Getting Ready...
This last few weeks I have slowly been trying to get "ready" (yeah right, as if anyone could be ready for this). BUT, I started washing her clothes and getting things out that we need... packing the hospital bag... ya know, all that good stuff. I can't believe how small her clothes are... I just can't imagine that our little girl will actually be small enough to wear these tiny outfits!!! I mean this is Jason's little girl and he almost weighed 9lbs. (although, he was a month late, which WILL NOT be happening, LOL)!!!Anyway, just thought I'd give an update and post some pictures of our fancy travel system... it's a jogging stroller, which I'm so EXCITED about!!!If anyone (Arica and Traci) has any hints on what to bring to the hospital... let's have um...
Jason looking over the instructions... can you believe it... I was sure he was going to try and just "figure it out".
All we need now is our beautiful little girl...
Bell's Palsy
Last Monday I woke up and noticed that something wasn't right. I was feeling a little funny. Once I got out of bed and started moving around I realized that something was "off". The first thing I noticed was that my mouth was numb!!! I ran to the mirror where I started to look at my face, it was hard to talk and I couldn't smile or open my mouth very wide (just like after you've been to the dentist and your numb for a few hours). Then I noticed that my left eyebrow was a bit lower than my right and I couldn't raise it. I started to panic and decided that I needed to call the doctor. After multiple calls they said that I needed to go to Labor and Delivery ASAP. Jason and I jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. After 8 hours of sitting our room we were released and I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. What is Bell's Palsy? Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves. Each facial nerve directs the muscles on one side of the face, including those that control eye blinking and closing, and facial expressions such as smiling and frowning. When Bell's palsy occurs, the function of the facial nerve is disrupted, causing an interruption in the messages the brain sends to the facial muscles. This interruption results in facial weakness or paralysis. So, with that said there is nothing about Bell's Palsy that is harmful for me or the baby, it's just VERY unlucky and just plain SUCKS!!! I did read that the risk of getting BP does increase if you are pregnant, but it is still very rare. Most cases do make a full recovery within 3 to 4 weeks, but there are some cases that take up to 6 months and a very small amount have the symptoms for the rest of their life. There is no way to tell what my outcome will be, it's all case by case. As you can imagine I have been a complete wreck this week!!! I have just been telling myself that it could be worse and I'll be fine, but it's still very SCARY!!! (you know how much I love to smile and now I can't). The thing that makes me so sad is that if she comes before my face is back to normal, I won't get those "first" family photos that I really want, because I can't smile. It just breaks my heart... so I'm praying for the best. My family, friends and I have been praying that I'll make a full recovery in 3 to 4 weeks. Jason and I would appreciate it if you keep us in your thoughts (I'll post pictures soon so you can see, I know you're curious).
As you can see... my left eyebrow and the left side of my mouth is lower than my right (No, I can't lift my eyebrow like this normally, but hey... I was kinda impressed by this pic... not too bad).
Okay, so this is what it looks like when I try to smile... (if I wasn't married this would be my match.com profile pic... LOL!!!)
And this is what it looks like when I try and pucker my lips... you can see here my left eyebrow pretty good... So there you have it, what Bell's Palsy (at least for me) looks like. I'm VERY HAPPY to say that I think I'm getting better... hopefully within the next week I'll be pretty much back to "normal". Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!!! Jason and I are so lucky to have such great family and friends!!! We love you all!!!
I SUCK AT UPDATES!!!
I feel so BAD!!! I just can't seem to find the time to update this blog and I KNOW I'm going to wish I had put a little more effort into it, so here goes with the updates... where did I leave off... 28 weeks...30 weeks:I had a doc. appt. it was right after going to Lake of the Ozarks with Jason's family, which turned out to be a VERY BAD IDEA!!! Don't get me wrong I'm glad I went - I got to see Jason's sister Jacquelyn who leaves in Florida and has been very upset that she's missed out on seeing me pregnant. So because of that I'm very glad I went... but really, what the heck was I thinking??? 30 weeks preggo + 6 hour car ride = NO FUN!!! All on top of my allergies, which I didn't even know I had... I was sick for 3 weeks after getting back home!!! I'll post some pics soon, I just need to get some copies.But, back to the doc. appt. everything checked out fine and he even gave me more drugs to help with my allergies. What can I say... he just felt bad... I mean what would you do... a sobbing, pregnant woman who already has problems controlling her hormones... you give me the drugs too!!! LOL!!!32 weeks:Went to the doc and found out that while I didn't gain any weight the baby did some MAJOR growing!!! I measured 34 weeks!!! As my sister would say... she's a rolly!!! My BP was 110 over 60, which is excellent, and so everything is looking good. Can't wait to see what I measure at my 34 weeks visit... I'll keep you posted (or at least try, LOL)!!!
Jason looking over the instructions... can you believe it... I was sure he was going to try and just "figure it out".
All we need now is our beautiful little girl...
