I had my monthly OB appointment on Monday, and everything looks great as always. I am right on track for size of belly and weight gain. If I manage to keep at this rate, I will gain 30 pounds total for the pregnancy, which is just about perfect. I am finding it a little harder to stay within the pound a week gain though because I have finally reached the "I'm hungry" stage. I have been doing a pretty good job of watching what I eat, but I find myself drinking far more sugary drinks than before. But I walk every morning to try to keep it in check, so hopefully I am balancing it all out.
The OB told me that the repetitious hitting sensation I am getting from the baby is probably hiccups. The poor kiddo seems to get them at least once a day, which isn't too surprising since her mother gets them at least once a day too. Speaking of things I get once a day, the heartburn has returned. I get it every evening now and have to take one Tums before I go to bed. I am totally paranoid about getting another kidney stone, so I try to take the minimum to be comfortable. (I sometimes get little aches in my back right where I felt the pain of the kidney stone, and I swear I am going to get another one. The OB wants to send me to the urologist after the baby gets here to check them out.)
School started again, so I saw lots of my friends this week while I met with my assistants. Lots of people commented on my belly. Many could not believe that I was already in my sixth month about to enter the third trimester. Others, who had seen me here and there over the summer, commented on how I finally looked like a pregnant woman. It was all pretty funny and flattering.
I also met another young mother last week and got invited to a play group. She had placed an ad for maternity clothes on Craigslist, so I went to her house (because she was bedridden) and checked them out. I got some really cute clothes, ten pieces to be exact, for $20! But then I spent the next two hours talking to the woman because we had so much in common. (Same undergrad degree, same alma mater, same beliefs in medicine, same age, etc.) Both of our husbands called while we talked to check that we were safe, and we laughed about that. It was great to meet another young mother in the area and get invited to the play group. I can't wait till the little girl is old enough to take to an event.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
23 Weeks
I can now see the baby kicking or punching. Not quite the scene from Alien, but entertaining at the least. She is beginning to pack quite a punch too. Luckily she can't reach my ribs, but she does jump up and down on my bladder in the evenings. Between that and the 80 ounces of fluids I drink in a day, I have to go the bathroom every 30 minutes until bedtime. I am only having to get up two times a night now because I cut myself off from fluids at about ten, giving me two hours to get most of it out.
I can't see my feet now when I stand up straight. I didn't expect it to happen this early, but I do have ridiculously small feet, so I guess I should have. It's a good thing I stopped wearing nail polish on my toes months ago, or I would forget to paint them (or have them painted) and that would be bad since we still have a few more months of good sandal weather here. Once colder weather gets here I may have to go get some more closed toe, slip on shoes, because my favorite pair or sneakers are too snug to wear anymore. Maybe my feet will actually get to a normal shoe size. Heck, even a half size bigger would be a step up for me.
I can't see my feet now when I stand up straight. I didn't expect it to happen this early, but I do have ridiculously small feet, so I guess I should have. It's a good thing I stopped wearing nail polish on my toes months ago, or I would forget to paint them (or have them painted) and that would be bad since we still have a few more months of good sandal weather here. Once colder weather gets here I may have to go get some more closed toe, slip on shoes, because my favorite pair or sneakers are too snug to wear anymore. Maybe my feet will actually get to a normal shoe size. Heck, even a half size bigger would be a step up for me.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
22 Weeks
Not much happened this week, which was fine with me. I went swimming with some friends this week, one of which is pregnant and another a mother of a toddler. The toddler was born premature at 26 weeks! That was extremely frightening to hear the story, knowing I was only a few weeks off. Hopefully that won't even be a problem for me.
I had to go shopping this week because my wardrobe is quickly shrinking as my belly is growing. I moved all the non-fitting clothes to another closet and I barely had anything. A kind friend (thanks Megan) gave me some maternity clothes, and I have bought a few pieces here and there, but I only had twenty pieces (most of which were large t-shirts.) I needed some more professional clothes so I went to a consignment shop and got some great deals. I took a picture of my closet space now, it still isn't much, but it makes for an amusing picture.
I had to go shopping this week because my wardrobe is quickly shrinking as my belly is growing. I moved all the non-fitting clothes to another closet and I barely had anything. A kind friend (thanks Megan) gave me some maternity clothes, and I have bought a few pieces here and there, but I only had twenty pieces (most of which were large t-shirts.) I needed some more professional clothes so I went to a consignment shop and got some great deals. I took a picture of my closet space now, it still isn't much, but it makes for an amusing picture.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
21 Weeks
This week was pretty miserable honestly. Thursday night my lower back started to hurt on my right side, and by Friday morning I knew the reason why: kidney stones. I had to go to the OB for the second time in a week so they could run some test to make sure I didn't have an infection on top of the stones. (Luckily I did not.) The only things they could recommend were water, Tylenol every 6 hours, water, heating pad, and water. I spent the whole weekend on the couch trying to get some comfort. It wasn't until Tuesday that I felt better, and still sometimes it hurts, but my back hurts all the time anyway now that the belly is getting bigger. Now I am adamant about getting plenty to drink in a day, which means lots more visits to the bathroom day or night. The upside, by the time the baby gets here I will be pretty used to not getting a normal nights sleep.
When I went to the OB they weighed me again and I had gained a pound from Monday (some of which may be from water retention cause I did have some swelling in my hands and face.) It hit me a day or two later that I am almost 140 pounds, which is right where I am supposed to be for weight gain, but it is the heaviest I have ever been in my life. The weird thing was not being concerned about it for the first time in my life. I have always been weight conscious, sometimes unhealthily so, but pregnancy has changed my frame of mind about it. Hopefully I can keep this healthy prospective for the rest of my life.
When I went to the OB they weighed me again and I had gained a pound from Monday (some of which may be from water retention cause I did have some swelling in my hands and face.) It hit me a day or two later that I am almost 140 pounds, which is right where I am supposed to be for weight gain, but it is the heaviest I have ever been in my life. The weird thing was not being concerned about it for the first time in my life. I have always been weight conscious, sometimes unhealthily so, but pregnancy has changed my frame of mind about it. Hopefully I can keep this healthy prospective for the rest of my life.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
20 Weeks
I have reached the halfway point (so long as I go the full 40 weeks, which I surely hope I do.) It is amazing to think that I have come so far but have so much more to grow.
We had our ultrasound on Monday, two days earlier than scheduled, due to a minor scare. Everything was fine, but they wanted to check me out just in case. T came with me because I was freaked out, and I am glad he did. Not only was he a great comfort but after they finished they asked if we wanted to get our ultrasound while we were there. My instincts were completely wrong and we are having a girl, but I am very happy. T and my mother are even happier, ecstatic even, since they both really wanted it to be a girl. Everything looked great in the ultrasound. She has all her fingers and toes (even had a glowing hand in one picture), her back shows no sign of spinae bifida, and her lip looked normal. She would not stop moving the whole time, which doesn't surprise me since I feel her several times a day usually. At one point she had her arms over her face so the tech had to jiggle my tummy a bit to get her to move them away. Of course, that made me laugh and then she wouldn't stop moving enough for them to get a good heart scan. She is right on track for her due date although the tech thought she looked a little small at first. So come early December we will have ourselves a little girl who will have her father wrapped around her finger from day one.
We had our ultrasound on Monday, two days earlier than scheduled, due to a minor scare. Everything was fine, but they wanted to check me out just in case. T came with me because I was freaked out, and I am glad he did. Not only was he a great comfort but after they finished they asked if we wanted to get our ultrasound while we were there. My instincts were completely wrong and we are having a girl, but I am very happy. T and my mother are even happier, ecstatic even, since they both really wanted it to be a girl. Everything looked great in the ultrasound. She has all her fingers and toes (even had a glowing hand in one picture), her back shows no sign of spinae bifida, and her lip looked normal. She would not stop moving the whole time, which doesn't surprise me since I feel her several times a day usually. At one point she had her arms over her face so the tech had to jiggle my tummy a bit to get her to move them away. Of course, that made me laugh and then she wouldn't stop moving enough for them to get a good heart scan. She is right on track for her due date although the tech thought she looked a little small at first. So come early December we will have ourselves a little girl who will have her father wrapped around her finger from day one.
Friday, July 17, 2009
19 Weeks and My Birthday
More moving, more grooving, and more growing. That pretty much sums up this week. Went to Harry Potter for my birthday and spent the whole moving feeling the little one move around. I think it was the noise of the theater. Or maybe it could tell how mad I was at the persons two rows back who kept whispering loudly. At least I managed not to have to get up once during the movie.
Before we went to the movie, I opened my presents (which were awesome and nothing baby related) and then we went to dinner with the two couples who were also going to the movie with us. I ate the most amazing crab cake sandwich and fries. I finished everything on my plate it was that good (and I was that hungry.) My favorite present has to the be the Russian Communist Leader nesting dolls I asked for. I have always wanted a set, and I found a really detailed one on eBay but they wanted way too much for it, so I looked on Amazon and found an equally interesting set for much less. They are so detailed that Gorbachev's right eye droops like it does in real life.
It still seems hard to believe that next birthday, the big 30, I will a mother. I know my birthdays will never be the same again, but I am alright with that.
Before we went to the movie, I opened my presents (which were awesome and nothing baby related) and then we went to dinner with the two couples who were also going to the movie with us. I ate the most amazing crab cake sandwich and fries. I finished everything on my plate it was that good (and I was that hungry.) My favorite present has to the be the Russian Communist Leader nesting dolls I asked for. I have always wanted a set, and I found a really detailed one on eBay but they wanted way too much for it, so I looked on Amazon and found an equally interesting set for much less. They are so detailed that Gorbachev's right eye droops like it does in real life.
It still seems hard to believe that next birthday, the big 30, I will a mother. I know my birthdays will never be the same again, but I am alright with that.
Friday, July 10, 2009
18 Weeks
The little one is moving and grooving more each day. I was helping a professor clean out his office (he retired and needs help packing and sorting) and I had to stop for a minute because of all the moment inside. T still can't feel it on the outside, but with how strong it is getting I can't imagine it will be much longer before he can.
Other than that it has just been slow growing, few aches and pains that come with said growth, and a distaste for chicken. It has been fun to compare my pregnancy with others who are at different stages. Right now I have 4 relatives and 5 friends who are expecting between September and February. I am the next to find out the gender, and so far it has gone girl, boy, girl. I can't wait to find out.
I went maternity clothes shopping with a friend and while we were out we jumped over to the baby department in one store. I saw the cutest sleep snuggly with rubber duckies so it just had to come home. I can't wait to pick out cute clothes.
Other than that it has just been slow growing, few aches and pains that come with said growth, and a distaste for chicken. It has been fun to compare my pregnancy with others who are at different stages. Right now I have 4 relatives and 5 friends who are expecting between September and February. I am the next to find out the gender, and so far it has gone girl, boy, girl. I can't wait to find out.
I went maternity clothes shopping with a friend and while we were out we jumped over to the baby department in one store. I saw the cutest sleep snuggly with rubber duckies so it just had to come home. I can't wait to pick out cute clothes.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
17 Weeks
I gained those two lost pounds back already, although it is almost surely water weight. I have been diligent about drinking the recommended amounts of water so I haven't had any more dizzy spells. I had a nice sore throat on Monday after I visited campus for a couple of hours and thought I was sick, but after talking to two other friends who also got sore throats for a few hours, it looks like it was a reaction to all the construction dust. Unfortunately, since I am pregnant my sore throat lasted a lot longer than a few hours.
I received the results of my AFP this week and they came back negative which means I am a low risk for the spinae bifida. That doesn't completely rule out the chance of having a kid with a genetic disorder, but I have better odds in Vegas. It was a nice feeling to get that information.
I have been cruising Craigslist day after day scoping out a crib. I found one a few weeks back that was exactly what we wanted for $75 but it has sold by the time I called. This week I lucked out and got the same crib for $60 plus a mattress (still wrapped in plastic.) The owner never got to use it because her baby didn't like being in a crib and they coslept instead. It has some minor dings and scratches from being shoved under their bed and being moved, but nothing we couldn't take care of. The mattress may have to go though because it turns out they smoked and I don't know if the mattress smells or not, or if I can get that smell out with the carpet cleaner. I am going to try just to see, but my guess and preference would be to get a new one. The crib however only slightly smelled and as soon as I disinfected it the smell went away.
The floors in the nursery are about half way done, and with the long weekend we might be able to get them completed. They look amazing and I can't wait till they are finished and we can start arranging the room for the little one. The theme is going to be rubber duckies and a I have a few things to decorate but not a whole lot yet. It gives me an excuse to be crafty again though, which I enjoy.
I received the results of my AFP this week and they came back negative which means I am a low risk for the spinae bifida. That doesn't completely rule out the chance of having a kid with a genetic disorder, but I have better odds in Vegas. It was a nice feeling to get that information.
I have been cruising Craigslist day after day scoping out a crib. I found one a few weeks back that was exactly what we wanted for $75 but it has sold by the time I called. This week I lucked out and got the same crib for $60 plus a mattress (still wrapped in plastic.) The owner never got to use it because her baby didn't like being in a crib and they coslept instead. It has some minor dings and scratches from being shoved under their bed and being moved, but nothing we couldn't take care of. The mattress may have to go though because it turns out they smoked and I don't know if the mattress smells or not, or if I can get that smell out with the carpet cleaner. I am going to try just to see, but my guess and preference would be to get a new one. The crib however only slightly smelled and as soon as I disinfected it the smell went away.
The floors in the nursery are about half way done, and with the long weekend we might be able to get them completed. They look amazing and I can't wait till they are finished and we can start arranging the room for the little one. The theme is going to be rubber duckies and a I have a few things to decorate but not a whole lot yet. It gives me an excuse to be crafty again though, which I enjoy.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
16 Weeks
I had another appointment this week. I had them draw the AFP test to see how high of a risk I am for spina bifida, which runs on my grandfather's side apparently. I am not worried, but I thought I should find out just in case. I also found out I lost two pounds from the last appointment. The doctor isn't concerned, but I sure was shocked. I thought for sure my bathroom scale was wrong. Trust me, I have been eating and keeping it down 95% of the time. They think it is from dehydration. My blood pressure was lower than last time, thank goodness, so everything is still going great. (And I heard the little heartbeat again.)
The only complaint I have had this week is a slight case of dizziness. Again, I seem to have gotten dehydrated, which is easy to do in this weather. So I have been sucking down so much water I swear my stomach makes a sloshing noise when I walk. Of course this also means that the nightly routine of getting up every few hours to remove said water has returned. Hopefully my body gets used to this amount of water soon and I won't have to get up so often.
Everyone still remarks on how little my stomach is, but it seems so much bigger to me. I can hide it pretty well with clothing still, but when I look in the mirror or when T pulls my clothes tight it is definitely there and getting bigger every day. I am sure it won't be too much longer before I have a cute belly like everyone else I know who is pregnant right now.
But I guess the best thing about this week was that I felt the baby. I have felt little things here and there and not been sure because they were near where my stomach muscles ache from being stretched. This time though I was sure because it was just below my belly button, right where the doctor had taken the heartbeat. This didn't feel like flutters though, which is another reason I was sure. This was more like someone was poking me ever so slightly over and over for a few minutes. T tried desperately to feel it himself, but I told him it was probably too soon for that. I can't wait till he does get to feel it. Now that I know what it feels like I notice it more and more, although most of the time it is more like a fluttering sensation.
I have another appointment on July 22 where we get our next ultrasound and get to see if I am correct about the gender. I can't wait!
The only complaint I have had this week is a slight case of dizziness. Again, I seem to have gotten dehydrated, which is easy to do in this weather. So I have been sucking down so much water I swear my stomach makes a sloshing noise when I walk. Of course this also means that the nightly routine of getting up every few hours to remove said water has returned. Hopefully my body gets used to this amount of water soon and I won't have to get up so often.
Everyone still remarks on how little my stomach is, but it seems so much bigger to me. I can hide it pretty well with clothing still, but when I look in the mirror or when T pulls my clothes tight it is definitely there and getting bigger every day. I am sure it won't be too much longer before I have a cute belly like everyone else I know who is pregnant right now.
But I guess the best thing about this week was that I felt the baby. I have felt little things here and there and not been sure because they were near where my stomach muscles ache from being stretched. This time though I was sure because it was just below my belly button, right where the doctor had taken the heartbeat. This didn't feel like flutters though, which is another reason I was sure. This was more like someone was poking me ever so slightly over and over for a few minutes. T tried desperately to feel it himself, but I told him it was probably too soon for that. I can't wait till he does get to feel it. Now that I know what it feels like I notice it more and more, although most of the time it is more like a fluttering sensation.
I have another appointment on July 22 where we get our next ultrasound and get to see if I am correct about the gender. I can't wait!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
15 Weeks
Starting to show a little more each day. I haven't been keeping up with the pound a week I am supposed to be gaining, so I am a little surprised by the growing belly, but encouraged as well. I have been working really hard in the yard lately and around the house and I often forget to eat my snacks between meals. At least that is better than never stopping right?
I am still not sure if I have felt the baby move yet. I feel little things sometimes, but they often come when I sneeze or something else like it. I am sure as the baby gets bigger, and the movements get bigger, I will be sure what they are.
We are still working on the nursery. We have the dresser/changing table refinished thanks to T and his hard work. It looks amazing. We have the nursery floor ready for the wood to be laid down, so in the next few weeks that should slowly get done. I will post before and after pics when all is said and done. I also painted a shelf for the room and it has little rubber duckies on it that I painted as well.
My friend mailed me a care package this week filled with maternity clothes, a baby blanket, little socks, some medical supplies, a diaper bag and a book. It was the sweetest thing. I can't believe how generous my friends are.
Other than that we have nothing to report. I go to another appointment next week and with any luck the one following will be where we find out if I am right about the gender.
I am still not sure if I have felt the baby move yet. I feel little things sometimes, but they often come when I sneeze or something else like it. I am sure as the baby gets bigger, and the movements get bigger, I will be sure what they are.
We are still working on the nursery. We have the dresser/changing table refinished thanks to T and his hard work. It looks amazing. We have the nursery floor ready for the wood to be laid down, so in the next few weeks that should slowly get done. I will post before and after pics when all is said and done. I also painted a shelf for the room and it has little rubber duckies on it that I painted as well.
My friend mailed me a care package this week filled with maternity clothes, a baby blanket, little socks, some medical supplies, a diaper bag and a book. It was the sweetest thing. I can't believe how generous my friends are.
Other than that we have nothing to report. I go to another appointment next week and with any luck the one following will be where we find out if I am right about the gender.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
14 Weeks
Somethings remain the same such as occasional morning sickness, the need for naps, etc. this week. Somethings are different such as naps being shorter and the inability to complete sentences or thoughts. But everything is still going well. I went to Colorado to see some family. I was fine on the flight out, not so lucky on the flight back, but at least I made it to the home airport and to the bathroom before I tossed my cookies. The airline was really nice about switching my seat too so that I didn't have to beg some poor sleepy soul to let me out every so often to walk around. I also realized that I am very lucky to be feeling as well as I do. My poor aunt, who is 22 weeks along, still has morning sickness and has to take medication occasionally. She is also starting to get swollen ankles and heartburn, which I know will be coming, but at least I feel good now.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
13 weeks
Well depending on who you ask, I am either out of my first trimester, or will be out of as of the end of the week. I only threw up once this week and it was because I had gone too long without food. I have noticed I am getting hungry every few hours and I find myself forgetting to snack before my stomach starts growling. I am pretty sure I will be gaining that pound a week they said starts about now. I just hope that is all I gain. I dread getting large because I am not exactly an avid runner or walker and I can't imagine I will somehow pick up the habit when the baby comes.
I did go for a walk this week, but only managed it once so far. I had an early morning dentist appointment today, which took so long due to all pregnancy related issues that when I got home it was already close to 90 degrees and super humid. This weekend I imagine I will be hiking a lot at my family reunion, so I will get some exercise there, and I plan on getting up quite often during the flights. Maybe when I get back I will have such Rocky Mountain high I will keep walking each and every day for the rest of the pregnancy. (I know, I giggled too.)
I bought a few maternity shirts and shorts for the summer this week. I don't want to get too many things, so I just bought two of each. There are some really cute things out there, but there are some really horrible things too. I found one shirt that was multiple reds, yellows and oranges in this weird pattern but looked like something a clown would wear. I am noticing that most of the maternity shirts are simply longer versions of the empire waist baby dolls that so many girls are wearing these days any ways. It has been nice since I own about four of these shirts already, so I just wear these and put a cami under the ones that show the elastic of my pants. Kind of nice to still be fashionable.
And finally, a picture of the baby bump. (I don't post pictures of myself on here, hence the cropping.)
I did go for a walk this week, but only managed it once so far. I had an early morning dentist appointment today, which took so long due to all pregnancy related issues that when I got home it was already close to 90 degrees and super humid. This weekend I imagine I will be hiking a lot at my family reunion, so I will get some exercise there, and I plan on getting up quite often during the flights. Maybe when I get back I will have such Rocky Mountain high I will keep walking each and every day for the rest of the pregnancy. (I know, I giggled too.)
I bought a few maternity shirts and shorts for the summer this week. I don't want to get too many things, so I just bought two of each. There are some really cute things out there, but there are some really horrible things too. I found one shirt that was multiple reds, yellows and oranges in this weird pattern but looked like something a clown would wear. I am noticing that most of the maternity shirts are simply longer versions of the empire waist baby dolls that so many girls are wearing these days any ways. It has been nice since I own about four of these shirts already, so I just wear these and put a cami under the ones that show the elastic of my pants. Kind of nice to still be fashionable.
And finally, a picture of the baby bump. (I don't post pictures of myself on here, hence the cropping.)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
12 Weeks
This is the last week of my first trimester. I can't believe it has been three months already. It feels like I took the pregnancy test last week.
The morning sickness only seems to hit me when I have to get out of bed earlier than usual or in a rush, which could not be avoided when I had an OB appointment downtown on Tuesday. At least I feel better after and the constant nausea is completely gone. I have, however, found out what heartburn feels like for the first time. Of course I don't have any Tums in my house so I am relying on ice cream until tomorrow. I think it came on because I laid down on the couch immediately after eating.
Tuesday was my first appointment with my new OB office. I had to switch because my previous OB/Gyno was in another town and they only deliver at one hospital that was 40 minutes away in absolutely no traffic, up to 1.5 hours if there was traffic. So I switched to an OB who delivers at the hospital I wanted to deliver at, and they came highly recommended. Now that I have been to an appointment with them, I can see why. They have seven physicians that you meet during the course of your care because which ever one is on call is the one who delivers. I met with the head nurse who discussed what my genetic testing options were, what that day's appointment would entail and how the OB suite operated. From now on I am separated from the lowly masses and get to enter through a special entrance exclusively for pregnant women. You never have to wait very long before they have your vitals taken and if they need to take any urine they do it right away so you don't have to sit there holding it. Plus the nurse on that side of the office lives two doors down from me, so I get hugs when she sees me.
Since I had only had an ultrasound at that point this appointment meant a full exam and lab work. The exam was easy and I got to hear the heartbeat again with the doppler. The doctor warned that it might be hard since they can hide, but as soon as he put down the wand you could hear the heartbeat. I don't know that I will ever tire or stop feeling comfort when I hear that noise. The lab tech had to take seven viles of blood and despite it really hurting afterward, I didn't have any bruising whatsoever. I was amazed and believe the woman must really have been a vampire to remove so much without leaving a mark.
We are starting to get stuff ready in the nursery now. T and I bought bamboo flooring for the room and will install it as soon as it gets here. In the meantime, T is going to refinish the dresser that matches the desk he already refinished. We are going to use it as a dresser but also as the changing table. One of our friends wanted desperately to clean out her attic of baby stuff, so she gave us a stroller, a car seat (that fits in the stroller), two bases for the car seat, a bouncer, a play mat, a swing with lights and sounds, a diaper champ, and some clothes. The only big things we have left are the crib and a highchair, because T bought me the rocker and ottoman for my Mother's Day present. I have been making several gift registries looking for all the small stuff for the baby showers but haven't added any clothes until we know the gender.
After this week we are going to start taking pics of the baby bump, so the next installment will have one.
The morning sickness only seems to hit me when I have to get out of bed earlier than usual or in a rush, which could not be avoided when I had an OB appointment downtown on Tuesday. At least I feel better after and the constant nausea is completely gone. I have, however, found out what heartburn feels like for the first time. Of course I don't have any Tums in my house so I am relying on ice cream until tomorrow. I think it came on because I laid down on the couch immediately after eating.
Tuesday was my first appointment with my new OB office. I had to switch because my previous OB/Gyno was in another town and they only deliver at one hospital that was 40 minutes away in absolutely no traffic, up to 1.5 hours if there was traffic. So I switched to an OB who delivers at the hospital I wanted to deliver at, and they came highly recommended. Now that I have been to an appointment with them, I can see why. They have seven physicians that you meet during the course of your care because which ever one is on call is the one who delivers. I met with the head nurse who discussed what my genetic testing options were, what that day's appointment would entail and how the OB suite operated. From now on I am separated from the lowly masses and get to enter through a special entrance exclusively for pregnant women. You never have to wait very long before they have your vitals taken and if they need to take any urine they do it right away so you don't have to sit there holding it. Plus the nurse on that side of the office lives two doors down from me, so I get hugs when she sees me.
Since I had only had an ultrasound at that point this appointment meant a full exam and lab work. The exam was easy and I got to hear the heartbeat again with the doppler. The doctor warned that it might be hard since they can hide, but as soon as he put down the wand you could hear the heartbeat. I don't know that I will ever tire or stop feeling comfort when I hear that noise. The lab tech had to take seven viles of blood and despite it really hurting afterward, I didn't have any bruising whatsoever. I was amazed and believe the woman must really have been a vampire to remove so much without leaving a mark.
We are starting to get stuff ready in the nursery now. T and I bought bamboo flooring for the room and will install it as soon as it gets here. In the meantime, T is going to refinish the dresser that matches the desk he already refinished. We are going to use it as a dresser but also as the changing table. One of our friends wanted desperately to clean out her attic of baby stuff, so she gave us a stroller, a car seat (that fits in the stroller), two bases for the car seat, a bouncer, a play mat, a swing with lights and sounds, a diaper champ, and some clothes. The only big things we have left are the crib and a highchair, because T bought me the rocker and ottoman for my Mother's Day present. I have been making several gift registries looking for all the small stuff for the baby showers but haven't added any clothes until we know the gender.
After this week we are going to start taking pics of the baby bump, so the next installment will have one.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
11 weeks
The morning sickness appears to be making a once daily appearance again, but at least the constant nausea is gone. I will be so glad when I no longer have to sit in front of the toilet.
I braved getting on the scale the other day to find out I have only gained 3 pounds so far. Not too shabby. I have started getting bouts occasionally where I am really hungry, but I usually eat healthy foods like apples and string cheese, so hopefully I can keep my weight gain at a good pace. I know it will be far easier to keep it in check then to try to shed more after.
I went to IKEA with a friend the other day to check out what they had for the baby's room. I found a few things I liked, but for the most part it wasn't the right color of wood. I did buy a few duckie pictures they had and some really cheap frames to put them in to decorate the room. (We decided to do a rubber duckie themed room.) I am going to the fabric store tomorrow to see what cross stitch patterns and duckie fabric they have available.
We should be getting a few things next week when one friend takes me to the consignment store where she finds amazing finds and another is giving us a bunch of her old stuff. I don't know where we are going to put this stuff yet, because we still need to put in the wood floors before we move in furniture and goods. We are sweating how little room for storage we have right now and how much worse it is going to get in the next few years. We need to figure out a better way to store things in the attic or the closets. Or maybe we will buy a bigger house.
I braved getting on the scale the other day to find out I have only gained 3 pounds so far. Not too shabby. I have started getting bouts occasionally where I am really hungry, but I usually eat healthy foods like apples and string cheese, so hopefully I can keep my weight gain at a good pace. I know it will be far easier to keep it in check then to try to shed more after.
I went to IKEA with a friend the other day to check out what they had for the baby's room. I found a few things I liked, but for the most part it wasn't the right color of wood. I did buy a few duckie pictures they had and some really cheap frames to put them in to decorate the room. (We decided to do a rubber duckie themed room.) I am going to the fabric store tomorrow to see what cross stitch patterns and duckie fabric they have available.
We should be getting a few things next week when one friend takes me to the consignment store where she finds amazing finds and another is giving us a bunch of her old stuff. I don't know where we are going to put this stuff yet, because we still need to put in the wood floors before we move in furniture and goods. We are sweating how little room for storage we have right now and how much worse it is going to get in the next few years. We need to figure out a better way to store things in the attic or the closets. Or maybe we will buy a bigger house.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
10 weeks
Today I had to give in and buy maternity pants. I had been stalling on this one just in case I started to gain weight other than around my belly, but so far that has been the only place besides my chin that shows signs of being pregnant. I have been sitting in a slouched position a lot of the time with the jeans unbuttoned, but now I won't have to with the awesome belly band that doesn't dig into my belly. I also needed a new purse, so I went with a rather large one, which is the trend anyways, so that I can use it as a diaper bag as well. It even had little side pouches that could perfectly fit bottles for later on. (And my mother-in-law gave me a little trendy pouch for diapees and wipees this weekend.)
T says I occasionally get cravings were I salivate about certain foods, but I haven't really noticed. I have noticed though that I now like to eat bananas. This is a miracle I tell you. Prior to pregnancy I couldn't stand to chew or smell a banana. They were just so very gross to me. But I had been using them in smoothies for the potassium, and when I was preparing some for the freezer, I ate a bite of one that had broken and proceeded to eat an entire one after that.
Luckily I am also moving away from morning sickness. About a week ago I would be able to delay it till later in the morning, and then it moved to just dry heaves, and for the last three days I haven't even had those. The idea of not hovering over the toilet morning after morning is a glorious one. I still get the occasional bouts of nausea, but I just eat a bite or two of something and it wanes away. Hopefully that will go away soon too.
We haven't even begun to plan or buy anything for the baby. Some friends have offered to sell us a slightly used car seat, which I am sure we will take, and I have had several offers of maternity clothes and stuff but haven't received or had the time to go get them. But we still have more than 6 months, so I think we are alright for now.
T says I occasionally get cravings were I salivate about certain foods, but I haven't really noticed. I have noticed though that I now like to eat bananas. This is a miracle I tell you. Prior to pregnancy I couldn't stand to chew or smell a banana. They were just so very gross to me. But I had been using them in smoothies for the potassium, and when I was preparing some for the freezer, I ate a bite of one that had broken and proceeded to eat an entire one after that.
Luckily I am also moving away from morning sickness. About a week ago I would be able to delay it till later in the morning, and then it moved to just dry heaves, and for the last three days I haven't even had those. The idea of not hovering over the toilet morning after morning is a glorious one. I still get the occasional bouts of nausea, but I just eat a bite or two of something and it wanes away. Hopefully that will go away soon too.
We haven't even begun to plan or buy anything for the baby. Some friends have offered to sell us a slightly used car seat, which I am sure we will take, and I have had several offers of maternity clothes and stuff but haven't received or had the time to go get them. But we still have more than 6 months, so I think we are alright for now.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Baby On Board
I figured I should start blogging about my experience being pregnant so in the future I can remember how I felt. As of today I am nine weeks pregnant. I have already had my first ultrasound that let me see the baby and hear the heartbeat. I will admit I cried because it was such a special moment and it assuaged all my fears at that point. I started having nausea at about six weeks and morning sickness (in all its toilet hugging glory) started about a week and a half ago. Some days I think I have succeeded in keeping it at bay, but no matter what I get sick at least once a day.
I am very surprised to be showing already, but I guess I shouldn't be since I am not big normally. My jeans are starting to get uncomfortable when I have to sit up for any length of time. I spend most of my days in my yoga pants that are nice and stretchy with a low tummy band. I imagine it won't be too many more weeks before I have to give in and go get a pair of maternity jeans.
Actually it is starting to get uncomfortable to sit straight or forward no matter what I am wearing. I also find it hard to stay crouched for too long. I need to start doing squats so that when I get bigger I can still pick things up off the ground.
From the beginning I found myself fearing all sorts of things that I never dreamed. First, I hate being in the car cause I worry about the crazy people around me. I do everything in my power to not travel during heavy traffic times so lessen the chances of congestion. Second, I worry that I am going to trip over the cat and hurt myself. She has a tendency to get underfoot when I am in the kitchen anyway. I fear that the less balanced I get and the more I can't see my own feet the more likely it will be for the cat to trip me. Third, I am paranoid about certain foods. I have practically memorized the list of don't or cautions and I try not to keep any leftover in the fridge for more than four days just in case.
I am sure my fears will only be replaced or added to by others for the next 18 or more years. Hopefully this blog will allow me to remind myself in the near future and with upcoming pregnancies how I felt and how it will all be alright.
I am very surprised to be showing already, but I guess I shouldn't be since I am not big normally. My jeans are starting to get uncomfortable when I have to sit up for any length of time. I spend most of my days in my yoga pants that are nice and stretchy with a low tummy band. I imagine it won't be too many more weeks before I have to give in and go get a pair of maternity jeans.
Actually it is starting to get uncomfortable to sit straight or forward no matter what I am wearing. I also find it hard to stay crouched for too long. I need to start doing squats so that when I get bigger I can still pick things up off the ground.
From the beginning I found myself fearing all sorts of things that I never dreamed. First, I hate being in the car cause I worry about the crazy people around me. I do everything in my power to not travel during heavy traffic times so lessen the chances of congestion. Second, I worry that I am going to trip over the cat and hurt myself. She has a tendency to get underfoot when I am in the kitchen anyway. I fear that the less balanced I get and the more I can't see my own feet the more likely it will be for the cat to trip me. Third, I am paranoid about certain foods. I have practically memorized the list of don't or cautions and I try not to keep any leftover in the fridge for more than four days just in case.
I am sure my fears will only be replaced or added to by others for the next 18 or more years. Hopefully this blog will allow me to remind myself in the near future and with upcoming pregnancies how I felt and how it will all be alright.
Monday, April 20, 2009
For the Moms out there
The Meanest Mom
This is my favorite blog out there, and I'm not even a mother. And right now she has this amazing contest going on. Check it out.
This is my favorite blog out there, and I'm not even a mother. And right now she has this amazing contest going on. Check it out.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Week Two Update
I started the great weight loss/fitness challenge last Wednesday and I can say I am doing really well. I lost 4 pounds in the first week due to some minor calories counting errors. Now I am actually eating enough in the day to lose weight and still feel energized, which is good cause I am have spend every day exercising at least 30 minutes. I have been rotating between pilates, cardio, and weight training. On days I stay home I switch between pilates and cardio, and days I go to campus I switch between riding the stationary bike for at least 30 minutes or doing an intensive weight training with my classmate who used to be a personal trainer. Our first session was yesterday, and it lasted two hours because there are three of us that rotate on the machines. Each time I push myself in any of the exercises I get pretty sore, but it is a good sore and I can still function.
Although I don't see the pounds instantly melting away like I magically want them to, I can tell a difference because I actually HAD to wear a belt today. If I can keep up this pace though (the healthy one not the 4 pounds a week) I should easily make my goals by the end of April. I can also reach my toes on the V stretch the first time, so that is getting better too.
Although I don't see the pounds instantly melting away like I magically want them to, I can tell a difference because I actually HAD to wear a belt today. If I can keep up this pace though (the healthy one not the 4 pounds a week) I should easily make my goals by the end of April. I can also reach my toes on the V stretch the first time, so that is getting better too.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Weight Loss/Fitness Goals
Remember when you were a freshman in college and you gained the "Freshman 15?" Well in grad school that happens again, each and every semester it feels like. The constant reading and writing leaves little time for exercise for most of us. Plus the food choices on our side of campus are not the greatest unless you want everything with mayo or dressings. (Which I like, but not this much.)
I came up with the idea of having a competition of grad students against the department faculty to try to lose weight or get in shape. Today was the weigh in. I must say that my BMI was higher than I expected. Within the healthy range, but just barely. My measurements were also higher than I thought.
So I have to come up with my goals and I figured if I write them down for my family and friends to see it will add more pressure. By April 27 I want to:
1. Lose 10 pounds or drop two pant sizes which ever comes first.
2. I want to have a tone body, or at least be on my way.
3. I want to be flexible again. I can still touch my toes, but not on the first try. I used to be able to lay my palms on the floor. I want that again.
4. I want to routinely exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes or more. Both cardio and strength will be my focus.
5. I want to be able to run again without needing my inhaler.
I will periodically give updates on my progress.
I came up with the idea of having a competition of grad students against the department faculty to try to lose weight or get in shape. Today was the weigh in. I must say that my BMI was higher than I expected. Within the healthy range, but just barely. My measurements were also higher than I thought.
So I have to come up with my goals and I figured if I write them down for my family and friends to see it will add more pressure. By April 27 I want to:
1. Lose 10 pounds or drop two pant sizes which ever comes first.
2. I want to have a tone body, or at least be on my way.
3. I want to be flexible again. I can still touch my toes, but not on the first try. I used to be able to lay my palms on the floor. I want that again.
4. I want to routinely exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes or more. Both cardio and strength will be my focus.
5. I want to be able to run again without needing my inhaler.
I will periodically give updates on my progress.
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