Yes, we know...you're a boy!

Yesterday we had our 23 week ultrasound at our specialist's office and as always, it was fun and exciting to see our little Max moving around and finding new ways to aggravate the ultrasound technician. When we were there last time, they were doing the anatomy ultrasound and Max did not want to show a few parts of his heart and one portion of his spine. We were trying to get those photos yesterday and it turns out Max is shy about his heart but he has no problem letting us know OVER and OVER that he is indeed, a boy!

We were able to finish the ultrasound except for one photo of the blood going into his body from his heart. We are hoping he will cooperate in a month when we have another one. He is weighing in at 1 lb, 8 oz and the doctor feels that is exactly where he needs to be. We are so grateful for that since babies of diabetics tend to get too big too fast. So far, my blood sugars are staying in good control and Max is not in any danger.

Some things that were concerning over the last week of appointments were that my blood pressure was steadily going up. I do not struggle with high blood pressure at all but it seems that the last trimester, it is going to raise a bit. Although both of my fantastic doctors assured me that this is completely normal and I am not at any dangerous level, please keep Max and I in your prayers for the duration of the pregnancy so that we can stay as healthy as possible.

News on the delivery front: Upon talking to my doctors, it seems that the delivery could go a couple of ways in terms of location. At first, it was stated pretty clearly that I would be giving birth in Louisville. However, the new idea is that Max could be born closer to home if a couple of things go as planned. Babies of diabetic mothers tend to have under-developed lungs when coming early (by early I mean before 38 weeks). At about 38 weeks, they are more developed and can usually prevent having to be given oxygen and needing any special help. So, that being said...if Max waits a bit and comes around 38-40 weeks or beyond, we will most likely be able to have him closer to home. If he feels he needs to come a bit sooner, we will probably need to deliver in Louisville in order to have a NICU that meets those needs and the specialists that are trained more thoroughly to deal with those issues.

I am at peace either way. I know that my little guy will come when he is supposed to come and God has his hand on both of us during this stressful but exciting time. As I go into the third trimester on Monday, I am starting to get excited about new things like enjoying my baby shower, getting the nursery entirely ready for Max, and enjoying the last few months of Anthony and I being....just Anthony and I! Please continue to pray for us and help us praise God for our miracle. We appreciate all that you guys have done over the months to encourage us, pray for us, and remind us that we are going to be great parents. That never gets old to hear!

Thank you

Erica & Anthony

Quite a few updates

It's been a few weeks since I have written in here, to be specific, 15 weeks. Things have been moving right along in our pregnancy and we are happy to report, we are having a little boy! We have decided to name him Maxwell Jackson Jude Lewis. There have been numerous times of great news, including several ultrasounds where Max was doing great and measuring right on track. I have been a bit overwhelmed with trying to work a part time job at the school, tutoring part time, and being pregnant. I have extreme respect and almost awe at women who can work their entire pregnancy full time. Being diabetic has it's difficulties with being pregnant so it is a bit more work but still...in awe.

I have been seeing a specialist in Louisville since the first trimester. He is located at Maternal Fetal Specialists and his name is Dr. Thomas Tabb. He is a very caring and kind man and has really helped me understand the risks associated with diabetes. I was put on an insulin pump in August and that has really helped to give me excellent diabetic control throughout the pregnancy. In the latter part of the first trimester, we learned that my kidneys were having some difficulty functioning and may present a problem in the third trimester. I have decided to stop working at the end of December to put less stress on them and focus on preparing for the big day. They are also talking about delivering early and Max will be born in Louisville since there are risks.

Anthony and I have been diligently working toward providing all of the things that a baby needs since we have found out Mr. Max's gender. The clothes are so darn cute but they need so much that it can be overwhelming at times. Tomorrow we go for another OB appointment at our regular doctor and I think I will need to do another 24 hr Urine test in order to look at the functioning of my kidneys again. I pray that they are working well and can support my healthy boy. It turns out I am one of the unfortunate women who gets morning sickness her entire pregnancy. I was so hoping to stop the vomiting at the second trimester but at almost 6 months pregnant, NOPE!! Again, I am glad for the reminders of his health each day.

Another big landmark was on November 3rd, I was able to feel Max move/kick for the first time. That was quite an experience and Anthony can feel him move here and there as well. We are so grateful for each step of this journey and would ask you to keep us in your prayers throughout the rest of it. We are hoping to keep everyone posted on things that are going on and soon enough, there will be pictures of our little Maxwell.

We feel extremely blessed.

Erica & Anthony