We had our first birthing class on Monday. They went over the stages of labor and what their procedure is, just basic stuff really. There were a few moments of squirming of the guys (especially with the episiotomy section) and head shaking from the girls (like when they mentioned we have bigger babies these days.) Most of the information I knew from reading my various pregnancy books, but I did learn a few things about the OB's policies that I did not know about (such as routine episiotomies.)
Next week we meet to discuss breast feeding and after care and then get a tour of the hospital wing, well floor really, where we will deliver. After that I will make my birthing plan and give to my nurse to put in my chart. I know that the plan might not get completely followed, but at least they will know my preferences.
We are very excited for baby to get here and can't believe we have about ten more weeks to wait. It is good we have ten more weeks though cause we do have just a few things we still need to do. We haven't had a baby shower yet, but will in the next few weeks, and then we will know what stuff we need to go buy to complete the nursery. Most of the stuff is there, but we need things like a changing pad, crib sheets, and diaper supplies.
We have another couple who is due a month before us, and they just found out that the husband might not be at the delivery because he just started the police academy and they have specific days they can not leave. We offered to be their backup, so I might get to be a part of a delivery before I have my own child, but we are crossing our fingers for them that the father gets to be there.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
28 Weeks
Today I had my glucose test. I had been dreading this test since they sent me home with the little bottle of orange soda last month. I really worried about being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I have a family history of it, plus I had gained double what I normally do in a month. (7.5 pounds this month!) But I ate my breakfast (of eggs instead of cereal like my OB nurse suggested) and chugged my little soda right before I left. It wasn't nearly as bad as I remember the test being when I took it in high school. The drink was sugary, but it tasted just like HiC, so it wasn't gag inducing. I got a 139 on blood sugar, which is just one point from having to take the three hour glucose test. They aren't going to give me the three hour test, but since I gained so much weight with no major changes in diet or exercise, they are going to keep an eye out.
I also got my flu shot today, and will be getting the Swine Flu one when it comes out in a few weeks. I was apprehensive about getting the swine flu one, but the OB assured me that the ingredients were the same as the normal flu, it just has the inactive swine flu instead. She also told me that the risk of being put in the hospital, or worse, are really high with the flu this year for pregnant women, and since I have to occasionally go to campus still, I really needed to protect myself. She also recommended T get both shots, so that when the little girl gets here, the chances are greatly reduced for her being exposed to any flu. We are normally very lucky in not getting colds, but after the one we both had last week, we realized it is a whole new game when it comes to children being around. I am just glad that we live in a day and age where flu shots and modern medicine can prevent or heal such things.
I also got my flu shot today, and will be getting the Swine Flu one when it comes out in a few weeks. I was apprehensive about getting the swine flu one, but the OB assured me that the ingredients were the same as the normal flu, it just has the inactive swine flu instead. She also told me that the risk of being put in the hospital, or worse, are really high with the flu this year for pregnant women, and since I have to occasionally go to campus still, I really needed to protect myself. She also recommended T get both shots, so that when the little girl gets here, the chances are greatly reduced for her being exposed to any flu. We are normally very lucky in not getting colds, but after the one we both had last week, we realized it is a whole new game when it comes to children being around. I am just glad that we live in a day and age where flu shots and modern medicine can prevent or heal such things.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Cat's Day
This morning I was sitting in the computer room doing work and I heard the cat make some eating noises. I looked over to watch her swallowing some yarn we had played with last night. I tried to get it out of her mouth, but she ran from me, and well a 6th month pregnant woman is no match in speed for a cat. I got to the bedroom to watch her eat the last inch of it with this look of pure defiance. I pried her mouth open trying to see if I could get it out still, but it was long gone.
I called the vet since it was about a foot of yarn that she swallowed and she already tried to hack up a hairball that morning. They told me to bring her in. I got the cat carrier out of the attic, which isn't an easy feat anymore either, only to have her run from me again. I finally cornered her in the bedroom and teased her with her favorite treat until I could grab her.
The vet checked her over and didn't feel any blockages that would indicate that she had done this before and had caused some damage, so he recommended that we make her throw up. In order to do this, they had to give her a sedative which would cause her to vomit, and then give her the counter agent to help bring her out of it. It was successful and only the yarn and some fur came up, so that was a good sign. They said she most likely has swallowed other things in the past such as hair things, but it appears she has passed them successfully. But now we have to watch out for what is available for her and keep it out of reach.
I brought her home still groggy and it was pretty cute to watch as she slowly slumped over time and time again. I was afraid to leave her because she kept throwing up each time she ate (I did take it away from her eventually) and she just seemed so out of it. When T got home she was still really groggy so the two of us took turns watching over her. She finally starting coming out of it about 6 hours after the medicine had been given, so I let her eat slowly and she seems to be keeping it down. She isn't completely awake yet though so I will have to check on her throughout the night, which isn't really a problem for me since I am up every two hours to use the bathroom anyways. (And she usually cuddles to me lately.)
It made me think though about our little one and how worried we would be if something happened to her. My SIL is a nurse at a children's hospital and she told us that sometimes the parents would rather go home and sleep than stay with their sick child. I couldn't even leave my cat to go grocery shopping until I knew T would be home soon, much less leave my poor sick and scared child in a hospital alone.
I called the vet since it was about a foot of yarn that she swallowed and she already tried to hack up a hairball that morning. They told me to bring her in. I got the cat carrier out of the attic, which isn't an easy feat anymore either, only to have her run from me again. I finally cornered her in the bedroom and teased her with her favorite treat until I could grab her.
The vet checked her over and didn't feel any blockages that would indicate that she had done this before and had caused some damage, so he recommended that we make her throw up. In order to do this, they had to give her a sedative which would cause her to vomit, and then give her the counter agent to help bring her out of it. It was successful and only the yarn and some fur came up, so that was a good sign. They said she most likely has swallowed other things in the past such as hair things, but it appears she has passed them successfully. But now we have to watch out for what is available for her and keep it out of reach.
I brought her home still groggy and it was pretty cute to watch as she slowly slumped over time and time again. I was afraid to leave her because she kept throwing up each time she ate (I did take it away from her eventually) and she just seemed so out of it. When T got home she was still really groggy so the two of us took turns watching over her. She finally starting coming out of it about 6 hours after the medicine had been given, so I let her eat slowly and she seems to be keeping it down. She isn't completely awake yet though so I will have to check on her throughout the night, which isn't really a problem for me since I am up every two hours to use the bathroom anyways. (And she usually cuddles to me lately.)
It made me think though about our little one and how worried we would be if something happened to her. My SIL is a nurse at a children's hospital and she told us that sometimes the parents would rather go home and sleep than stay with their sick child. I couldn't even leave my cat to go grocery shopping until I knew T would be home soon, much less leave my poor sick and scared child in a hospital alone.
26 and 27 Weeks
Yeah, I know I am behind. Let's just say I am getting slower as I get bigger. I have my monthly appointment next Wednesday, and on top of the glucose tolerance test, I will verify that I have in fact gained over 10 pounds this month. (Or at least my home scale seems to think that.)I am definitely feeling like a big pregnant woman, not quite as big as a house, but town house would be close.
For Labor Day we went to Ohio to visit family for my last trip out of state before the little girl gets here. It was a short three day trip, but we had a great time. Got to see my nieces, one of which we hadn't seen yet. We went to a few local places of interest like the German Village, Schmidt's, North Market, and Metro Park and spent some good time just talking or relaxing. The only downside was the cold T and I caught from our niece, but we can't fault her for sharing cause she is just too cute not to cuddle with. Can't wait till our little girl gets to play with her cousins.
For Labor Day we went to Ohio to visit family for my last trip out of state before the little girl gets here. It was a short three day trip, but we had a great time. Got to see my nieces, one of which we hadn't seen yet. We went to a few local places of interest like the German Village, Schmidt's, North Market, and Metro Park and spent some good time just talking or relaxing. The only downside was the cold T and I caught from our niece, but we can't fault her for sharing cause she is just too cute not to cuddle with. Can't wait till our little girl gets to play with her cousins.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
8th Anniversary
The 28th marked our eighth wedding anniversary, but we celebrated the Saturday before. Lots of people told us to live this one up since it won't ever be the same again, but we decided that we didn't need to go anywhere since we had a trip planned for later on. The festivities started on Thursday when T and I went to the movie theater to watch RiffTrax live. (Think MST3K but without the robots.) The movie was Plan 9 From Outer Space, and despite the few times the satelite feed went out, it was a really enjoyable event. The next day, T took a half day because he hadn't had a day off in months, and we went to a matinee showing of District 9. It was a fantastic film.
The next day we had our anniversary meal. We thought about going to our favorite restaurant since we don't go except for special occasions and we didn't know when we would be able to go next, but instead, T made me a French feast suitable for a member of the aristocracy. First came crepes for breakfast, but these were not simple crepes. They were filled with ham and mushrooms and topped with a cheese sauce. It took him two hour to make them, but they were well worth the effort and time because they were amazing. Then for dinner he made me roasted chicken with potatoes and bacon, a side of green beans with lemon zest, and to end the meal Napoleons. I helped a tiny little bit when there were too many things that needed to be stirred or cut at once, but he did 99% of the work.
I gave T a shaving mirror for the shower and he gave me a watch (so I could time my contractions later on.) We kept the whole event pretty simple, as some people questioned our laid back approach on what is the last anniversary alone, but honestly when it was all over, we were more excited about the next one and the little girl who will be here to celebrate with us.
The next day we had our anniversary meal. We thought about going to our favorite restaurant since we don't go except for special occasions and we didn't know when we would be able to go next, but instead, T made me a French feast suitable for a member of the aristocracy. First came crepes for breakfast, but these were not simple crepes. They were filled with ham and mushrooms and topped with a cheese sauce. It took him two hour to make them, but they were well worth the effort and time because they were amazing. Then for dinner he made me roasted chicken with potatoes and bacon, a side of green beans with lemon zest, and to end the meal Napoleons. I helped a tiny little bit when there were too many things that needed to be stirred or cut at once, but he did 99% of the work.
I gave T a shaving mirror for the shower and he gave me a watch (so I could time my contractions later on.) We kept the whole event pretty simple, as some people questioned our laid back approach on what is the last anniversary alone, but honestly when it was all over, we were more excited about the next one and the little girl who will be here to celebrate with us.
25 Weeks
I seem to be getting slower and slower at posting these, but at least I manage to keep up before the next week starts. I have been determined during the pregnancy to stay as active as I can and to remain doing as many tasks as I can for as long as I can. Well I think the time has come to learn to let some go. Bending over at the waist to grab something has become really uncomfortable, but not until after I have already done it. I also pulled a back muscle the other day which had me cuddled to the heating pad for a day. I find myself forgetting that I have a huge belly in front of me, and when I get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, I often strain some muscle because I get out of bed inappropriately for a pregnant woman. Maybe a change in my perceptions about my size and my abilities will stop me from hurting myself before I really hurt myself.
The other night I went to a Girl's Night Out. It was our eighth wedding anniversary, but we had celebrated the weekend before, and T said I should go since I won't be having too many more of those soon. It was a lot of fun. My friends wanted to feel the baby move, but she decided to be shy (must have gotten that from her father) and only one person was able to feel her kick. I was of course the first one to leave the party because I was super tired. I HAVE to be in bed and asleep by midnight or I fall asleep where ever I am.
I am starting to feel big this week. I wouldn't say I am as big as a house, but some days I feel as big as a condo or a townhouse. I noticed the other day that I have started to get a double chin and that my arms are starting to grow wider. It doesn't help that I have been getting hungrier the last few weeks, the scale went up more than the average a pound a week this time, and I wasn't able to go for my morning walk every day last week. I knew eventually my euphoria over the pregnancy weight would diminish, but I wish it could have at least waited two more weeks so I could be in the last trimester.
The other night I went to a Girl's Night Out. It was our eighth wedding anniversary, but we had celebrated the weekend before, and T said I should go since I won't be having too many more of those soon. It was a lot of fun. My friends wanted to feel the baby move, but she decided to be shy (must have gotten that from her father) and only one person was able to feel her kick. I was of course the first one to leave the party because I was super tired. I HAVE to be in bed and asleep by midnight or I fall asleep where ever I am.
I am starting to feel big this week. I wouldn't say I am as big as a house, but some days I feel as big as a condo or a townhouse. I noticed the other day that I have started to get a double chin and that my arms are starting to grow wider. It doesn't help that I have been getting hungrier the last few weeks, the scale went up more than the average a pound a week this time, and I wasn't able to go for my morning walk every day last week. I knew eventually my euphoria over the pregnancy weight would diminish, but I wish it could have at least waited two more weeks so I could be in the last trimester.
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