Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Doctor visit

After some really tough discussions with our doctor as well as Andy and I, we have decided to induce labor on Jan. 5th. We will go in around 6 am and I will have prostaglandins given to me to induce the labor. While I am excited to meet my little girl Isabelle..I am sad that she may not make it through birth or may only live a few hours or minutes. It breaks my heart to have all of these plans for another child and they shatter like a mirror. I know we will be able to have more kids someday but I really wanted this little girl. The doctor's said that our chances of having another anencephaly baby are 3-4% so at least that is a good number. However why did this happen to us? I wish I had an answer. The only answer I could get was maybe a blood clotting disorder or because we are of Northern European descent. When I asked Dr. Eastman how many babies he has seen with this he said probably 10 in his career of being a doctor for 15 years. It is not very common. My friend that is an OB nurse says that she only sees one anencephaly baby delivered a year at her hospital. Why did we have to be that one? Well for whatever reason we are.

We have been put on a prayer list at our church and have spoken with our pastor. He also feels that we are making the best choice for our family and has had another family had this same experience in the church. He is going to speak with them and see if they would want to talk to us about it.

All of our family and friends have been amazing in this devastating situation by sending flowers and cards. My family and Andy's family have been helping us with setting up a memorial for our daughter that will be held on January 10.

In my earlier paragraph I told you that her name will be Isabelle. We will call her Isabelle Grace. Isabelle means "oath to God". I have made an oath to God that if it is his will that he please only take one child away from me. I really don't know if I can handle another loss. In the Bible it tells us that God will only give you what you can handle...well this is it...I can't handle any more losses.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Bad news from OB office!

Last Wednesday while I was at work I got a call from my OB office telling me that my AFP (alpha feta protein which checks for abnormalities and neural tube defects as well as down's syndrome among a few things) was positive for neural tube defects and Trisomy 18. I was shocked becuase I never thought anything like this would happen to me. I started crying and I told my manager that I needed to leave work for the day. When the doctor's office also called I moved my ultrasound up to the next day.

On Thursday I went in and before my ultrasound the doctor came into to talk to me about my positive results and he informed me that based on the test results we had a 1 in 3 chance of have a baby with a neural tube defect. That was super high so then I was even more worried. The ultrasound tech started to do my ultrasound and everything looked good except for the head. I noticed this right away. The ultrasound tech couldn't tell us anything but she said that she will go get the doctor. Dr. Eastman came back in and told us that our baby doesn't have a brain or a skull and he will contact the perinatologist Dr Barsoom to confirm this. I immediately started crying and I didn't know what to think. The nurse came in next and said that they could get me in at St. Luke's Hospital right away to do a Level II ultrasound, which is more defined, and do a teleconference with Dr. Barsoom. Before we left the doctor's office we met one more time with Dr. Eastman. He told us that this condition is not compatible with life and our option is to induce labor. He told us that the baby may be stillborn upon birth or may live a few minutes or hours. He told me that he would give us prostaglandins to induce birth and have the baby naturally. He was great at explaining everything and assured us that there was nothing we could do to prevent this since we were taking prenatal vitamins. It just happens.

Next we went over to the hospital and got admitted for our next ultrasound. The ultrasound tech took a few pictures and then got Dr. Barsoom on a big TV screen and she showed him a few pictures of the baby. He confirmed that the baby has anencephaly which means there is no skull or brain. He also gave us options just like Dr. Eastman did. He also told us that we would do some genetic testing and they would also test me for MTHFR which takes the folic acid away from the baby. He also said that we would have a 3% risk of having another baby like this, so that was a relief. We talked to him for a little while longer and answered our questions.

We left there thinking what do we do next? Of course we have a lot of decisions to make and our family and friends have been great during this very difficult time.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
We had a great Thanksgiving at Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Dan's in Des Moines. First we got a big ol passenger van and the whole fam came along. When we got to Des Moines we saw the rest of the fam at Rhonda and Dan's loft. The food was amazing and it was great to see everyone. Jamison also got a chance to play with Gabe who is only a couple months older than him.

In other news, we had a doctor's appt for Baby G the II in beginning of Nov. They couldn't hear the heartbeat so we got to do an ultrasound. At that time I was 11 weeks and that is very common for them to not be able to hear the heartbeat with doppler. The ultrasound was great and I got to see the heartbeat! The baby's heartbeat was 167 so it could be a girl! I have my next checkup this week but there shouldn't be an ultrasound with this appt. I am hoping to get my next ultrasound before Christmas so we can find out the sex of the baby. I am at 14 weeks right now and counting!

Jamison has been doing great lately. He has been sleeping through the night since he was 9 months which we absolutely love! He is getting into everything and climbing on anything he can get his hands on. He is also starting to run away from us sometimes when he knows he has something that he shouldn't. = ) He will eat anything and is not picky. His fave foods are shells-n-cheese, bananas, pancakes, vegetables, apples, plums, kiwis to name a few. He had his 15 month doctor appt last week and he is still only 19 lbs. The doctor said that she isn't worried because he looks healthy, but he is still not on the growth chart for weight. For height and head circumference he is in the 25th percentile. He also had his last 2 immunizations! Yeah no more shots until he is 4!

Andy and I have been busy getting ready for Christmas. We have almost half of our Christmas presents bought and our cards will be coming in the mail anyday so we can get them out to friends and family. We are planning a trip to Ohio to go to see my family for Christmas. We hope the weather is ok! (Fingers crossed) Well I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Here are some pics from ours!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/sets/72157625360341797/show/

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fun in Minneapolis


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
This last weekend we went to Minneapolis to visit Dana, Aaron, and Kaden. We also went to go get the next baby's crib, changing table, diaper champ, potty chair among a few other things. We had a great time! We went to an apple orchard and the kids absolutely loved it. They had farm animals, rubber duck races, wagon rides, and a kids play area. We went and picked a few apples and bought a whole bag of apples with caramel. MMM! Jamison had his first apple and we couldn't get it away from him.

In other news I had my first ultrasound and found out that I am due May 25th! That will be perfect; then I can have the whole summer off to recover. We also heard the baby's heartbeat and it was 142! We are so excited for the next baby and I think Jamison sort of understands cuz he likes to look at my belly. I am starting to show a little bit. Also I have been feeling tired but not half as tired as I was with Jamison. I have been feeling a little more nausea than last time.

If you want to see more pics go to our flicker website. http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/

Sunday, September 12, 2010

We are having another baby!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
We just found out that we are pregnant again and we are super excited for baby G # 2. I know my due date will be in May sometime however I am not sure when. I have my first appt with the nurse on Sept 21 at 9am. Then probably an ultrasound around 8-10 weeks. (Hopefully I can get it sooner!) We have told a few people but decided to go public kind of early. (Fingers crossed) We can't wait for the new addition and for Jamison to have another brother or sister. Also starting this week I will be working 4 8 hour days a weeks versus 5 days to help with the needs of our family. It is great that I have an employer that is willing to work with me!

In other news Jamison has been doing great and is playing with everything and getting into everything. He is pretty excited for the new addition but really won't know what it means until the baby is here. He weighed 16lbs 8 oz for his one year visit and he is lower than the growth chart for weight. If he keeps going on this trend we will be referred to an endocrinologist just to make sure that nothing is wrong. The doctor doesn't think that it is anything, but she would rather be safe than sorry. I feel the same way. He is very active and eats all the time. He will eat anything that is put in front of him. It is so nice to not have a picky eater. We are so fortunate. Well I hope everyone has a great week and will keep you posted with updates!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Jamison's First Birthday


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
This weekend we had Jamison's first birthday party! It was a construction theme and we had cone hats and Construction Pals on the plates and napkins. We also had sack lunches for supper. We bought charlie boys, which are kind of like taverns or loose meats, grapes, chips, baked beans, cake and ice cream.

We had a ton of family and friends at our house and Jamison got a lot of toys, clothes, and money for his college. Earlier in the day we went swimming at Steve and Roxanne's and it was a blast like usual. It was such a great weekend and it was really good to see Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Bill, Aunt Dana and Uncle Aaron, and cousin Kaden! The whole weekend was a blast and we are sad that it is over with. Here are some pictures of his birthday http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/sets/72157624656556811/show/

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

First Birthday

Today is Jamison's first birthday! Mommy took the day off and we got a few things done for his big party this weekend. Then we went to the park and J had fun in the baby swing. Later on Steve, Roxanne, and Liz came over and we have burgers, beans, and potato salad. I had also made cupcakes and Jamison loved his cupcake. We got a video, however I will need to post that later.

Mommy and Daddy can't believe it has been a year since his birth...it has been one of the most amazing years of my life. We couldn't imagine our life without Jamison! Happy First Birthday Jamison!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Lil J walking!


Lil J walking!
Originally uploaded by ajgould
I had to post a pic of Jamison walking! He has been walking since 10 months and is getting so good at it.He is also brushing his teeth now as you see in this video.
We are getting super excited for his first birthday which is only a couple weeks away. We are also hoping that our master bath remodel is done before then since my family will be coming! We had some pipes crack underneath our masterbath back in June and we have decided to remodel the masterbath since the floor will already be tore out. It is a huge project and we can't wait to have our masterbath back! Well I hope everyone has a great week!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

My 30th birthday


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
I realize it has been awhile since I have posted something so now is better than ever. I had my 30th b-day yesterday and it was absolutely amazing. In the morning Andy made me breakfast and had the table set with beautiful flowers and then I opened up a coach purse. That day I got a manicure and pedicure and then Jamison and I went swimming at Grandma Roxanne's house with Aunt Liz and Great Grandma Thelma. Later that night we went to El Fredo's with the whole fam and topped the night off with cold stone creamery cupcakes. The video of Jamison is him eating some vanilla cake. We wanted to do a trial run for his first birthday and I thought that my birthday would be a great time for him to try it! He went nuts and loved the cake. He shoveled all of it into his mouth! It was super cute! Here are pics from my b-day http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/sets/72157624430279053/show/

Since it has been awhile I will update you. In June Jamison had to go the ER because his daycare lady gave him some eggs and we found out that he had an allergy just like Andy. That is why we wanted to try the cake first before his first birthday cuz I didn't want him to have an allergic reaction on his first birthday.

Also another development is that Jamison is walking! He started walking at 10 months and now walks 90% of the time. It is so cute because when he wants to quit walking he just lands on his bottom!

Jamison's eating schedule now is that he has about 3 bottles of formula one in the morning, afternoon, and before he goes to bed at night. He also eats meals about 3-4 times a day. He will eat anything and is not picky. His fave foods are cheddar cheese rice cakes, cottage cheese, cheese, chicken, sausage, pepperoni, blueberries, vanilla cake to name a few. As long as there is food in front of him he will eat it!

Jamison also sleeps through the night. He goes to bed around 8pm and wakes up at about 6:30-7am. He doesn't get fussy very often but right now he is teething so he hasn't been feeling the best. He has his bottom teeth in and is getting his top teeth in right now.

We are getting super excited for his first birthday and it is just around the corner. It is hard to believe that it has been a year. It has been one of the most amazing years of my life and I am so happy to have Jamison in our lives. It is just the greatest thing to see life through a child's eyes. Well I will definitely be posting his first birthday pics soon.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Jamison eating a lime!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
Here is a video of Jamison eating a lime. It is super cute! We couldn't help ourselves he is just trying so many new things so we thought we would broaden his horizons. He is not eating chopped up food from our plates. Feeding is getting so much easier!

Jamison also has 2 teeth coming in on the bottom. He is still trying to stand on his own but not walking yet. He has also said DaDa. I am trying to teach him mama but it hasn't worked yet. Well I just thought I would post something super quick! Have a good week!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

9 months old!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
I can't believe that Jamison is 9 months! He has been the most amazing thing in Andy and I's lives and we couldn't imagine life without him.

We had our first mother's day together and Andy, Liz, Roxanne, and I ran the Race for the Cure 5k. It was a great time. After that we went to Thelma's and had a brunch. It was the best mother's day ever.

In other news Jamison is almost standing on his own! He stands by himself for a few seconds at a time and is walking behind and around things. He is starting to open and shut doors and he said Dada for the first time! He is such a happy baby! He is also starting to eat more solid foods like rice cakes and graduates puffs and yogurt melts. He still has a lot of formula (about 4 bottles a day) but he also eats 3 meals a day. He loves to get into everything including our pantry and cabinets.

We have also had another recent change. Andy has accepted a new job with Mid American Energy as a computer programmer and he is looking forward to the new opportunity.

If you want to look at some more pics of mother's day, our minneapolis trip that we took in April to see Dana, Aaron, and Kaden, and recent pics here is the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/sets/72157624086431630/show/with/4613185775/.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

8 months old!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
Today Jamison is eight months old! I can't believe we have had him for 8 months already. He is growing so quickly. Sometimes when I rock him I just want time to stop so he can always by my baby.

Last week was a rough week. Jamison had an upper respiratory infection and ear infection. I took off work on Thursday so I could take him to the doctor and so he wouldn't have to go to daycare. Andy stayed home with him on Friday. He will go back to daycare tomorrow.

Jamison is now starting to be able to sit down after standing! Before he would just fall down, but now he is intentionally sitting down when he doesn't want to stand anymore.

By the way the pic is from Easter Sunday. Well better go the little guy just woke up from a nap.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Jamison is standing!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
So one morning I walked in to Jamison's nursery and he was standing up! He started doing this at 7 1/2 months. He has been standing up on everything since. Here is a video of Jamison standing up today. He also started crawling at around 7 months. We are so proud of our little boy! He is also starting to talk a little bit more as you can tell by the video.
He is also eating a lot more. He has tried cherries, blueberries, peaches, peas, squash, ground turkey, sweet potato, and bananas to name a few.

We also needed to do another sweat test from our last follow up appt with Dr. Wallace, a pediatric pulmonologist. He suggested we do another one because Jamison was borderline on his first test. We did the sweat test last Friday. Jamison did awesome and didn't even cry. All the nurses were surprised that we were done with the test cause they usually hear kids screaming blood murder, but Jamison was a trooper. If you remember from one of my previous entries we did a sweat test to check for Cystic Fibrosis. You have 2 electrodes and current will go through the electrodes to make him sweat. This last test was negative which means that he definitely doesn't have Cystic Fibrosis, but he does carry the gene. We were so relieved.

While we were up in Sioux Falls getting the test done we went the the Kids Superstore and bought a jogging stroller. We absolutely love it! We have been running with it almost every day since we bought it. Jamison likes it too. He is pretty chill in it and usually falls asleep. Andy and I are training for the Susan G Kommen Race for the Cure on Mother's Day. We are super excited for the race! We will let you know how it goes!

Andy just ran a 5k and placed 3rd in his age group and Roxanne also ran the race and got 2nd in her age group. Well it is getting late and Jamison is in bed so I am ready for bed also.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Having fun with Jamison!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
The most amazing thing ever is to hear Jamison laugh! I hope you enjoy this video. We were having a fun Sunday at home.

Cancun


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
We just got back from Cancun, Mexico a week ago! It was such a great time and we took Jamison with us. We went to Crown Paradise Club, an all inclusive resort, and that was definitely the way to go. We went with Andy's parents Steve and Roxanne. Jamison loved the ocean. When we put him in the pool for the first time he cried but he soon got used to it. Here is the link for all of our pictures http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/sets/72157623527650036/show/

Onto other news Jamison is 6 months old! I took him for his 6 month appt last Monday and he is 13lbs 2 0z and is 25 3/4 inches long. He has grown 2 inches in 2 months! He is in the less than 3rd percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height. The doctor didn't seem to be too worried about his weight since he had grown 2 inches.

Jamison is also scooting everywhere now and grabs and swats at objects. He is starting to sit up unassisted and he is getting pretty good at holding bottles himself. His new fave thing is to make farting noises with his mouth. (Pretty sure he learned that at daycare!) We have started him on solids and so far he has had peas, zucchini, squash, avocados, and bananas. He doesn't seem picky at all. He also loves rice cereal and says mmm when he eats it. I think he will be a good eater!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

5 months old!


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
I can't believe it! Jamison is 5 months old as of yesterday. AS you can see in this picture he likes to put everything in his mouth. He is truly starting to look like a little boy. He can now sit up assisted. He loves to use his hands and you better watch out cuz he will pull your hair and anything else he can get into his hands. He is doing really well with rice cereal and we are still breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. He has also started laughing and it is the cutest thing ever! He also rolls on his side but hasn't rolled all the way over quite yet. He is just a joy to have around and we coulden't imagine life without him!

Jamison's Baptism


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Originally uploaded by ajgould
We had Jamison's baptism on 1/10/10 at Sunnybrook Community Church. The baptism itself was short and sweet. Then we had a reception at our house. We had a good turnout to the baptism and Jamison got a bible, a monkey blanket, money for his college fund, and a 10 commandments wall hanging. He got some great gifts! If you want to see more pics go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegouldfam/