MS & baby appt updates

  MS doctor appointment: I went in August to my neurologist to discuss the pregnancy and multiple sclerosis and more importantly, what will be my plan for after I deliver. Originally I was told that it was in my best interest to not nurse at all, or only for about 2 weeks. They wanted me to continue with my treatment as soon as Bennett was born as most mothers experience a rough relapse after delivery.
   I was checked out for mobility and symptoms by the nurse and everything looked good. I was scheduled to have my annual MRI scan but due to the pregnancy, we couldn't do that. My doctor spoke with Lou and I about what to expect after delivery. He also proposed that I switch from Copaxone injections to the new MS pill form of treatment--Gilenya. This pill has been on the market for over a year with great results within the trial groups. I am still not sure what we are going to do. I have a couple more months to decide which treatment I want to continue with and weigh the pros and cons.
   Then I was able to sweet talk my way into nursing the baby for 6 weeks!!! I have to see the neurologist RIGHT after I deliver Ben to see how I am doing. I do not want to push my health or go against the doctor who obviously knows more than I do--so I am not going to attempt to get more than they have allowed. I still consider it a small victory (and money saved!!). 

OB appointment: We went in last week for our monthly appointment and the glucose test. Everything looked, measured and sounded perfect. I was given some surprising news though--starting at 32 weeks pregnant, I will have to go to see the doctor twice a week until I deliver. Because MS is such an unpredictable disease and other underlying factors--they want to monitor me closely. I'm crossing my fingers that this doesn't involve the stress testing. I swear concentrating on baby movements and pressing buttons causes ME more stress! lol I guess I'll find out more as the weeks go on. I also discussed scheduling the C-section and it looks like we will deliver sometime the week of January 8th.
   We had an ultrasound as well and Bennett was bouncing all over the place! It was neat to see how much he has changed in two months. We could see him yawning, waving, and "drinking" water. Very cute! It's hard to believe that in about 3 months we are going to have another little boy! :)

So that's it for updates! My next OB appointment is at the end of October. It's my last monthly appointment! I'll only have one 2 week appt then move on to twice weeklys! Thank goodness for great insurance haha! :)

Happy October!

I found this picture while browsing my iPhone pictures. This was
Dominic's first October. I can hardly remember him this small and
chubby!! Too cute!

It's freeeezing here today-a perfect excuse for a pumpkin spice latte
don't ya think! ;-)

"Birthday Party" pictures

It has been raining like crazy up here lately so we decided to take full advantage of a sunny, warm day. I mentioned to Dominic that I wanted to take some pictures of him and he insisted that the pictures were all for his "Birthday Party". I have NO CLUE where he is getting it from but everything revolves around his birthday lately. He looks through catalogs, iphone apps, books etc finding stuff for "my birthday party". It's so funny! I was hoping that the leaves were going to be a bit brighter but I've read that Northern Ohio is at it's peak the first week of October--guess we'll try again next week! :)

24 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 24 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Papaya! Or an ear of corn according to some sites.
Maternity Clothes: Yes please. I feel like I am MUCH bigger this pregnancy way sooner.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: A lot of strong movement. I'm pretty sure this baby is nocturnal because he kicks and rolls from 12-2 each morning.
Sleep: Bennett seems to have moved away from my bladder which means I am up less throughout the night. I've been super exhausted the last couple weeks--possibly due to dealing with Dominic's surgery (he had his tonsils and adenoids out) and the cooler weather.
What I miss: more than one cup of caffeine a day
Cravings: Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I can't chalk this up to pregnancy--they are just so good!!
Symptoms: heartburn is still kicking my butt-it seems like everything I eat/drink does me in
Best Moment this week: The first day of fall!! I LOVE fall and the holiday season--which is just so much closer to Ben's birthday! :)
Next Appointment: September 28th-Glucose test day

22 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Papaya!
Maternity Clothes: Last week we had some cooler weather and I was able to enjoy my old maternity jeans again. Aren't these just pajama jeans??
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: LOTS of movement!! I really don't remember Dominic being so strong so early. It looks like Bennett is trying to break out of my belly some days. Lou has been able to feel him kicking already as well.
Sleep: I can count on one hand the number of decent nights of sleep I've gotten in the last few months. Hopefully crisp, fall temperatures will help!
What I miss: sleeping on my stomach
Cravings: Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I can't chalk this up to pregnancy--they are just so good
Symptoms: heartburn city
Best Moment this week: Lou getting to feel Ben kick and seeing him moving around in there. Instant reassurance.
Next Appointment: September 28th-Glucose test day

Poppin in!

I do have some updates to get caught up on but that will have to wait
until I have more than 5 minutes to myself at the computer! So in
celebration of the kickoff of football season here's a picture of
Dominic wearing one of Lou's shirts from when he was D's age. How
cute! Go Browns and Buckeyes!!

20 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a large banana!
Maternity Clothes: I'm ordering some maternity workout gear and other essentials today.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: Feeling flutters and kicks now, mostly at night.
Sleep: Not nearly as tired as I have been, but I count the minutes each day until the moment I can lay down.
What I miss: Eating without heartburn!
Cravings: Nachos, especially jalapenos
Symptoms: heartburn, growing pains, shiny nails (woohoo!)
Best Moment this week: feeling little kicks
Next Appointment: August 31st