Cord Blood Donations

I went to my first Obstetrician appointment back in August, there my doctor went through the normal run down of information, exam, taking blood, normal questions most pregnant women are asked. Then pamphlets and papers of information, 'what to do when pregnant', 'what not to do', pregnancy magazines with pictures of the baby through the gestation period, etc.

One of the items of information my doctor gave me was about Cord Blood. Now I heard about cord blood storage when I was pregnant with Brody. For those who haven't recently been pregnant or haven't heard about this more recent scientific discovery, cord blood storage is urged so that, if there is a time later that a family member need stem cells for injuries or to treat diseases the stem cells can be stored from the blood that comes from a baby's umbilical cord and the placenta. It cost quite a bit for the storage so when I received the information this time around about it I was going to toss it the way I did when I was pregnant with Brody, again thinking "it would be nice but we don't have money for stuff like that". But after my appointment I went through the information I was given by my doctor and came across the pamphlet about Cord Blood and just in glancing I saw a section about donations. My first thought was, well I don't have money to store the blood for my family but if it won't be a cost to me we can donate the cord blood!!

So in the past couple months since my first appointment and looking at the initial information I have found out so much and I am very excited to share with those who read this blog because I think it is such a neat opportunity to help and this blood is literally thrown away after the birth when in reality it can be used as such a valuable resource.

In Arizona there are only a couple organizations that women and families are able to donate to and the one I am going to donate to is called Cryobanks International. There is a wealth of information about the organization and what they do. To calm people's fears about stem cell research I wanted to include a direct quote from this organization's website: "Cryobanks' corporate policy does not permit involvement in any research that is deemed controversial (cloning, embryonics) or cosmetic. Our goal is to advance the field in areas that would save lives. We are constantly seeking worthy projects to become involved in."

Also more information from Cryobanks posted on their website that could put any one's worries to rest is: "...the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be safely obtained without any risk or pain to the mother or baby. Once collected, the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be preserved for future uses. The collection of your baby’s umbilical cord blood will not cause a change in the delivery practices of your physician or nurse midwife. Collection is performed after the baby has been delivered and detached from the umbilical cord, and only if the physician/midwife considers the delivery to be uncomplicated or normal. At all times the health of you and your baby is the main priority."

Jake's Dad died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma - a blood cancer and there are many other family members in Jake's family and even a few in mine that had ailments and illnesses that they passed away from or caused lots of pain. For me thinking about these relatives motivates me to donate. Stem cell research has enormous benefits. So when I read the following information I just couldn't help but think, "This blood could save a life and its thrown away, why not donate it"!!

Currently, umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used to treat over 75 life-threatening diseases, including leukemias, anemias, lymphomas, and inborn errors of metabolism. As science continues to discover new uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells, many other diseases could potentially be treated using these unique cells. There are currently over 700 clinical trials being performed for diseases such as type I diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, paralysis, heart disease, and wound repair.

On the Cryobank's website (http://www.cryo-intl.com/) the pregnant woman can fill out an initial enrollment to know if she qualifies to donate (basically determined by age, having or coming in contact with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, transplants or tattoos). So if those aren't an issue then a sort of application will come up.

I know I am continuing to go into lots of detail but for those who read this that are interested or want to share this information with someone they know perhaps more details could help. Once the application is filled out mailed in the company will send back a "collection kit". From there the only responsibilities the pregnant woman has is to call once into labor (obviously this call can be made by the father), bring the kit with you to the hospital and call again right after the baby is born so that Cryobank knows to send a courier to pick up the donation (it has to happen within 48 hours from the time the baby is born). The only issue that came up for me has been whether my dr.'s office charges fees in collecting the blood and there is none so now I have no excuses!!

I know this post might sound pushy and I know I am probably coming off way too excited and trying sell people on this. Firstly, let me say I am sorry if I am giving that impression. Really I just discovered this and after doing some research and looking into it I am excited about it and second, I just wanted to share some information for those who might be interested. Also, as I do on this blog, I wanted to share my experience.

A Weekend of Rememberance

As most of you know Jake's Dad past away almost 2 years ago. Saturday was Cliff's birthday (he would have turned 65) and then the very next day was Jake's parent's anniversary (44 years). I wanted to post something special to honor the important days, especially my in-law's anniversary. But my sis-in-law Sarah had such a nice post on her blog with wonderful pictures that I'd rather direct everyone to her blog to read the post instead of trying to put a nice post together myself (I could never do it the justice that Sarah did -http://gilbertgiggles.blogspot.com/ ).

Growing Baby

I am 16 weeks and a few days along so on Monday I had my 4 month check up at my Obstetrician's office. I just wanted to give a little update - its not much but I thought I'd post it anyway.

The baby had a strong heartbeat and growing really good (she didn't say I was too big but the impression I got is that baby is growing big or my tummy is a good size). All blood and urine tests came back good with nothing to be concerned or alarmed with so, though it was the same when I was pregnant with Brody, its always good to hear that, at this point, no complications!

With my last Dr I had to wait till I was 20 weeks along before the ultrasound but with this Dr I can schedule it when I am 18 weeks! I got the paperwork for the ultrasound today and I hurried home to schedule it not only because I was excited but I wanted to make sure Jake can get the day off. So expect a post on Friday Oct 10th or the day after telling the gender of baby #2!

I thought I'd include the latest picture of my with my bump growing strong. Perhaps its the hormones but my hair is getting long and is a little darker. As you can see from the picture I am drinking lots of water and just finished a work out at the gym!

Missing my man!

Jake left for Houston, TX on Saturday and won't be back till Friday! He is there for training for his new job at Mattress Firm. Jake and I aren't apart that often (actually he has only taken two other trips without me since we have been married - one was for a couple days and the other was 5 or 6 days).

I fully admit and know its cliche and mushy but its only been a couple days that Jake has been gone but I miss him like crazy. We have known each other for so many years and have been married now for almost 5 years so being apart for very long is tough for both of us. We are like newlyweds who want to spend all their extra time together - which hasn't always been easy over the years with school, jobs and more recently a kid. When Jake goes on trips without me not only do we miss being around each other but we both have a tough time falling asleep (I am sure many couples have a difficult time because you get used to having that person sleep next to you). So I guess its true, we are that lovey-dovey, romantic and mushy couple.

Not only has Jake being gone been tough on me but I feel like the whole house feels different without him. Though Brody can't say or express it, I know he misses Jake too.

I suppose looking on the bright side of the situation I can turn the feelings of missing Jake into feelings of gratitude that I have the life, marriage and family that I have. I am truly happy and thankful to have Jake in my life at all let alone as my husband.

Evan

Beginning this week I am now taking of Evan (mine and Jake's adorable nephew and Brody's cousin) 4 days out of the week. Evan is a lot of fun to be around and extremely cute. Evan's parents, Jared and Sarah have done a great job in raising a sweet natured, rambunctious and hilarious little boy! Brody and Evan are 5 months apart so it makes for a fun time. One of my hopes is that Evan's talking will wear off on Brody and after some time perhaps one or both will instigate playing with each other not just next to each other! Brody and Evan have lots in common - both fun little boys with adorable smiles who LOVE and are perhaps OBSESSED with trains.

To mark the occasion of Evan being over here more I thought I'd take pictures of Brody and Evan's first day hanging out together. I apologize in advance for the red eye (I have tried to mess with different settings for the flash but it doesn't seem to help and the program on our computer really sucks in removing red eye)!

Eating some breakfast

Have to play with trains while eating, of course!

Brody and Evan in the "pool" well Brody really decided he needed to gather stuff and put it in the pool!

So after a few minutes it was apparent that Brody no longer has an interest in the pool...I guess the novelty wore off

But its still new and great for Evan!

At least he was smart enough to play in the shade of the trees
Didn't want the hose water to stay with them all day so Evan and Brody also took a bath

Then it was time for lunch
Once Brody went down for a nap it was time for Evan to enjoy a movie that Brody didn't approve of earlier in the day
It was nice to just enjoy this sweet little face!

A Saturday with my hubby...and football!!

Since Jake started working at Mattress Firm he has had to work most weekends. This has been a huge adjustment for our family. Jake and I, as well as many others, have had the idea of a Saturday and Sunday off to relax, work on the house, go to church and spend time with family, as a given! I will no longer take it for granted! Jake was able to have Saturday (yesterday) off.

It was wonderful to have Jake here. We went for a walk in the morning, later ran errands and played with Brody. Then came afternoon and with it important college football. We splurged and bought a bag of chips, cookies and some soda. These were necessary ingredients to truly enjoy a Saturday filled with many football games. Even though I haven't grown up being an avid football fan or much of one at all, since marrying Jake I have become more educated in the sport (though don't quiz me next time you see me...I admit I know more than before - which was nothing). But I don't sit and watch sports on my own. Watching sports over the years has been about Jake and I watching something Jake loves that I have grown to enjoy as well. I ask questions, we make fun of the commentators and occasionally I will throw in comments about good looking players!

Saturday ended on a bittersweet note (fans of college football you already know). A couple of the teams part of the Pac 10 had some pathetic games yesterday. Jake was so mad once the day was done and over with. Jake doesn't like BYU's football team, especially when they play a Pac 10 team. So when BYU scored 59 points and UCLA ended the game with a 0 - needless to say it was difficult for him to watch. Also ASU getting defeated by UNLV (20 - 23) was very frustrating for him (I mean its UNLV)!! At least USC beat Ohio St so at least it wasn't all bad.

It was a fun day and I loved spending time with Jake, even while he is mad at an entire football team and their coach. Here is hoping for more weekends off OR a better job to come along at some point that will bring back the luxury of working only weekdays!!