An Amazing Journey: Ch. 15 -- Tick, Tick Tick About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

I’m now less than five weeks from my due date, and the clock is ticking away loudly. Will we be ready when Alexander arrives?



My sister and mother hosted a wonderful baby shower for us last weekend. It was wonderful to see so much of my family – and Dave’s parents even flew in from New Jersey to attend. We sat outside in the beautiful Michigan summer weather while we ate barbecue (great hamburgers and hot dogs!) and played baby shower games. One of the fun games we played had to do with little paper diapers, which were randomly pinned on our shirts when we arrived at the baby shower. Halfway through the party, everyone was instructed to open their diapers to see who had the “poopy” diaper… and would you believe I had the little darling? Thankfully it wasn’t realistic – just paper cutouts. Gee, do you think this could be a preview of the future?





Jennifer at our baby shower



We were showered with many, many gifts – what a generous family we have! My sister, brother-in-law, and mother went in together on our infant car seat and stroller, which we are very thankful to have. We also received a beautiful hand-knitted blanket, sweater, cap, and booties from my mother; an infant bouncer from my father; a darling oil painting of a little boy writing “Peace” on a wall (Dave’s parents); a hamper, hangers, Lion King toys, and framed Lion King print from my sister Kim and brother-in-law Chad, a music and light soother from my grandparents, lots of outfits and onesies (including a cute Bambi one) from my aunt Jeanne and uncle David; onesies, bibs, and teethers from my aunt Nancy and cousins Alison, Steven, and Christine; Pooh blanket, Pooh doll, and Pooh bottles from my sister-in-law Nikki and her parents; Lion King wipes, rattles, and teethers from my nieces Megan and Natalie; a cute baby boy outfit from my brother-in-law’s grandma Ivaletta; and a check from Dave’s aunt Carlene and uncle Seymour, who were unable to attend. We should also note that Dave’s parents purchased the baby furniture for the nursery – a honey pine crib and changing table – which will arrive just after Alexander is born (if the timing is right, of course).



After the shower, we came home and I fell asleep immediately! But I woke up in the middle of the night and found myself in the nursery, unpacking each item and even putting together a few of the “assembly required” items. It must be that nesting instinct kicking in.



The nursery is just about done and is now simply awaiting the crib and changing table. When everything is in place, I will take a photo and share it with you.



The pregnancy is going fine, though my blood pressure seems to be playing some havoc with my system. While the meds I’ve been given are keeping my blood pressure levels down, it seems there are still some other things going on. Just before I left for the Walt Disney World trip, my OB reported that my blood tests showed slightly elevated liver enzymes, which can be an indicator of liver damage (a possible side effect of high blood pressure). She was concerned and asked me to repeat the test in a week, which I did. When I came in for my appointment yesterday, my doctor said that my blood tests still showed the elevated levels. Then she says, “If you were at 37 weeks today, I would send you over to Labor & Delivery right now to be induced.” My heart just about stopped. I couldn’t believe it. But as I’m only at 35 weeks, she didn’t want to rush things and was willing to wait and see what another blood test showed. So she did a quick ultrasound and a non-stress test to check on the baby (who scored a 10/10 on his Apgar test!), and then ordered a blood test.



Dave and I went home feeling a little shell-shocked. We’re simply not ready for Alexander yet. We talked about what we’d do if I were to be induced in two weeks, and I started making a game plan of all those things that aren’t quite finished yet. About an hour after we got home, the doctor called with the results of the blood test – the problem had cleared up on its own! No more elevated enzyme levels! We don’t know why I had them or why they went away, but we won’t argue. So we’re crossing our fingers my blood test remains good so we can keep Alexander in the oven for a while longer.



In the meantime, I’ll be resting as much as I can. I figure that can only help things along. Oh, and we installed the car seat in our mini-van last night… just in case.

[wdwlovers]

Glad to hear you had a great shower!! Isn't it fun! Hopefully you will have 5 more weeks of uneventful pregnancy.



I am worried about you with those elevated liver enzyme numbers. I hope things stay normal from now on. I develloped HELLP syndrome with DD and had to be induced at 35 weeks so I completely understand not being ready for a baby. DD had to stay in the NICU for 15 days until she could regularly gain steady weight, get the suck-swallow-breath reflex down, and maintain her temp outside the isolette. I wish you guys the best and hope Alexander gets to bake for a while longer!!



Check your PM!

[buzzspal2]

Glad to hear everything is going well, how is Allie doing?
I hope she is having a great summer. What are you craving?
Tammy

[BritDisFan]

It sounds like a wonderful baby shower Jennifer. Try and get some rest now and put your feet up.

Karen

Glad to hear that the Shower went well. Don't worry, everything will turn out fine with baby Alexander. I will pray for you.
Peggy <font color="pink"> </font>

[goofysdtr]

So glad to hear that things are going well. Here's to five more uneventful weeks .

[DopeyGirl]

Hi Jennifer!!! Glad to hear you had such a fabulous baby shower (they are tons of fun aren't they?!?!?!)

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I found myself getting up in the middle of the night doing "nesting" things as well . . . the strangest was probably when I was cleaning the refrigerator at 4am!!! I was induced at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia and though it was a long process (I didn't progress as fast as they thought I would and I laid there in labor for 29 hours!!!). I got through it fine and daughter Emilie was pretty, pink and healthy!!! She was a peanut, but she was so healthy!!! She is still a tiny little thing at 3 years old (see my sig. picture) but she came out fine!!! I was a little worried about them inducing me, but in the end I realized it really was the best thing for the health of both Emilie and I . . . the length of time I was in labor after they induced me was horrible, but I am stubborn like that!!! It didn't surprise me!!!

I will be out of town about the time you are due, but will be checking the boards for an announcement!!! Take care, relax and get some rest!!!

[Beckster]

Jennifer and Dave,
So glad to hear that the pregnancy is progressing well
Aren't showers fun?!?
I'm sure your delivery will be very smooth with all the information you have gathered. I'm a firm believer that the more you know the better it will be
Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us
Take care,
Becky

Jennifer,

My wife and I delivered our youngest son 10 weeks early last April. She went to the hospital on a Friday for kidney stones and general pain. After passing the kidney stone, they were ready to discharge her on Sunday afternoon and she began vomiting and feeling sick again.

They ran numerous tests to try to find out the cause, and in the process, her liver enzymes and blood platelet levers were going up and down with no explanation. Monday morning (4AM) they called me at home to say they were taking here to the other hospital that had the higher level NICU and was closer to the blood supply because they were probably going to have to do an emergency c-section.

After arrival there, they continued to do tests and finally about 11am, the doctor there determined it was HELLP symdrome. The only cure for it was to deliver the baby. She went into the operating room by 11:45a and the baby was delivered within the hour...

Have your doctor check out HELLP symdrome... It can be a very dangerous situation if not caught!!!

henryandlisa@carolina.rr.com

[graygables]

It's all the we're all sending you!!! As far as coming early, 2 of my DDs were induced at 38 weeks (I have *BIG* babies and they didn't want anymore broken collarbones ) and even with a week's notice, or so, it was still "too soon" for me to be prepared for it! These next very few weeks will seem to fly by at some point (either before or after! ) and the next thing you know, your sweet little boy will be in your arms! I am just bursting with joy for you all and wish you continued health and peace until your big day.

[Colexis Mom]

What a great family you have to give you both such a wonderful shower and gifts

Keep your feet up, and sending Jennifer lots of pixie that you can at least make it a few more weeks without any more problems

[chezp]

Sounds like you had a wonderful baby shower. Now try to relax and put your feet up and Alexander will appear when he's good and ready.

Hi Jennifer!
Congratulations! I know it has taken me a while, but "better late than never" eh? :-) It was great to see your log. It made me go back and look at my old one. (Although once Katie got pretty mobile and we changed providers I have not posted. I need to add some pictures from the last 3 years!)

Thought you might get a kick out of seeing MY old log. If interested look at http://home.houston.rr.com/calsyn/alicia/babyindex.htm
Katie is now FOUR! (She will be FIVE in five days!) And I had her when I was 38. And there is no question we had her right when we should have! There is nothing like waiting until you are SURE! ;-) Alicia

[Tig&Poo]

Hi Jennifer! Well it sure looks like a lot of love in the Marx household. I too tried to put everything in its place and prepare for the arrival. We planners like to be as prepared as possible. My scenario was different I had to wait an extra three weeks for my buddles of joy who in the past year presented me with two grandkids. My prayers are with you I am sure you are in good hands.

My son was born at 28 weeks gestation, 2lbs 13 ozs, and 15 inches long - back in 1980! Amazing how these little ones can survive and grow to become men! I don't think I was ready at 28 weeks for a premie, but I got through it!!!

So if you get blessed with an early birth, just remember - we are never ready, even when we think we are!!!!

Rae