Update

I went to the specialist yesterday and found out that, contrary to what I had understood, I do not have HELLP. What I do have is "cholestasis of pregnancy"

What is this? By definition, cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile — a digestive fluid — from the liver is blocked. Extrahepatic cholestasis occurs outside the liver. Intrahepatic cholestasis occurs inside the liver. Pregnancy is one of many possible causes of intrahepatic cholestasis. Other names for cholestasis of pregnancy include obstetric cholestasis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Cholestasis of pregnancy can be dangerous for a developing baby, however. Early delivery is usually recommended. (They are doing this for me)

Causes
The cause of cholestasis of pregnancy is unknown. However, the condition seems to be triggered by pregnancy hormones.
Bile — a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats — is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Pregnancy hormones can affect how well the gallbladder functions. Sometimes, pregnancy hormones slow or even stop the flow of bile. Eventually, this excess bile may enter the bloodstream. This is cholestasis of pregnancy.

Complications
For mothers, cholestasis of pregnancy may temporarily hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Itching usually resolves within a few days of delivery, and subsequent liver problems are uncommon — although cholestasis is likely to recur with other pregnancies.
For babies, the complications of cholestasis of pregnancy can be much more severe. For reasons not well understood, cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and meconium — a substance that lines the baby's intestines during pregnancy — in the amniotic fluid. If a baby inhales meconium during delivery, he or she may have trouble breathing. There's also a risk of fetal death late in pregnancy. Because of the potentially severe complications, labor is typically induced early.
The specialist told me they have no clue why the higher infant deaths, but that is one of the reasons they are inducing early.
So what I am looking at is delivering in two weeks. It may be earlier if there is any sign of stress to the baby, or my levels sky rocket.

HELLP

I have not been posting much in the last month or two, so I wanted to fill y'all in on what has been going on in my life and pregnancy.

About a month ago (Labor Day weekend) I started itching on my hands and feet, and then very quickly after all over my body. I am talking CRAZY amounts of itching, the kind that drives a person insane. What I have learned since is that this is a sign in pregnancy that something can be wrong with your liver. My doctor ordered some blood work done that showed elevated liver enzymes, and meant even MORE blood work, which finally came back Thursday showing that I have something called the HELLP syndrome. I thank God for a great doctor who gently insisted I get the initial blood work done even though I was positive that it was just an allergic reaction to changes in my laundry detergent. God is good.

HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and a Low Platelet count. If you want to know more you can Google HELLP and come of with some great information. I am not going to be on for quite awhile now since the baby and I are being heavily monitored by the doctors, and my doctor told me yesterday that they are not going to let me go past 37 weeks, but that things could change between now and then and I could have the baby sooner.

I appreciate all the prayers and notes I have been receiving from Christians across the country. It is such a blessing to have a wonderful family in Christ. Thanks so much

Big Belly Two

I was getting ready for church tonight and realized I had one of my "big" shirts on...it is one that makes me look large. I get most of my comments when wearing this shirt. I had Anthony take a couple more pictures so you could see. I really hope this baby does not end up larger than Anthony, I was hoping for a "normal" 7 pounder this time.

Please ignore our school mess and the box of baby clothes I was organizing by size

Big Belly

I had my 7 year old take a pic of my big belly. I chose this shirt because it makes me look smaller than some of my other ones.I had meant to do take monthly pics through out the pregnancy, but this is one of the only ones I have. So much for good intentions. I am starting to not fit into some of my maternity clothes!!! and the question "are you having twins?" that people ask when they find out I have almost 2 months to go, well, it is getting really old. Oh well, the baby is worth it all.

Pizza Box-Gift Box

I made this box so quickly with my new Scorpal. I couldn't believe how fast it went. I am using it as a gift box to give a small stamp set and an ink pad as a birthday gift to a wonderful friend of mine.

The stamp set I used is TAC's I Love Easter

Perky Penguins #1

I decided to get going on my Christmas cards. I am not going to be sending out as many as last year, but still have quite a few to make.

I used TACs Perky Penguins set and their Merry Wishes paper collection (now retired). I also used my cuttlebug embossing folder (in my Big Shot) so make the snowflake embossed paper. The snow was made with Liquid Applique, and I colored with watercolor pencil and dove blender.

The colors of cardstock that I used actually DO match the patterned paper, but for some reason the scanner isn't showing the true colors.

Butterfly Bits

I made this card using TAC's Butterfly Bits and Seeds of Blessing. The paper is from TACs Angelee Collection (isn't it gorgeous), and brown and vanilla cardstock. The ink is Lavendar Satchet and Burnt Umber(Palette). I used Marvy Uchida's paper punches for the scalloped and regular circles. The white dots were done with the Xtreme White Gel pen that TAC also sells.