOT!

They tested me for everything under the sun. Ugh! They took 8 tubes of blood and only stopped then because the needle came out of my arm and she asked if I wanted her to try and make due with what they’d already drawn or to try and re-stick me. Hmmm… let’s think about this, shall we? Uh- NO! lol I HATE needles. I mean HATE is really not even a strong enough word for my feelings about needles! I have not had NATURAL childbirths for nothing! I loathe them! So we compromised… I have to go back for even MORE tests tomorrow (having a high-risk pregnancy, I’ve determined, pretty well sucks! lol) and a diabetes test so I told her if they determined today’s blood was not enough to run the plethora of tests they need to run, she can stick me again tomorrow and get more. Aren’t I just the supreme negotiator?! lol Whatever the matter, she agreed so- works for me! ;)

So I am on a 24 hour collection period (I won’t tell you what and gross you out. lol) that I have to take back tomorrow for more testing. At that time, they will have to stick me again anyway for ANOTHER test they determined at the last minute they needed to run. I will also have to submit more hospital paperwork then. The fun has officially begun- woo hoo! lol

I have my next appt. in 2 weeks for an “internal” ultrasound to determine the need for a cerclage’. I discussed it with the Dr. today and my concern of the time running out for it. Normally, it would have been a month before I had to come back for another appt., but due to the time constraints on this procedure, I will go back then for them to measure the cervix (internally) and make the determination for the need for it at that time. If so, they will schedule the surgery immediately to go in and do that- before I hit the crucial 20 week mark. Like I said… having a high-risk pregnancy is really LOADS of fun! ;)

Ok, so that’s all that with my REGULAR Dr... NOW I get to ALSO go to the high-risk SPECIALIST Dr. Oh- YAY! lol I am going to be SOOOOO sick of hospitals and Dr.’s offices by the time this is over that I will be more than happy for them to remove my tubes when it’s all said and done! lol

So I guess that’s it for now. I’m SO excited to share these pics with you, as they are my favorites, thus far. :)

Thank you for all your concern, love and support. You guys are awesome and it means the world to me to know you care so much. :)

be blessed...

Melanie & the *little lady* (he he) J-bug

2nd SONOGRAM!

The second sonogram appt. was today and the Dr. said all looks well. Our little J-bug is a stubborn one, though. He/she kept *hiding* from us by putting his/her hand in front of his/her face so we never really got any good pics or visuals. And then he/she decided to pull the umbilical cord up between his or her legs so we FOR SURE couldn't tell what he or she was! That's my child alright! lol However... I have my first Dr.'s appt. tomorrow morning and will have another one then so maybe J-bug will be a little more cooperative for that one. ;)

The Dr. that was volunteering at the Resource Center today- get this- is actually over the Baylor that I will be going to so how cool is that? She made a quick call over and made sure they'd be doing the *works* (sono, full check-up, etc.). Good to *know* people in high places I guess. lol

Only *worry* she brought up was the distance between my placenta and my cervix. Right now, my placenta is covering my cervix which would mean- if I were at 28+ weeks at this time- I would for sure be having a c-section. I wasn't happy to hear that considering I've had ALL my children the *natural* way, thus far. I didn't really plan to change that this time around. :( BUT she said it still has plenty of time to move at this juncture so we will be praying that it does.

Regarding the cerclage', she said that the Dr. tomorrow should be able to more fully determine the need for that or not. I'm getting close to the point where I wouldn't be able to do it any longer so it's pretty imperative that they determine that quickly if it's going to need to be done and schedule the surgery for it pretty soon. I'm right at 17 weeks right now and they *like* to do them at 14-16 weeks, if possible. By 20 weeks, it's too late.

Oh my goodness!! Let's just say I could've TOTALLY done without the weighing thing today! Ugh! I go off on vacation for 2 weeks and 3 weeks later I weighed 10 lbs more! Good grief!! I was so proud because, thus far, I had only gained 3-5 lbs in 4 months! Then this!!! That's it- back to grilled chicken breasts, veggies & salad for this little one! With the dairy & fruits thrown in, of course. ;) (I blame Sus, it's her fault- with all that southern cooking and steak & potatoes, and... ;)

I guess that's about it. I will blog again tomorrow with the Dr.'s findings. :)

be blessed...
Melanie & the *shy* little J-bug (lol)s