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I am expecting my first child on April 25, 2008 and we are all so excited about the baby!!

*****The summer of 2006, I found out I was pregnant. I was nervous because of problems between the father and I. Nevertheless, I grew more and more into the idea of becoming a mommy. In August, I started to spot and went to the doctor. They couldn't find the amniotic sac anywhere. So to confirm their suspicions of an ectopic pregnancy, I had my HcG levels checked on two seperate occasions--within a 24 hr. period. The numbers weren't doubling like they should so I was "treated" with an injection of methrotrexate. It was time for the fall semester to begin so I went back to school and had to continue watching my HcG levels. So, I would get up at 8am every other day so I could go to our campus clinic to get my blood drawn and levels checked. One day, I got a call from a nurse from home telling me that my numbers were starting to go back up INSTEAD of down. I was very depressed at this point because I felt that I had a fighter inside of me. I rushed home that day and got another injection of methrotexate. I was pretty sick for a while after that but I knew I had to continue on with school and my life in general. I wondered why God was putting me through a situation like that but I came to realize that everything happens for a reason.

Aug. 21, 2007: I was wondering why I hadn't had a period yet so someone joked to take a pregnancy test. I was like "Hahaha, sure!". On that night I took the test but I guess I peed on it too much or sumthing lol because I never got a result. The next morning, (I left the test sitting on the bathroon sink in hopes that it would work) I went to brush my teeth and saw a faint 2nd line on the test. I was like "Oh it's just a false positive because it's been sitting overnight." By my second class that day, I really started to wonder "what if I AM!?!" So that afternoon on my way from class, I stopped and bought another pregnancy test. It came out positive in less than a minute. I couldn't belive it. I called my Mom first and then ALL my friends and those that didn't answer got a text lol. I was too excited! Then I realized....I hadn't called my boyfriend!!! He was still sleep but I was like "I have something to tell you." Right then, he knew! He informed me that he'd been sick all last week but just thought it was a bug or something...yea right!! He said deep down inside he knew and was just waiting for me to tell him! I was soo happy! He was WIDE awake at this point but still mostly in shock lol. I was a little uneasy about how he really felt about the situation but when we got to see each other, we sat down and talked about it; only to find out he was just as excited as me.

Sept. 6, 2007: I went for my first prenatal visit and found out that I had gained 7lbs. (up from 114) since the summer! We did all the tests and the talks and everything went great! Here we go.....

Sept. 19, 2007: Another appointment to actually meet the doctor and get a pap smear. He wanted to confirm the viability so I was scheduled for an ultrasound the next day.

Sept. 20, 2007: I saw my baby with a 173bpm strong heartbeat!!! My friend Tara came with me and she was in AWE! I almost cried!

Oct. 24, 2007: Had to do a little rearranging for this appointment because of a test that was moved back and my medicaid wasn't "officially" approved. I was glad when I finally got there though because I got to hear the heartbeat again! 160bpm...and 5 more lbs weight gain!

Nov. 16, 2007: 143bpm and a GIRL!!!!

Nov. 21, 2007: Gained another 5 lbs. (one over but oh well lol) and 153bpm. I opted out of the AFP test because basically at my age my chances of having a child with Down Syndome are 1 in 1,000. After the test either I would've know that I really am 1 in 1,000 like they already predicted or if the chances are higher (i.e. 1 in 100). Then if they were, they'd do an amniocentesis to determine for sure (then there are complications with that procedure). I'm not saying I'm NOT concerned about Down Syndrom it's just that the test is just an estimate.

Dec. 18, 2007:So I went to the doctor this morning and he was so happy to see me. I had only seen this particular one, only one time and that was 12 wks ago so I've grown a lot since then. I decided that he's the one that I want to deliver her. She had a 145 bpm heart rate and I weigh 142 lbs! That puts my total weight gain at a little over 30 lbs. Yesterday, I had a WIC appt. and I only had to get my new vouchers but I began looking at which date I wanted to take the breastfeeding class. YES we decided to breastfeed. Oh and we have a name: TyLa'Jha Iriyanna Robinson!!!

Jan. 15, 2008: Sooo, I gained almost 10 lbs since my last visit (I now weight 151!). He fussed at me a little about watching what I eat....it kinda hurt my feelings . I got to record her heartbeat on my phone & send it to my parents & boyfriend since they never get to hear it.

Jan. 31, 2008: I think I lost my mucous plug today. I wiped after I peed and it literally looked like I blew my nose when I had a cold. It was like a silver dollar (plus) size worth. There was no blood and I've only been having light cramping every so often but I called the doctor anyway. I spoke with the nurse and she told me to come on to the hospital tonight if I start having contractions, bleeding or a watery discharge. I'm really afraid. I have a test tomorrow at 11:15am & I really need to study but I can't even focus. The nurse told me to call the office in the morning (if I make it through the night) to schedule a time to come in. I only have a break between 9:15 and 11:15 so I hope and PRAY they can see me because I need some reassurance AFTER being seen. I hope all goes well...

Feb. 1, 2008: The doctor saw me & said the he didn't feel that my cervix had thinned out or started to dialate so I was MUCH HAPPIER by noon! He does want my cervix to be measured when I have my ultrasound next week.

Feb. 6, 2008: I had my glucose screen done and I passed! I also got another untrasound. She had her face pressed against my uterus so we had to shake her up a bit to see some defining features. She yawned & sucked her thumb! Then when she turned over she kept putting her hand in her mouth! I was like...I hope she don't bite her nails like daddy lol! She had a HR of 141 bpm & I weighed in at 158. **No one said anything about my weight gain so I didn't leave the doctor's office depressed.

Feb. 18, 2008: Well, I weigh 165 lbs now and none of the other doctors I've seen have even talked about my weight gain to me so I think it was that one particular doctor who had a problem with it. I love the extra weight I've put on. LaJha had a HR of 148 bpm. For some reason, there wasn't any record of my glucose testing from the 6th (it was done in their Greenville office, not the Clemson one) so they were trying to find it. They said I won't have to do it over again because they know it was normal but they need to know the number. Plus, the nurse found out that my original blood draw (back 22 weeks ago) was clotted so I needed to have that done again. Ugh! How could they have overlooked that? The next time I go for my routine visit , I'll be 8 mths &I have to get a letter from the doctor I see that day to clear me to continue with my clinicals. I'll have to do that EVERYTIME I go from then on out. **I had to sign a contract that says so.....:/ Clemson's Nursing School.

Feb. 21, 2008: I went in and had my blood drawn and they STILL can't find my results for my glucose test. I also had a dentist appointment today and it did NOT go well. They told me that I have periodontal disease (gum disease) and that it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible to reverse the damage done. PLUS the bacteria is linked to heart disease and low birth weight and premature birth. I'm pretty nervous about this whole ordeal and stressed. They referred me to a local periodontist but he can't see me until Mar. 24!!! That's like 5 weeks before my due date. I want this taken care of sooner than that. I'm going to call back tomorrow or Monday to see if there's any chance that they can see me any sooner.

Feb. 25, 2008: So my appointment for the periodontist got moved up and I saw him today. At first I didnt think I would get to see him because after filling out all the paperwork his secretary informed me that they dont accept Medicaid. My heart sunk. She told me that I would have to pay after the visit (around $85) but I told her that I didnt have it and was ready to walk out of the door....until Dr. Garrison walked up and told her to make a payment arrangement...something I could do lol! He make me so relieved. He told me that he didn't see much of a problem and that he would see me on the 25th of Mar. to see if things have gotten better or worse....hopefully BETTER. *sigh* I feel so much better. 3, 2008: upcoming doctor's appointment

Mar. 2, 2008: Ok sooo I've had swelling in my feet before but it would always go down that night or by the morning. For some reason, I've had this swelling since Thursday night & IT WONT GO DOWN!!!! My mom said that it probably won't since I'm at 8 mths now. I can't wear any of my shoes...comfortably!!! I have to wear my nursing shoes 3 days out the week & I'm having a hard time getting those on!!! Friday morning I had to wear bedroom slippers to class FOR THE FIRST TIME (& probably not the last). I guess I might as well get me a rainbow of colored bedroom slippers because that's all I can wear (besides my Sperrys which adjust). Ugh! I've also had a cold with this terrible sore throat. Friday night I rubbed my chest, back, neck (front and back) and under my nose with Vicks. It opened me up!! I'm glad it had a therapeutic effect since it (and Tylenol) are the only things I can do to clear this cold up.

Mar. 3, 2008: I think she had a heart rate of 135 bpm this visit. I weigh 168, which I think is good for the amount of time between this visit & my last one. I meet with Dr. Hood and told him that I wanted him to deliver my little babygirl he he told me that he would be delighted---he has no planned vacations around that time and no barmitzfas (lol Knocked Up). I knew that there were 2 different hospitals that I could choose from and in the beginning I wasn't sure but then I started doing my clinicals at GMH & pretty much decided to deliver there. (I've pre-registered at both though.) But after talking to Dr. Hood I decided to schedule a tour of St. Francis Eastside as well. Then by the first week of April I'll have my mind made up.

Mar. 4/5, 2008: I had my first mild contractions. I was a little nervous when nothing changed after 2 hrs. so I called the nurse & she told me to come on to one of the hospitals so they could check me (I went to GMH b/c I don't know where the other is exactly yet). 2 of my roomates drove me there and I was discoverd to NOT be going into preterm labor (thank God) but I recieved a shot of Brethine to help with the pain. Then I was sent on home. Keep in mind, that I am a nursing student and my clinicals are on Wednesdays so as soon as I got home, I got 2 hrs. of sleep and was BACK up to go BACK to GMH. I had to push myself to do it b/c missing a clinical IS NOT an option! I came home & went straight to sleep!!!!! Now I know what to do if I'm ever in that situation again. The nurse explained the special cases for me to look for that would indicate I needed to come on in. 1) If I start bleeding like a heavy period. 2) If I feel a gush of water...like my water breaking. 3) If I start having contractions again, eat & drink something then lie down for two hours & if they start coming closer than 10 min

Mar. 8, 2008: The tour of GMH hospital went by fast. We just pretty much went through the routine we'd follow if we came in in labor or with a problem. There were 3 ladies who were there who are due before me. I felt like I looked bigger than the lady that was due at the end of this month lol!

Once I got back home from the tour it was time to get ready for the baby shower. My friend from up the street came over and washed the dishes, vaccumed the floor and moved the furniture. My boyfriend cleaned my room and bathroom and swept in the kitchen :). I felt sooo pampered! As time got closer for the shower to begin, my mom (who was on the way to my house with my little brother and her friend) called to let me know that her car had broken down and that she needed me to come meet her to give her money to get the car towed. I was like UGH! I really wanted them to be there too but....God had other plans. So my boyfriend and I left the rest of the stuff up to my roomates and other friends as we drove off looking for my mom. After we found her, gave her the money and headed back to my house it was about 3:45pm. I had missed 45+ min. of my OWN baby shower. I didn't get too down though. Once I got home, I changed my shoes & attempted to do something to my hair and make-up then headed out to entertain the guests. There were a couple people who brought alcoholic beverages so some people were ALREADY tipsy. We played 3 games then gave everyone a chance to eat before I sat down to open all the gifts. I got soooo much from everyone. I was really surprised considering it is college, the weekend before spring break and gas is so high.

Mar. 18, 2008: Didn't get to see my favorite doctor! :( Weighing in at 175lbs! Measuring exactly and TyLa'Jha's HR was 130bpm....I think...

Mar. 22, 2008: I had my baby shower in Greenwood today. Only about 15 people showed up (including me) but it was still cool. I was so happy to see Tyler's mother, aunt and brother there. I don't think his mom really likes me too much....or at least she doesn't act like it. We got a lot of nice gifts. Tyler and I went to Wal-Mart on Sunday to get some extra stuff to finish up her/my room at my mom's place. I'm still getting stuff!!! I've started telling people to just get Wal-Mart gift cards lol.

Mar. 23, 2008: I look like I've started dropping. I can't wait until my next doctor's appointment to see if I really have and/or if I've started dialating.

Mar. 27, 2008: So I was supposed to tour the other hospital this morning but the weather was so bad I decided against it. My bf and I had sex this morning and I started having contractions shortly after. They were probably Braxton-Hicks. Around noon I started noticing the pain again. I laid down for a while and it got better. I didn't want to go to the hospital too early and have them send me back home (like they did when I was 32 weeks). Well, arond 6:23pm the pain came again and was on and off constantly. I took them as true labor contractions and my bf and I began to count them. For an hour, they were coming about 7 min. apart. I didn't want to take any risks so we went on to the hospital. My cervix hadn't dialated yet so they weren't going to keep me. I was a little confused. I mean, my contractions were coming regularly. I'd rate them on a scale from 1-10 at about an 5 or 6. (I know that may not seem like anything at all but they were coming regularly so that's why I went on to the hospital.) The nurse told me that I was probably in the first stage of labor but the contractions weren't strong enough to dialate my cervix. Or it could just be some "irritability"; even though I was having contractions. She talked to my doctor and he told her to offer me something for the pain, which I took. It was an IM injection of 2mg stadol and 25mg phenergan. He also said for me not to come back until the contractions were coming every 3-5 min. and they were strong enough to stop me in my tracks; keep me from walking or talking. Or if my water breaks (which I'm terrified I won't notice) or if I start bleeding like a period. Ugh! I've just decided that I won't go back until my water breaks or I start bleeding because the contraction thing isn't a sure way to know if I will be admitted or not. I just want to feel confident that when I go they'll keep me considering my parents and bf stay about 45 min-1 hr away. And currently neither of my parents cars are working so they'll have to find a ride up here. I want them to be there for the whole thing, esp. considering my mom will be recording it. Ugh! I just wish I could know exactly when she's coming!!!

Mar. 31, 2008: I weigh 179 and her HR was about 130-135bpm. I'm measuring 36-37cm. They did the groub B strep culture and I'll get those results at the next appt. I was kinda upset that I can't see my fav. doc next appt. either. I really like him. I hope I get to see him before I give birth and I want him called when I go into labor (even if he isn't the doc on call....can I do that?)

Apr. 6, 2008: I thought my water had broken and I started having contractions so I went to the hospital. I was at my parents' place so I didn't go to my normal hospital. I got there to find out that I had dialated about 2-3 cm (each nurse/doctor said something different) and began to efface. Plus, my contractions were coming 2-3 min. apart. After all the tests and what not, they detemined that my water did not break and sent me on home to my mom's. I was so frustrated!!!!

Apr. 7, 2008: A friend told me that drinking castor oil would speed things up so I drank 4 oz. Let's see what it does.

Apr. 9, 2008: Castor oil nor walking has sent me back to the hospital sadly. But I did hear some good news today at my doctor's appt.! So I only gained a half a pound and LaJha's HR was about 140bpm. I found out that I tested positive for my group B strep test so I'll have to recieve antibiotics whenever I go into labor. I saw my favorite doctor!!! He was so reassuring. He said that he doesn't see me making it to my next appt. but if I do, he will schedule for me to be induced on the 21st. Yayyyyy! I'm just too BIG! It has become soooo uncomfortable...ugh! Let's see if she decides to come out sooner considering she's had her time in me shorten lol!

Apr. 18, 2008: Well, I was sadden today to hear that I WON'T be induced on Mon. after all. The doc said the my cervix isn't "favorable" and inducing me would increase my risk for a c-section. I was kinda hurt that I wouldn't be bringing her home next week but maybe something will happen on it's own. Who knows? I'm at 182 lbs now & La'Jha had a HR of about 145 BPM. She wouldn't be still AGAIN lol! I hope this full moon coming on Sunday does something....

Apr. 21, 2008: I'm having frequent pain and rectal pain today. Yesterday it was the same minus the rectal pain. I just want her in my arms. I wish I knew when it was going to happen! Ugh! I'm paying very close attention to my body and the changes. Just waiting til Friday...

Apr. 25, 2008: No baby so I went to my scheduled appt. I lost 2 lbs somehow lol and my BP has been getting higher every week. The doc said that I was 1-2 cm and that I was DEFINATELY INDUCEABLE! I was elated but then he said I had to wait until Tuesday to actually schedule an indcution date. *SIGH* I'm beginning to get more and more impatient!

Apr. 29, 2008: Made it to yet ANOTHER appt. lol! This girl is stubborn! I gained one pound back and my BP is the highest that I've EVER seen it. I was nervous before I met the doc because I had never seen this one before but when she walked in she had a pleasent smile on her face (despite that she look EXHAUSTED). She asked me about my last visit and how come Dr. French didn't schedule to induce me on Monday. I was like "THAT'S THE SAME THING I WAS THINKING!" She continued on to check my cervix and simply stated "You're ready." I was sooo happy. She swept my membranes to get me started and I've been hurting every since. What exactly is that anyway??! Nonetheless, I am elated and ready for 4am to get here!!!!!