24 Weeks

Here I am at 24 weeks! At my doctors appointment, the doctor was a woman this time and she said, "From here on out we fight for that baby no matter what." It was a reality check for J.D. and I. For the most part up until now, my thoughts have been 'I hope I can make it to where the baby at least has a chance to live...' or 'until I'm 24/25 weeks along, there's no reason to get excited because I know the baby can't survive yet.' It sounds kind of negative thinking, but I just wanted to protect myself after losing Andee.

Also, at this appointment his heart rate was 144bpm! Much faster than it has been in the past. He usually ranges between 131-139 bpm. He is definitely getting stronger, not by his heart only but his movements as well.

 

It's been quite a long pregnancy so far. I hope that the fall season helps the time pass, but then again I love fall so I don't want to rush through it. 

At this appointment we talked about the extra monitoring that will take place every week starting at 32 weeks; there will be 20 minutes of monitoring the baby, and then an ultrasound to check the fluid and baby as well. Starting my next appointment we will see the doctor every 2 weeks for regular appointments... I think that alone will help me realize how close we are getting to being able to see this little one. 

Dawson is always so good to make sure the baby and I are doing good. He loves to tickle the baby, and sing him songs. Every time Dawson is around close, the baby will start moving around a lot. I truly believe that he knows and remembers Dawson from the premortal existence, AND I KNOW he's excited to be with Dawson again. 

I am very conscious of the baby's movements. The doctor said, "Movement is key! If you question his movements, come in immediately even if it's 3 times a day." I loved hearing that, and it was something J.D. and I both needed to hear. We are excited to meet this little boy, but we are being super careful of everything that I do and eat.  I'm trying to watch my weight, but this little man seems to be doing what Dawson did to me... just making me gain even when I've been so conscious. 

His movements don't seem to be as active as Dawson and Andee's. I think it's because I'm aware of every little kick and nudge so early on. Maybe it will pick up the further I get along. Sometimes he has his days where he doesn't seem to stop, and then it's like he's worn out and doesn't move for longer than what he had been doing. One night it was ALL NIGHT long!! I didn't sleep a minute. Then during the day he was calm. I can usually push on him for a minute or 2 and he will give me a little movement back. Also, anytime I have a concern that I don't think I've felt him, I focus for 10 minutes and say a prayer. Within that 10 minutes I will feel him. I know Heavenly Father is blessing me with every kick I feel. I'm so grateful for every un-comfort I feel with his movements.