Our August Arrival

Our August Arrival is due on 8.28.12.  

Our wish was for our children to be close together, and our hope is that it will make them closer and playmates.  I actually took a pregnancy test on 12.28.11.  I had a feeling that I was expecting over Christmas, but the test confirmed it once we returned to town from Kentucky!  

  

I emailed Dr. Villers the next day to let her know of the news, and of course, to set up my first OB appointment.  I saw Dr. Villers on 1.20.12, and got my first glimpse of Our August Arrival.  Heart beat was strong, and she calculated the due date to be 8.28.12.  August was a little sooner than I thought, but grateful none the less!

We waited to tell family and friends until after our first trimester screening, which we had on 2.25.12.  The way we told our family was we got Tillman a "Big Brother" shirt (I actually, called my dad, JRS, right after the appointment to tell the news).  We did Facetime with Cici, had PapPaw come over for dinner to see Tillman, and we Skyped with Nick's mom (Mimi) and grandmother.  Tillman is on the move these days, so it took a while for them to read his shirt, but when they did, they were very excited to hear that the family would have another baby to love!  For the aunts and uncles, we called our sisters and brother to tell them the news by phone.

Our first trimester screening went really well.  The report stated the occurrence of Downs Syndrome and/or Trisomy 18 and 13 less than 1 in 10,000.  The genetic counselor explained that this is the lowest risk that the blood test reports, and this was wonderful news/ "we are off to a great start."  Our August Arrival was measuring 5 days ahead of the due date, it was noted that the placenta was in the front, cord blood was flowing appropriately, and all organs were functioning.

I finally told work and the world of Facebook on 3.9.12.  I wasn't ready to tell work because I had a few loose ends that I didn't want "oh Meredith's pregnant" to effect.  Of course, they say it doesn't effect anything (legal answer), but I often wonder if it does or not.  I knew that 3.9.12 was the time to say something because folks were starting to notice.  After all, I work at a Children's Hospital.  These folks can point out a pregger a mile away.  I had already had someone point to my tummy, and say "oh, already...another one!"  I was at a reception on 3.6.12, and I could just "feel" people talking about me.  It is a very exciting thing to be pregnant, but not so exciting to have the whispers.
When "the cat was out the bag," folks were saying "I knew it," "I thought so,"I guessed it a few weeks back".....

Our next ultrasound is on 4.10.12(after review of my calendar, it appear the appointment is 4.12.12).  This will be the anatomy scan/ 20 week ultrasound, and we will know for sure what Our August Arrival will be.  At our 2.25.12 ultrasound, the sonographer said that she was 90% sure of the sex, but for the sake of publishing this to the world and being the other 10%, I'll hold off on the gender until we know for sure.  After all, Our August Arrival could become the President one day, and the opposing candidate may read what I wrote and cause a political uproar the day before the election!  Ok, maybe too much TV (or campaign 2012 coverage) for Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcoutry!

We're very excited to become a family of four.  We've already placed Our August Arrival on the daycare waiting list, figured out maternity leave plans, rearranged and purchased new car seats to accommodate, and purchased a double stroller.  More plans to come, but I think we are going to gear up all other planning after our 4.1012 appointment (which my mom noted was her due date when she had me in 1981)!

Sweet Husband

I came home from Target yesterday, and this is what I saw by the bed.  For those of you who can't tell by the pictures, I'm 5'2" on a good day.  We have a pretty high bed, and the bigger my belly gets, the harder it is to get in and out of bed.  My sweet husband purchased a step stool for me!  (yes people...I love my computer, and it stays by my bedside all the time...crazy I'm sure to some.)

His sweet card read: "Meredith, I noticed you are starting to have a more difficulty getting into bed.  I hope this little step helps the late night trips to the bathroom.  Thanks for being a wonderful prego wife. With Much Love, Nick"  On the other side of the card he said "Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Not too much more to go."

I have a pretty thoughtful husband.  He has been also busy around the house with his "honey-do" list too.  Yesterday he surprised me with clearing out a space in the garage for my car!  This may seem strange to some, but we have lived in our house almost two years, and a car hasn't spent the night in there yet. 

Dear Nick,

You are the best!  Thanks for all you do, and being so thoughtful!  I'm luck to have you in my life.  I know that you will make a great Daddy to Tillman, and I simply can't wait to have a family with you!

I heard this song yesterday (Brad Paisley - Anything Like Me), and I thought of you and Tillman! You're going to be a great Daddy!

Love,

Meredith

Tillman's follow up growth scan

I know I'm not following my own rules, as this is the second Friday, I'm not doing a fashion Friday post.  Honestly, the further I get in pregnancy the less "fashionable" I feel.  I'll think of something soon.

Yesterday we had the follow up growth scan on Tillman at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center.  Things are looking much better.  In fact, we don't have to go back for another scan!  In short, the results are he has caught up in weight and abdominal growth!  He's still not at the ideal 50th percentile, but I think the 39th percentile is pretty darn close!

As the above picture shows his fetal weight is following with curve and his 33 week mark is much closer to the 50th percentile line than the 28 week marker.  The Abdominal Circumference graph has been plotted three times.  He got his first measurement at the anatomy scan when he was 20 weeks.  At that time, he was right on target at the 50th percentile, at 28 weeks he dropped to the 5th percentile line (middle marker on 5%tile line), and yesterday's measurement was back up around the 25th percentile.

Dr. Eugene Chang read our results.  The physician comments made were "a repeat ultrasound of this single intrauterine pregnancy was performed. The amniotic fluid volume was normal.  Today, interval growth is normal and the EFW is 4lbs. 9 ozs. in the 39th percentile." Biophysical Profile was 8/8 (fetal body movement (kick or anything) , fetal tone (fist clinch, arm curl, etc), fetal breathing movement (practice breathing for 20 seconds), amniotic fluid volume).

They also checked on the blood flow through the brain, umbilical cord, and heart.  All looked very well.  Tillman's heart rate was down from 155 bpm to 133bpm, but that is very normal.

We did get a few pictures of him yesterday.  As always, he had his face in the placenta and his hands in his face as well.  They tried to get a clear picture of him, but he wasn't having it! 

Growth Scan Video

On July 8th, I went for a growth scan at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center (to see results click here).  Below is the video.  This three part video features me talking about why I was having it done, some footage of the scan, and then Dr. Newman explaining the findings.
Take a look!  If you have trouble seeing the YouTube version, click here to see it on MUSChealth.com.

Today I have my 31 week appointment.  I'm now seeing Dr. Villers every two weeks.  Also, tonight Nick and I go to the MUSC breastfeeding class.  Busy day of Tillman activities!

Tillman, Are you a Momma's or Daddy's boy?

We got a good look at Tillman at Thursday's Ultrasound.  The 3D images of his face really help us get to know the little guy a little more.  There was a student following the ultrasound tech the day of the growth study.  She sat beside the ultrasound tech and observed how she maneuvered the "wand" over my belly to get the shots needed for the scan.

When our tech went to go discuss the findings with the physician reading the reports, the student "played around/learned" on my belly for a while.  She actually got some GREAT 3D shots of Tillman.  We walked away from the appointment with TONS of photos of him. 

If you know me at all, you know I over-analysis things to death (my poor husband).  I has studying the photos when I got home on Thursday.  I tried to get Nick involved in this activity, but he wasn't having it.  I was pointing out his nose, his chin, his lips and other parts that I thought Tillman favored us. 

From the first Ultrasound, I noticed Tillman's chin.  That is totally Nick!  See for yourself.  He's a Daddy's boy when it comes to his profile, lips and chin.

One of our engagement photos

Check out Nick's profile vs Tillman's

My parents visited us this weekend.  After my Mom looked at the photos, she said "he has your nose."  I really couldn't see it, but after looking at my Dad, I felt like he totally has my family's nose.  Also, he has the crease under his nose down to the middle of his lip.  I have one of those too!

Bridal picture for the newspapers

Check out my nose vs Tillman's

During the growth study, the Ultrasound Tech said that his brain was of average size.  We were jokingly saying we wish we could tell if Tillman was going to be smart.  Nick "spouts off" and said "well I sure hope he is smart because the way he is growing, it doesn't look like we have a football player on our hands." (Tillman is under weight and size from normal babies at his gestational age).

It was very exciting to get to see Tillman again.  I am sure he will look different when he is born and will change everyday after.  Having these moments with him to observe him in his "happy place" helps me get to know the little guy a little more and gets me even more excited for September!

Growth Study Results

Tillman was not much into being on camera yesterday.  The majority of the pictures were of him with his hands in his face.  The picture above certainly looks like he is tired of the "Paparazzi!"

The reason for the ultrasound was to check on his growth.  My belly growth has been consistently about two weeks behind, so the study was to see if he is growing as he should.  As Dr. Villers explains the growth study- "A growth study is just to see how much the baby weighs and how much it has grown since your last ultrasound. We have standards to compare the baby to which helps us determine if the baby is growing at an expected rate."

Master Tillman is in the 27th percentile for weight.  The majority of his "lag behind" comes from abdominal growth.  His femur length is also behind, but I have pretty short legs, and Nick doesn't have long legs either.  An average baby is in the 50th percentile.  Tillman at 29 weeks weighs 2 lbs 8 ozs.  All his little pieces and parts are in place, and fluid levels are good.  The blood flow in the umbilical cord is good, so they don't have any worry about him getting nutrition. 

While they were testing the flow through the umbilical cord, Tillman was doing "practice breathing."  This is normal and good!  The ultrasound tech let us listen to him while he "preformed!"

He had plenty of fetal movement during the study, so I think that indicates that he is "thriving."  His heart rate was 144 bpm, and that was completely normal.

Comments from the physician report-"A repeat ultrasound of this single intrauterine pregnancy was preformed. The anatomic survey was abbreviated today but reported as normal on previous exam.  The amniotic fluid volume was normal. Appropriate interval growth was noted. The AC (Abdominal Circumference) was < 5th percentile on today's scan. EFW (Estimated Fetal Wight) was 2lbs 8ozs, placing the fetus at the 27th percentile. Umbilical artery Dopplers and MAC Dopplers were preformed with normal S/D ratio.  BPP (Biophysical Profile) was 8/8."

(In this picture his hand was chopped off by a sound wave.

Notice the nub?  An ultrasound is made up of sound waves. 

I think he looks like Captain Hook!)

We will go back in one month for a follow up to check on the little guy's growth!  All and all, a good visit at MUSC's Prenatal Wellness Center!

Anatomy Ultrasound Video & Week 21 Update

As you read here and here, we had our anatomy ultrasound on April 30th.  Things have really picked up after knowing little Tillman Alexander was joining our family in September.  Below is a video explaining the scan, the actual ultrasound, and Dr. Donna Johnson (Director, MUSC Maternal-Fetal Medicine) visiting us after reviewing the ultrasound to explain the findings.
If you have trouble viewing YouTube, click here to view the video on MUSChealth.com.



We hit 21 weeks yesterday, so we're a little over halfway there!  It is hard to believe we'll be parents in four months...yikes!  This week Tillman is the length of a carrot and three quarters of a pound according to Babycenter.com!

Babycenter.com also mentioned- "You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as he initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now."

Since I have an anterior placenta, I'm not feeling much yet from Tillman. Tillman has to kick hard enough for me to feel through the placenta (kind of like he is kicking through a large pillow).  I am feeling lots of new things.  To me, they seem like little twitches, but no defined kicks or punches as of yet!  Also, I know things are getting crowded down there because I have to go to the "potty" every hour it seems (can't wait until he starts kicking the bladder...)! 

They also go to say some wonderful things that moms might be experiencing now-spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin),!  I'm the lucky winner; I certainly have a few of those!  Fortunately, they state these are not harmful.  Also, I am fortunate so far to not have experienced any varicose veins, which pregnant women are more prone. 

Ultrasound Anatomy Scan Level 2 Ultrasound

Friday was our big day at the MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center for the Ultrasound Anatomy Scan.  I thought I would tell you a little more about the scan beyond finding out the sex of the baby (It's a BOY!).  The scan's main purpose is to rule out most anomalies and birth defects.  We had a 4D ultrasound (the fourth dimension is movement).
This is an excerpt from What to Expect.
"The ultrasound anatomy scan, or level 2 ultrasound, is an amazingly interesting experience for parents-to-be. Your baby will be measured from crown to rump (and what a cute rump it is!), around her middle, around her head — and that's just for starters. The four chambers of the heart will be viewed, as well as the kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, spine, and sex organs (be sure to tell your sonographer if you don't want to know what he or she sees — or doesn't see!).
Measurements are taken to make sure your baby is growing appropriately (and that his or her gestational age is still on target). A survey of the organs, including the umbilical cord, ensures that they are developing normally (or identifies any potential problems as soon as possible). The sonographer will also be looking at your amniotic fluid levels, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate. Settle in to enjoy the show: The detailed level 2 scan can take 30 to 45 minutes (depending on how cooperative your little one wants to be during the photo shoot)."

Juli, our sonographer, explaining the scan.  (Excuse the unedited version. I can't figure out how to edit on my Flip Video. It keeps telling me not enough room on the camcorder even when I try to save it to the computer...)


Check out the "cool" 3D photos and other movements of Tillman.

Funnies from Friday

Friday was a very fun and exciting day!  We got to finally see our little guy, Tillman, and start planning for his arrival.  Most of Friday was spent at the doctor's office (1-3:30), texting while at stop lights to tell our news, rushing home to get on the computer to update everyone (no I don't have a blackberry or iPhone...grounds for divorce in my house), and then heading to my home town for the weekend to visit the folks and to go to homecoming at my church.

Funny Ultrasound Moments:
Not two minutes into the ultrasound Tillman has his fingers showing #1 (pointer finger up).  We know we have trouble on our hands if he already knows he is #1.  It was really cute to see him make little movements and gestures.

I seem to have a problem with ALWAYS having a FULL bladder when I get on the table (even when I just go to the bathroom).  You could really see my badder on the ultrasound.  WOW, it was FULL!!

I wanted to make sure Tillman was moving and make sure we could see everything.  Before the ultrasound, I purchased a Mountain Dew and SweetTarts!  It worked!!  He was extremely active.

Dr. Villers patients have only had boys lately.  The only girls her patients have had are the people who transfer care midway through pregnancy.  She told us up front if we wanted a girl, we aren't going to have any luck with her.  Well, we continue the tradition!

Here's a thing we heard:
For this comment keep in mind we have all boys in our family...very different from the previous generations (my brother was the only boy, my dad was the only boy with 6 sisters, my mom only had one brother, Nick's mom only had one brother, Nick was the only boy, etc...).
My mom: "well, it looks like we're going to have a football team!"  Tillman will be my parents' fourth grandson and Nick's parents' 3rd grandson.  My sister is due 10 days before me, so we thought for sure one of us would have a girl.

Below is an email Nick received while we were at the doctor's office, but since I don't have a "smart" phone, I couldn't update until 4PM on Facebook.  Warning to all Mrs. Pregnants in the Lowcountry who don't have a "smart" phone--don't tell your friends your appointment time.  They want to know the news 15 minutes after the appointment. 

Date: Fri, Apr 30, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Subject: Message for Meredith

Please tell her she has practically incited a Facebook riot by not posting an update.

Below, is a copy and paste from Facebook
Allie › Meredith: the suspense is killing me..... do we have a Tillman or a Caroline!?!

Jennifer
Me too, Allie!

Heather
Me three!

Catherine
I have to stop checking her page, it's really too much. Haha - I just want to know! Meredith, do you not have an iPhone? Get the info up! :)

Jennifer
You're not alone...I keep checking too! Can't get work done for wanting to know... I know Nick has a Blackberry, but if I remember right, Meredith isn't that high tech yet! So...NICK I KNOW YOU"RE NOT ON FACEBOOK, BUT UPDATE YOUR LOVELY WIFE'S FACEBOOK STATUS. There, maybe he heard it!

Tillman Alexander

It's a boy!!  This is the money shot!

He looks like he is blowing bubbles, but that is the umbilical cord!

Looks a bit strange, but they say it is normal since Tillman doesn't have any fat yet!

Video to come of the ultrasound!  The anatomy scan went very well.  Everything is normal, and we are so thankful for that!! 

My First Trimester Screening Video (Professional done!)

As many of you know from reading, I had my First Trimester Screening a few weeks ago.  I posted a video I took of the results and a clip of the actual ultrasound.  Well, MUSC is using some of my flip videos for a section on their website call "My Story."  Of course "My Story" is "My Pregnancy."   Some of my videos will be posted on MUSChealth.com's video section (Click here).  Check out the below video.  It captures other parts of the ultrasound/first trimester screening that I didn't post originally.

Happy Easter everyone!  I hope your weekend is filled with lots of fun, love, and family! 

Oh! Don't forget about the give away! Click Here!

First Trimester Screening-Blood Results Are Back!

This post is an update from Friday's ultrasound post (First Trimester Screening).  Take a listen to hear my conversation with Sally Shield, MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center genetic counselor about my results, more about the First Trimester Screening and the results obtained from this elective test.

First Trimester Screening for Down Syndrome (extra copy of chromosome 21) and trisomy 18 & 13 is a test offered to women in their first trimester of pregnancy to determine the chance that they will have a baby with Down Syndrome and/or trisomy 18 & 13. It cannot detect all birth defects or genetic conditions.

The screening combines measurements from both a blood test and an ultrasound examination (see YouTube video, "First Trimester Screening").  My results were all negative or normal, and I have a 1 in 10,000 chance of having a baby with the above conditions.  We are very excited to hear the good news!

First Trimester Screening

Everything went really well at the first trimester screening Friday, and everything looks normal. We'll have the full results when my bloodwork comes back in about a week. The ultrasound tech at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center, Juli, was AWESOME!

Our little one had its legs crossed the whole time (very proper just like its mom!!), so we don't know what it is yet! Juli tried everything to try to get it to move, but he/she was comfortable where it was! Juli asked me if I ate Turkey before the appointment because the baby was not budging from its position.  She said I should eat something with sugar or drink a soda or juice before my next ultrasound to get our little one moving!  Nick quickly said "oh, she will have no problem with that!"  He is right; I don't need an excuse to eat sugar. 
 

Although we weren't able to tell what the sex of our baby was at our appointment, I am told and know of people who have found out the sex of the baby at their frist trimester screening when going to the Prenatal Wellness Center (PWC).  The PWC has a "super-duper" ultrasound machine that can see more than the normal office ones.  After comparing my 12 week ultrasound pictures to others at 12 weeks, I feel I can see a lot more!

 

We also Flip videoed my ultrasound.  Here is a "flip clip!"

9 Week Ultrasound

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At 9 weeks, they still perform an internal (transvaginal) ultrasound.  I wasn't prepared for this, but the baby isn't big enough at that point to see it when doing an ultrasound on top of the belly (I think she said it was about two centimeters long).  Dr. Villers did the ultrasound, and we actually found out by the measurement of the baby's length that we were 9.3 weeks along.  I'm told, the measurements of the baby are pretty accurate when estimating the gestational age.  Also, we saw the baby's heart beat, and it was beating around 160 bpm.

Immediately, my husband, Nick, whipped out his Blackberry to start counting back the weeks to see when this all started (such a guy thing), while Dr. Villers whipped out this date wheel to see when we would be due. 

Nick's date was December 15, 2009.

Dr. Villers' due date was September 21, 2010.