My Absence, My Apologies, My Updates! ! !

[Tiffykins 672]

Many of you all know that I have been absent from VST for several month and with good reason. I delivered Tatum on 30 October 2011. Having an infant is tough work, no matter how prepared, old, or well-versed you , sleep deprivation sucks. Of course, now we have moved onto major growth spurts and teething, but hey I'm getting to sleep at least!

Here is my newest update, I do apologize for my absence from here and I am working to reply to all my private messages, Please know that it is nothing personal, I just needed a break, and I can't promise I'll be back regularly, BUT I am here. I will reply, I am on Facebook way more than I am, but I have stopped adding friends there as well. I am however always open to answer any questions anyone may have.

I am 20 weeks pregnant again, as I've posted before, I popped positive on another pregnancy test and this baby is due just 2 weeks before Tatum's 1st birthday. Least to say, this pregnancy is vastly different and way more difficult.

BOY! ! ! !

Even more importantly, Nugget is thriving. We had the big anatomy scan today, along with full detailed U/S of the heart, lungs, brain, bones and ALL are measuring normal and with zero defect or abnormalities ! ! ! Big sigh relief, and eternally grateful.

Some not so great news for me;

4 weeks ago, had a bad case of food poisoing, E. Coli was found in my urine culture. I've struggled significantly through this pregnancy with what a lot of women refer to as "all day sickness". I went off my Celebrate multi and switched over an RX prenatal. First mistake was switching, when something works, DO NOT change it. The prenatal induced the "all day sickness" for weeks until I put 2 and 2 together. Yes, it took awhile, pregnancy mush brain along with dealing with Tatum 24/7 with my husband gone for the last 6 weeks has been hell to say the least. So, anyways, I switched over to a chewable Centrum Complete, 2 weeks on that and the nausea returned. All in all, my Iron is tanking, not severe enough for me to have to do extra supplements and my platelet count is already down in the 90k range. So, more labs, ordered my Celebrate Vitamins back and they'll be here this week, and the platelet count is being monitored every 2 weeks. This all explains my chronic fatigue and need for a daily nap even though I'm 20 weeks out.

This pregnancy is much more difficult. I've already gained 14lbs and with the Prednisone therapy looking like it's going to happen a lot sooner than last time, my high risk ob told me today to brace for an additional 25-30lbs gained. Least to say, mentally I'm prepared this time for it. Physically, it's going to kick my butt!

Overall, I am elated with the news on gender and Nugget's overall health and development. I am working on me, my BP is running extremely low, today it was 83/50, super low even for me so I have to drink even more fluids (I already drink 90-100ounces per day), and try to rest more.

Thank you all for your continuous support, encouragement, love and prayers. We're halfway home on this pregnancy, and while my pregnancies post-VSG have been pretty awesome, this is my LAST pregnancy. Definitely doing the snip snip dance during the csection.

Cheers everyone ! ! !

[PdxMan 4,292]

Yowsers! Congrats and sleep when you can!

[Forensikchic 528]

So happy for you! Hope all goes well. Congrats!

[Spatters3 315]

congratulations ! May God bless your growing family and keep you healthy and strong !

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

You are very blessed!

[Enerfina 50]

Congrats girl God Bless ur family!!!

[favoredone 590]

Congrats Tiff!!! I hope you feel better!!! Thanks for sharing with us!!

[PEvette 297]

congrats congrats to you!!!

[kimmy*custis 276]

Congrats to you! Hopefully you feel a bit better soon.

[Chimera 644]

Congratulations Tiff - hang in there. I so know how nasty Prednisone can be - ugh.

[MeMeMEEE 206]

I am so glad you checked in - I was worried when you disappeared from my Facebook page! Feel better, rest up, drink lots and get ready for the big arrival!

[lsereno 2,525]

Tiffy-kins,

Congrats on the boy! Rest up and take care of yourself. I am forever in your debt for being there for me throughout my journey. Your level-headed, honest replies to so many posts and your continued success in maintenance helped give me the confidence I needed to start the journey and the strength I needed to follow it through to goal and maintenance.

Best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Lynda

[MegInNOLA 531]

Congratulations, Tiffykins!!! You have a lot on your plate, and I'm sending best wishes for your continued healthy progress through this pregnancy and after. Take care of yourself and enjoy your babies. :-) You worked hard for them--and for your life together. All best!

[coops 1,790]

Hey Tiff...

It really is good to hear from you, and now I understand why you haven't been around!

All the best for this pregnancy, sounds like you're getting your butt kicked! You take plenty of care of yourself and enjoy your blossoming family... love and best wishes from across the pond! x

[sleeve 4 me 910]

Sooo nice to get an update from you!!!!! Take care of yourself. Only one you! Hugs!!!!