Pictures!

I don't really have any NEW good news. The company Matthew works for is being bought by Adobe. We believe his department is necessary and won't be touched one minute, then worry they'll be redundant and have to cut back the next... hopefully we'll have a solid idea next week.

This pregnancy is still hard and stuck in the mud as far as progress with the Gestational Diabetes. I'm still not gaining weight, but ketones are dwindling, so that's better. Little guy keeps kicking away.

I realized I put a lot of pictures on facebook, but hardly any on the blog! So here you go This is possibly Baby WILLIAM. Matthew's finally decided. We both like the name and now we have to figure out a middle name and try using it out loud for a couple weeks and we'll know for sure! I was 20 weeks along for this photo.

It's hard to remind them we go to the zoo to SEE animals, not to become them. They're still cute though!

Matthew's Dad Aaron joined us at a park in Salt Lake for some fun and pizza. I love this picture. Even the boys and the dog cooperated!

We hope everyone is doing well, love you all!

Dealing with Diabetes

Who knew losing weight would be so much trouble? I have been dealing with Gestational Diabetes for 3 weeks now. Luckily, the baby is growing healthy and strong. Since I've been on restricted carbs, I've lost more weight. When you're not eating enough calories, your body reaches into your own fat and protein storage to compensate, which then releases ketones into your system and those, like everything, get passed to the baby. I have been doing weekly follow ups for the diabetes because they were trying to get a set pattern on my blood sugar and see the ketones go away. In the beginning, they were 5, 15 or 40... now they are 40-80 every day. This was a red flag to a specialist on the Maternal Fetal Medicine floor and she sent me right away to get IV fluids. Side note: I told them my left vein wasn't good, they tried it anyway and it didn't work... I think they take it as a challenge, I'm never letting them use my left vein again!

Anywho, what do they tell me to do to get rid of the ketones? Eat more! As many of you know, I'm a thrower upper when I'm pregnant - especially in the beginning. With this third pregnancy, I was even more nauseous... so I belive that just changed my appetite completely. I get full WAY faster now, a sandwich or burger is hard to finish and I've thrown up for eating too much before. I've been eating more, trying to avoid another IV fluid visit, and the ketones are still ever present and now my blood sugar is going up. I called the dietician today, as directed, and was told to eat more.

One of the big risk factors for diabetes is being overweight, so naturally, most diabetics are not told to eat more. The weight loss is boggling my Doctor, the specialists and Diabetes management people... they tested my thyroid and other chemical levels and everything's normal. So now it looks like more tests. If you're still awake at this point, I guess I'm saying this because I'm frustrated and I'm sick of hearing the same things. Emotionally, I've been doing great this pregnancy, even dealing with the nausea and stuff... but the stress of the current issue is making it really hard to think about anything else or be happy, period. Just pray that the doctor's will know what to do. Going to the hospital and Dr's office 1-2 times/week is taking a toll on me and the poor kids. I'm ready for the Doctors to have an answer.

I can't find anybody that had this problem before, so if you know anyone who had gestational diabetes and high ketone levels, I would love to talk to them. I can't even find that situation online which is even more frustrating. And, no offense, don't give me any advice or tips related to foods or ketones. I've spent countless hours with my own research and hearing the SAME things from all the doctors and nurses, I'll cry if anyone else asks the same question or gives me the same advice I've heard 20 times. In the mean time, I'll eat more. I love you all and I know everyone has their problems to deal with. This was just my little venting moment. Thank you!

Updates - August 2009

My initial worries about the baby having a heart condition are gone, the little guy is healthy and strong - developing as he should so far! I'm getting used to the new diet. They keep bringing me back into the hospital to check up on it, and I was informed today I'll probably be put on a pill with synthetic insulin starting next week. I hope that works, so I don't need the shots! I keep dreaming of what I'm going to eat or drink first after this baby's born. Right after I deliver, I'm going to drink 3 large cups of apple juice. That's my comfort drink. Maybe 5.

Matthew is enjoying his job... he was surprised by the super casual dress, but adapted quickly and started wearing jeans like everyone else (including managers). He also had lunch delivered a couple times, and must rub it in my face. Today, he had a delicious sandwich, a custard-filled eclaire and strawberries. I almost cried when he told me. I want a custard-filled eclaire!!! Okay, tantrum over. I love Matthew and I'm so happy his new job is going well.

WE MOVED! Our apartment number has changed from 2 to 3 and that's it. Moving EVERYTHING from upstairs to downstairs wasn't what I would call fun, but it was certainly nice to not have to tetris it into a Uhaul. **I had terrible flashbacks of when we began our move to New York, had the stinking trailer full and TOO MUCH STUFF still in the apartment. ugh ** The boys like the change, and I must admit I do too. It must be human nature to enjoy something different. The whole mission in moving was to not live above anybody anymore. Now the boys can jump and run all they want. Mission accomplished. Now we just need shelves.

Love you all!