The Dettling SuperBlog: October 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

It's as if I don't know "how it happens" and each time I'm reminded just how much I'm not in control! You'd think by now I would get used to the fact that my body is just odd and doesn't work like the "normal" one it's compared to every time I enter the doctor's office. I'm amazed every time I get pregnant. I've already been to the doctor for lab work 5 times since I tested positive on October 9th! Although I have no problem "getting pregnant," I'm still technically considered a "fertility phenomenon." (My hCG & progesterone numbers for all 3 pregnancies, as well as "normal" levels are listed below.)

We really were trying to wait until at least January to get pregnant again, if not a little later. I wanted to lose some more weight to be starting off at a healthier point (fortunately I lost all my post-baby fat plus an additional 12 pounds and am starting out lighter than I was when Aaron & I got married.) I also selfishly just wanted some time not being pregnant or nursing while getting to sleep through the night and even plan a one night get away with my hubby.

Once again though, God had a different plan (and I don't say that lightly!) We were loosely trying to follow the Natural Family Planning model, but I'd only had one cycle so that was pretty difficult to do (and for all you true followers, I wasn't taking my temp...just relying on an online calculator.) I figured I'd start doing that with my 2nd cycle. According to the charts, I should have been clear based on a 31 day cycle (which is what I've always had prior to this cycle.) When I took the pregnancy test, I based it on that and the only time I could have possibly conceived in the month (we have 2 kids under 2 so there isn't much time for that!) Based on those dates, I would have conceived on the last possible logical day giving me a due date of June 19, 2010.

Now for the awesome timing of God....

I went in today for more labwork. My progesterone is low again, but high for me (10 rather than 2 on the first check!) However, it only went up by 1.1 points after two weeks of being on twice a day progesterone supplements, so Dr. K ordered an ultrasound for today and bumped the supplement up to 3x a day. I went in thinking I was 6 weeks, 5 days pregnant. Turns out, I'm not that far along. It's only a few days different, but it means my cycle would have been closer to a 35 day cycle which is just crazy!

I'm actually only 6 weeks, 2 days pregnant and due on June 22, 2010. The heart rate was 111 (should be 99 or more at this week of pregnancy) so all looks good. I saw that sweet baby jumping around, but boy was it small. Even smaller than the last two and I've always had early ultrasounds. This one was really hard to see! I'm just thankful I got to see it and that precious "thump, thump, thump" of it's sweet little heart!

I'm always amazed to see God's timing in life's biggest (and smallest) moments. I waited and waited and waited to meet Aaron and get married and start a family. But when it happened, it happened quickly and here we go again...hurry, hurry, hurry! I'm still trying to understand His ways, but what a fun ride it's been as He continues to teach and guide me. I know I've said it before, but I can't help but say it again. It may be tough for a while, but what fun it will be for all these sweet babies to grow up so close together.

Look just below the arrow in the far right corner of the black circle! That's the beauty of a steady thumping heartbeat! I already love this precious miracle!!!

Baby 3: (Conceived on September 29, 2009)

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 (10 dpo): hCG: 20.2 / progesterone: 10.6

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 (13 dpo): hCG: 123 / progesterone: not checked, but supplements started on 10/9/09

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 (21 dpo): hCG: 3,492 / progesterone: 11.7 (told to start supplements 3x's a day)

James: (1st Pregnancy, January 2007 to September 21, 2007)
12 dpo - hCG: 36 and progesterone: 4.2.
14 dpo - hCG: 57 and progesterone 3.2
16 dpo - hCG: 120

Noah: (2nd Pregnancy - Conceived on April 6, 2008 / Born on December 29, 2008)
Friday, April 25 (13dpo) - hCG:19

Tuesday, April 29 (17dpo) - hCG:229 / progesterone: 21 (already began supplements)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 (23 dpo) - hCG: 5,149
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 (24dpo) - hCG: 9,391 (24 days from ovulation)

Guideline to hCG levels during pregnancy:

hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age)* :

3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
Non-pregnant females: <5.0>
Postmenopausal females: <9.5>

Progesterone levels also can have quite a variance at this stage of pregnancy. They can range from 9-47ng/ml in the first trimester, with an average of 12-20ng/ml in the first 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

Old & New

I promise to update photos for past events soon! Life has just been crazy lately, and with the holidays coming it isn't likely to slow down anytime soon! Until I get to that, though, I wanted to post something new!!! It makes it all real again. Enjoy! [Next post will include the "new(s)!"]

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Thanksgiving & Positive Thinking

I must admit that my hands shook out of fear and disbelief for almost an hour after I saw the positive reading on the pregnancy test, but today my heart is so full! I've decided from this moment forward to try and find the positive and not complain too much during this pregnancy! I am so very grateful to our gracious God for all these sweet babies! What an incredible blessing He has bestowed upon our growing family! I realize it may be difficult for a few months, and apparently so do all our friends and family. But, what's a temporary trial for a lifetime and house full of joy?! I can't wait to hear the joyful noise of pitter-pattering little feet and sweet giggles as these three precious babies grow up together! I always wanted a house full of babies. God just has a different idea for the timing of them! Praise You, God, for picking me and Aaron to parent these wonderful creations of Yours! Thank You for slowly teaching me to let go of the things that aren't important and grasp the moments and people that are! I may be sitting surrounded by a mountain of laundry that needs folding right now, but boy did we have fun making cut & paste fall trees and handprint turkeys this morning and eating fast food breakfast in the parking lot of McDonald's!