My pregnancy journal

2nd October 2008

Finally, I found the extra time to get back online. Actually, I had intended to write daily into my pregnancy journal. Well, apparently, life doesn't always work acording to our hopes and wishes. So, there go all my good intentions to be as organized as possible. But, most importantly, my little love is growing and thriving and getting closer and closer to his birthday :) I have to say though that lately, I am quite scared of all the new responsibilities that are coming up with the birth of our little son. That might also explain all of my recent dreams of feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the given dream situations, or at least having a hard time. So, I just had another one of those kind of dreams... I went shopping with my new baby boy and didn't know how to manage with all the shopping bags without dropping the baby. In all of my dreams, I am also always appearing to be alone. No sight of my husband or anyone else who could lend a helping hand. Obviously, in my subconscience, I am feeling pretty alone. With all of my husbands love and understanding, I am still feeling kind of left alone at times. There is just this little part of becoming a mother that no man, even with all of his best intentions, won't be able to feel or understand coz, obviously, he is not a woman, let alone a mommy to be...

PS: I didn't go to my midwife appointment this morning. I didn't sleep all night and just needed to catch up on some sleep. So, I will have to call her a.s.a.p. to schedule a new appointment.

22th September 2008

Yesterday, I finally handed in my urine sample and, from what I saw on their website on the internet, all seems to be clear :) Thank G'D!!!

I had another dream last night. Lets see if I manage to remember the details...

Ok, I remember that I was with my family in Bulgaria, on the beach. It was a pretty hot day and the sea was pretty wild. I had my baby boy with me and had to go back to my parents summer house, to pack up my stuff for flying home. Unfortunately, I didn't seem to have a pram for my little boy, so I was trying to create a carrier sling from one of the scarfs, I seemed to have on me. But, the result wasn't anywhere near what it should look like. I didn't want to take the risk of dropping the baby, so someone suggested to me to ask some lady from the neighborhood, to lend me one of her baby's prams. The lady was kind enough to do so, but time was getting tight and she just couldn't prepare the pram for me to use, for some reason...

That was when I woke up. What a weird dream...

PS: I forgot to mention that I am having a few more new appointments:

* Midwife - 2nd October * Follow up u/s - 7th October * Blood/Urine sample test - 26th October * OB - 28th October

17th September 2008

Almost a week since my last entry. I am just sooo busy at the moment that I don't seem to find the time to sit down a lot and write. I suppose, this is already giving me a clue what it is going to be like when my little boy is here with us :)

Speaking of... I am just sitting in my little monkey's almost ready nursery and writing these lines :) We have put a little desk in here (almost too small for me :)) which I shall use temporary when I have some work to do and baby is restless and won't settle down without mommy. But, actually, it is intended for him when he is just big enough to sit up and draw pictures, and later on even for school :) It is a lovely sky blue desk which fits perfectly with the sky blue/white theme of the nursery. Furthermore, there is a white wardrobe in here, with little sky blue stars on it as well as a white/sky blue bookshelf with a few teddies sitting on it. We have also put up several wall shelves (same color of course :)) for little things to put up there. On one of them sits "The Little Prince", a soft doll that also wears sky blue/white clothes and cloak as well as a little soft sword and crown :) I just had to buy it!!! Its absolutely gorgeous!!! We still haven't bought the curtains (which shall be sky blue & white, of course :)), the changing table and the crib. I am very fussy and I didn't really like what I saw until now. My baby boy shall have only the most beautiful things :) I guess, I have to be a little careful not to spoil him too much (which is, by the way, my hubby's concern already). What can I do!??? I am a first time mommy and I love my baby more than anything else in the whole world :)

Meanwhile, I had two more appointments. One on Sunday, where they told me that the little tummy of my baby has caught up nicely now and is perfectly fitting in the average scale of a 30 weeks fetus :) I just knew that my sweetie will do it, with G'D's help :) The other appointment was yesterday, with my OB, who told me to repeat the urine sample test. Unfortunately, there was a quite high amount of protain(200) found in my urine sample. But, no bacterial infection. So they think that it might be that accidently some mucus dropped into the sample. So, I shall repeat the test tomorrow or on Sunday. We'll see...

Another thing, my birthing classes have finished on Monday, which is kind of making me sad :( But, on the other hand it means another step foreward and closer to holding my sweetie in my arms :)

PS: I shall take some pictures of the nursery as soon as possible :)

11th September 2008

Good morning :) I got up very early today. I am sooo excited to say that we painted our little bunny's room yesterday :) Now, we just have to (maybe) repaint here and there some spots, if necessary, and start putting up shelfs and stuff. We still don't have a crib and changing table, so that will be the next thing we shall have to take care of. I am sooo happy that my hubby eventually got moving, regarding the nursery. I have no idea how he could be so easy and slow regarding preparations for our baby's room. Sometimes, he was driving me nuts with this attitude :) But, I was thinking that it might have been also a little fear has been paralyzing him, at times. It must have been quite scary for him to have his life changed around so drastically (= the nursery used to be his office and room where he could retreat, if he needed some quiet time). But, now he's going to be abba very soon and that requires sacrifices here and there. I think, for a woman might be a little easier. She is having continious contact with the little one that's growing inside here. So, she has a lot more possibilities to get used to the changes. And, of course, our hormones take care of the rest :)

Yesterday, we attended the 4th lesson of our birthing class. Its kind of sad that we will finish up next week :( It was very helpful and nice to do something with my hubby together that will eventually lead us into parenthood :)

Two days ago, I was pretty scared when I had some pinkish mucus coming out of my vagina. I was alone at home and was pretty scared that this might be the "mucus plug" that had popped out. I know that its extremely early for me that this might be the case (am only coming up to week 30), but then again one never knows... Anyway, yesterday at class I asked the teacher and she said that she doesn't think it was the mucus plug. Also, I haven't had any further signs that things were moving that direction yet...

PS: Last night, I dreamt, I went with my mom shopping. Rain was pouring like crazy and we were running from place to place to find a nice pram for my little boy. As we finally decided we got something good (dark blue with flexible weels etc.), I realized that I didn't have any cash on me. So, we started looking for a cash point to get some money. And, for some reason, I had the bad feeling that there was no money on my account... What a crazy dream, huh!!!

7th September 2008

I have done this morning another GCT, as my OB decided that the one I did at week 22 was too early. O'well, if it makes her happy... I also handed in another urine sample to have them check it for a possible UTI. Personally, I think I am fine but its still better to be on the safe side and have it checked.

My little monkey it still as active as always :) I can't wait 'til this coming Sunday as I will meet him again and will hopefully get some nice 3D face pictures :)

PS: We just checked on the internet and the GCT is already written there - 112.9 :) Its pretty much the same result as last time, which was 112.7... Now, we only have to wait for the test results of my urine sample...

4th September 2008

Quick update... My follow up u/s takes place September 14, at 4.30pm. Furthermore, I have an appointment at my OB's on the 16th September at 11am, as well as yet another appointment with the pediatrician on September 18, at 9.15am...

I can't believe, I am having so many appointments!!! It's kind of crazy!!! However, they do need to check on the AC measurement again, to assure that there is a steady, continious growing pace established. In the worst case, may G'D forbid it, I was told, they would have to monitor that the umbilical cord is not bothering the baby's growth. In that case, I would have to birth the baby a little sooner, in order to give him all the nutritions, he needs, in another way. But, according to the doctors, this ony happens in a very few cases where the further developing of the fetus is at high risk. In my case its only the AC measurement that seems a little behind. Everything else has grown nicely and is clear. So, G'D willing, my dear little boy will catch up a little more...

1st September 2008

Woooow, its been a long time since I wrote last. Not that there wasn't anything to record - NO!!! I have just been very tired and lazy. But, at the same time I have been quite busy decorating and preparing parts of the nursery :) I am sooo very excited!!! I can't wait 'til my little boy is here with mommy :) I so long to hold and cuddle him :)

I have been already twice to birthing class and I really love it. Its always on Mondays at 7pm. Our teacher, Adi, is a very sweet lady. She is just perfect for running those classes :)

But now the most important thing... Yesterday, I have been to my follow up u/s. I am always a little nervous beforehand, as one never knows what the doctor will say. Last time, I went, the femur length of my little boy was at the lower end of the normal scale. Not that it was something to really worry about. But, as you hear stuff like that, as a mommy to be, you just can't help but worry. The doctors told me that the baby is probably just tiny. But, as I read up on that subject on the internet, I got myself really into a state. I read about stuff like "dwarfism" and "downs" and that a short femur length could be an indication for it... Anyway, to cut a very long story short - my little baby boy is just fine :) The femur length growth has caught up and is now absolutely fine, thank G'D!!! Only the AC measurements are a little behind, this time (last time they were ok), which isn't anything to worry about, regarding the doctors statement. He said, that a little stomach is simply a sign for a little baby. But, there is of course still enough time left for my little love to grow and catch up some more. G'D bless him, little bugger, he's not even born yet and is causing mommy already sleepless nights :) O' G'D, how I love this child!!! I am thinking about him and praying for him every minute of my days...

PS: My little boy weighs now 1100gr :)

18th August 2008

I am sooo tired!!! Today, it took me until nearly 1pm to completely wake up. Now, as I am moving further up into pregnancy, or should I say up to the last trimester, I am experiencing extreme tiredness. Maybe, a possible reason for that is also the increased weight gain!? I have put on 5kg since the beginning of pregnancy, which isn't too much at all. But, I am sweating like a pig in this hot and humid weather. Well, all in all, not a good condition for being pregnant right now. I am just glad that the summer is nearly over...

I know that I said that I was going to write some more about the latest hospital experience... Well, actually, I would really like to forget about it. I am in a good mood right now and I don't want to think about unpleasant things. I have anyway settled for the very first hospital, where I have been feeling welcomed and treated with warmth and respect. Maybe we can arrange something about having my little boy stay with me 24/7...

PS: My husband just read a story to me that has happened apparently only yesterday, in Naharia (Israel). A 26 year old woman was brought to hospital to have a stillbirth, as the fetus had no apparent heartbeat, at week 23. After the little girl was born without heartbeat or any other sign of living, the hospital staff put her in those kind of fridges where they are kept until they are moved on... After about 5 hours they moved her out of the fridge and saw that she was breathing. What a miracle!!! Quickly they put her in intensive care. The little girl only weighs about 600 gramm but is apparently doing alright... What a story!!! What a joy must this have been for the little girls mother!!! I am really touched!!! Praise G'D!!!

15th August 2008

Its just about an hour before the beginning of Shabbat, so I will write about yesterday's visit at the hospital next week, G'D willing. So far, I will only say that I wasn't too impressed about the atmosphere there :( It doesn't seem to be a very warm and welcoming place. So, I will definitely not choose this hospital to deliver our precious child...

12th August 2008

Nothing much to record, really. All goes well, thank G'D!!! Have been visiting at the doctors office, yesterday, for a routine check up and to listen to baby's little strong heartbeats :) All is fine and the doctor said that its now only patience we need, to wait until the baby is "fully cooked" and ready to come out :) My Arie, of course, had to make one of his famous jokes on his comment and said that we better watch carefully that our son is not coming out overdone and burnt :)

PS: This coming Thursday, we are going to see another hospital. I'm curious to hear about their policy, regarding keeping baby with their mothers 24 hours...

8th August 2008

Yesterday, finally, we received the the results from the genetical test (Tay Sachs) that my hubby did quite a while ago. Its all clear and so we can rejoice that yet another test result has turned out well for us :) I think, we have now all the scary tests behind us, thank G'D!!! Now its more or less only monitoring that things keep developing in the right way...

Our little man is moving happily about and giving mommy now and then some more or less intensive kicks to reassure her that he is doing fine :)

7th August 2008

Good morning:) Last night, I went to bed with pretty strong abdominal pains. I wasn't too worried though as I know that my little bunny is growing and thus the pains. Besides, I felt him actively kicking :) However, when I got up this morning and had still pains, I started to worry a bit. Especially, as I did't feel his movements anymore. So, I took my midwifes advice, ate something sweet and layed down for half an hour with my hands on my stomach... After having had a teaspoon full of honey, I layed down and hardly waited a minute and my little boy knocked on to say "Good morning" to mommy :) Now, I realize how paranoid I was, but... I suppose that's just my mother instinct getting stronger and stronger. I don't know what I would have done if my baby wouldn't have moved. I was already considering to go to the hospital. Thank G'D, it was false alarm :)

PS: Yesterday, I found two hospitals that offer the option to have your baby with you 24 hours :) The minus there, however, is that they are between 45 - 60 minutes drive away from home. So, I am considering now to talk with the hospital staff, asking them how to solve the distance problem. We'll see...

6th August 2008

Yesterday, Arie and I went to see one of the hospitals, we have considered for childbirth. I really liked the midwife, who explained everything to us and showed us the premisses. The whole place looks very professional and warm - basically all a woman could want. However, there is a big minus there, too. It is my big wish, to have my baby with me in my room, 24 hours. I don't wish to be separated from my child. But, because of an incidence that happened in the north of Israel, a few years ago, they don't offer the option anymore, to have the baby after 10pm with you in your room. Apparently, there was this woman that had the baby with her for 24 hours. At night she was feeding her baby and fell asleep, with the baby on her breast. Because she was so overtired from birth, she tilted forewards and thus suffercated her own child :( I was really shocked when I heared this story and am now a little confused as for what to do. Maybe, the hospital policy is right and I just have to accept it. On the other hand, how can sleep without my baby next to me??? I really don't know what to do. The thing is that apparently none of the hospitals here are offering the option anymore, to keep the baby with you, 24 hours...

PS: I forgot to mention that we are starting with our BIRTHING CLASSES on Monday, 18th of August. I am very excited and really looking foreward to it :)

3rd August 2008

We just returned a little while ago from the appointment with our midwife Flora. She was, as always, very nice and helpful. The results of the meeting are as follows. My blood pressure and iron levels are too low, but my weight is finally ok :) She told me to start taking 200mg iron a day, to at least keep the iron levels at the recent stand. She told us that as I proceed in my pregnancy, my iron levels will get worse and worse, if I don't put a stop to it now. So, I better do as I am told. Also, I need to drink a lot more than I do at the moment. That explains the tiredness and lack of energy, besides the fact that we had not too long ago almost 40 degrees here. That's just too much for a pregnant woman my age :)

Later, this afternoon, I am having the FETAL ECHO done. I pray to G'D that all will be ok!!!

Ok, I'm back and my little boy's heart is healthy - beating strong and fast :) They measured his heartrate to be 153.85 bpm :) ....... My little angel, not even born yet and passed already all kinds of tests, just like an adult :) Bless him :)

30th July 2008

Finally, we've received the test results from the GCT and thank G'D, I've passed with flying colors :) My result is 112.7mg/dl, on a scale of 65 - 140mg/dl. So, I am sitting comfortably somewhere in the cozy middle :) I am sooo happy that yet another test has produced encouraging results :) All that matters to me now is that my little precious boy is happy and healthy. "Mommy can't wait to meet you, my little sweetheart. I am sooo looking foreward to hold you in my arms. I love you sooo much!"

28th July 2008

When I wrote my most recent update, on July 25th, I forgot to mention that I have two further appointments. One, on August 31st, which is just a follow up u/s to see how my little prince is developing :) The other one takes place September 2nd, which is the usual visit at the OB's office.. Thank G'D that so far all is going well :)

Yesterday, I went to have the Glucose Test done. They gave me 50ml sugar to drink.. Well, I survived it and after about 1hour they took some of my blood to messure how my body is coping with the excess sugar. In a couple of days we shall know more.

25th July 2008

Yesterday, I got myself organized again. I took all of the pinky girl's stuff, I had bought and went to have it all replaced by blue boy's stuff :) I got really excited by all the cute things they had for little boys. I even bought some stuff for a few more months ahead (6-12ms). Little baseball caps, miniature jeans and little button down shirts in lovely boys colours :) Our little darling's gonna look sooo cute in all of those things!!! He's gonna make mommy go crazy with excitement :)

PS: My appointment from the 7th of August has been moved to the 11th August, at 11.30am. Furthermore, I have received another pile of papers for several examinations that should be done within the weeks to come. On Sunday morning for example, I will be doing the "Glucose Test", I think it's called. Then, the Sunday thereafter, I will be going to have the heart of our little man checked out. With G'D's help, all will be fine!!

22nd July 2008

BIG Shock.. our little girl is a little BOY !!! At first, I was a little speachless when we saw his little penis on the u/s pictures. I was thinking of all the stuff that I have already been buying - in pink... But, he is such a gorgeous little baby!!! He was asleep while we had the u/s done. He looked so calm and peaceful, mommy's little darling!!! I am so proud now that we are having a baby boy :) All the pink stuff will just have to wait for his little sister, G'D willing :)

16th July 2008

I have been very busy, over the last few days, downloading all kinds of baby & children songs from the internet. I want to have a big "3 language collection" by the time our little girl is born, G'D willing. So my head is almost spinning from all the cute songs, I have been listening to, recently :)

Yesterday, my love went to have a blood test done. This one has been a genetical test, too. Its a test that is primerely done by Jews, where at least one side is of european decent. Ok, now that's me. So why am I not doing the test?? Well, they told us that its not working well with all the pregnancy hormones. However, even if I should have this specific genetical disorder, it should have, with G'Ds help, no impact whatsoever on the baby, as long as my husband doesn't have it too. But, I am pretty sure, we both are clear...

My sweetie pie is getting now pretty active :) I can feel her now every day swimming around within her little bathtub :)

10th July 2008

Today, I have heard my beloved baby girls heart beat for the very first time :) It was so amazing!!! I am sooo much in love with this little creation of G'D, that lives inside of me. There are simply no words in no language, known to the human race, that could even begin to express what I feel...

The doctor, I have seen today, has been very kind and helpful. He explained that our latest outcome from the AFP test results looks very encouraging. According to the latest medical information, only given out at the beginning of year 2008, any AFP test result above 1:350, disregarding of the woman's age, does not require an amniocentesis. Not that I would have considered one, NO!!! But, it is still very calming to know that we are actually standing on pretty save ground :) My G'D, I am so very happy!!! Please let this pregnancy continue on a smooth path and help us deliver a healthy and happy baby girl...

PS: I forgot to mention that I have two new appointments. One at the 3rd August, at 11 am, with my new midwife Flora. The other one takes place the same week, August 7th, at 8.30 am, at the doctors office where I have been today...

9th July 2008

I just woke up from a really weird dream.. I dreamt, I have been in hospital for delivering our baby. I was all the time alone, with loads of doctors and nurses rushing about. Then, finally, the baby was born. I was so happy to have her now here with me. But, suddenly, I overheard a conversation from one of the nurses. She was talking about my husband and his parents. Apparently, they had been hoping for a boy, so their joy was only within moderation. I was really shocked when I heard those things so I tried to escape from the hospital and from everyone there. But, they caught me and said that the baby had been born too early, so she would have to stay in an incubator for some time. I was so sad and disappointed about the whole situation that I started running away, the baby within my arms... Thank G'D, this was only a dream!!! Its scary to realize what kind of strange thoughts I've got lingering within my subconcience.

6th July 2008

Week 20, here we come... :) Today we have hit half-time. I can't believe that we are already this far!! I am so greatful that things are going well now :) Only another +/- 20 weeks and you will be here, my little love. Mommy can't wait to hold you in her arms. I love you sooo very much!!!

PS: Since Wednesday night (2nd July), I think, I have felt my sweetheart moving almost every evening. Its still only a slight turning or something like that. Now, I'm waiting for her to make it a bit more visible, to say "HALLO" to her Abba, too. :)

4rd July 2008

I just had another real sweet dream. My little girl was already here with us and I was organizing her room, with her together. We found all kinds of stuff from the time when I was a little girl and she wanted to keep all those things. She was sooo cute :) She had light brown hair and big blue eyes. What a beautiful angel! I am absolutely crazy about her :)

3rd July 2008

I am sooo happy!!!!!!! We have just been to the genetial ward and spoke with one of the professionals there. She was very helpful and looked at all of our papers and results from all the previous tests. She also asked us all kinds of questions about our family history, regarding health issues. While talking to her, she kept making notes all the time and, after we had answered all of her questions, she started calculating. It didn't take her very long 'til she came to a conclusion. She said, we should have been told in the first place that the risk results, from the AFP, would be much higher than for a woman of a younger age group. This is already a fact before they even look at the blood. The risk, according to my age group, is stated on our page as 1:260. She told us that the other test results, such as "first trimester screening" and "level I u/s", unfortunately, haven't been included in the calculation, we had received. Therefore, the complete result looks much more encouraging than what we had received in the first place. The risk, according to this doctors calculation, shrank to 1:450 :) This is, of course, alot better than the average result for women of my age group. And, much-much better than the scary 1:53, we had worried about soo very much. G'D is GREAT!

1st July 2008

We have just returned from my new midwife. Her name is Flora. She has been extremely kind and helpful. She checked my blood pressure, which was again way to low (85/59), she weighed me, I just about reached the minimum of the weight scale, regarding my height and pregnancy week (59.5kg), and she gave me some testing stripes to check on my urine culture, which was clear, thank G'D :) So, things are basically ok, with exception of my blood pressure..

We spend over an hour with her and she was explaining and helping us with a lot of our questions. Especially, her explainations of the low AFP results were more than helpful!! She said, it could possibly be, they tested me too early on AFP. Those tests should be done only between week 17 and 18, when the back of the fetus is just about to close up. As that is exactly the time when the hormones, the baby releases into the mothers blood, are reaching a pretty low level. Even though mine were still within the scale of normal, however, they were pointing more towards the side of the higher numbers. So, that could be an explaination for the positive test reult.. I am really glad we've been there! It really made my day :) On Thursday, I will be there for listening to the fetal heart beat. That's apparently the only day when the doctor is there...

30th June 2008

PS: I forgot to mention, I have scheduled an appointment with the genetical section of the health care center, where I have been yesterday. It takes place on the 3rd July at 10.50 am. Actually, I was asking for a much later date, one that would be after the second level u/s appointment. But, unfortunately, the time periode I was requesting was already completely booked out. So, I will have no other choice but to go there this coming Thursday. Well, who knows, maybe its meant to be like that...

29th June 2008

Hello, week 19, I am coming! ... :) Last week ended for me with a lot of fearful thinking. Thanks be to G'D, things seem to go well now, after another scary episode that happened only last night. After being with my husband, I suddenly started bleeding quite a bit from my vagina. Its already the second time that this has happened to us, only last time it was much less blood. So, of course, I was quite worried. Anyway I wasn't feeling at my very best, because of the last blood work test results, that haven't exactly turned out as we had hoped. And now this... I was already thinking that this may be the end of my pregnancy. But, and I am sooo grateful to G'D for that, things turned out much better than I had thought. First of all, the bleeding had completely stopped, by this morning, and was replaced by an only slightly brownish discharge. But, I was still worried, because one time, I had been to the bathroom, I found some brownish coloured pieces on my wipes. So after this, I only wanted to see a doctor. I knew that I wouldn't calm down by myself. So Arie took me to the place where we had the first level u/s done, as they also see emergency cases. We waited quite a bit, but finally we were sitting in some nice young lady doctor's office. She asked me a few questions before she checked out if down there all was in order. Afterwards, she told me that she could not see any signs of anything bad, but, just to calm me down completely, she sent me to another doctor's office to perform an u/s. The u/s turned out really good and even predated the birth, of our baby daughter, to the 22nd November!!! I could not believe that things looked so great!!!. Our little angel was moving around and being as happy as a little fish in its water. All the measurements were clear and her little heart was just pumping away, as if nothing in the world could stop it. Halleluyah!!! I am the happiest mommy in the world!!! :)

26th June 2008

After a lot of thinking, as well as talking with Arie, my husband, and family, I have finally decided to skip the appointment on Sunday morning and rather wait a few more weeks until my second level u/s, on the 22nd July. I believe, it will be much better to have them look at those u/s pictures too, instead of having only the blood results. I'd much rather have a later, but much clearer and more complete answer than an earlier one that will be again only based on statistics. Of course, I am also hoping for a very positive outcome, with G'D's help!!! So, I believe that another shaky result would just make me feel again, worried and insecure about my pregnancy. And, that's really the last thing I need...

24th June 2008

I am a little down today, as my blood work results were not as good as the last ones. We checked them already this morning, on the internet, as I got a call from my OB, who told me I should consider doing the amnio.

I really do not understand how this test can be so different from the previous one, as both of them were testing on the same genetical defects. In my first trimester screen, the doctor told us that my test results were far better than they normaly are, for advanced age women. Instead of 1:300 we received a 1:950... Now, we only got a 1:53. How does that fit together?? So we went to see my OB at her office, to ask her about the two different test results. She said, she could also not explain how those results can oppose one another so drastically. Then, she suggested that we make an appointment with the place where we had the first tests done, as they have a specialist there who answers questions or detects mistakes. We called them already up and will be going there on Sunday morning. G'D willing, all will be fine...

23rd June 2008

Yesterday, my mom-in-law scheduled for me a special visit with a midwife. I had told her that I am really worried about waiting one more month until my next u/s appointment. I told her, that I would love to have a check up every week (or at least every two weeks) to know that everything is developing as it should. So, she called up some midwife and now, I am going for an "in between check up" on the 1st July at 11.30 am. G'D bless her!! What would this world be like without moms???

22nd June 2008

Last night, I was really worried, as I started feeling nauseous again (as in the early months), with cramps and migrane. But, today, I have started week 18, without any signs of last nights symptoms. Thank G'D!!! I am all the time so worried that something could go wrong, G'D forbid. We've come so far, in this pregnancy, it would break my heart in a million little pieces if anything bad would happen now... I guess, I just have to trust in G'D and pray for the best to happen. Only two weeks and its already halftime. Time really whizzed by, looking back :)

PS: I forgot to mention that my GP called me on Friday morning, to tell me that all of my tests are clear. I am perfectly healthy. Now, I just have to wait for my baby's results. They should be here by Wednesday, G'D willing...

20th June 2008

Good Morning :) I just woke up from this very lovely but still kind of weird dream. So, I thought, I better record it before I can't remember it anymore.. Ok, here it goes.. I dreamt that I gave birth to a beautiful and really smart baby girl :) She was really amazing. She looked and behaved as if she was already one year old. She could talk and also understood all I said to her. It was wonderful but also a little scary, to have a baby that was already so mature that it could answer questions and voice preferences, etc. I was, however, really enjoing her and spent lots of time with her, giving her everything she asked for.. My little sweetheart, I can't wait til you are here with mommy. I love you so much!!!

5.10pm: First obvious moving sign of our little girl :)

16th June 2008

Week 17, since yesterday!!! :) I had another blood work test done today, and handed in my urine sample, as well .. just to check that I am not having another UTI. Not that I would suspect one, no!!! But, one never knows. I have been feeling quite weak and tired, recently, so I went to see my GP to check me through as well. She gave me several papers to check on general health issues, which I did all today in one go today, with the other two tests. The results we will get by next week. I am not nervous or anything, as I feel that all will be well, G'D willing :)

I have been off work for about two weeks now, and I feel more tired than ever. I have no idea if this is only due to the fact that my blood pressure is pretty low (95/65), or if there might be another reason for those lazy symptoms. All I want to do at the moment is sleep, sleep, sleep...

The next u/s will be only on the 22nd of July. No pictures of our baby girl until then :( I can't wait for the time to pass quickly, so our little sunshine will be finally here with us!! I am already crazy about her!!! :)

10th June 2008

Today was my appointment at the OB's office. But, the only positive news (and actually the only important ones) is that with our baby all is ok!! Thank G'D!! The rest of the visit there was simply a nightmare. It started with my OB not giving her permission for my mom to be present during our visit at her office. She actually said that her office isn't a theater for entertaining people. I was shocked. Thank G'D, Arie didn't take any notice of her rude comment and simply told her that my mom has come from very far to see her grandchild to be. In the end, the OB gave in and let my mom come in to see our little darling :) However, the whole visit was more or less a waste of time. She did a half minute scan to tell me that all is ok with the baby and that her heart is beating. Apart from this, no further information whatsoever. She even told me, after I asked her if she can confirm that we are having a little girl, that she hasn't checked on that one at all. So, I left her office, pretty down, with a pile of papers for further testings. The next one will be a blood test, this coming Sunday, as well as a further urine sample, to see that the UTI hasn't returned.. I have no words. I am appalled at the fact that people like this are allowed to practice in this kind of profession...

28th May 2008

IT'S A GIRL!!! This afternoon we finally had our 15th week u/s appointment. The sonographer said that the baby has all the bodyparts and organs that it should have in their rightful place, and... that to 99%, we are having a baby girl!!! I am sooo happy!!! We are having a little princess!!! I am sooo grateful to G'D that the whole pregnancy has gone so well, so far. I still cannot really comprehend that I am having a little human being growing inside of me. I can't wait to meet my little sunshine :) I love her sooo much!!!

22nd May 2008

Yesterday, I went to the dentist to have my teeth checked. Thank G'D, all is looking great!! They only asked me to come back today, to perform a little cleaning procedure in between my teeth, as well as a fluoride treatment, in order to strengthen my teeth during pregnancy. The cleaning was a little unpleasant but it really feels great now!! I have a feeling that this little precious baby inside me is not just changing my life around, but he/she is also causing me to care more about myself than I ever did before. How I love this little angel of mine!! Its just unbelievable!!

21th May 2008

Yesterday, in the afternoon mail, we received the results of my first trimester genetical blood test. The results were great and made us very happy :) For a woman, my age, there is a chance of 1:300, to have a baby with genetical abnormalties. But, my blood test turned out to be about three times better than that!! According to my blood work, the chance of having a baby with genetical abnormalties minimizes to 1:950. We were really thrilled to receive such an encouraging result. Thanks be to G'D!!!

20th May 2008

Its been some time since I left my last message. There have actually been no major changes that are worth recording. My nausea is still on and off, and for this week I have only scheduled a dentists appointment, in order to have any problems fixed, before a shortage of calcium is causing me to end up toothless :) The appointment will be tomorrow at 12.45pm. Apart from that, I am looking foreward to my 15th week u/s appointment. It will be sooo lovely to get another picture of my little sweety:) I can see my tummy's growing bigger now, even though I still have eating problems and a very poor appetite. However, whenever I have a moment of a reasonable appetite, I am trying to grab all the best kinds of health food I can get, to make sure that my "little growing bean" is getting enough nutritions. I am also nicely swallowing every evening my pregnancy vitamins and am praying for my baby to get all the stuff he or she needs.

Another thing, I should probably mention, is that I have, after all, opted against the amnio testing. I feel that all the tests, I have passed so far, have had such encouraging results that I don't really see any need to bother my little angel in his save haven.

13th May 2008

Today we finally received the blood work results from the genetical test, I did at week 9. Everything is clear, by a percentage of 97! I am so happy that everything is going so well for us. Now, we only have to wait for the blood work results of the first trimester screen. But, I am pretty sure that this one, G'D willing, will be clear too :)

12th May 2008

Thank G'D, the spotting only lasted for about one day and then everything returned to being normal. It makes me so happy that all seems to go so well, this time. I am now heading for week 13 and every passing day is getting me more and more excited about the little darling that is growing inside me... I can't wait til I finally will feel the moving within me. I am sure that this makes the whole pregnancy even more real to me...

Today, I have also arranged two appointments for the 15th week u/s. Why two?? Well, just in case :) I would really like to find out if we are having a boy or a girl, so if at the first u/s they can't tell yet, then hopefully at the second one. The first appointment will be May 28th. The second about one week later, on June 5th.

10th May 2008

I was a little freaked out to find some pinkish staining in my underwear, last night, after being with my husband. I know (and also read) that this might happen after intercourse but its still pretty scary. We've made it this far (tomorrow starting week 12!!) and I hope and pray that with G'Ds help we will make it 'til the end, 'til I hold my little darling in my arms...

7th May 2008

I am sooo happy!!! We went today for the First Trimester Screen and were told that the U/S looks extremely good :) They measured the CRL to be 4.56cm and the NT as 0.72mm, which is less than 1cm and, as they said, very good. I was also very moved to watch how excited my Arie was, seeing "our little creation" moving around so actively! Things are going so well, at the moment, and I feel so relieved having received such positive feedback. Now, we only have to wait for the results of the genetical blood tests, which will be send to us within the next couple of weeks...

2nd May 2008

Yesterday, after talking with the administrator of AHRMC, I have arranged for yet another meeting. This time it will be be at a very well known Birth-Clinic, which it pretty close by. My husband told me that this place has a very good reputation, so I went ahead and called there. I was very touched by the professionality and kindness that I felt during the conversation with the person, I had on the phone. So, I agreed to have some previous tests done at this Birth Clinic. My appointment takes place, this coming Wednesday, at 12am. I am very excited!!!

Nausea is wearing me out at, the moment. Its also quite possible that this is one of the side effects of the antibiotics, I am still on until Sunday morning. I really can't wait for the nausea to pass!! It makes me feel so miserable...

1st May 2008

I just got off the phone... I have arranged an appointment at the ASSAF-HAROFEH-MEDICAL-CENTER. This M/C is known to be one of the best ones in Israel. I will be going there for an informative meeting on the 11th of June, at 9am. I am now pretty sure that I am doing the right thing by opting for the amnio. Of course, the meeting with the doc will finally determine if I will go ahead with it. But, I have now a pretty positive gut feeling that all will be fine.

28th April 2008

Amnio or not amnio? That is the question... Well, after lots of talking to family and many friends, I have finally had the courage and started looking a little deeper into this subject. Today, I contacted several professionals, to get myself an all around impression and to just have a little "fore-feel" on this matter. I felt actually very calm after hearing several professional opinions on this subject and have already decided, to 99%, that I might go for the amnio test. I have to say though that I will have to first meet with the specialist personally, before I am able to give my 100% ok for the test. I generally believe and trust my gut to make the right decision for me. So let's wait and see where I am going from here... By the way, I forgot to mention that some of my urine samples revealed that I am having a UTI. So since yesterday, I am on antibiotics and hoping that it will clear off very soon.

27th April 2008

Today I am starting week 10... YES!!!...!!! I am feeling so far pretty well, with the nausea easing off a little and me being able to eat small amounts of different foods. I believe that my stomach did shrink over the last few weeks so much that now I will have to get slowly used to eating again... We have also told our families now and the good news were received with lots of love and joy!! Furthermore, I am right now at the stage of pregnancy where I will have to slowly come to deside what kind of tests I am prepared to do and which ones I rather don't. I still haven't decided yet but I have a good feeling about the baby being healthy and a little girl. I might be wrong but that's the feeling I have right now. But never mind what it will be, it will be loved with all of my heart!!

23th April 2008

I went this morning to do the blood & genetical tests. The results we will probably have by next week. Everything went really smooth and quick, without waiting and without any trace of buerocracy. Oh G'd, please let this already be a good sign that all will be well with my baby! I soo hope and pray for my little darling to be healthy... I still have some further tests coming up. The next one, I will have to arrange this coming week, after the holidays. Then, there will be another scan at the beginning of week 15, which, I will have to arrange for the first week in June. After that one, I am seeing my doctor on the 10th of June at 11.30 am. It seems like, I am going to be very busy for the next couple of months :) Well, this is maybe already a little foretaste of the life changes that come automatically with the birth of a new little baby. I am soo excited about everything!!

22nd April 2008

I have just returned from my scan and I am sooo excited to say that everything is great!!! My little sweety is 2.17cm "big" and the heart was beating as it should. I also got a picture and I'll try to put it a.s.a.p. online. I am absolutely over the moon!!! What elsecan I say?! That were such great news!!! I still can't believe I am pregnant and all is ok. Praise G'D!!!

20th April 2008

Today I am 9 weeks pregnant!!! It's soo amazing that I am starting already the 3rd month. Now, I only have to make it safely until week 12 and I've overcome the most critical phase. At the moment, I am feeling ok but nauseous. I manage to eat small amounts of fruits and veggetables, but I really have to force myself to drink more. The spotting has been on and off, so far, and I am trying to keep myself calm. There is nothing at the moment I can do but to wait until my appointment on Tuesday.

18th April 2008

Yesterday was a terrible day for me. The nausea came back, along with some spotting. It really freaked me out. I am so glad that I am clear today... Now I am really impatiently looking foreward to my scan on Tuesday. I simply need the feedback from a doctor. It will make me feel so much better to know that everything with the embryo is ok.. hopefully!!

16th April 2008

At the moment there are no signs of nausea and I even manage to eat. I am now in week 8 and am very very excitedly looking forward to my first scan on Tuesday the 22nd. It would be sooo lovely to hold a picture of this little miracle inside me in my hands. It is simply UNBELIEVABLE what is happening inside of me...

12th April 2008

My name is Temima-Sara, I am 36 years and living in Israel. I have been married to my husband Arie-Hai for over one year now and we've been trying for a baby ever since. This is now my second pregnancy. The first one was about one year ago and ended in a m/c after only 6 weeks... My recent pregnancy seems to go well so far, except the fact that I can't eat because I feel soo nauseous most of the time. But, as long as everything with the little one inside me is fine, I am fine too :)