Vlogging

Fifth Iron Infusion + A Girls’ Day

Hi! Just popping in here to share a little health update and a vlog.

I had a hematologist appointment right before Thanksgiving to check my hemoglobin levels post-pregnancy. The doctor prescribed four more iron infusions because I’m nursing Sadie and he doesn’t want either of us to become anemic as she continues to deplete my iron stores.

So, I had my fifth iron infusion on Tuesday.

IV iron infusion

I had a lot of fears about iron infusions during pregnancy, and I thought those fears would stop once Sadie arrived, but they kind of transferred over to worrying about her not wanting to nurse, the safety of iron infusions while nursing, and any possible side effects for Sadie.

In the days leading up to the infusion I kind of gave myself a pep talk about how the hematologist wouldn’t recommend the infusions if they weren’t necessary–he went to medical school for years and I needed to trust his judgement. I also told myself that I was doing this for Sadie and I to be healthy. It would break my heart if she became anemic. I know how that feels and it’s not fun, lol.

I reminded myself how blessed I am to receive great medical care and how I never want to take that for granted. Lastly, God protected Sadie and I during the four infusions we had during pregnancy, why wouldn’t He now?

IV Iron infusion for iron deficiency anemia

I just wanted to keep it real here on the blog. I don’t love iron infusions and I seem to have new fears with each one, but God is teaching me to trust Him and be thankful. There isn’t a situation that He isn’t in control of, and everything has a purpose. When I look at things that way it makes it a bit easier.

I’m happy to report that everything went well at the infusion! The port insertion was almost painless, the infusion went by in a flash, and Sadie didn’t have any side effects! She also had fun smiling at the nurses, which was adorable since they “knew” her when she was in my belly. It’s way more fun with her on the outside 🙂

I had my usual side effect from the infusion, which is exhaustion for a few days after. It’s Saturday as I type up this post and I’m feeling a lot better, thankfully! Three more infusions to go, and then we’ll check my hemaglobin again in a few months and go from there.

I’m so thankful my mom was able to come out and spend the day with us to help me with Sadie at the hospital. I don’t know how I would have done it without her! We decided to make it a girls’ day and even filmed a vlog.

Eight Things

Happy Friday! I’m sharing eight very random things I’m thinking about today.

1. The never ending quest for the perfect water bottle.

Does anyone else have this struggle?! For years, I used the Thermos Intak water bottle on and off since 2011 (<—that post is hilariously embarrassing). I constantly dropped them and they would break. I must have gone through literally ten of those over the past few years. The other struggle was that they didn’t keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold and they sweat. I’ve also tried a few other brands but wasn’t impressed.

Jimmy suggested I try Hydro Flask since he has a water bottle by the brand and likes it a lot. I ordered one that’s technically for coffee, but I needed something I could open with one hand and also throw in Sadie’s diaper bag without worrying about spills. So far, I’m loving it! Sorry for getting way too in depth about water bottles 😉

2. Passing on maternity clothes.

My sister’s bump is starting to show, so I gave her one of my maternity shirts and she looks beautiful in it! I cannot wait to meet my niece or nephew in May!

3. Hematologist appointment. I go back to the hematologist on Wednesday. I’m curious to see what my hemoglobin levels will be. I’m already scheduled for an iron infusion but I’m hoping and praying I won’t need one. Totally wishful thinking, but you never know!

4. Planning a staycation. Just like last year, Jimmy has a few vacation days left, so we’re planning a staycation and I. Can’t. Wait.

5. Loaded baked potatoes.

My sister and her husband came to visit us (or let’s be real, they came to see Sadie) last weekend and we made a loaded baked potato bar for dinner. I cooked beef with chopped jalapeños as a topping and they were divine. I’m having a moment with jalapeños, lol.

6. Selling a Christmas tree farm.

Working for my family’s real estate brokerage is so interesting. We help people sell some amazing properties. Right now, we have a Christmas tree farm listed! If anyone in the Pittsburgh area is looking to buy a 68 acre Christmas tree farm, let me know 😉

7. Books. I finally finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Any recommendations for what to read next? I’m thinking I need some fiction in my life.

8. Vlogging.

I’m digging’ it lately. The latest one features Malcolm full-on play-attacking Mavis. He’s ruthless I tell ya!

What have you been thinking about lately?