My, how things have changed!

I'm not sure when the usual "nesting" period begins for a pregnant woman. I'm not sure that it matters to me at this point. But I'm starting to feel more "at home" here in Tennessee. Whether that's just me getting used to being here or my hormones preparing a place for Olivia - I have no idea. Either way, it's happening. Changes are happening.

Miss Tiny - who never weighed in at over 100 lbs - is now up to 127 pounds and counting. I am 27 weeks and 5 days along into my pregnancy. Just 10 short weeks way from being "full term."

The past three weeks have been somewhat of a struggle for me health wise, though. Normally, I wouldn't care too terribly much, but with Livvy, things are different to me. Three weeks ago, I woke up from a great night's sleep and vomited for the next 6 hours. I recovered from it within the weekend, and the only lasting impression on my body was that I would get nauseated after I ate - every day, every meal. I was okay. I still ate, battled the nausea with water. Less than a week after my initial "incident," I woke up with cramping and nausea, which wasn't eased by Tylenol or anything. At my mom's request, I took a urinalysis that day (I work for my mom at her health care clinic when I'm in AR) and it revealed that I had a high level of blood in my urine, as well as an elevated number of white blood cells (pointing to some sort of infection). Now, we weren't sure the extent of the infection, which we figured to be an urinary tract infection, because of the blood. (Side note: in pregnancy, untreated UTIs can lead to a kidney infection, which can cause many complications - most commonly preterm labor) An exam showed no signs of any other bleeding, which was a very good thing. I was given antibiotics and something for pain, and all was well.

Until a week later - on Thursday, when I woke up at 2 am throwing up and continued until 8:30 am. Thankfully, we already had our regularly scheduled OB appointment and I was able to see the doctor at 9. By this time, I was dehydrated pretty badly and still not able to keep anything down. Our doctor said it didn't look like a virus because I didn't have any other symptoms or pain. She accredited it to subtle acid reflux that caused reoccurring vomiting and nausea. Her fix: hook me up to an IV for hydration and lace it with medicine for nausea. My poor husband...he hates needles and anything to do with needles.

That being said - this month has been the hardest month of the pregnancy for me. Next up - delivery! And no, I don't think that's going to be easy at all.

In other news, my family is doing well. Marvelous, in fact. About 3 months ago, my parents went on a diet together. Their reason - they wanted to be active grandparents with their new granddaughter!!! So far, Daddy has lost 45 pounds, I believe, and Mommy has lost about 42. They both have a lot more energy, they're sleeping better, and just have a better quality of life. Both are looking forward to little Olivia.

My sister is doing good. Her MS is in remission, it seems. She, too, is losing weight. As of last weekend, it was 33 pounds. Her reason is because studies show that MS patients typically do better dealing with symptoms and such if they weigh less. To each their own. (No reason is a bad reason to me!) I'm so proud of her...and my parents, too, of course.

My brother is...well, he's my brother. Physically, he's great! There are other things suffering, like school and relationships with parents. Prayer is the only answer. For him and for my parents. I know they struggle with where Kyle is right now.

Well, this ended up being a long post. Maybe if I updated more often the posts would be shorter. = ) Josh and I are planning on spending the afternoon in the kitchen doing some handy-work. Okay, so he'll be doing the work, and I'll be doing whatever I can to help.

Over 8 months and I love him more than I ever thought possible. God is so good!

Love and blessings to all
kmeals.