October 29, 2008

Better day

I have had a much better day than I did yesterday! I have accepted the fact that for the next three months, I am going to have to "cut back" and take it easy. I decided that if that's what I need to do to keep Liam and myself healthy, then that's what I'm going to do.  

My principal has been completely understanding and helpful since I called him to tell him the news. He was quick to tell me not to worry about not being able to coach basketball any longer and that he would find me a replacement. Which, he did! I'm really excited about the teacher who is taking my place. She's going to do a great job!!! He also told me that while I am at work to feel free to put my feet up and relax. My co-workers have been great, also. I'm so thankful that everyone at work has been so understanding!!!

I'm also thankful for my adorably sweet husband. By the time I got home from the doctor yesterday he had rearranged the living room to where the big, comfy couch was facing the tv, so that I could lay on my left side while I watch tv. (My doctor said that laying on my left side will help lower my bp.) He's prepared to take over all the stuff around the house that I can't do anymore. He is such a wonderful person, and I am so blessed to have him as my hubby!

October 28, 2008

Darn Genetics!!!

As some of you may know, I have been struggling to keep my blood pressure at a normal level. The problems started when I was about 19 weeks pregnant. We had gone in for an ultrasound and my doctor mentioned that my bp was a little high. He suggested I cut salt out of my diet and come back in two weeks. So, I began my very bland diet and assumed the problem would be solved. Two weeks later, I head back to the doctor and guess what...my bp had gone up even higher. I asked the doctor why my blood pressure was going up and he blamed it on genetics! Thanks, MOM! ; ) So, the doctor put me on bp meds and asked me to come back in three days. Three days later, the meds hadn't started working and my bp was still high. So, for about two weeks I was going to the doctor every three days to have my bp checked. (On a positive note, I was getting to hear Liam's heartbeat every time I went in!) Then, finally, the meds kicked in and my bp dropped to a perfectly safe level.  I was so relieved! I was starting to worry that I would be put on bed rest almost 4 months before Liam's due date. I would have gone crazy!!! Also, I was given the green light to coach basketball. I was so pumped!!! Well, that relief lasted for about 3 weeks. 

Last week I noticed that my fingers were starting to swell, so I started to monitor my bp again. The first time I checked it, it was a little high. I thought that it was probably because I had just cooked dinner. The next day I checked it again and it was a little higher. Then, yesterday I checked my bp while watching The Young and the Restless and it was ridiculous high! I immediately started to flip out, which I'm sure helped lower my bp. Ha! Anyway, I called my doctor today to give him an update and he asked me to come in after school. So, I went in with the thoughts of bed rest looming over my head. The doctor checked my bp, and of course, it was high. He proceeded to tell me to up my bp meds dosage and to cut back on all physical activity, including work! What?!?! How am I supposed to "cut back on work?" So, I asked about coaching. He quickly told me that I should NOT be coaching. Then, he looked at my chart again and told me that I could continue to work as long as I limited my daily activity to work only. No shopping, no cooking, no cleaning! All I can do is go to work, come home, and lay on the couch. Some of you may be thinking that this sounds wonderful, but seriously!?!?! 3 months of nothing but work?!?! I think I may go crazy, but I guess it's better than complete bed rest, which still may come.

I go back to the doctor on Monday to find out if the extra dosage of meds and the decrease in activity has helped lower my bp. If not, the doctor said that I'll probably be put on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. Thankfully, Liam is handling the high bp well. He is still active and his heart rate is still perfect. I keep thinking to myself how worthwhile this will all be. Liam is my light at the end of the tunnel!!!

October 20, 2008

Homecoming

David and I went to Stillwater this past weekend for homecoming. We had a blast! We started out by tailgating for a little bit, then Skye and I headed to Joe's for some delicious cheese fries! After we stuffed ourselves, we headed to the game to meet up with Thad and Chad. (Thanks again for the ticket, Thad!) The game was awesome...another Cowboy win! Go Pokes!!! While we were at the game, David hung out at Joe's and got to spend some time with his little sister. After the game we met David back at Joe's and spent the rest of the night there with some of our closest friends. (I ate some more cheese fries!) David and I stayed out until about 11:30 and then headed back to Ryan's house for some sleep. I was exhausted!!! The next morning we met Shalayna for lunch and did some shopping with her before heading back to Norman. 

It was so great to see everyone! I can't wait until we can all get together again!!!! 

Skye and Thad during the game

Skye and I

We had great seats!

I love all of that orange!!!

Britt and I at Joe's

On a side note, I went back to the doctor today, and Liam is doing great! His heart rate is perfect and his growth is right on track, which we are thankful for. We did get a little bad news...we don't get to go home this year for Christmas. My doctor doesn't want me more than an hour away from the delivery site that close to the due date. I'm a little bummed, because being back in Bartlesville and spending time with family are my favorite parts of the holidays. This will be the first time in my life to miss the big Swaim Family gathering in Missouri. I'm a little sad about it, but I know that the first time I hold Liam, I will completely forget about missing Christmas. He's going to be totally worth it!!!!!