Truckin'

I am almost 12 weeks pregnant. My nausea and fatigue have been something to battle, no doubt, but I have yet to vomit or sleep all day, so I am thankful! I am taking an FDA approved medicine called Diclegis. While it makes me tired, it prevents me from throwing-up which helps me stay hydrated among other things. I typically dislike taking medicine, but I am learning that I will probably have to put my pride aside on more than one occasion during this journey.

20-minute cat-naps are a must almost every day. Thanks for the awesome pic, Steve :)

I am still running, praise God! Sure, I have slowed down, and I think I ran my last 5+ miler on the road this week. My pelvis is already starting to separate. But I can run on the treadmill with my pelvic belt on, work hard on the bike, and perform all of the strength exercises that I could do before pregnancy. I am still waking up every morning to work-out before the girls get up. I listen to my body and don't do too much, but only what it needs to train for this marathon we have ahead of us.

 

 

I am eating 3 larger meals a day with 2-3 small snacks thrown in, if I can manage  I only eat what I feel like eating, which surprisingly has not been protein shakes, rice cakes, almond butter, or apples! Gasp! Steve has been making me homemade bread and cookies to satisfy my weird cravings. I can eat meat of any kind all day long, which I am thankful for since protein is such a big player during the first trimester of pregnancy. While I am consuming a decent amount of food, it is not what I am used to eating. I have lost about 4 pounds, but hope to put those pups back on soon when (and God-willing IF) the nausea subsides. Oh, I must  mention that I have to take 3,000 milligrams a day of folic acid. That is 7x the amount a woman needs who is pregnant with one baby. Insane. 

 

On Monday (4 days ago), I saw my regular OB for the first time. He had already received numerous reports from me and my other doctors.  Our mentor and dear friend Kim joined us, as she has and will for every appointment that she is able during this process. Her and her husband, Kasey and their two daughters have been God's great blessing to us from the height of our battle with infertility. They speak truth, pray for, and provide us with much wisdom (yes they are older, but not OLD :)) in all situations ... especially this one.

The girls are our #1 priority right now. Summer days consist of a lot of fun and a lot of pool time!

Dr. B did a routine "well-women's exam" on me and found everything to be perfect. All of my vitals are superior and my anatomy is still strong (especially regarding my uterus and cervix). This is something I do not take for granted. Both the Gossling (sextuplets in 2004) and McCaughey (septuplets in 1997) mothers were on bed rest starting at week 7. For some reason, their cervix' were already "open" and therefore had to be as still as possible for months to prevent labor induction. I have done nothing to have a "strong cervix". 

My health and well-being are excellent right now. Sure, I do my part as far as exercise and nutrition go, but in the end all that I am, know, and practice is a product of God's glorious grace: 

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

 

 

Dr. B's words were sincere and the look in his eyes revealed authentic care. He told us that he has been thinking of us all of the time and that he knew exactly when I was coming in for my first visit. With his schedule, that impressed me a lot. Like I've said before, Dr. B is a believer. He is also a fantastic doctor. This is a totally different story for him ... one that God has called him to for His own purposes. There is no mistake that we were sent to Dr. B 4+ years ago from Indiana when I was 8+ months pregnant with Hannah. God been preparing every single detail for this miracle all along. It  blows my mind. 

On Tuesday, God willing, I meet with Dr. S at Maternal Fetal Medicine. This is a biggie. What we see on the ultrasound is most likely what will stay for the remainder of my pregnancy. Also, this will be the last chance for me to have a selective reduction. Like I have said before, that is not an option for us. Once I enter my second trimester, the risks will increase exponentially as the babies grow for their survival. One may pass and not affect the others, but once it gets later in the game, the passing of one baby may put me into a spontaneous abortion. This is the reality of our situation.

 

 

I think I may alternate week-to-week from Dr. S to Dr. B. Although, Dr. B will lead the "team" if I make it to viability. The chances are slim, but not impossible, as Dr. B affirms that can get to 24 and even better 28 weeks. My goal is 32. 

 

Dr. B knows me well and he says that he will not put me on bed-rest unless it is a must. My exercise will most likely turn into old-lady water aerobics and a recumbent bike, if I am blessed enough. We are so thankful to have doctors who are renown in their fields. One of my favorite parts of this process is seeing them - learned, experienced, brilliant - behold the Glory of God in each one of our visits. It is a privilege that I do not deserve. 

Preparing to have an answer. Trying to memorize, memorize, memorize!

To end, I want to share the lyrics of two songs that Steve and I consider to be our "battle cries" from before my pregnancy until now. They ring so true in our hearts currently and will be our anthem throughout this journey: 

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

"The Anthem" by Jesus Culture

I can hear the footsteps of my King
I can hear His heartbeat beckoning
In my darkness He has set me free
And now I hear the Spirit calling me
Wake up child
It's your time to shine
You were born for such a time as this
I can hear a holy rumbling
I've begun to preach another King
Loosing chains and breaking down the walls
I want to hear the Father when He calls
This is the anthem of our generation
Here we are God, shake our nation
All we need is Your love
You captivate me
I am royalty
I have destiny
I have been set free
I'm gonna shape history

May it ALL be to the "praise of His Glorious grace" (Ephesians 1:6). 

We exist for this purpose alone.

 

My new "harcut". It was falling out like crazy so I was able to give 12 inches to someone who really needs it!