birthdays and gallbladders

Well I got to share my birthday with my brand spankin' new niece! Congratulations to Cody and Carissa Schaef! She was a healthy 8 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long.

Jarrett holding Lily a few hours after she was born!

Mom has recovered well after 3 days of prelabor and over 12 hours of active labor. Miss Lily has to stay a bit longer in the hospital until her jaundice clears up. Grateful for a beautiful healthy baby and a smooth delivery though! Pray for the new family of 3! We have their shitzu Mack keeping Koa company while his parent's prep to bring Lily home. I think he hates us and is ready for his real parents.

After cheating my bed rest and visiting the hospital we came home to sleep and relax for the rest of the day. I had family come visit that afternoon who brought some dessert and lovely presents. My splurge present: 

My excuse is that I'm soon to be surrounded by boys and its ok for me to remain girly.   :)

I also got some yarn and a knitting pattern magazine, which I entirely plan on utilizing over the next 2 weeks!

Yesterday I had a meeting with a surgeon and he has confirmed that I have a very irritated gallbladder. While he thinks I should be fine (in pain, but not in danger of it rupturing) for the next 4-8 weeks he definitely recommended having it removed soon after baby Atlas is born. He seemed surprised at how early the irritation set in, usually its the 2-3 pregnancy and closer to the end of the term. Until we have our son and get it removed I can avoid 'attacks' by restricting my diet. For anyone that has information on gall bladder friendly recipes-share them!!! So far we've discovered I can't eat any meat, dairy or fried foods. And that carbonation after I eat helps the discomfort pass sooner. Regardless of what I eat the skin in front of where my gallbladder is is very sensitive to touch and I generally have to sit awkwardly to allow it space so its not getting kicked/smushed.

We're at 32 weeks this week and getting excited to meet our dude. We know patience is a virtue, because the longer he is inside the less likely an extended stay at the hospital will be. I'll admit I get discouraged easily, especially after the past 4-5 weeks of already having a very painful gallbladder-makes it difficult to look at 3-7 more weeks of it. Bed rest is going well. I cheat often but have been trying to listen to my body and keep a sane mind :) half way done!