Journal

Friday, June 27 - "We're going to have a baby"

I went to the store on my way home and stopped to pick up a pregnancy test. Although a week and a half ago I took one and it was negative, I still had this little feeling that maybe I should try again. When I got home I rushed into the bathroom. Sure enough two lines appeared. "We're having a baby". Danny was making a nice dinner for us since he doesn't usually get home before me he thought it would be a nice surprise. We had pasta with sauce, garlic bread and a little wine. He even baked a cherry pie. While he finished up I took the positive test and put it in a box with these two cute little baby Buccaneers (Danny's favorite team) outfits I had been saving. I could hardly wait to give it to him. As we sat down to dinner I told him I had a surprise for him. He opened the box and at first looked kind of baffled. He hadn't seen the positive test yet. Then I told him there's more in there. He finally saw it and was just as surprised as I was. We hugged, I cried. We enjoyed our now celebratory dinner and watched Charlie's Angels as we let it sink in that the newlyweds were going to be parents.

Sunday, July 6 - Morning Sickness (5 Weeks)

I began having terrible morning sickness which seemed to last all day long. The weekends were the worst. I couldn't even get out of bed. Danny took really good care of me though. Making soup and bringing me ginger ale. Little did I know this would last for about 3-4 more weeks. I would have been lost without my Tums as heartburn crept up at least twice a day.

Monday, July 28 - First Pre-Natal Appointment (8 Weeks)

We had our first doctors appointment today. I was still feeling queasy. Partly because I was worried about the baby and hoping everything was okay and partly because I wasn't looking forward to all of the poking and prodding. The doctor went over all of the usual and said that all of the symptoms I had been having were at the very least a sign that things were progressing okay. Then the unusual, our due date March 8, the same as Danny's birthday and one day after mine. That means we conceived on our honeymoon. Three Pisces under one roof, that ought to be an adventure. We were still concerned about the baby so the doctor ordered an ultrasound to help ease our tension. I made the appointment as soon as I could. Tuesday, August 12. It's going to be a long two weeks.

Tuesday, August 12 - Ultrasound (10 Weeks)

We had our ultrasound early this morning. Waiting in the waiting room took forever and I had to come with a full bladder so I was really beginning to feel anxious. Finally they called my name and Danny and I went into the room. When the technician first put the picture up on the monitor I could hardly believe it. There was our little one. They said everything seemed to be growing just fine and right along with our dates. So I guess we'll be meeting in March. After the technician was finished measuring all the parts to make sure everything was okay, we gave her our videotape so we could take home our first look at baby Johnson. It was truly amazing. He/She must have known they were "on" because as soon as the technician pressed record our little one began to move all around. Danny said he/she's destined to be a little ham because they knew when the camera was rolling. We left the appointment with a sense of relief that everything was okay. We decided we would tell everyone about our little surprise. After actually seeing the baby I couldn't wait anymore.

Sunday, August 24 - Heard Heartbeat (12 Weeks)

We rented a Doppler heartbeat monitor this week. We received it on Thursday but hadn't any luck locating the baby's heartbeat. Every time I tried all I ended up hearing were my own sounds (heartbeat, blood flow, etc.) But this evening I thought I would give it another go and to my surprise heard this tiny little heartbeat. I immediately called Danny into the room so he could hear it too. It was such a joy to finally hear it. It measured at about 160 beats per minute. Average is between 120 and 180.

Tuesday, September 2 - 2nd Doctor's appt. (13 Weeks)

I had my second doctor's appointment today. The doctor said everything seems to be going along well. I gained 7 pounds since the last visit which was a surprise because I thought it would be more. The doctor said that at my next appointment in October I would receive a prescription for another ultrasound. That may be our chance to see if what we are having. After my appointment I decided I better go have my blood work done. I had been putting it off for weeks, definitely not one of my favorite things to do. I went to the lab and had them do what they needed to. I got kind of sick afterward. I think they took too much too quick. They gave me some juice and made me lie down for a little while before they would let me leave. I survived and went home and rested for the remainder of the evening. My favorite past time.

Monday, September 15 - Starting to "show" (15 weeks)

Well I'm into the second trimester now. I'm beginning to feel a bit better, though heartburn still continues to flare up almost daily. I've begun to notice my belly is slightly larger and I'm beginning to "show". Though I've been wearing maternity clothes for the past few weeks. It wasn't until the past few days that I really felt I needed to. I find myself rubbing my belly constantly. It's a nice sensation and makes me feel closer to the little one. I wonder all the time what he/she will be like and hope that I'll be a good mommy. March is only five months away but it feels like it'll never get here.

Wednesday, October 1 - 3rd Doctor's appt. (17 Weeks)

Everything continues to seem fine. All of my blood work came back okay. Blood pressure was normal and I gained 4 pounds since my last appointment. So I'm right we're I'm supposed to be. The Doctor wrote out my prescription for the ultrasound, which I scheduled for next week. Danny and I are so excited. Hopefully we'll finally get a peek at whether we have a little prince or princess. We can't wait to tell everyone. Most importantly we hope to find out that the baby is still healthy and growing okay. I worry all the time. At least twice a week I listen to the baby with the heart monitor at home. I can even hear the baby moving around now. Sometimes he/she is very busy in there. I think I can feel it but I'm still not quite sure.

Pregnancy Journal

This is a journal I began for the baby.
I have been trying to write regularly noting any milestone events.

Friday, October 10 - Ultrasound...It's a Girl (18 weeks)

It was quite the adventure in the ultrasound department this afternoon. First of all they did not have me registered for my appointment even though I had made it weeks ago. Danny and I sat for 2 hours as the waiting room emptied out and the feeling that my full bladder would soon do the same. Finally they called us in. After doing all of the measurements the technician said everything seemed to be growing just fine. It was amazing she measured every part. Head, brain, tummy, kidneys, heart, leg bones, arm bones, even the little lips. It's a good thing she was well trained because I couldn't tell half of what we were looking at without her pointing it out. Anyway, on to the part we really wanted to know. Boy or Girl? "I think it's a girl", the technician said. I was hoping for something a little more concrete. So I asked her. "How sure are you?" She said 99% sure; you can't be 100% until after birth. That was the confirmation I was looking for. So pink it is for the nursery. Danny and I were so excited. It was also nice to hear the doctor refer to the baby as "she" and "her". The little one is beginning to have more and more of an identity and already being difficult. She was cooperative for the initial measuring, but for a few of the final heart measurements she turned her back to us. After much coaxing and emptying my bladder she finally turned on her tummy. Our take home video consists mostly of her tiny bummy and legs which were on the move constantly. Danny and I were so excited and couldn't wait to tell everyone. I was literally on the phone before we left the parking lot.

Friday, October 24 - "I felt that" (20 weeks)

Well for some time now I have thought that I have been feeling "peanut" move around in there, but this week there was no mistaking it. She's an active one. I've noticed it's usually in the afternoon or right after I eat. A couple of times I poked back and she kicked me. I thought it would be weird to feel something moving inside of me, but I love it. It's reassuring that she's doing okay. I have tried to let Danny feel it, but I'm not sure it can be felt from the outside just yet. I know he's just as excited as I am to meet her. He read her very first book to her this week. "Guess how much I love you". I have been doing a lot of shopping too. Peanut has close to 40 outfits so far and that's just from the past two weeks. Danny is going to cut me off from Ebay if I don't settle down. We've been putting together some thoughts on how to decorate the nursery but haven't actually done anything yet. It'll be cream with pink rosettes and ribbons; very sweet. I bought a beautiful painting to hang on the wall behind the crib. The name of it is "Grace". She's a little girl angel with blonde hair and blue eyes. Much like I think our little angel will look like. So "Grace" will be there looking over her. How appropriate as the name refers to three sisters in Greek mythology who were the givers of charm and beauty.

Friday, November 7, 4th Doctor's Appointment (22 weeks)

Well I wasn't too pleased with my doctor's appointment today. First of all I don't think the nurse weighed me correctly. According to her measurement I gained 12 pounds since my last visit which I find very hard to believe. Anyway, I asked the doctor about the ultrasound results. At our last ultrasound the technician mentioned that the heart measurements may need to be re-done due to the baby's positioning, mooning us that is. My doctor said she did not have a copy of it in my file. I was a bit upset because I specifically called the main office to ask them to make sure the doctor had the results for my next visit. After waiting for them to fax over the paperwork the doctor did indeed write out a prescription for another ultrasound. Although I'm sure everything is okay, I'm still a little on edge. I will be until they confirm that they were able to see everything clearly and give us the thumbs up. Though it will be yet another special moment to see Peanut again. On a more positive note we read another book to her this week, "The Giving Tree". One of our favorites. Peanut has been moving around a lot lately. Danny still hasn't been able to catch her yet, but every now and again she gives me a good kick or punch and it startles me. Earlier today I was so excited because I won and Ebay auction for the crib set I wanted. The nursery is going to be so adorable and her closet...full already. She ought to be the best dressed 0-12 month old as I went completely over board buying every outfit possible for her first year.

Monday, November 17 - Ultrasound (24 weeks)

We had another ultrasound today. The doctor's needed to confirm the baby's spine and heart measurements one more time. Peanut was a bit stubborn at our last ultrasound, which made it difficult for them to see everything clearly. This time they were able to visualize everything and said that all looks well. That was a load off my shoulders. It's amazing how much she's grown in just a few short weeks. The technician said she's 1 pound 8 oz. and in the 60th percentile for her gestational age. It doesn't look like there is very much room left in there but she's still got quite a ways to go. I guess my tummy is going to get a whole lot bigger before March rolls around. She wasn't very active today; looked like she was sleeping. Though that isn't usually the norm. I can not only feel her kicking and squirming around in there, but can actually see a little bump on the outside of my belly when she kicks. Danny "thinks" he felt her kick the other day, though he's still not sure. I think she's gonna have to give him a whopper of a punch before he believes it's her and not my breathing. Danny read "The Hungry Caterpillar" to her this week. It was one of the many books Grandma and Grandpa Johnson bought for her.

Saturday, November 29 - "Touring the Birth Center" (25 weeks)

We went to Magee Womens Hospital this afternoon for our tour of the Birth Center. That's where Peanut will be born. There was a pretty large group of expectant parents. Mostly first timers like us. We saw the triage department. That's where we will first come in so they can assess how far along we are. Then we moved up to the LDR (Labor/Delivery/Recovery) room. It was a pretty large room equipped with everything that will be needed to bring Peanut into the world. The room was stifling though and I almost passed out from the heat. Too many warm bodies in one area. Then we moved into the postpartum room. That's where we'll relax and get to bond as a family for a day or so before we go home. All in all it's a pretty nice facility.

Friday, December 5 - 5th Doctor's Appointment (26 weeks)

We had another doctor's apointment today. Everything seems to be going along really well. The ultrasound results came back with everything looking good. And I only gained 4 pounds from my last visit. That's a good thing. The doctor gave me a prescription for a glucose test. That's to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. I have to have it done before my next appointment in January. I'm not really looking forward to it, but I guess it has to be done.

Saturday, December 20 - Glucose Test (28 weeks)

Danny left work early today so he could go with me to have my test done. We arrived at the hospital around 2:00 ish. They gave me a sugar drink that tasted like Sprite. I think I got lucky because a lot of people I have talked to say it wasn't the most pleasant thing for them to ingest. I didn't think it was too bad. After drinking it I had to wait an hour and then come back for them to draw blood. Danny and I played backgammon in the waiting area to pass the time. Of course he won tow out of the three games. When we went back after the hour was up there wasn't anyone in the lab. We had to hunt someone down in admitting to let us in and page a technician. Anyway, we finally got in. I was sweating profusely. Danny didn't realize how afraid I really was until he saw the puddle left by my hand on the chair. My hand were literally dripping. The technician finished drawing blood and we were off. All in all not too bad, I'm just glad it's over with. I'm hoping the test comes back okay or I'll have to have a more extensive three-hour long test done. After that adventure we went up to my Mom's house to visit with Logan and also borrow her artificial tree. Danny and I put up the tree later in the evening. I think it looked pretty nice for our first tree together. We taped the whole adventure so we can look back on our first christmas together and also show Peanut.

Sunday, December 21 - "Baby Monitor" (29 weeks)

I asked Danny to tape us using the Baby Monitor one last time. We have to return it tomorrow and I wanted to be able to show Peanut the video one-day so she could hear how active and strong her little heart was when she was in my tummy. We tried to get her to kick on camera but she didn't want to be bothered and refused to participate. Now any other time she's kicking away.

Thursday, January 8 - 6th Doctor's Appointment (31 weeks)

Our monthly doctor's appointment was today. She said the Glucose test results came back fine. Whew thank goodness for that. Blood pressure was normal and we gained 5 pounds since our last visit. The doctor measured my tummy to make sure Peanut was growing normally. That of course looked great as well. She said the baby's heartbeat was about 146 today. We'll now have to start coming more regularly for check-ups. Every two weeks to be exact.

Friday, January 23 - 7th Doctor's Appointment (33 weeks)

This is our first bi-weekly visit. I only gained one pound since our last visit. Blood pressure was normal and my tummy measurement coincides exactly with our due date.

Friday, January 25 - "Nursery Time" (34 weeks)

We've finally begun the baby's room. Danny put a new shelf organizer in the closet while I painted the top half of the room pink. We even cleaned out all of our "stuff" so the room is officially Peanuts nursery. Even though Danny still calls it the spare room. We'll be doing more work next weekend. Hopefully putting up the border and other miscellaneous things. We're going to look for a changing table as well. There is still so much that needs to be done. I have to wash everything from the bed sheets to the sofa cover and the massive amount of clothes all ready hanging in the closet. We also need to clean the carpet.

Sunday, February 1 - "Crib" (35 weeks)

My mom bought Peanut her crib as our shower gift and had my brother Bill drop it off today. Danny and I put it together without hardly any problems. It looks beautiful. We can't wait to tuck our little one into it. The room is really coming together.

Friday, February 6 - 9th Doctor's Appointment (35 weeks)

I actually lost 1/2 a pound this week. My blood pressure was normal as well. The doctor performed the Strep B test and I finally had my first internal exam. Not really all that fun. She said I was effacing but couldn't tell if I was dilated at all. I really didn't want her to continue trying, as I was already feeling uncomfortable due to being a little bit under the weather. I'm sure we'll find out more next time.

Friday, February 6 & 7 - "Lamaze Class" (35 weeks)

Well in our hopes to possible have a drug free birth we attended our first Lamaze class today. We opted for the two-day session rather than the extended weekly sessions. It was very informative, as I did not realize there were so many different "non-medical" ways to cope with the pain. We'll see how successful I actually am when the day finally arrives. I know it's going to be painful, but without anything to compare it to it's difficult to know if I'll be able to handle it all natural. I'm definitely not ruling out drugs. I think Danny and I were getting the hang of most of the exercises. It was a really nice experience for us. I really felt a family bond when we were sitting on our mat and breathing together while Danny rubbed my back. It's still quite unbelievable that we are going to be parents.

Thursday, February 12 - 10th Doctor's Appointment (36 weeks)

I gained one pound this week. My blood pressure was normal but my Strep B test came back positive. So I will need to have penicillin administered while I'm in labor. My joints have really become swollen and agetated from the water weight. My wrists and knees are killing me. The doctor checked it out and said I have carpal tunnel, which should subside after I deliver. The doctor also checked the position of the baby. She said she's pretty sure Peanut is head down and the big lump I have been feeling in my upper tummy is her bummy. With a rump like that she must be taking after me. I had another internal exam (no fun) and the doctor said I am thinning out (effacing) but not dilated yet. So who knows when Peanut will arrive. I guess at least things are getting started in there anyway.

Friday, February 13 - "Ultrasound" (36 weeks)

I decided to go to my scheduled ultrasound today even though yesterday the doctor said she was pretty sure the baby was head down. Hey it's another chance to see our little one, which is always a comfort. Sure enough the technician confirmed that the baby is facing down. Boy has she grown since the last time. The technician estimated that she weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. Everything else is looking good and we are still right on track with our EDD. Now we just have to wait for Peanut to make her entrance to the world.

Sunday, February 15 - "Baby Shower" (37 weeks)

Today was our baby shower. It was so nice. My mom planned it and everyone else pitched in to help out. Peanut is such a lucky girl to be born into such a loving and supportive family. It was a nice turn; family and a few friends. Boy did we get a lot of stuff and it seems as though the nickname "Peanut" has really stuck. My mom made an umbrella to hang above my chair and decorated it with little peanuts wrapped in blankets. We also received a few things with Peanut embroidered on them. It might be a little overwhelming for her at first, but I know she'll grow to appreciate all of the love that our family holds. Once we got everything home I was on a major mission to get it all organized and put away. Must be that nesting thing they talk about. With all of the thoughtful gifts we received, we really only need two final things. A crib mattress and a pack n' play. Which I'm sure we'll pick up some time this week.

Friday, February 20 - 11th Doctor's Appointment (37 weeks)

I went in for my doctor's appointment today. She said my blood pressure was extremely high. I told her it might be due to the stress from work. As our offices were in the process of moving. She still seemed very concerned and told me to go home and rest over the weekend and then come in first thing Monday morning to have it checked again. So I did my best to rest and relax over the next two days as she instructed.

Monday, February 23 - 12th Doctor's Appointment (38 weeks)

Unfortunately, despite my efforts to rest and relax over the weekend, hadn't had much change so the doctor decided to admit me to run some additional tests. I wasn't sure what the doctor had planned as far as treatment so I called Danny to the hospital to keep me company. I had various testing proceedures: blood work, blood pressure/vital signs, and oh yeah, the two catheters they had to do to obtain urine samples. What fun (not). When they tell you you're going to feel a little pressure, what they actually mean is it's going to hurt like heck. All of the tests were being done due to the fact that I might have a disorder called preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition related to an increase in blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine (as a result of kidney problems). It affects the placenta, and it can affect the mother's liver, kidney, and brain. When preeclampsia causes seizures, the condition is known as eclampsia, the second leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Preeclampsia is also the leading cause of fetal complications, which include low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. There is no proven way to prevent preeclampsia. The only way to "cure" preeclampsia is to deliver the baby.

It took some time to receive feedback from all of my test results. I really wasn't all that concerned or maybe I just didn't realize how serious it could be if I was diagnosed with the condition. I figured worse case scenario I would be instructed by my doctor to stop working, stay home and take it easy until our little one decided to arrive. This would in theory, reduce my blood pressure and everything would be fine. I never imagined that a routine blood pressure check would lead to my leaving the hospital with baby in arms.

Monday, February 23, 3:00 pm - "Induction Begins" (38 weeks)

At 3:00 pm one of the nurses came in with a ton of equipment and said "Okay we're going to get you set up" "For what?: I said. She said my doctor decided to induce my labor because I was in fact diagnosed with Preeclampsia. I was feeling so many different emotions and truly unprepared for this moment. Though I'm sure I wouldn't have been any more ready if Peanut decided to arrive on her own. I just couldn't believe this was the moment we had been waiting for over the past nine months. We were finally going to meet our baby girl.

After the nurse got the IV hooked up they moved me into a labor room. There they administered several different medications. I had magnesium sulfate which was to help prevent seizures from my preeclamptic condition. Also, I had to have penicillin because I tested positive for the Strep-B virus and also because I had a urinary tract infection. They also gave me pitocin which helps to induce labor by assisting the uturus in producing regular contractions. Because we (baby and me) weren't quite ready for this event, they also had to insert a devise to help my cervix dilate. At three centimeters dilated the doctor on call came in and broke my water to help things move along. It was at this time I opted for the epidural.

The afternoon soon turned into night. My mom and sister came by and then Danny's parents to keep us company. Everyone left around 11:00 pm. Danny did a great job trying to keep me comfortable. Even though I threw up on him several times and had to ask him to help me on my bed pan. (I was bed ridden because of all the medication). I remember my mouth being so dry and every time I asked for water or ice he was right there by my side. He sat in a chair at the end of my bed watching me fall in and out of sleep, never once closing his own eyes. .

Tuesday, February 24, 11:24 am - "She's finally here" (38 weeks)

After a rough night of being sick, 20 hours of intense labor, three faulty epidurals, (one of which I was 8 cm dilated and had to wait an hour and 15 minutes for the anesthesiologist to administer additional medication) and 20 minutes of pushing, our little one arrived on February 24, 2004 at 11:24 am weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz and measuring 20 inches. I couldn't believe she was finally here, our baby girl.

I had a few complications after and due to the arrival. First off I had some pretty severe tearing that had to be stitched up. It was pretty painful because as I mentioned my epidural didn't actually take. They had to give me some demarol to make me more comfortable. Then after 15 minutes of waiting the placenta did not expel itself, so my doctor had to retrieve it. (yes, she had to do exactly what you are thinking, and it hurt like hell.) At this point I still hadn't held my precious baby girl. Though it was very moving to see Danny holding her next to me, talking to her. Finally, everything was done and Danny handed her to me. She was so tiny and beautiful. Even though I was still out of it, it was the best feeling in the world to finally be holding her. My Mom and sister were out in the waiting room eager to meet her as well.

After an hour and a half they moved me to a post partum room where we could relax as a family and make some calls announcing the unexpected arrival. We still hadn't given her a name yet, so after going down our list, we decided to name her Izabella Grace.

Thursday, February 26 - "Coming Home" (2 days old)

Due to my condition we had to stay in the hospital for three days so that they could continue to monitor my vitals. By Thursday, I was tired of being poked and prodded and just wanted to get home to sink into my own bed to relax. I remember that day. Sitting in the nursery holding Izabella. Just looking at her and crying. This was truly one of the rare occassions that I have had in my life to be so overwhelmingly happy that I have cried. I just couldn't believe how perfect she was and that I actually brought her into the world. My precious baby girl. It is truly a gift that we are given as women.