Chic Bump Watch: A Hospital Stay & Bed Rest

Last Tuesday I got a call from my doctor. She asked me to come up to the hospital to have some lab work done and to have my vital signs checked. After getting the kids ready, I dropped Savannah off at school and Little Mike and I headed to the hospital. 

Once we were there I did all of my lab work and headed up to Labor & Delivery to have my vitals done. Due to some of the complications that I experience while pregnant I am very use to being seen and checked on frequently so my doctor's request to do a pop-up check didn't alarm me in the least bit.

After having my blood pressure drawn the nurses and residents were concerned. It was running higher than they like to see. Personally, I wasn't concerned. My blood pressure has been high with all of my pregnancies so I thought this was just par for the pregnancy course. I was wrong. This time it was going to be much different.

Somewhere between, "Mrs.Smith we want to keep an eye on you for a few more minutes and Mrs.Smith we're going to admit you to the hospital" my mind went into overdrive. All I could think about was Sav being in school on the other side of town. My husband was giving a lecture at one of the local colleges and he was too far away to make it to her before school got out. Luckily, a friend was able to pick her up for us so that mini-crisis was averted. 

Let me just say that I felt fine. I felt completely normal. Like myself. I was admitted and Little Mike and I were put in a room. My husband made it to Sav and then to the hospital and that's when things got more real. The doctor wanted me to have as little stimulation as possible so my family left and I began receiving treatment.

Enter magnesium via IV. I have never experienced anything like that before in my life. "Mag" as the the doctors were calling it makes you feel a little crazy... and sick. I was nauseous and felt like I was having an outer body experience. I was told that would happen before the IV was started so I was expecting it but that didn't make it feel any better. It was the worst.

Magnesium is used to treat all kinds of things but in my case it was being used to prevent any type of medical condition that can be caused by high blood pressure, like a stroke. With the right medication and the "mag" my blood pressure returned to normal and I was moved to a different room on Wednesday morning.

My blood pressure was closely monitored and I had more blood work done to rule out the possibility of preeclampsia. Once those tests came back negative my doctors thought it would be best to keep me in the hospital on bed rest until my blood pressure dropped back down to a range they were comfortable with for at least 24 hours.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday rolled by and I was still on bed rest. During my stay I learned a lot about my body (which is a good thing) and became a big fan of the salad and baked potato meal. It was delish. I ate it everyday for lunch and dinner.

On Sunday afternoon I was released. My family was there visiting me when I got the good news. It was perfect timing because they packed me up with the quickness and we were out of there before the ink dried on my discharge papers.

So for the next few weeks I'l be on what my doctor calls "couch potato" rest. There's a list of things I can't do and list of things I can. I'm thankful that I'm not on a strict bed rest. Honestly the little bit of going out that I am allowed to do wears me out so I've been limiting my trips to school drop off/pick up and doctor appointments.

I have been getting tons of rest and keeping a blood pressure log at home between prenatal appointments. I can not wait to meet our baby in December. The weeks are rolling by and I am getting more excited as the time passes. I think I'll do one of those fun pregnancy updates with a bump pic in a few days to share more about my pregnancy journey with #grandfinalebaby.

All prayers, positive thoughts and vibes are greatly appreciated. Has anyone else been on bed rest while pregnant?

Chic Bump Watch: Second Trimester Bump Style

So far I haven't been wearing maternity clothes during this pregnancy. I have been doing the ponytail holder (rubber band) trick on my denim shorts or wearing things with an elastic waist. My boyfriend shorts from H&M have been amazing during these hot Summer days.

Once upon a time they fit loose and comfy. These days they are little snug but they still feel and look great.

A photo posted by chicsahm (tia) (@chicsahm) on Jul 9, 2015 at 11:16am PDT

Black continues to be my color of choice. You know how it is when you're still kind of early in your pregnancy...

Sometimes you look pregnant and sometimes you look like you got extra meat and guacamole at Chipotlé. I fluctuate between the two daily.

A photo posted by chicsahm (tia) (@chicsahm) on Jul 11, 2015 at 1:08pm PDT

Due to the extreme heat that has finally made it's way to San Antonio I probably won't be wearing heels much after this. Maybe I'll pull out some booties in the Fall once it's a bit cooler. Maybe.

My husband and I will be going on a date in a couple weeks. I'm trying to find something cute and comfy to wear for that. We rarely ever get date nights so I always try to bring it with my outfit when we do get to go out. I'll share what put together on Instagram, stay tuned!

What do you think of my maternity style so far? What's your favorite thing to wear while rocking your bump?

Chic Bump Watch: #GrandFinaleBaby

Hi there everyone!

I'm back from what seems like the longest blogging hiatus ever. I really wanted to blog but to be honest I was just sick and tired, literally. You never realize how much energy you have until it's gone.

If you follow me on Instagram or if you tuned into to my Periscope premiere then you already know that I am currently expecting our third little bundle of joy. I like to refer to this baby as our "grand finale baby". It's our last baby and my very last pregnancy (I think.) Now that I am no longer hovering over a toilet or trash can all day and glued to my couch I am very excited about embracing the last two trimesters of this pregnancy.

My first trimester sucked. It was a mess and I am so glad that it's over. 

I wasn't sure when I was going to share the news about our new baby. It took a while for me to get over the fear that something bad might happen again. After lots of prayer I knew that the only way to release myself of that fear would be to start telling people I was pregnant. I have to trust that everything will be okay and just enjoy this journey.

Here is the announcement I used for Instagram. I decided to use the vision board that I created to share our news! 

So. If you were wondering where I've been now you know. I still have all the same plans for this space and now that my energy is picking up again you can expect to see more of me here and on social media. 

How has everyone been? Tell me what's new with you!

Pregnancy Update & Chic Bump Watch: 31 Weeks

weight gain so far ~ 14 pounds

Savannah and I just got home from another visit at the hospital. I went in for my Non-Stress Test and a growth scan. I also had to give blood and pick up the jug for another twenty four hour urine test. The twenty four hour urine test tests for pre eclampsia. We were at the hospital for a total of three hours so we were both very excited and happy when we left.

My blood pressure has spiked up a little again. It had been normal until this week. During my NST the monitor has been picking up very light contractions. I can't feel them and apparently they are normal. I never had them with Sav so it's a little weird knowing you're having contractions and not being able to feel them. During my growth scan baby boy and all my fluids looked great and there are no concerns from my Doctor. Can I just say that technology is so amazing? Ultrasounds machines and all the different machines and computers that are out there to help with pre-natal care is crazy. 

Before leaving the hospital I was finally given a tour of labor and delivery. I had to ask several times before I was given one and I'm glad I was persistent. I learned so much. I mainly wanted a tour so that I could better plan for Savannah's time at the hospital. I wanted to see how much space we'd be working with and what all the amenities were for families. To my surprise there were lots of things to help with having a little one at the hospital. The rooms are extremely spacious for one and they all come with cable TV and DVD players. The DVD will come in very handy while Savannah is visiting. The Mother and Baby wing also offers a kitchenette area that comes fully stocked with all kinds of child friendly goodies. They had everything you could think of that a young big brother or sister would want or need. There was milk, juice, applesauce, pudding cups, ice cream bars, popsicles...you name it! It's all free too. That's going to help out so much. Of course I will have packed her own snacks but there's nothing better than a free plan B.

I'll continue to go in for my NSTs two times a week in addition to my regular Doctor's appointments. We are getting close! We set up our baby boy's crib a couple weeks ago. My husband pulled all the baby gear out of storage and it's clean and ready to go. All I need to do now is wash all of his clothes and install his car seat. 

Chic Bump Watch: 5 Months

We are halfway there! I have been feeling great for the most part. There are some days when I have horrible fatigue but other than that I feel pretty normal. My next appointment is at twenty four weeks. I am hoping that my doctor schedules my C-Section during that appointment so that I can start letting friends and family know when we can expect our little guy. 

Savannah was delivered via C-Section too. It is pretty standard for women with a septate uterus to deliver via C-Section. I delivered Sav at 37 weeks 3 days and she was a perfectly healthy baby girl. The doctors are planning to do the same thing this go around. So I actually have a little less than twenty weeks left. I have to admit that sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on the whole birthing experience by not being able to wait around for my water break and go through the whole labor and delivery process. Then I have to remind myself that everyone has their own path to motherhood and this is mine. 

I'm going to start doing some shopping for him this weekend. Maybe I'll do a vlog to show you all some of my first purchases, we'll see! Enjoy you the rest of your Wednesday!

Pregnancy Update: Gender Reveal

Yesterday we had our "big" ultrasound. Everything went well and we are so excited to meet our newest little bundle. There aren't too many updates to gush about. I've gained five pounds and the baby is measuring perfectly (actually a little bigger) for where we are in the pregnancy.

Now for the gender reveal. I have to say that I am pretty excited to share that baby number two will be a very handsome little boy!! You couldn't tell my husband anything after our appointment yesterday. We are both over the moon with joy. Since everything we own is for a little girl I will be having a serious yard sale or several eBay auctions soon. I've saved everything Savannah has ever owned and some of it has to go to make room for the new baby's things. Not to mention it would also be nice to have a little extra cash to start getting both of them ready for the hot summer season here in Texas.

Does anyone know of a reliable second hand baby clothing website that works like eBay? Got any yard sale pricing tips? You know I'm open to hearing it all! Please keep my little family in your prayers as we become a family of four.

Chic Bump Watch: Week 17

Why hello there second trimester. Savannah and I had a great trip to Atlanta and we're back in San Antonio. Not unpacked but we are getting settled back into our routine. I can officially say I am done with being sick. I only have sick episodes if I allow myself to get too hungry. Or if I eat chicken. Or smell chicken. Or even hear someone mention chicken. Thank goodness this is a written post and not a video. I can't even say the word without getting that weird feeling in my throat.

Anyway. I'm getting my stride back. If it wasn't for fatigue I'd feel practically normal. I'm not sure what my weight gain is at this point. During my last appointment I learned that I lost the three pounds I had gained. My next appointment is Monday so I'll see what the scale says then. We'll also learn the sex of the baby too. Very excited about that!!

I finally started wearing some of my maternity stuff. Just jeans for now. Welp. We're almost half way there now. Time flies when you're hovered over a toilet I guess. Here are some bump pics. Remember when I mentioned that thing about having a "special" uterus. Because of my "special" uterus I only carry my babies on my left side. If you look at the pics close enough you can see that one side of my bump is slightly larger than the other. I know, I know. You wish your uterus would do that too, right?

Chic Bump Watch: Week 10

Where do I even begin? I am not a good patient or that good at being sick. Since I've been feeling bad for the past few weeks you can imagine that has made it difficult for the people around me. Lucky you. Honestly, my morning (24/7) sickness has been getting better. Some days I don't throw up at all. Then there are the days when I can't keep anything down. That's actually progress from being sick everyday. 

I still haven't quite learned what makes this baby tick. With Savannah as long as I had fresh fruit (mainly watermelon) and fresh ingredients to make salad I was good. I couldn't eat meat with her at all. This time around it appears that anything fried grosses me out. So far the only thing that I've been able to keep down is baked potatoes. Baked potatoes and those little thirty nine cent burritos that you microwave. Don't judge me. Those things are pretty good after you sprinkle cheese on them and smother them in sour cream. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

I haven't had a problem with breakfast lately. It seems that my normal egg, bacon and pepper jack cheese sandwich on toast is still good to go. I've been trying to narrow down all the things that could be triggering my sickness. Am I not eating enough? Am I going too long between meals? I have friends who talk about how they never got sick while they were pregnant and all they did was eat eat eat. I wonder what that's like? To be able to freely eat without the food aversions...must be nice. Hopefully, things will work themselves out as I get closer to my second trimester. With Savannah I was sick until exactly week sixteen. One can only hope I am in a similar situation. 

I don't have a bump pic for you yet because there's no bump to show really. My stomach just looks like I had a big lunch. I've been told that B6 and half a Unisom could help with the sickness but I am just not a fan of sleeping pills. Has anyone tried that? My doctor suggested it but I'm not really feeling it. I'll just have to tough it up and wait it out like most women do. Did any of you have really bad sickness? How many of you made through pregnancy without ever being sick? Lucky heffas. 

I'm Back & Feeling Better

Whew! What a rough week or so it's been. I feel like I haven't blogged in forever. Did you miss me? Well, I'm back and feeling so much better. Thank you for all the comments, tweets, emails and Facebook messages. You ladies are too sweet! While I was away I got to catch up on some much needed rest and do a little blog planning. As you may have seen on our Facebook page I am planning another giveaway soon. I'm currently rounding up some items for it and you will not want to miss it! 

I was going to do a post or at least post my receipts from my Thanksgiving shopping but it appears that while I was down my soldier cleaned up and threw away my receipts. Apparently he had "filed" them away. There has been a great response to how I spent so little. Honestly, I just kept our meal small. I cut out a lot of the extras that I would normally make and I had coupons. My coupons even had coupons, haha, which is what I like to call coupon stacking. For example, I had a coupon for three dollars off my Butterball Turkey with the purchase of any four Betty Crocker, Pillsbury or Del Monte items. I also had coupons for all those items so I saved quite a bit. So, there really isn't some big secret to how I saved. I just cut down on the menu and used coupons. Super easy. Not to mention that since it was only three of us nothing went to waste. We had leftovers but we didn't have tons.

i normally don't buy canned veggies or boxed potatoes but it was part of the Turkey coupon.  fresh is always best and frozen is always better than a can.

On another note, the Royal family announced that Will and Kate are expecting their first baby. How exciting! It will be interesting to see how her pregnancy is covered. With that said, I would also like to share that the soldier and I are also expecting our second baby. I wasn't sure when to share the news or how but since we're talking about Kate's baby we may as well talk about mine too, right? I found out on November 17th by using two tests (because I didn't believe the first one) from the dollar store. I was shocked. After my visit with the doctor yesterday I feel pretty good sharing the news. The baby's heartbeat looked great and I am measuring right at seven weeks. With Savannah, because of my previous fertility issues I waited until the second trimester to announce the pregnancy. Although my medical condition hasn't changed at all I feel like my story could really help someone else. I'll share all the details and medical lingo in another post. It's quite interesting. So, anyway, let the "Chic Bump Watch" begin! I'm due in July so we have a long way to go!