Updates

Sorry I've neglected you... :) Here are some updates.

Ken's Health
Ken is doing MUCH better. He's been on oral antibiotics ever since he was released from the hospital 8 days ago. He has vicodin but hasn't needed it at all. :) He used crutches for the first few days out of the hospital and whenever he was on his feet for long stretches of time, but no longer needs them. He worked this entire week with full-mechanic duties, just made sure to rest every now and then. Today he had some blood work done as part of his follow-up, and I expect we'll hear the results on Monday. His skin is still a little red and swollen just below his knee, but it's NOTHING compared to what it was. So yay! :) Hopefully the infection will be completely gone soon.

Aubrey's Health
Today was our 4 wk check-up (23 weeks total). My doctor is on vacation so we saw the nurse practioner, who is also pregnant and happens to be due just 4 days after us! :) Aubrey had a good heartrate of about 145-150 and my belly is measuring almost 24 cm, so she's growing right on target. I felt Aubrey move for the first time last week, when we were in the hospital. I don't feel her very often but when I do, it's pretty cool! She's not moving big enough or regularly enough for Ken to feel her yet, but I've heard most women feel something about 4 weeks before anyone can feel it on the outside.

Jess' Health
I'm doing well! I (finally) saw the dermatologist on Monday, but my rash completely disappeared a couple of weeks ago. He said it could have been PUPPP, and if so, it could return.... OR it could have been an allergic reaction. There really wasn't much he could do without being able to see an actual rash. He said I should try the two suspect products (one on each arm) for a couple of weeks and see if I get a reaction from either before using on my torso.
On another note, I noticed some swelling about a week ago and it hasn't gone away - my ankles and fingers are big (can't wear my wedding ring). The nurse practioner today asked if I've had any swelling. I showed her my ankles and she said "Yes you have!" She squeezed them (why do they do that?) and said swelling just happens in pregnancy sometimes, but that I should try to keep my feet elevated as much as possible and avoid salt. I've also been wheezing in the evenings and Ken says I've started snoring (LOUDLY) at night. I have asthma but it's really improved with age and I've ended up needing to use an inhaler only once every year or so. So this new onset of wheezing is a little disconcerting. The nurse practioner gave me a prescription for an inhaler (since my previous was expired) and advised me to see my general practioner if the wheezing/breathing gets any worse. She also said I should talk with my OB about my concerns with the potential of an asthma attack during labor, as she didn't have any feedback on that.
I've gained 6 lbs since my last appointment, 4 weeks ago! I blame that on the hospital food I was eating. :P But I'm sure the ice cream cravings have had a part in it as well. Need to be better about that this month and keep the weight gain at 1 lb per week, max. I'm now 3 lbs above my starting weight.