Jackson Fenway Parker is here

Jackson was born at 2:53 p.m. November 24. He weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces and is 22 inches long.

Friday Update 37 weeks, 2 days

Just wanted to get a note out, as it looks as though I might not be updating for a while.
The doctor called yesterday and told us that he thinks the day before Thanksgiving will be GO TIME! Although the boy looks good in there, I continue to get contractions. Since he is full-term now and healthy as a horse from what we can tell, we will go ahead and schedule a C-Section for the day before Thanksgiving. At that point I will be 38 weeks. The time is yet to be determined. We should get confirmation sometime late on Saturday.
So exciting - this is actually happening! What a journey...

November 17 - 37 weeks

We had an appointment last week where the doctor actually gave me a high-five. I think he is just absolutely tickled that we have made it this far. I know that his main job is that of a fertility specialist - so seeing one of his problem children make it this far, seemed quite thrilling. All appears great in there - the little man is moving around as much as he can. Personally I think he is looking for more space. We will head back to the doc tomorrow to see if anything has changed. It was just amazing news to know that he is over 7lbs - and that was LAST week. I guess babies are supposed to be growing like weeds these days. I'm ready whenever he is. I wouldn't mind a November baby, but if he hangs in until to December, then that is the plan. The reality is so close, yet seems impossible to quite imagine at the same time.

35 weeks and still cookin'

We have continued to get rave reviews at the doctor each week. Reassured that the little man looks good, is healthy, and right on track for a healthy birth. My blood pressure remains low, contractions minimal, and all other signs point to a plan that is working. With mom in town from NY, I have been able to continue the prep for baby arrival. She does the laundry, grocery shopping, dog walking, and organizing that I feel needs to be done before he gets here. It is so refreshing to feel as though I am getting things done, while still following Dr. orders. We have 28 days left if we make it all the way through. I would shoot for the week before Thanksgiving if it were in my hands, but we all know that it isn't... :O)

According to the ultrasound he has hair, and chubby cheeks. Although they only measure his weight once a month, he continues to show growth. I feel his kicks under my ribs quite a bit. We are so excited about meeting our son. Still in awe, and very excited.

Week 32 contractions!

So there I was thinking Braxton Hicks contractions were rearing their ugly head more these days, when someone mentioned I might want to call my doctor. ME? Call the doctor? That couldn't be farther from the truth - I felt like a call to the office put me in the "overreacting" first time pregnant lady category. But with gentle words I was convinced to call. The first nurse I spoke to told me to head to triage. Well, triage to me meant MASH 4077 - with blood and dying people all over. No offense Nurse lady, but I wanted a second opinion. You always call the person who will give you the answer you WANT, right? I dialed up our laid back fertility nurse and gave her the rundown. She was reassuring, and told me to get my blood pressure taken at school and then call her back. Blood pressure was fine, and I was feeling good. UNTIL, she answered the phone and told me the doctor was calling the hospital and I was to report to triage. Ugh. Seriously?

So off I went, shaking my head the whole way.
Parker met me in the parking lot and in we went. We were registered, taken to a waiting room for 10 minutes, and then placed in a room where I was hooked up to belly monitors. They began to track the fetal heartbeat along with the contractions that were occurring. Yup, they were real. It was almost as if my body knew it was being watched. I had one contraction that took my breath away and lasted for 6 minutes! After a few hours, and a dinner for Parker of Funions and cupcakes(thank you vending machine), we had a visit from a man I had seen before. He reported that we were waiting on my doctor to arrive (Really? This can't be good...), and that he wanted to see if I was dilating at all. If I were a betting girl that day, I would have lost miserably. Again, to my surprise - I was 1cm along.

Around 9:30pm our doctor came in to tell us we would be staying.
I would be given magnesium through an IV to slow the contractions, steroid shots to prepare baby lungs 'just in case' he was to make an early appearance, and we would be monitored 24hours "for a few days". DAYS?

Within the hour I was wheeled up to labor and delivery. IV's were placed, blood drawn, shots given, and catheter placed. I was not allowed anything - no water, food, etc. for the next 16 hours. Have you seen a pregnant lady who hasn't eaten in that long?

The next 5 days were spent at the hospital. I got to know the wonderful sensations that come with magnesium. Not only the ones that naturally come with such a muscle relaxer, but also the ones that come when the night nurse hooks you up to a double dose on accident!! Think 16 Candles wedding scene when she takes the muscle relaxers and rubs her face. I was a comedian in the making trying to make words with no use of my tongue!

My room was next to the C-section delivery room, so I spent many an hour listening to women being wheeled in and out with their bundles of joy.

I enjoyed endless cartons of cran-grape juice and boxed scrambled eggs.

By Friday afternoon(we arrived Tuesday) they decided to unhook me from all the things that were keeping me immobile. The ability to walk again was outstanding! They continued to monitor the baby and contractions - which had most definitely slowed and lessened in intensity. It was Sunday afternoon when the real saving grace walked through my doors. I was offered the chance to leave. I was overjoyed! Sleep in my own bed? Eat real food again? I knew it was safe to go, or it wouldn't have been offered. I celebrated inside as the doctor went over the rules. I was to maintain bed rest for the most part - showers, brief walks around the house, etc. were ok. If the contractions got over 6/hour I was to call and return.

We took a tour of the NICU before leaving - we had signed up for it so that we could see the options just in case. I knew at last check our little man was 3lbs 4 oz - and I just had no idea how big or little that really was. The NICU there was amazing. 40 spots for premature babies to be cared for. I was awed and reassured by what I saw.

So home we went. Since then I have been very good.
I'll spend 15 minutes sitting in a chair outside each day just to breath in the goodness of the fall air. I feel a million times better now that I am home. Contractions are down to about one an hour, and the little man is still kicking around like crazy.

Tuesday afternoon we went in for an ultrasound. We are thrilled to report his growth now stands at 4lbs 11oz! I will get ultrasounds twice a week from here on out. We will look to cross one hurdle at a time. 34 weeks being the next one. I see the OB next Thursday for another update.

Phew!
What a week.
This little one is truly a labor of love. We continue to realize how very blessed we are, and know that we will do whatever it takes to ensure his safe arrival into our lives!

October already! 30weeks

I met with the doctor today and got a refreshing update on all that is happening within! Our little man continues to flourish. The most recent ultrasound looked good, with nothing to worry about. I was also pleased as punch to hear that I passed my glucose test "with flying colors"!

My stomach is measuring about 1 week ahead. My blood pressure is low, and all the other tests point to "normal".

Week before last we decided to go to Dallas and enjoy some time together. We headed back to the hotel where we were married to take some quiet time as man and wife. We lovingly refer to it as our mini-baby moon.

We are just amazed at how fast this time is passing us by. Hard to imagine that in 2 short months we will be welcoming him into our lives.

Almost 28 weeks!

Wow, with the start of school, we didn't even consider updating the baby blog! My apologies to those of you who have been checking back for updates. Thanks mom and dad for reminding me to get on an fill everyone in! :O)

Last Friday was my glucose test, and although I had heard many a nightmare about drinking the terrible orange drink, it really wasn't all that bad. I have to admit, after drinking my pre-surgery gallon of ICK, I had visions of the same. The small bottle was a walk in the park in comparison. No results on that yet - which will determine if I am at a greater risk for gestational diabetes. My tummy continues to grow, although I have been a little more careful with the type of food I am eating. Two appointments ago, when I had put on the 9 pounds in three weeks, I thought it might be time to skip a hot fudge sundae every once in a while!

This time, I only gained ONE pound - which of course caused my doctor to ask some questions and be sure that I am not holding back TOO much. I think I've found a good balance. My students, even in the 8th grade, continue to make comments that make me smile. One last week told me how much bigger I looked than the week before. I'm glad I can find it humorous, and not take offense in a moment of higher than normal emotional instability. Me? Pregnant and unreasonable? Not that I know of. :O)

At last weeks appointment, Dr. B. told me that the ultrasound show signs of swollen kidneys in baby Parker. Although the detail can be amazing, it is also sometimes cause for premature concerns. We will just wait and see - sometimes they are back to normal by next viewing - sometimes they continue to expand, which means there might be a blockage. There are many things it "might be", but it's nice to find peace in knowing there is nothing we can do. No sense worrying over nothing! I'm sure all will be well. He also told us we were looking at 11 weeks out at the longest. The little man is measuring 1-2 weeks ahead. Goodness how time has flown! So, we are excited and awaiting the arrival of our little man. He moves and kicks, and truly seems to respond to his daddy's voice.

Speaking of daddy, Parker has kicked into father mode already - talking about cars they will work on together, guitar playing, throwing the ball. It seems like an eternity away when that will be possible, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it!

On a side note, I think my intense need to clean this weekend might have been signs of "nesting".

Ahhhh...the adventure continues...

Week 24!

What an experience this week was. We were able to see our little baby, clear as if it were ready to enter the world tomorrow! We saw fingers, toes, ears and eyes. It was amazing. And we also saw the details that confirmed its gender!! We will be the proud parents of a little boy come December 1st. We were beyond thrilled!! I continue to add weight - 9 pounds in the last 3 weeks! Eek! But my doctor assured me all is well and on track. He only mentioned the need to eat more red meat. :O) Consider it done - I had some meatballs with my spaghetti tonight! Next on the list is a glucose test, and monitoring the continued growth of our little man. What an amazing journey!

Week 21

I know its been a while, but again, the news remains the same - thank goodness!! All is well. Saw the doctor last week for a regular heartbeat appointment - the little one is steadily beating around 160bpm. We are still in a holding pattern - Gender will be revealed on August 10th. This week my brother's wife had a baby boy - a BIG baby boy! Max Cooper weighed in just over 9lbs! Can't wait to meet the little man. We continue to work on the baby room, and tying up loose ends in preparation for the school year to begin - and with that, a whole new to do list!

15 week check up

Well, now that we're rolling right along, I feel like our updates are rather non-eventful!

We had our 15 week appointment this week. I have officially started the weight gain - surprisingly 9 pounds already! Dr. Bundren found its heartbeat and responded "perfect"! Music to my ears. I will see him again in a month to check again. My question was how soon we could find out the sex of the baby - yes, we're going to find out! He told me that at our next ultrasound we could...sadly, that isn't until August. As far away as that sounds now, I'm sure it will be here before we know it.

Approaching Week 14

So, there seems to be an actual expansion going on these days. I have begun to see some visual changes in me - pleasant to see as opposed to FEELING things - shots ended June 1st, and I have been feeling better with each passing day. I recognize the need to eat when hungry, as opposed to waiting until mealtime. If I don't eat, that's when the "yucky" tummy sensations come sneaking back in. We have our next appointment scheduled on the 17th of June. I plan to ask about determining the gender of the baby. From what I have heard and read, it seems like the 20th week is the time you're able to tell. That would put us out into July. Mom and dad have been here this week helping around the house from NY. We are amazed at how much they know about home repair - and even more amazed at how much we have to learn! Life is good - and we continue to recognize the blessings at every turn. Until next time...

11.5 weeks, and all is well

I went to the new clinic this week to meet with Dr. Bundren and the staff there. The place was very nice - clean and well run.

I had a regular check up - no ultrasounds this time, as I am now on the regular pregnancy track - those don't include the expense of every visit ultrasounds. He did get out the hand held monitor though, and fished around my belly for a heartbeat. He wasn't confident he would be able to get to it, seeing as it still is quite early....but after some pushing around, there it was! The little lime (it's size now) has a heart rate of 170bpm. I will head back in a month for a routine check up. All seems normal and on track. We look forward to June 2nd, which will mark the first day of no shots in months!!! YAHOO!! Mom and dad are heading down that day as well, and I'm sure we'll start thinking about the realities of what December 1st will mean in this house! So amazing! My stomach continues to move outward - it is such an interesting experience realizing that it is my body making the necessary changes in order to host the little one growing inside. If anything monumental should occur, we'll be sure to make note of it here.

Almost 10 weeks...

I have been trying to keep track of various sensations. It's such a challenge to concentrate on all the good stuff when you're trying to keep your stomach settled most of the day. I sat in the last row during chapel today - with one eye on the exit just in case. I had three fabulous days last week - days when I felt hungry, energized, etc. But the honeymoon was soon over, and I was back to gagging at certain smells - fresh cut tomatoes seem to do me in, along with any lingering odor of cooked meat. Bacon seems to have a way of being there, even days after it's consumption. I continue to remind myself that the icky sensations are all good signs - and I continue to count down to June 1st, when I'm hoping the veil is lifted. Not only will it mark the end of daily shots, but I have read that at trimester 2, the baby placenta has developed enough to take over all the hormones that have been causing the stomach unrest. I have an appointment next week with Dr. Bundren. Although I will no longer be going to the office near us, I will continue under his watchful eye at his other clinic. I'm so thankful to have that opportunity. I can't imagine trying to build a new relationship with a doctor that hasn't made this journey with us.

So May 20th is our next appointment. Look for an update after that! The journey continues...Have a great week!

9 week update

7 weeks in...

We had an ultrasound today, and I was AMAZED at the growth of this little blueberry already - seriously! WOW! I did not think that you would be able to see a heartbeat- and even an arm bud! I'm still in shock for sure - a certain calmness is within me - a peaceful realization that this is part of the "plan" - the one we are not in charge of. We certainly did not foresee the joy that met us in Dr. Bundren's office today. It was amazing!

PBJ works wonders

I managed through a week of coughing and sniffling before getting in touch with the doctor to see what else we should be doing. Obviously we don't want to put this little pea in jeopardy at all. After speaking with the nurse she called in an antibiotic, and told me to load up on yogurt, fluids, and rest. I take naps every day after school - and force down the foods even when I'm not feeling up to it. I'm anxious to get this "cold" out of my system so that I can tell the difference between illness, and pregnancy! :O)

Showing already?? :O)

Fever...

Spring has arrived in Tulsa, and we look forward to the "other" changes that are headed our way.

it's been a long week...

We knew our week was going to be a long from the start, knowing that Thursday would bring our results. On Wednesday morning we started with a workout - and I was completely distracted. My mind was racing...

Off to work we went.

What a day.

Not only did I cry three times before lunch, but Parker had a small fire at his Dental Lab!

The cramps started, and when I made a trip to the bathroom after my third class, I was certain my body was telling me the bad news.

I sent a note to the nurse and let her know that I would skip my appointment in the morning if the bleeding progressed. She quickly called me and told me to come in - "let's draw the blood now; twelve hours won't make a difference" So, off I went...

Within two hours I had received a text back from her, confirming our biggest hope - one of the blastocysts had taken, and we were due around December the 7th!!!

I was shocked, and anxious that Parker wasn't with me when the news came in.

An hour later he pulled up to the school to pick me up.

On our ride home he filled me in on his challenging day - the flames, a call to the fire dept., and managing to extinguish the flames himself before the truck got there.

You could tell he was exhausted and frustrated with what had happened, and what he was going to do...

My response??

"Well, would it make you feel better if you knew we were having a baby?"

:O) He pulled the truck over, turned to me with tears in his eyes, and we embraced.

The next two hours were spent calling our family and closest friends. We listened to tears of joy, shouts of excitement, and everything in between. Although it is truly too early to start buying baby furniture, we can't help but daydream about the possibilities... About the life that we know today, and the life we have arriving at the end of the year...

Please continue to hold us up in thoughts and prayers - - - the journey is just beginning!

We can't wait!

The wait continues...

I just wanted to pass along an update -
I've included a couple of photos from the past week.

Parker before the transfer, and me after. The last one, is my view in the "hotel" room at the clinic. I have been taking it easy all weekend -
resting here and there, and being sure not to do any lifting or "bouncing"(Dr's orders)
Mom and dad leave tomorrow for NY, after a long stay. I can't count the number of times Parker has asked them to stick around. We have had so much fun. Charlie is spoiled, the house is clean, broken items are fixed, and tummies are full.

We continue to wait to see if our 2 "friends" have settled in for the long haul.

We will visit with the doctor late in the week to find out where we stand.

Home from transfer

We are now home from the transfer, and the wait begins.
We also found out on the way home that there was one blastocyst to freeze.
That way, should we choose to go this route again, we are already a step in the right direction.
If we don't utilize the embryo, we will donate it.

Exciting stuff - such an amazing process...

Prepping for our next OKC trip...

Updates via voicemail

Well, we were in church this morning when the nurse called. Although her message was positive, I was hoping that we would be able to speak in person. Her message? Our oocytes continue to split - the count stands as follows:
3 eggs = 8 cells
2 eggs = 7 cells

Awesome!
Parker is certain that his boys are in charge of the great results.
:O)

I have decided to teach tomorrow. I'm going to take it easy - the classes are shorter because it is a Monday schedule, which includes our chapel service.
Mom is always on call should I need a teaching assistant.

I'm so excited about Tuesday and getting to appreciate the miracle that these doctors are capable of - our transfer.

We have even joked that we have kids growing in a dish two hours away at this point.
Fun to think of - and an upbeat joyful attitude can only help!

Cells dividing

The nurse called today with our update. We have 5 eggs fertilized, and this is the breakdown:
2 eggs with 4 cells (as far as i know, this is right on track)
1 egg with 3 cells
2 eggs with 2 cells

We will continue to get daily updates - with transfer day on Tuesday.
I'm heading to school on Monday to welcome the kids back and get plans ready for three days of rest after the transfer.

I'm feeling better today - we even got out in the snow and went to see a movie.
Life is good - home with a fire keeping us warm while we watch the snow blow around outside.

The egg update

It was an absolutely beautiful day here today. The temperatures got up into the 70's, so we took full advantage of it.
While we were out running errands and preparing for a snowy weekend (eek!), I got the call form the doctor. Surprisingly, she said that all 5 of our eggs fertilized! Although I was super excited, I also knew that anything could still happen.
She explained that they will watch the eggs and hope that they begin to multiply into developing embryos. We are still up in the air on when the transfer will take place. Although Sunday is an option, there is a winter storm watch in this area that could put a damper on that plan. :O)
I decided that showing the Charlie boy would be fun tonight. We spent the afternoon playing with our nieces and nephews out back. Parker would throw tennis balls to them, and Charlie spent most of the time trying to intercept them. Oma is certainly sharing her attention with our dog too - he is well loved! Charlie is NOT a furniture dog, but we made an exception tonight, as you will clearly see.

I'm still getting nightly shots in my upper gluteus muscle of progesterone. All in preparation for eggs.
As always, thank you for your thoughts and prayers...

Retrieving eggs....we hope

It was an early morning at the Parker house. We left the driveway @ 5:15 am.
Despite the early morning and the darkness that loomed on the two hour drive, there WAS light at the end of the tunnel.

Terps are in town...

Looks as though Thursday is the day to jump start this baby deal...
With an ok form the doctor, we are set to retrieve the eggs early that morning.
You know you'll hear from us!

Tuesday before St Pattys

I head back to the doctor today @ 11:15.
Thank goodness for the time luxury I have this week, as the kids are on spring break!
We should find out whether or not we are ready for the retrieval tomorrow, or if we will need to wait on these follicles some more. Either way, we are fine.

I feel a little more groggy than usual, but I'm chalking that up as a side effect from all the meds too.

Off to eat some breakfast. Until next time...

Upping the dosage...

Green light!

It was a good appointment today. Although from previous experience the follicles could have been bigger, the doctor seemed to feel good about what he saw. We have 6 that seem to be responding. Being down one ovary, I have slightly fewer options of course, but as the nurse pointed out, "it's not the quantity, as much as the quality."

We are really looking forward to this weekend and the arrival of momma and papa Terp Tuesday evening. I have spring break next week, so that will allow for some bonding time between doctor visits.

Obviously, the timing of this all, is 'part of the plan'.
:O)

We appreciate all the well wishes and prayers...

Shots = headaches :O(

Shots twice a day I can handle...headaches that accompany them, are another story.
I've worked my way through Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, lemon water, hot tea, ice packs, and a dark room, and nothing is working - that's how I'm fairly certain it is the unfamiliar stimulants that are in my body.

I know it will pass, and I also know that it is part of the process! One that I am so willing to be a part of!
But after a glass of Braum's milk and a slice of pie, it's off to bed. :O)

Charlie the assistant...

I know we haven't written much lately. Seems as though the videos speak more to what is actually happening. The medications have begun, which makes it feel as though we're moving forward for real this time! Exciting!

This series of meds is to stimulate my follicles. Although the latest concern was that two of them were too big, we're at the stage now where "bigger is better" per se. I will only have to do this type of shot through Thursday. Thursday morning I will head in to the doctor and get a scan. They will look over the follicles and see how they are responding. The follicles look very similar to a soccer ball. The ovary area is surrounded by these quadrants that expand to a certain measurement.

The hope, is that they respond well and we are able to continue. If they are NOT the size they need to be, they will increase the dosage on the shots. That is something that they tried prior to the insemination attempts. Amazing what a little shot can make your body do!

the meds have arrived

We're back on track...

March, here we come...

Video Update - Friday night

February 10, 2010 Day 1 blog

Allow us to introduce ourselves...
We are John and Becca Parker, and this is our story...

We were married on June 7, 2008. Both of us were confident that we wanted to begin a family from the start. Seeing as I had only one ovary and I wasn't getting any younger, we got on the baby making, pronto!

We quickly realized that the 'honeymoon baby' was not to be. It wasn't until October of '08 that I decided to go and visit a doctor in Tulsa to "check on things". After a brief consult, one that didn't even involve a physical examination, I was given the age old advice: "Just keep trying, and be patient..."
So off I went, disappointed and a bit unsettled. I did convince myself that I might be overreacting. She was after all, a professional!

Three months earlier I had started a new teaching position in Tulsa. During one of the "get to know you" sessions at the school, an associate quietly passed me a note with a phone number on it. "These people changed my life", she whispered. She didn't want to be forward, but certainly noted a yearning in me that tugged at her heart a while back.
In January, I dug that number out of my desk drawer. Although it had only been six months of trying, I was ready to take my story to a new set of ears, and find out where to go from there...

The short version?
I was in surgery three weeks later.
Diagnosed with an 'obvious' case of endometriosis, Dr. B did a procedure called laproscopy. He also needed to remove a septum, which I understood to be a section of my uterus that was "in the way". He removed it so that it would successfully hold an embryo.

Although the surgery was "successful", there was a very long road ahead.
Some of the endometriosis remained in the lining of my uterus even after the surgery. That would be dealt with through a medication that would settle my estrogen levels, and bring me into a "false" menopause.

Wow, talk about a long 6 months...poor John...hot flashes, mood swings...they all came with it!

Hard to think about going into menopause intentionally when the final outcome is the dream of a baby...aren't we going backwards here?!?!?

BUT - I had a very good reason to believe what the doctor said was true, so on we went...