17 weeks

Well, the little sweet potato is definitely getting bigger and stronger! In the last week I've felt wiggling and it's been stronger the last two days. Even ticklish at times.

It's such a comfort to feel little BT moving around in there, and I'm certainly looking forward to our next ultrasound March 8...yes, the day before we make the big move.

My appetite isn't as aggressive as it was the first few months, but I go from comfortable to hunger shakes and a light head quite quick. I've cut back on peanut butter intake, but still keep a jar at my desk at work in case of emergency...an apple (working at a produce market, I have easy access) dipped in peanut butter is quick and satisfying, that's for sure!

Here are the stats as of yesterday:

I've made an appointment with a new doctor in Spokane and look forward to meeting her. My doctor here squeezed me in for two last appointments the week we leave, one being the ultrasound, so I'll be set for a while. 

The biggest concern my doctor has about orientating a new doctor is making them aware of my scoliosis so everyone, especially the anesthesiologist, is aware of possible epidural barriers ahead of time so there are no surprises come delivery day. Yea for crooked backs ;)

I'll be training a replacement at work next week, though my employer has asked me to continue on with some writing responsibilities when we move. I'm honored they think enough of my writing to ask me to do it offsite. The plan is to continue until maternity leave and possibly after, but that's up to me. It'll definitely be nice to have a little bit of extra cash flow as we lead up to BT time. I hear little ones can be spendy!

The knee bone's connected to...

Several years before I was even a twinkle in his eye, my dear dad was in a boating accident. Having heard the details a few times, I have a good idea of what happened, but since I wasn’t there and the specifics are a bit gory, I’ll spare you most of the story, dear reader. 

It involved an inner tube, a rocky & steep incline and a bend in the river. Dad was more or less launched from the tube and rolled up the incline, into a fence and rolled back down. As you can imagine, it ended in a tangled mess including several broken bones, allowing for legs to be in places they don’t naturally bend or reach. 

Thank God he covered his head as he rolled or things could have been much worse.

Dad recovered for three months in the hospital, I believe, and his claim to fame when he was out was that for the year or so he was on crutches, he was able to walk through a cafeteria line on crutches AND carry a tray full of food at the same time. See, you can do anything when you put your mind to it!

I’ve only known my dad to have lots of scars up and down his legs and into his hip/back area; scars I used to think/pretend were train tracks for itty bitty trains. His left knee, in particular, has always been more bothersome than the other. The knee itself is rather large compared to the other…our family actually calls it “cauliflower knee.” It’s essentially bone-on-bone and it slips and pops from time to time, which startles/hurts him and scares me. I hate it when his knee hurts…it makes my tummy hurt!

With the exception of a few surgeries here and there, not to mention bouts of accompanying staph infection, not much has been done to the knee over the years. However, Dad finally opted for a total knee replacement! He wanted to put it off as long as possible so he wouldn’t have to face multiple replacements over time.

Because of his history of staph, he had to be checked by the CDC before they scheduled a replacement. When he got the all-clear, dad made his replacement appointment with Dr. Roux…the same doctor who preformed my ACL replacement about 11 years ago!

Dad is home and recovering now. Though his entire leg is much more swollen and painful than expected – we hear there was some hammering involved because of how bad of shape the knee area was – things seem to be healing well!

Mom snapped this picture of the x-ray comparison at a recent appointment.  

His new knee is on the left, with the old on the right. It doesn't even really look like a knee, does it? It kind of looks like the old knee had its own brain, I think! 

Thanks to all who prayed for skilled doctors, a safe surgery and a swift recovery!!

Now....if you get queasy, DO NOT SCROLL DOWN. 

Seriously.... don't do it. I want you to read the blog again, so forgive me if you are queasy and you do see the following picture. But again, this is your warning. 

Dad's knee a week after surgery. Looking better!! See those train track scars I mentioned earlier :) If you really want a good look, click on the picture for a larger image!

Week 15

BT's getting bigger!

14 Weeks

I've moved on to maternity pants...so nice! My appetite isn't as aggressive as it was a few weeks ago, so I've been able to cut back on eating about every minute of every day...so that bump is more likely BT than peanut butter :) 

We've received a few packages from sweet friends and family full of fun things for me, BT and Justin, including ear plugs and 5 Hour Energy, ha! Thank you for thinking of us and my expanding waistline! 

The next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind with the move...it's all happening so fast! It's more likely now that we'll move in early March vs. late March, but the good news is we'll have a moving crew, provided by JT's company, that packs, loads, ships, unloads and unpacks EVERYTHING. As I understand it, I'll get to sit on a couch and watch other people pack up our belongings. This is for sure to spoil me for any future moving adventures!

Here we go!