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 ! ! !

Congrats Tiff! That is exciting news, and you sound thrilled (even while being exhausted!) My two girls are 19 months and 1 day apart and I honestly wouldn't do it any other way, life is crazy, sleep deprivation is hard, and dealing with 2 babies is hard, but so worth all the energy and effort because they are 1 year apart in school and can do all the same things and have a lot of friends in common. It was our plan to have them close together and 18 months was my minimum, so we got that at least.

Glad to hear an update, glad you are doing well, and looking forward to hearing more about your new busy life! (when you have time of course) :-)

Thank you all so very much ! ! !

Wow,,so happy for you!! Congratulations

Tiffikins - what great news that you are preggers again! I hope that your pregnancy gets easier for you during the last half. Wow, your life has been crazy pretty much on a continuous basis for the last few years. (WLS, problems, success, pregnancy, baby, pregnancy) You are an amazing strong woman and a great inspiration to me. I wish you the best going forward.

Sharon

Tiff, you have been an inspiration and a VAST WEALTH of knowledge for me about VSG throughout this process for me, I could never thank you enough. I do totally understand why you've eased off on posting, sounds like life is pretty crazy! I think if anyone, ever in the history of VSG, could gain back 50 lbs and take it in her stride, it's you. I dig your iron will of determination. Can't wait to see the new little guy -- and take good care of yourself!! <3

You're one of the strongest women I've ever come across anywhere, and continue to be so. Hugs and prayers to you! I'm glad to hear Nugget is doing great!!