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LIFE, LOVE AND A SPLASH OF SOME GLAMOUR

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Thoughts on Expanding Your Family

As Jack gets older and closer to 2 the thoughts of having another baby become stronger.  Almost all of our mom's group friends are currently pregnant with number 2 or just had baby #2.  The struggle that comes with the decision to have #2 becomes a little harder. Now I am completely content with the life the 3 of us have now. The more I see birth announcements and the ever fun bump dates that baby fever gets a little stronger.
How could I not want another one of these to snuggle on???

The path to conceive wasn't easy for us. I often think about the baby I lost during my ectopic.  My ectopic pregnancy could have taken my life. It was misdiagnosed for 2 weeks and with each day that went by the baby grew in my tube causing massive internal bleeding. It cut off some circulation to the left side of my body causing nerve issues. At 9 weeks I had surgery to remove the baby from my tube. My surgeon was pretty fantastic and was able to save my left tube. Six months after I had healed from the ectopic surgery I had a miscarriage. This was one cycle before I got pregnant with Jack. Both were extremely tough on me our marriage. I only told my husband and best friend about my miscarriage. I was so traumatized after the ectopic I was very ashamed. I know that conceiving Jack helped save our marriage. If we didn't conceive Jack when we did I feel like the path I was going down was not a good one.

In addition to losing 2 pregnancies there is the constant fear of Cystic Fibrosis. As most of you know both Brian and I are carriers of Cystic Fibrosis genes. Jack was diagnosed with CF at 2 weeks old. I tested positive for the mutation during my pre natal bloodwork. Brian tested negative but the labs only test for 30 panels instead of 90 when testing for CF. Last year at this time I would have never even thought of having another child and subjecting them to this illness. During the last year of testing and information I've realized that medical science is so close to a cure, Jack is doing so well, actually BEYOND WELL and his CF is A-typical meaning due to the 2 mutations we have effects Jack differently than most cases. During Jack's last appointment we were informed of some pretty amazing medical advancements for Jack and others like him. In January Jack can begin medications that could potentially "fix" some of the genetic mutation. If your interested in reading more the medication is called Kalydeco.

I recently brought up the idea to Brian and his thoughts are to wait. There are several factors on why I agree with him. Being a parent, although so worth it, is exhausting and stress filled. Jack has gone through a phase where he hits, kicks, yells and melts down. It is not easy being a parent. We still don't sleep well and adding a pregnancy and new baby to the mix seems a bit crazy. Now although I completely agree with Brian there is a little part of me that realizes I'm 35 already!!! Ugh, I can't believe I'm getting so old. This old gal's clock is tick tocking away!


For moms out there; Was your decision to have one based on one thing or many? or did you stick to one child? What were the bases for your decisions???



5 comments:

K said...

I could have written most of this post. In fact, I've thought of writing most of this post. We lost a pregnancy before we got pregnant with John and it was rough. The thought of whether it was a "one off" or something that we may face again terrifies me. We have known 4 people who have has miscarriages this year, and I don't know if that just adds to the scariness of it all. That it brings all of the hurt and pain back up. Then you get into the other issues of he's not quite two yet, daycare is expensive, we are broke as it is, are we ready, is this right? Almost every single friend that I have right now is pregnant, minus two. They are all on their second and third kids. It's such a tough decision.

Jen said...

I know you guys will ultimately makes the right choice for your family. Sending lots of hugs your way!

Meg Taylor said...

First of all, I am so happy that Jack is doing so well! I am so sorry for everything you've had to endure, and while I'm not a mom, so I don't think I am the right person to give you an opinion, just know that whatever you and Brian decide together will work out. Your family is amazing xoxo

Justine Y @ Little Dove said...

I definitely think it's best to consider a lot of different factors, which it seems like you two have. I'm so sorry that this path has been hard for you guys, but I'm sure when the time is right you'll know. For us, we knew we wanted our kids two years apart, but it has really been a tiring time. :) There's pros and cons to having kids closer, as well as farther apart for sure.

Ashley said...

Because of our history, we started trying right away for baby #2. We started fertility drugs come the new year and conceived on our off month from meds. We didn't know how long it would take, but I knew I couldn't breastfeed while on the meds, but didn't want to rush Noah, luckily he self weaned in Decemeber!! It's a big decision, but I knew if we wanted to grow our family, time isn't on my side with my diagnosis. We were surprised with the timing, but soo happy!! You have to do what feels right for you guys!! I found having Noah during the wait this time made it a lot easier on myself, I also knew I was capable of a healthy pregnancy!!
That's great to hear about the advances in Jacks health and new options available!!

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