Prayers for Baby Emma

Today we had our 32 week ultrasound at the perinatal clinic. The only reason we've been going there is because that is where my OB sends all IVF pregnancies because they classify us as "high-risk." An ultrasound technician took all the measurements and baby Emma gave us some great poses. All the measurements (e.g. head, leg, abdomen) they took had her measuring at least at 32 weeks (which I am exactly today). We even got to see that she has some hair! We were on cloud nine.

Then the doctor came in with a slip in her hand. She informed us that our baby is quite small - 11th percentile - and as a precaution, they want me to start weekly nonstress tests to make sure the baby is growing properly. Of course, panic immediately set in. She said that her feeling is that nothing is wrong and that we are just going to have a small, 6lb-ish baby. But, because we are IVFers, she said she wants to take extra care and monitor the baby for 3 weeks and then take the weight again. I asked her, if there is a problem, what could it be? She said possibly a failing placenta and the baby would need to come early.

In my heart, I really feel like we have a healthy baby. She is very active and, according to Baby Center, is exactly where she is supposed to be weight-wise. She is estimated at 3lb 11oz that appears to be on track. But it is still so scary.

So, if you have a spare second, please offer up a prayer that our Baby Emma is growing right as she should and that any problems would be detected and addressed when we start the nonstress test next Monday. Thanks, friends!

29 Week Update in Pictures

The holidays were terrific. Hubby and I had almost 2 weeks off - it was SO nice being able to relax, get things done around the house, see friends and family, and enjoy each others company. Baby, who is now officially Emma Grace, got loads of great stuff for Christmas, which was so much fun. Below are a few pictures...

Emma's New Glider. Storkcraft brand from Wal-Mart - great bargain - about $160 and that includes the ottoman!


Emma's New Dresser/Changing Table. Rockland brand from JCPenney. It matches the crib, which we are waiting to put together once the nursery gets cleaned out and we put up crown molding in a few weeks.


Emma's New Pack-n-Play. Graco brand in Townsend pattern. We'll use it as a bassinet.


Emma's New Clothes


Weekend Craft Project. I love the look of the pretty wooden letters you get to spell out the baby's name, but they are just so expensive. So I figured that hubby and I could make our own. He painted the striped "M," impressive, huh? We spent hours this weekend on this project - thankfully the baby's name is short. I still need to track down an "A" once Michael's craft store gets more in stock. The colors for the letters (and the nursery) are brown and pink, in case you can't tell.


Emma's Car Seat. Emma's cousin, Matthew, who just turned one, was nice enough to give her his old car seat, a Graco Safe Seat!


Mommy at 29 weeks