By and By

Sweet baby girl

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 Well...it turns out that "normal" swelling wasn't so "normal" after all.

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Although Chase's release from the Indian's organization earlier this year was difficult and hard to understand at first, we were still able to see God's Providence at work. Here is a quote from my previous post, New Beginnings:

"...Chase and I both fully trust and believe in God's plan for our lives. Once we got past the initial shock, we can truly see all of the wonderful benefits for Chase to be home....It just makes sense. We really think that this is the best thing that could have happened...Chase will now get to be here for every moment of the pregnancy. We don't have to worry if he won't be able to make it home for the baby's birth. That is such a comfort and joy to both of us. Not only that, but Chase won't have to worry about leaving us to go back after our little girl gets here. There is so much that he won't have to miss. I definitely think God sees that it is best for Chase to be here as we start our family. And we are so grateful that he gets to be!"

As the past couple months have unfolded, our belief in God and in His plan for us has been confirmed over and over. The title of this post is derived from one of my favorite hymns-Farther Along. "We'll understand it all by and by." I know this song is primarily talking about the understanding we will gain once we are united with God in heaven and how the trials of this earth will seem petty 'as we sweep thru the beautiful gate,' but I can't help to think of it now and the understanding even these few months has brought us.

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We went into the doctor's office for my regularly scheduled 34-week appointment. Violet's due date was approaching so quickly (but still isn't here yet!) and there was so much that needed to be done before she got here.

At my previous appointment, my blood pressure had been a little higher than normal, and the doctor informed me that if it was still high, then they would do some blood work at my next appointment. So, going in, I had mentally prepared myself for that. Chase hadn't been with me to the past couple appointments since they were quick and routine-I was in and out in about 15 minutes and he didn't need to miss work or class. When I found out that I might be having blood drawn (I HATE needles) I wanted to make sure Chase would be able to go with me.

My swelling was bad. Really bad. And getting worse all the time. At first, elevating my feet would help and in the mornings my swelling would be gone, only to return over the course of the day. At the end, though, nothing seemed to help. Chase would literally massage the fluid out of my feet and ankles only to see it all return in 10 minutes while they were still elevated. The swelling was no longer limited to my feet and ankles, either; it was everywhere. And on top of that, my morning sickness had come back. I was becoming increasingly nervous about this appointment and the swelling. I thought I might end up on bed rest.

When we got to the 2 o'clock appointment on June 11th, my blood pressure was still high. But there was also a new development-there was a lot of protein in my urine. After an ultrasound to make sure the baby was okay, they decided to take me over to the hospital immediately and admit me for blood work and observation. At that time, we believe the longest we would be there would be 24 hours. It took quite a while to admit me and get into a room, but once we did, they wasted no time getting started.

My blood pressure was now dangerously high and they needed to put in an IV to give me some medicine to bring it down (NEEDLE!). They took blood right away (ANOTHER NEEDLE!) and sent that off to get the results. The blood work came back fairly quick. The nurse informed us at that time that the doctor had not made a final decision at that point, but that she was leaning toward having a baby that night.

Wait.....WHAT?! TONIGHT?!

From this point forward, my body involuntarily shook. My whole body. I was not prepared for this. A few minutes later Dr. Long came to speak to us. She said that my blood work showed that my platelets were low and I had elevated liver enzymes--I had Preeclampsia. My organs weren't functioning properly. The baby was fine now, but she would start to feel the effects soon, as well. The only cure was to get the baby and placenta out. "It's time," she said. She assured us that Violet would do really well; she would end up in the NICU because of her gestational age, but that she would be fine.

And then they began to prep me for a C-section (LOTS OF SHARP OBJECTS INCLUDING NEEDLES!) They couldn't induce me because I wasn't far enough along. In order to have the epidural (A REALLY BIG NEEDLE), I had to have a bigger IV put in my other arm (SERIOUSLY?!) There was barely time to tell our families before they were taking us back.

And then, ready or not, our tiny, precious girl was here. At 6:16 pm, Violet Lane Burnette arrived. 4 lbs, 5 oz. The NICU nurses were there to take her away but I got to see her for a minute before they left. I wouldn't get to see her again for 24 hours. Immediately following delivery, I would be susceptible to seizures and so I would have to be put on magnesium for 24 hours, not being able to eat, drink, or move. Terrible stuff, that magnesium. Chase was able to go and be with her while I was not. After 24 hours, I was able to be moved from Labor and Delivery to the High Risk Pregnancy Unit. Before making our way to the room, we went to the NICU, and I got to hold our daughter for the first time.

In the hospital they had to put me on blood pressure medication. While I was on it for a few weeks, I am off of it now. The fluids that my body was retaining came off surprisingly fast. It was wonderful to see MY hands and feet again! Violet was in the NICU for almost 2 weeks and has now been home for almost 4. She is doing really well and is gaining weight. A week ago, she weighed in at 5 lbs 9 oz. I would estimate that she is around 6 lbs now. As per the pediatrician's advice, we have kept her at home and limited visitors for these past weeks, but are anxious to have her out and about and show her off. Soon, very soon.

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I thank God from the bottom of my heart that Chase was here with me and not off playing baseball somewhere. He never would have made it in time for the birth. I don't know what I would have done without him by my side for this whole ordeal-the pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. What a wonderful Christian husband God has blessed me with. And he is such a wonderful Daddy to our little girl. I remember looking at Chase after talking with Dr. Long and saying, "I can't do this."

But we did. With God's help. 

 

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"And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are called
according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

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The Name Game

As you can see, the blog has gone through some changes--new look and a new name. It was really hard to think of a different name for the blog (especially when so many are already taken!). I think we will try this out for a while and see if I like it. Hopefully all of you will like it, too!

And speaking of names...we are ready to announce our little girl's name! While we have been pretty set for quite a while now on her first name, her middle name proved to be more challenging. Fortunately (or unfortunately--however you choose to look at it), Chase and I like different styles of names. So, after reading through our extensive book on baby names, looking at online blogs, etc., we had a VERY condensed list of names that we both liked. Which, all in all, made it easier to pick one! We really wanted to use a family name for her middle name and after much thought and consideration, we have made a decision.

Our daughter's name is:

Violet Lane

Lane is in honor of Chase's dad, Stan, and sister, Niki, who both share the middle name Lane. We love them both very much and are so excited for Vi to get to meet them in a few more months! 

Already, her name just seems to fit. I can't wait to see how much more she 'becomes' her name once she gets here. 

Yesterday, we had our 28 week appointment. I am officially in the 3rd trimester! So far, everything is still going well-aside from the occasional and normal (as the doctor assured me) foot/ankle swelling. I had to take the Glucose Screening Test at this appointment (which everyone takes and screens for gestational diabetes), but won't have the results for a few more days. Hopefully, I will have passed with flying colors and won't have to take the more in-depth test.

Here are a couple of ultrasound pictures from her 25 week appointment:

Profile of Violet's face

My favorite! You can see her little nostrils and parted lips.

Semi-profile with her curled up leg and foot

Violet's face

There is so much pressure to pick a good name for your children. So many things to consider--trends, initials, hidden meanings, etc. It's a lot of responsibility! Hopefully Violet will love her name as much as we do.

Love to everyone! Thanks for reading!

Caitlin

New Beginnings

So much has happened since my last update--crazy, life-changing things! Unfortunately, there is so much to tell everyone that I will probably have to spread it out over several posts.

A couple of weeks ago, Chase was released from the Indians organization. While he didn't have the best season last year, we were certain they would give him another one to see if he could get back to the sucess he had in short-season. And, they gave no indication that a release might be pending. All indications were that he would be back in High A to start the season. So, we were pretty shocked to get that news.

However, Chase and I both fully trust and believe in God's plan for our lives. Once we got past the initial shock, we can truly see all of the wonderful benefits for Chase to be home. It really uncomplicates so many things going on in our life right now. It just makes sense. We really think that this is the best thing that could have happened. First of all, Chase will now get to be here for every moment of the pregnancy. We don't have to worry if he won't be able to make it home for the baby's birth. That is such a comfort and joy to both of us. Not only that, but Chase won't have to worry about leaving us to go back after our little girl gets here. There is so much that he won't have to miss. I definitely think God sees that it is best for Chase to be here as we start our family. And we are so grateful that he gets to be!

Also, we just closed on a house on April 4th! Chase got to be back for the closing and moving in. We are having so much fun setting up our home and working on little projects together. There will be a post to come about this soon...hopefully.

Because Chase was drafted as a junior, he has some schooling left to do. After talking with the registrar, he was re-admitted to Georgia Tech for summer classes! Although he can't register for several weeks, and he's not particularly excited about getting back into school, we are thrilled that he can get back so quickly (the sooner that he can be done, the better)!

We will definitely miss our time in the baseball world. Chase misses it so much, already--he wasn't prepared to give it up yet. I will miss getting to watch him play everyday. We have had so much fun and learned so much. We have gotten to travel around the country and meet so many wonderful people. It is sad to think that that phase of our life is over. But, baseball will always be a part of us. We will always be watching and going to games. Chase has always wanted to coach. We will have to wait and see how it fits into our lives from this point on. We just know that it will be there--one way, or another.

Like I said--there have been so many incredible changes going on in our lives right now. God is so good, and we are so grateful to Him for all of these blessings. There is so much to look forward to in this next phase!

As always, thank you for reading! We really appreciate all of your support, interest, and prayers. I know so many of you have kept up with Chase by listening to his games, checking stats, and by being an encouragement to us. That has meant so much. Thank you!!

Well, I guess I will have to think of a new name for the blog now...any suggestions?? : )

Love to all,

Caitlin

Halfway Through

We are a couple of weeks past the halfway point in this pregnancy! I know July is going to be here before we know it.

Our little girl is making so much progress and growing so big and strong. At her last appointment, she had her 20 week ultrasound. We were able to see her brain, stomach, kidneys, and even count the four chambers of her heart. Amazing! She weighed approximately 12 ounces and was the size of a banana.

For quite a few weeks now, I have been able to feel her squirming and kicking around. It's amazing how much stronger her little kicks have gotten already. Now, you can feel her kicking from the outside, too!

Chase is off at Spring Training in Arizona. He is glad to be back playing baseball, but it's always hard to leave home. At the beginning of April, we should know where he will be heading for the season. Unfortunately, this year, I will not be making the move with him. The pregnancy would complicate moving, and I need to stay close by my doctor, especially in the last 6 weeks. However, until those last six weeks, I will be visiting him as much as possible! Even though we are long distance veterans, it's going to be especially hard to be apart this time and not experience every moment of this pregnancy together.

As always, we appreciate your prayers for a healthy baby and pregnancy, and for Chase and I as we are apart. Thanks for reading!

Caitlin

Think Pink!!!

Chase and I had our 16 week appointment yesterday and found out that we are expecting a sweet little girl!!! We are beyond thrilled! It was such an amazing experience to get to see our little one again--we hadn't seen her on an ultrasound since 8 weeks (she really didn't look like much more than a blob then). She's sure been doing lots of growing in there! As we watched the screen, we could see her move and squirm around, even though I can't feel it yet. She looks like a baby now and we could see so many of her cute little features. I can't wait to kiss her little nose, hands, and feet in (hopefully) July!

Profile

Arm

Cute little foot

In the weeks leading up to us finding out, Chase and I tried to think of a creative way to tell our families. When in need of some creative inspiration, where else to turn to but to Pinterest? There were so many cute ideas, but we decided to bake cupcakes and put the corresponding color of frosting inside them. We had everyone bite into them at the same time to reveal our baby's gender. Everyone had to guess 'boy or girl' before they could find out, and I have to say that I was extremely impressed with the results! Everyone (except Jake) guessed girl---I guess we have some really intuitive people in our family! The cupcakes were by no means gourmet, but I think it was still a fun way for us to tell them.

Oh, Pinterest

Initial reactions

And again

Why, yes, that is a frosting mustache...

Now, on to the next big question.......what is her name going to be? We haven't really started the process of narrowing the list down. So, who knows when we will get that question answered....wish us luck!

Thanks for reading,

Caitlin

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"

I thought I would write a little celebratory post to commemorate the beginning of the 2nd trimester. I can't believe that I'm already a third of the way through this amazing journey! I am hopeful that any day now my morning sickness will go away for good....(seriously, please, PLEASE go away!)....and that I will get some energy back. I really can't complain that much--I have medicine that helps to manage the sickness and although it makes me even sleepier (can you imagine?), I can take a nap whenever I need to.

I have certainly started to "pop" and after my wardrobe options have significantly dwindled (I was down to one pair of pants that still fit), I found it necessary to go shopping. Yes, everyone, I have purchased my first pair of maternity jeans...and worn them. That felt quite strange, to say the least. I was amazed at how many options there are for maternity jeans: full panel, half panel, low-rise, no panel. It was a very confusing experience. But, after trying on about 20 pairs, I finally narrowed it down to a low-rise pair (I can't handle the panel yet....it's just too weird).

I also wanted to share with you what an incredible blessing this child has already been to us. This baby is truly an answer to prayer. I have been completely amazed by the artistry of God's creation. Every week, I read in books and online about the progress that our little one is making. Did you know that Baby Burnette already has fingerprints?  Or that he/she may already suck his/her thumb?

At 5 weeks, Baby's heart began to beat.

(Keep in mind that pregnancy is dated from your last menstrual period. So, you would be considered around 2 weeks pregnant at the time of conception and 4 weeks by the time you get a positive pregnancy test. 5 weeks would only be about 3 weeks from conception!)

At 6 weeks, Baby's eyes started to form, as did his/her liver, lungs, and stomach.

At 7 weeks, Baby was about the size of a blueberry and his/her sweet hands and feet were forming.

At 8 weeks, we had our first doctor's appointment. We got to see Baby and hear his/her heartbeat for the first time! It was such a relief to know that Baby was doing alright and everything was going well. Also this week, all of his/her organs, muscles, and nerves began to function and taste buds started to form.

At 9 weeks, Baby's tiny fingers and toes were visible.

At 10 weeks, Baby started swallowing and kicking, although I can't feel him/her yet. Fingernails and peach-fuzz hair started forming, too.

At 11 weeks, Baby had all of his/her parts--even down to his/her tooth buds. Baby's main task now is to grow larger and stronger.

At 12 weeks, Baby's reflexes began to develop and synapses in his/her brain are forming rapidly. Baby was about the size of a lime.

At 13 weeks, Baby has fingerprints.

During this week (week 14), Baby makes facial expressions and his/her eyebrows are starting to grow.

Can you believe how sophisticated and incredible our little miracle is? What an amazing God we have! I am often reminded of Psalm 139 and David's eloquent words:

Psalm 139

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

    To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

 ¹ O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
   you discern my thoughts from afar.
³ You search out my path and my lying down
   and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,
   behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
⁵ You hem me in, behind and before,
   and lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
   it is high; I cannot attain it.

 ⁷ Where shall I go from your Spirit?
   Or where shall I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
   If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning
   and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand shall lead me,
   and your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
   and the light about me be night,”
¹² even the darkness is not dark to you;
   the night is bright as the day,
   for darkness is as light with you.

 ¹³ For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them.

 ¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
   I awake, and I am still with you.

 ¹⁹ Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
   O men of blood, depart from me!
²⁰ They speak against you with malicious intent;
   your enemies take your name in vain.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
   And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
²² I hate them with complete hatred;
   I count them my enemies.

 ²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
   Try me and know my thoughts!
²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting!

 

Praise God! It is humbling to think of how intricately God designed us--we are His 'masterpiece,' created in His own image. I am in awe as God knits away. I can only imagine the joy and inspiration that will accompany getting to see our beautiful baby with our own eyes.

Only a couple more weeks until we know the gender of Baby Burnette! Feel free to leave a comment and cast your vote as to your best guess : )

As always, thanks for reading and love to everyone,

Caitlin

One Plus One Makes Three?

Can you guess which one of us is pregnant?

I guess it's about time I updated this thing, huh?

For those of you who haven't heard the news yet (possibly those living in the frozen tundra of the Antarctic, or in the remotest parts of Timbuktu), Chase and I are expecting a little Baby Burnette this upcoming summer--July 23rd, to be exact!

Needless to say, we are so excited and can't wait to be parents! Now, the next big question is....boy or girl? We are definitely going to find out ASAP....hopefully in 5 more weeks at our 16 week doctor appointment. We are on the countdown.

Please remember us in your prayers as the baby grows and the pregnancy progresses.

On Sunday, Chase and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. It's hard to believe, isn't it?! I am so incredibly thankful to God for Chase--he is the most amazing husband. I'm so excited to experience 2012 (and all the years to come) together. I know it's going to be challenging, but also very rewarding. He is going to be the best daddy!

Happy (belated) New Year, everyone!

Caitlin