29 Weeks

What’s Will up to? According to babyzone, your baby has tiny eyelashes, fine eyebrows, and ever-lengthening fingernails, but his internal organs are doing the most work this week. His brain is growing rapidly, adding millions of brain cells, and his head is also getting bigger to accommodate all that brilliance. But the biggest news this week is about the baby's defenses: with help from the placenta, Baby is developing an immune system, which gets stronger by the day. The placenta actually begins taking up some of the antibodies from your blood stream and transferring them to the baby in order to prepare for the onslaught of germ exposure once the baby comes out into the world. As the baby builds up his defenses, he is also putting on weight, so much so that you can no longer see the web of blood vessels beneath his skin.

Bed Rest/Hospital Stay: Things are going well. I have been on bed rest for 14 weeks total, 5 weeks at North Memorial. I am happy but also nervous to say that I will be going home in 2 weeks! The thought process is at 32 weeks, I will be able to deliver at other hospitals closer to home since Will would no longer need the Level III NICU if he arrives early! I just love my nurses here so I will be transferring to a new OB and clinic for the rest of my pregnancy and plan to deliver here as long as I can make the drive. I will still be on full bed rest when I get home. At 34 weeks, they would like me to try and walk around the house a little to try and get use to moving around again. It will feel so good to walk around a bit after 21 weeks of bed rest!

All about me: I am up a total of 22 pounds and 13“ on my tummy!  I haven’t been able to get the diabetes under control.  My levels were all over the place and really high. Earlier this week, I was started on a pill to help control the levels but there wasn’t a quick enough improvement so they have switched me to insulin injections. Today was my first day sticking myself in the stomach – it’s not too bad but I certainly hope this is only temporary. I will be monitored for about 6 weeks after I have Will to make sure the diabetes is just gestational. I am looking forward to next Monday, we have an ultrasound appointment for Will and I get to get a few minutes of fresh air!!

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers - we couldn't make it through this without you all.