Great Expectations

As you can tell by our "ticker", we are approaching the end of this pregnancy. I must say, this go 'round, I am more ready than ever! But I also have more concerns/reservations, too. The journey to meet our baby girl, thusfar, has been much more challenging than I'd imagined... enjoyable in its own right, too, but difficult, as well. Without going into TOO much boring detail, I'll attempt to share. :)

The first trimester wasn't too bad. Pretty typical for me. No real sickness or anything. Just pretty tiring. Here's a picture of baby #3 from early on... Isn't it amazing what you can already see?! what God has already created?!

The second trimester rolled around... fairly uneventful... just excited about the addition to our family and the fact that this baby was going to be a baby sister for Hudson & Cade, granddaughter #2 (of 7 grandchildren) for the Freeman's, and granddaughter #3 (of 6 grandchildren) for the Via's. You can see how she keeps her hands around her face in this picture.

Most of her movements tend to be very low. I think I'm carrying her quite different from either of the boys. Both boys are getting to feel her move, too. Hudson just giggles & grins. Cade is a little like, "Woah! What was that?!" :) It's fun for all of us to feel/see her growing!

By the third trimester, things began to change. I must say, for the last three months, I've dealt with some other sort of "sickness" on top of the pregnancy... nothing truly painful, but extremely annoying!!! Yuck! (I've about had my fill!)

It started in mid-June with a weird case of thrush - white patches that came & went (and came & went, and came & went) in the back of my mouth/throat. I really didn't think much of it. It didn't hurt. It would be present for a few days then go away. At my next regular check-up, though, I decided to mention it to the physician to see if there was any kind of treatment I could take. He prescribed a "swish" that I started the next day. Within 48 hours, I had a rash all over my body... elbows to fingertips, chest to toes... red, irritated, & itchy, itchy, itchy!!! This was early July, and I tried several creams (prescription & OTC) for a few days. Then I bottomed out & cried to my doctor for HELP!!! (Did I mention it was itchy?) The docs were a little confused as to whether it was a pregnancy rash (which could last 8 more weeks until delivery or an allergic reaction to something... I really didn't care as long as I got some relief! ha!). Anyway, they gave me a dose-pak, and to everyone's surprise, the rash went away! Hallelujah! My body literally peeled all over where the rash had been (like dead skin... disgusting, I know), but at least the rash was gone. I was home-free, right? Ha! Fate laughed in my face once again!

I did feel good for a few weeks... Then by mid-August, I had a weekend of fever, and four days of congestion & severe sinus pain!!! Ok, I normally have my share of sinus/allergy issues. This, too, shall pass, right?

The next weekend... back-to-back migraines. Huh?! Almost to the end... won't be long now.

Two more weeks... weird mouth & facial sensations... go to hospital to be checked? Bells palsy? What's that?! Yes, this is what's plaguing me the last few weeks of my pregnancy... bells palsy... stroke-like facial symtoms, no explanation as to cause really, medications may shorten duration but don't make it go away... sounds like fun, I know.

Needless to say, I've had a few "pity parties" for myself during this pregnancy. I've really tried hard, though, not to focus on the trials, but to be thankful I have a healthy baby girl still protected & growing inside of me. And she is healthy. If that is the one true blessing in all of this, she has been fine the entire time! Mommy's hormones are CRAZY, but baby girl is great. Here she is around 32 weeks, all chubby-cheeked & content.

We are scheduled to deliver this Wednesday!!! Two more days!!! After everything else that has happened, I'm a little nervous about a smooth delivery, and even more nervous about how my body will respond. If you have a moment, send us a prayer for health. I'd really appreciate it! And thanks for listening!!!