Baby Watch

Baby Bradshaw Update

Well, my doc would like to induce me on Friday if Hudson doesn’t make an appearance before then. So, I’m officially on count down. At least I know I’ll be recovered in time to fully enjoy my Thanksgiving food!
 
We are all pretty much ready to go. Caly and MJ could not be more excited and talk about “baby brother” constantly. My belly has been the recipient of many hugs and kisses! Daddy cannot wait to meet his son and Mommy cannot wait to be on the other side of labor!
 
Your prayers have been a significant encouragement to me through the births of both my girls. Could I ask you to do me that great kindness a third time?
 
We will get some pictures up by Friday evening if all goes as planned. And we will be sure to post if Hudson surprises us in the next couple days.

A Little Competition

Kristin’s middle son, Liam, was born with his Pop-Pop's (Mahaney that is) competitive nature. He turns every ordinary situation into a contest, which must have a champion and a loser. And while his parents are working hard to channel this competitive drive toward godliness, as the auntie, I just get to smile and enjoy this little guy.

Liam’s latest competition has been between the Mahaney grandchildren. There have always been more grandsons than granddaughters and to Liam, that means the boys are “winning.”

But Liam’s winning streak has been threatened by the news that his mommy is having a girl. The birth of baby Claire will bring the boys and girls even. And you know what that means: my new baby is going to determine the new winner. That’s a lot of pressure when you consider that the self-appointed captain of the boy’s team has a fierce desire to “win” this one.

Well, I had my sonogram yesterday and the results are in.

"Liam, congratulations! Your team is going to remain in first place. Auntie Na-Na is having a boy. I know he is going to be proud to play on your team."

Baby Watch

The end is in sight! Since MJ refuses to come on her own they are gonna force her out. Yep, I'm all set to be induced tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. My girl was looking healthy and way too happy at this morning's appointment. My doc (she practices with a few doctors) is on call tomorrow, so she'll be there to oversee my delivery which is what I wanted from the start. And while I was hoping to avoid inducement this time around, it is very obviously the Lord's will for me and I'm at peace.

Last night I tried (one more time) to induce labor naturally by joining in the family wiffle ball game. I ran (yes, ran) the bases and played as hard as my big belly would allow. Still nothing. But at least my team won!

I thoroughly enjoyed my "last meal" tonight. French fries were on the menu.

Tomorrow morning I will get the posts started and then Nicole will take over and live-blog the rest of the day. Thank you in advance for your prayers. They are truly a gift to me and my little one.

Baby Watch

You know what they say, "A watched pot never boils." I'm case in point. Five days over as of today and I don't think I even see any bubbles in the bottom of the pot. Still trying to have fun though. I went for blueberry pie for this morning's breakfast. I had eaten all of the peach.

Back to my doc yesterday. All is well.  Baby passed her stress test with flying colors. I passed my sonogram with equally high marks. Looks like I will be induced on Wednesday or Thursday if nothing happens over the next few days. So one way or another we will have a baby by the end of next week.

So many of you have communicated that you are keeping me in prayer. You cannot do me a greater kindness. Thank you.

Hopefully you will be hearing from me this weekend...

Baby Watch

I am now officially two days overdue. My two cousins, who were due AFTER me, have both had their babies.  (Congrats, Kel and Joy! I'm not at all upset that you didn't wait to go in the proper order. Love you both and can't wait to meet those little guys.)

They hooked me up to all the fun monitors at yesterday's visit to the doc...baby looks great and I was contracting very little. Doc still thinks I could go any day, but I'm doubtful. Caly is beginning to lack faith in my continual reminders that "baby MJ will be here soon."

But she will be here soon. In God's perfect timing. And until that time, I will continue to enjoy getting things done (something that is about to change big time as I enter the two-kid world) and eating peach pie for breakfast!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those that have been communicating your love through your prayers and encouragement. I really cannot express how your care serves my soul as I prepare for labor. Y'all are a gift to me from the Lord.

Next doctor's visit is Thursday. I will post if anything happens in the mean time...

Baby Watch

Just returned from the doc. How do they know when I've eaten a lot?? Somehow my big lunch topped off with some Cold Stone Creamery was obvious to them. Oh, but it was so worth it. My local Cold Stone has this new flavor called Blueberry Muffin Batter. I mixed in some rainbow sprinkles to make it perfect.

Today's report was similar to last week. I'm definitely past the 3 cm. mark but not quite 4. No change in effacement. Due date is Sunday so we talked options. I love my doc cuz she wants to do everything possible to avoid a c-section this time around. As long as MJ and I continue to be healthy than she will give me up to two weeks past my due date before talking other options.

Honestly, I'm content to wait. I feel pretty uncomfy, but you won't catch me sitting on top of my washing machine or running a marathon in an attempt to speed things along. This girl will come when she is good and ready and I have plenty to keep me busy in the mean time.

Oh, and if you don't like the sound of Blueberry Muffin Batter then I would highly recommend  Chocolate Cake Batter.

Baby Watch

I'm interrupting the homemaking series with a baby watch update....

Another visit to the doctor yesterday. I'm now 3 to 4 centimeters and in the words of my doc, "girlie's head is very, very low". She thinks things will go fast when the time comes. But who knows, these things never go the way you expect. I haven't packed a bag or anything. I just told Mike if I'm in too much pain to think, make sure to grab my fan and my camera. What more could I need? I would do the epidural at home too if it was possible, but I guess that needs to be left to the pros. Prayers for no c-section this time around would be much appreciated! We will begin posting as soon as anything happens (day or night).

Baby Watch

My visit to the doctor today brought some good news. The fun back pain that I have been experiencing is accomplishing something. Yeah! I'm 2 to 3 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced. Definitely further along at this stage than I was with Caly. MJ girl is measuring somewhere around 7lbs as best they can tell. Caly was 7lbs when she was born. I think her sister is gonna have her beat in that department.

So, the waiting game begins. My official due date is August 24th. We will see if MJ can hold out until then. As we have in the past, the blogging will begin whenever labor begins. I would be most grateful for your prayers!

We have had some requests for prego pics so we snapped a few on vacation...

Baby Watch

Today seemed like a good day for a “baby watch.” I’m just coming into my 28th week of pregnancy and all is well. Little MJ is kicking and punching me at all hours and even knocked a drink that I was holding a little too close to my belly the other day. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. At my last sonogram she couldn’t stop yawning so I’m hoping for one of those quiet angel babies. No one seems to think that’s what I will get, but what do they know?

My iron deficiency set in a couple weeks ago (had it during my pregnancy with Caly too) and along with it came my desperate craving for ice. And not just any ice—it needs to be just right for chewing, not too hard and not too big. I discovered that McDonalds has amazing ice. Yes, I said McDonalds. And guess what? My local McDonalds sells ice by the bag for one dollar. Ten whole pounds of ice for 4 quarters! It is slightly embarrassing to go through the drive-thru and order a bag of ice, but dignity hasn’t stopped me yet. Sometimes I add on a cherry pie or hash brown to try and seem a bit more normal.

Now before you flood my email inbox with loving lectures about taking my iron, let me tell you that I have already started taking it. While it doesn’t take the ice craving away, it keeps it at a manageable level. Unfortunately it makes me feel sick and tired, but that seems to be a wiser alternative to robbing McDonalds stores in the middle of the night.

I have my glucose test this week and the little bottle of nasty--I mean yummy--orange syrup is sitting in the pantry awaiting my consumption. Chad mistook it for orange soda the other day and almost drank it for me. Unfortunately (for me) he discovered his mistake in time and it’s still there waiting for me. No problems with gestational diabetes with Caly though, so I’m not anticipating anything this time around. Just a yummy drink and a few gallons of blood removed from my body and it will all be over.

We can’t wait to meet our little MJ! Caly loves to pat my belly and talk to her sister. Such fun. I covet your prayers and appreciate your care. I’ll keep the updates coming and of course, Nicole will be live-blogging the big day! Off to find some ice…

Bradshaw Baby Watch

So the girls told me that it was time to give a little pregnancy update. I haven’t been to the doc yet, but still plenty to tell. Those online pregnancy calculators put me at 11 weeks with a due date of August 28.

I thought I was sick with Caly, but this baby is looking to beat all of her records. I’m much more sick and much more tired. Fun, huh? Kinda dragging around a bit these days. With Caly, the sickness stopped right at 12 weeks, and I have already made it clear to this baby that the same will be true again. No exceptions.

My first craving was broccoli. Steamed with some lemon and butter. (My mouth is watering right now!) Too bad it was late at night and I was already in bed. I have also been craving cream puffs (but only a special kind that my mom makes—hint, hint!), egg and cheese sandwiches, and Chinese food.

No “feeling” yet on whether it’s a boy or a girl. Everyone is having fun guessing, but that’s what you are supposed to do. I’ll be sure to share the news when we find out.

More “baby watch” soon. Thanks for all of your encouragement and most of all, thanks for your prayers.

Tori Update (and Mom, The Legend)

To my surprise, I have something to report today. Apparently I’ve been making progress this week and I am now “fully inducible” according to the doctor. So, TOMORROW morning at 7:00 a.m. I will be induced and hopefully little Tori’s birthday will be 4-3-07. This makes my husband happy because four plus three is seven (One of the many reasons I don’t quite understand men!) I’m just happy the wait is cut short by twenty-four hours. So, if you are interested, please check in throughout the day. Janelle will be posting updates as often as she is able.

In truth, I’m glad baby Tori is coming tomorrow because tonight is Chad’s belated birthday celebration. My little brother turned fourteen last week but we were unable to celebrate as he was recovering from a stomach virus. So, we rescheduled his party to correspond with the NCAA finals tonight.

Speaking of which….

For all of you tracking Mom’s status in the family brackets, you’ll be happy to know her victory is all but assured. The only contender is my own wonderful husband Steve. But the best he can do is tie her score if Ohio State wins. If Florida wins, then of course Mom takes it all.

This would make her a genuine hero to the boys of one friend of ours. Laurie wrote to tell us that “you are now legendary in my home. This time, not because of your books, not because of the sound of your voice ringing through the kitchen on a regular basis via teaching, but because of your astounding accuracy in choosing the final four. I have overheard my sons at least twice say in awed tones, ‘my mom knows a lady who picked ALL FOUR of the final four on her bracket!’"

See you on the other side of labor and delivery!

Tori Update

Well, Tori didn’t make her appearance during our “Noel Piper week” and it’s not looking like she will come this week either. As my doctor said this morning, “you’re going past your due date!”

I’m at forty weeks today and although the baby’s head is very low, not much else is happening. Also, given the way Tori’s head is facing right now she won’t fit, thus ruling out the option of a natural delivery. So, unless she rotates between now and next week, I am scheduled to have a c-section on Wednesday, April 4 at 8:00 a.m.

Whatever happens over the next week and a half, it’s wonderful to contemplate the fact that God has already ordained all of Tori's days—including the day she will be born. Thank you once again for your prayers. I look forward to sharing the joy of Tori’s birth date with you.

Tori Update

Well, baby Tori’s head has dropped which means it can’t get any bigger (phew!) and we’re one step closer to her arrival into this world. Other than that piece of news, there’s not a whole lot to tell. Although my husband receives hourly, and sometimes minute-by-minute reports on every little ache and pain. He’s such a patient man.

This is a good time to let you know that Janelle will be returning my favor and “live-blogging” Tori’s delivery. Even if it begins in the middle of the night or on the weekend, she’ll post a “Tori Alert” and then provide updates periodically and pictures of the baby once she’s born. I hope you’ll check in as I would be truly grateful for your prayers.

As the day grows closer and I feel more tired and uncomfortable (and emotional!) I am more aware of my need for God. A friend recently gave me the following verse and quote by Charles Spurgeon. I plan on putting it in my hospital bag (which, by the way, I still need to pack!). I hope it encourages you today—whatever help you may need.   

“I will help you, says the Lord.” Isaiah 41:14

“This morning listen to the voice of the Lord Jesus speak, ‘I will help you. It is a small thing for me, your God, to help you. COnsider what I have already done. What! Not help you! I bought you with My blood. What! Not help you! I died for  you. Since I have done the greater, will I not do less? Your requests are nothing compared with what I am willing to give. You need much, but it is nothing for me to grant your needs. Help you? Fear not! I will help you.'"

Tori Update

Yesterday morning, I dug out Jack’s birth records in preparation for my doctor’s appointment. My little guy did not—and still does not—have such a little head. According to the birth information, he was 7lb 13 oz and 21 inches long and his head circumference was a whopping 14 inches! I don’t remember thinking my baby was all head when he was born. I thought he was perfect—as only a mother does.

My reason for checking on this was to be able to tell my doctor (who did not deliver Jack) what size head I was incapable of delivering naturally. He laughed when I told him the size of Jack’s cranium. “You know they say a big head means a big brain,” he said. I know, all too well. My son already has a better memory than I do.

After examining me, he said that my little girl’s head isn’t so small either. I guess I’ll be outnumbered in the memory department shortly. The doctor is not prepared to make a decision about whether I will have a natural delivery or a c-section. But he has plenty of time, as nothing much seems to be happening at the moment.

As he left the examining room, he said, “I’ll see you next week, unless you surprise me.” So, I’ll update you all next week too—unless Tori surprises me.

Extraordinary For It’s Ordinariness

I have reached the point in my pregnancy where I’m counting the weeks until the due date instead of the weeks that I’ve been pregnant. Only four to go!

With the delivery drawing near, I want to humbly request your prayers. As I’ve shared before on this blog, my delivery with Jack was followed by serious complications. We were reviewing the events last night at dinner with my family….

On Friday morning, February 21, 2003 I was induced. By mid-afternoon, my labor was regressing instead of progressing. Jack’s head was stuck and the doctor determined he was experiencing some distress. So, she performed a cesarean section. By God’s grace, he was a healthy little boy.

My recovery appeared to be going so well, they actually discharged me from the hospital on Sunday morning. On Monday afternoon, however, I stood up from the couch and felt a horrible pain in my abdomen.

The next three days were a blur. If I sat still for an hour or more, I could almost feel normal. But to move at all was excruciating. Between a one and a ten, something close to ten. Steve, and Janelle (who’d come to help because Mom had to stay with a sick Chad) cared for Jack and me heroically. It was assumed that I was, well—there’s no way to put this delicately—constipated, and that things would soon right themselves. But the pain only got worse.

Finally, on Wednesday I was admitted to the hospital for observation. Thursday morning, after the second CAT scan showed my condition deteriorating, emergency surgery was performed.

When I woke up, Steve told me that my colon had ruptured and subsequently been repaired, and that my appendix was inflamed and had been removed. I had an infection. In many ways this was only the beginning of the trial. The recovery was long and arduous--I won't bore you with all the details. It included many days in the hospital, loads of antibiotics, and numerous complications. After being discharged from the hospital, Steve, Jack and I lived with my parents for several months. My mom nursed me full-time and she and Janelle took turns getting up with Jack in the night. Finally, in June a second surgery was required to complete the repairs and I began to mend.

We still don’t know for sure what happened. There are half a dozen plausible theories. My current favorite is something called “Ogilvie Syndrome” which can occur following various types of surgery, including cesarean section.

The good news is that there are treatments (both medicinal and procedural) to prevent my colon from rupturing a second time. The much better news is that my health and my life are in God’s hands.

The plan for this upcoming delivery still has not been finalized. I hope to know more after my doctor’s appointment next week. If Tori’s head is not too big, the doctor would like to try to deliver the baby naturally. But a cesarean may once again be necessary.

Recently, I was speaking with my dear Aunt Betsy, and she told me that she was praying that my delivery would be extraordinary for it’s ordinariness. I liked the sound of that. So that is my prayer request—for my physical body anyway. Most of all, please pray that, “the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in [me] and [I] in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:12.

Thank you, my friends.