Are we crazy? Maybe. I just didn’t see myself having one pregnancy though. Pregnancies are hard, but I actually enjoyed being pregnant with The Gents. And, frankly, I’m not getting any younger. Plus, J really liked the idea of us having three children. Some might say this is the worst time to have another baby, with having twin toddlers, living overseas, and me not working. We’d argue this is the best time. The boys are young so they’ll all be close in age. There are some perks to being here (more on that below) so I’ll be able to deliver back in The States. And not working eliminates a whole other level of stress that I’m convinced is what set off R’s distress and forced an emergency c-section with The Gents. Honestly, I don’t think we could have a better situation right now. And after having twins, a singleton will feel like a breeze. This kid will probably be so self sufficient it will raise itself...kidding!
I’m sure you all have questions and I’ll give as much information as I think you might be interested in. Mom & Pregnancy Brain are a lethal combination so hopefully I don't miss anything important. As of today I’m 15 weeks +6, due August 30. I had the pregnancy confirmed at the Embassy health unit and then had my first ultrasound around 7 weeks at a local hospital in Riyadh. We were pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. It was incredibly efficient. Dare I comment even more so than The States (gasp)? After getting the ultrasound and having labs, I had a follow-up appointment with the doctor at the Embassy. We discussed the whole process of the pregnancy and delivery while at post.
The big question, where will I deliver? The options are Riyadh, London, and anywhere of my choosing in the U.S. I know of a couple women who have delivered in Riyadh. Obviously women have babies here everyday, but I just don’t know that I’d want to given the choice. I also know of a mother who recently delivered in London, which seems nice, but we don't have many people there. Now that we’re so far from family and friends, I really want to be near them during this time. This is definitely our last baby so all the more reason to share the experience with them. I’m planning on delivering back home in Ann Arbor. I do need to find an obgyn there, which I've heard a lot of doctors don't feel comfortable taking on a new patient that far along in their pregnancy. I'm on the task though and hopefully it won't be as challenging as some people have said.
Because most airlines don’t allow pregnant women to fly internationally past 36 weeks I will get a medivac out of Riyadh at 34 weeks and I will have 6 weeks to recoup. We’re going to try to link-up our 3-week R&R with my medivac, as well. This means we’ll be back end of June through mid-October…nearly four months and the best time of the year to be in the Midwest! We’ll spend some of the start in Chicago, but most of it we’ll be in Michigan. I’m already daydreaming about all we’re going to do on campus, downtown, and hopefully make some use of my football season tickets before we fly back to Riyadh. Yes, The Gents will be coming with me for the entire stay. J will only be there for the R&R and delivery though since he can’t take all that time off. And Wally will have to stay back in KSA.
What about the rest of my time in Riyadh and all of my appointments? Well, this is why I went to London last month. I had the option of having my 12-week appointment in Riyadh or London. I grilled the Embassy doctor on the benefits of going to London for the appointment vs. a local hospital. Not that I was opposed to going to London, but I felt bad leaving all my men behind. We've been talking about a London trip for a while. And I would miss J’s birthday. It’s not to say that the healthcare in Riyadh isn’t good, but I think the Embassy provides the option for peace of mind, even for the medical officers since the standards at which the various US embassy health units are evaluating a patient are more aligned. It was a really good experience. The doctor, nurses, staff, equipment, and facility were wonderful! I’m so glad I went, aside from all of the eating shopping. ;)
The baby looked great, waving and moving her legs quite a bit. She even jumped when I laughed during the ultrasound. Measurements were so good that based on the scan the due date move up a couple days. So glad to know she’s growing big and healthy, but hopefully not too big! Also during the appointment the doctor measured for any chromosomal abnormalities, which looked fine. Given my age there’s a little more concern so I opted to also have the free cell DNA test completed. Since that evaluates chromosomes the sex can be determined, which is why we know already they we’re having a girl.
How am I feeling? I could have told you this was a girl weeks into the pregnancy because it feels so much different than the Gents. Yes, a twin pregnancy vs. a singleton should feel different, but there are aspects that are much harder this time around! This little girl is working me already. I'm still nauseous in the mornings, although I've never gotten sick. I go to bed hungry and wake up famished. I eat all of the time, but mostly snacks or smaller meals. Anything large makes me feel horrible. My muscles feel so tired, which makes yoga and workouts a struggle. I already get winded walking up the stairs. I’m exhausted and need naps most days. I don’t know what I’d do without our nanny to help with the boys. I’m going to get a rude awakening when I’m back in Michigan on my own! Physically things are just harder. But it's all worth it!
My 16-week appointment will be next week. No ultrasound is needed so I’ll go into the Embassy health unit where they’ll use a Doppler to listen and measure the baby’s heart rate. Then I’ll have an anatomy scan at 20-weeks, probably at one of the local hospitals, although I’m hoping they send me back to London (fingers crossed!). That’s all I know at this point. The good thing is that we’re out of the first trimester and scariest time. Admittedly, after having a miscarriage a year ago I had a tough time feeling an attachment to this pregnancy until that first ultrasound and it wasn’t until the 12-week appointment when I could feel relief that THIS IS HAPPENING! We've definitely gotten accustomed to life boys, but we're really looking forward to this little girl. She's not even here yet and it already feels like our family is complete.
As usual, thanks for following our journey. We’re so excited to share all of this with you and will be sure to keep you posted along the way. Our story gets richer and richer each year and we’re so grateful for it, and you all. Can’t wait to see many of you when we’re back this summer. So much love…XO!