We’ve got a big one on the line.

We’ve got a big one on the line.
We should not be surprised; I tend to catch some big fish :). However, Jeff was a tiny baby, and I was about average. For some reason, I was dreaming of a little, little one. Not the case. In the world of fishing, Mattie is going to be a great catch!

Today we had a growth sonogram since our child has been a little “all over the place” as far as size/due date.

We have joked throughout the pregnancy that we could end up with some pretty interesting combinations since Jeff has such long legs, a short torso, and a little head; and I, on the other hand, have short legs, a long torso, and a huge head. Well, today we learned this little girl is her mother’s child. She has an above average head – over the 70th percentile (all to hold her above average IQ :)) – and legs a little on the short side. However, she is also her father’s child as she gave us a great shot of her picking her nose today.

We finally were able to see a 3D picture of her face! They have tried numerous times for a 3D sonogram, but Madeline has proved very stubborn avoiding the camera at all costs (definitely Jeff’s child). We thought we had missed our window of opportunity since after 36 weeks it becomes very difficult to take a decent 3D picture (the child is squished in such a small space). But, Mattie pulled through and gave one good look at the camera. It is not great, because her large head is squished and she is pushing her fist against her cheek, but we think it is pretty cute. We also saw a precious hand with all the digits, a tongue sticking out, practice breaths, and, as I mentioned, some healthy nose picking and pinching. She seems very interested in that part of her face.

We continue to be thrilled that Mattie is doing very well and grow more and more anxious for her arrival. Really, I can’t emphasize that enough – I’m ready for this child to inhabit a new area. And, I believe she, too, is anxious to relocate. She is a very aggressive kicker. I have not experienced a full hour without an intense ”break out” attempt in weeks. She is really trying to “bust out” of this joint. Jeff almost fell on the floor laughing today because she was pushing out almost 2 inches on one side of my belly. I don’t think it is so cute anymore – just uncomfortable. Unfortunately, at this point, I am not progressing at all and show no signs of labor. However, my child is measuring ahead of schedule, especially her head. She is officially full-term and measures an average of 39 weeks (her head pushes that number up :). I however, have gained very little weight or inches the last 8 weeks, so this kid is eating reserves and packed in tightly. I’m scheduled for an induction on 8/9/10 if she hasn’t made her grand entrance before. Right now she is estimated to weigh a little less than 7.5 lbs; so, we are most likely going to “reel in” an 8+ pounder.

Sorry for the long post and all the detail! We've been behind on providing folks a lot of info on the little one. We’ll keep you posted and hope to have another update next Tuesday.

Mattie's Room

We finally finished Miss Madeline's room! There are still a few things to do, but for the most part, it is ready for her arrival!

My mom and a few of her friends made some adorable knitted hats, outfits, and blankets. We had to create something to put them on display!!!

Now we just wait for Mattie Ann to arrive - hopefully, within the next 2-3 weeks!

Just Kidding....

Well, the trip to the hospital is now something we can do in our sleep. Jeffrey and I went back for a third visit last week. I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain in my lower back on the right side From the previous kidney infection, I knew it had to be something wrong there was only one organ causing my grief. The pain continued and intensified for several hours and then started to progress down and around to my bladder – truly a delightful experience. We eventually called the doctor and headed back to the hospital. Jeff is now a pro at packing our bags. Although I did not have the high fever from my earlier hospital visits, I did finally feel all the "symptoms" of a kidney infection and UTI that I had so pleasantly avoided the previous three months.

I never dreamed we would be returning to the hospital again not in labor! After several tests and a lot of pain, it was determined I had kidney stones, which thankfully all passed by late afternoon. I would not wish that experience on my worst enemy. Fully pumped with fluids, antibiotics, and a clear MRI, I was released after three lovely days on the L&D floor. (I think my total now is seven days.) I would also not wish an MRI on any pregnant woman. Apparently, claustrophobia is one of my pregnancy symptoms, not to mention being on your back for an hour with a massive belly and a child engaged in aerobic activity is less than pleasant. I was trying so hard to be still, but Mattie apparently thought the loud banging sound was the bass to a Fergie song and decided it was time to “get down”.

Although an unpleasant experience, we have much to be thankful for. We have been blessed with some of the most amazing nurses, who not only provided unparallelled care, but answered so many of our pregnancy and deliver questions as well. We now have several favorites from each shift we hope to be with when we deliver. The anxiety of being in the hospital and the majority of the unknowns for the L&D floor are gone, and we have a pretty good understanding of how to survive in the hospital. The question remains, can we do it with a baby? My doctor, whom we love, says after the pain of passing kidney stones, I'm good to go for labor - I will not even need an epidural. HA! Needless to say, I made sure she understood that was not the case, and I would, in fact, like two just to make sure it takes I have discovered the max of my pain threshold and don’t plan to go down that road again.

We are truly grateful to the Lord for keeping Mattie safe throughout all these ordeals. The child has not missed a beat and continues to do very well, especially under the circumstances. We are also thankful to now know what has been going on with me the last few months. The stones are most likely the culprit for the kidney infection and my previous two hospital visits. My dad thinks we should thank Mattie who probably kicked the mess out of the stone to break it up so it could pass. I adore this child, can’t wait to meet her, but I’m not planning to start thanking her for these fabulous pregnancy hospital/pain experiences.

We are also truly grateful for our parents. Mine kept in constant communication with bags packed seeking referrals/advice from every physician in Owensboro. Jeff's came to the rescue once again to take care of Macy and also to be with us some in the hospital. Jeff's dad was awesome helping us understand what was happening clinically, and Jeff's mom even came back to sit with me one day while Jeff went to work. They were great! They, too, now have the “to the hospital” drill down We are so grateful for everyone’s calls, e-mails, and support. Family and friends are truly precious!

Lastly, I must, in writing, express my sincere love and appreciation for my husband. Words cannot express the support, care, and encouragement he provided during this visit and throughout this entire pregnancy. Believe me, this experience was not one of my “finer moments.” He can now put a big check next to the “in sickness,” part. He has held my hand through intensely uncomfortable situations, allowed me to claw and draw blood on his arm, awakened to help me drag my IV pole to the bathroom at all hours of the night, and has since slept on the couch with me to keep me company. He is truly the most wonderful man. I am not sure what I ever did to deserve him, but, Jeffrey, I adore and appreciate you more than you will ever know.

Back in the hospital again...

Well, I went back in the hospital again this week. I am now fully familiar with the Labor and Delivery floor and several shifts of wonderful nurses. Unfortunately, I've done everything there except deliver Madeline.

Thankfully Miss Mattie has been doing incredibly well and was not troubled by my issues. I was admitted about 2 weeks ago with high fevers and after running tests and administering antibiotics, they thought it was most likely a virus. So, I came home and appeared to recover. However, after our baby shower in Kerrville (pics in earlier post), my fever returned, and I was admitted again. After numerous tests, they found the source of the infection - my kidney. Long story short my issues were asymptomatic except for the high fever symptoms (which were not fun). However, the infection was pretty intense with a high white blood cell count and a swollen kidney. But, I'm blessed - the infections where mostly asymptomatic or I would have been a really unhappy camper and Mattie was not bothered by the ordeal. After 3 days of fluids and IV antibiotics and strict release instructions, I was able to come home late Wednesday night. THANK goodness!!! I'm still on antibiotics and will remain on them until I deliver.

Thankfully, mom and baby are doing well, and Jeff and I are thankful to catch up on some sleep. I have an amazing husband who was by my side the entire time and has earned a "get out of jail free" card for the rest of our marriage. He was incredibly supportive as I struggled with not feeling well, multiple IVs, and functioning off almost no sleep. I love that man of mine.

Hopefully, we have been to the hospital for the last time until Miss Mattie Ann arrives in 4-6 weeks. I can't wait for her to be here and am glad to be resting at home!

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support!

Kerrville Baby Shower

What an amazing shower!! I feel so blessed to be part of the Morris family and am grateful for Toni, Bill, and Jeff's amazing friends and family. The shower was beautiful and incredibly generous. Here are just a few pics:

The most amazing hostess! I can't thank them enough!

Jeff's Godmother made the amazing cake!

Sweet Sarah drove in from Austin.

Jeff and his Dad joined us at the end of the brunch.

Toni and Bill celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary the same weekend.