So very close, yet don't know how far left to go. We went to the doctor yesterday for our weekly appointment. I have been having contractions since last Friday, but they aren't consistent. Instead, they progress throughout the day until I am very uncomfortable at night, slowly picking up speed. But then they stop or begin slowing again sometime around 11 at night. Tuesday night I drove home from visiting a retired professor and I seriously thought I might be going into labor that night with how frequent they were. But no such luck. We are making progress though. At the OB they did the exam and said I am now 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. She has also dropped to -1 station. They did a quick ultrasound to check that she was still head down, which luckily she is, so no breech baby for me.
They also said we could discuss induction at the next appointment. Part of me thinks that would be easier than having to wait and see when she gets here, but the other part of me doesn't want to push things too fast. We will ask them to schedule us for the Monday after she is due so that my parents will definetely get to see her when they come to visit. It will be nice to have a firm date to look forward to if nothing else.
The baby sure did not like them pushing, prodding, and whatnot during the exam. We had lunch with some friends after wards, and she did not stop wiggling for several hours. In fact, she has been pretty wiggly since then. We keep telling her that if she is so uncomfortable in there, she can always come out.
I am ready to be done with pregnancy though. I keep gaining weight, and have reached the limit they suggest gaining, but I don't know that it will stop over the next two weeks. I am extremely swollen in my face, hands, feet and ankles. It gets so bad at night, I can barely make a fist and my ankles no longer have bones showing. I know I have done a good job of keeping the weight in control, but I tend to forget that when I look into the mirror and see my chubby face starring back at me. Hopefully after delivery the water weight will quickly disappear and the belly will start to shrink and I can get my mind back into the right mindset. But it has all been worth it.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
37 Weeks
The little girl is officially ungrounded today, now that I am at term. We were playing video games last night (involving a zombie apocalypse) and my stomach was moving so much it looked like I had something inhuman in me. So we ungrounded her and told her she could come out of her womb whenever she would like, but she has to play nicely. Both of us are getting more and more eager for her to be here already, especially now that our friends who were a month ahead of us had their baby on Monday (a week and a half late.) It has been nice to go through my first pregnancy with someone so close in age, due date, etc., but now that she has her baby, T and I are jealous that we don't have ours. Won't be too much longer, hopefully. We have our next OB appointment tomorrow, so we will see how much progress has been made, if any. Although I know that none of it (the dilation, effacement, etc) is an actual indicator for due date, especially after our friends had been showing favorable signs for over four weeks and she still had to be induced and labor was 14 hours.
I did have a funny thing happen to me this week. I went to the post office to mail out the Christmas presents to various family members (before it got too late.) There was the normal line you would expect at a post office, so I stood there with my wheely cart full of boxes and several in my hands, belly sticking out for all to see. A woman ahead of me in line was complaining about how long the wait was and how she hates just standing there cause it makes her uncomfortable and tired. Now this woman was in her early thirties max, normal build, and with no visible disability or health issue that would make her incapable of standing for the five minutes it took to get to the front of the line. Regardless, that didn't stop her from whining.
When she finally did get to the front of the line, she was called to one of the counters in the back. She had 78 letters that needed to be mailed, and she wanted the postal employees to stamp them for her. At first I thought that maybe she was thinking they had one of those electronic stamp things many offices have where you can set the price and just whip them on through, but no she wanted to buy paper stamps and have them put them on for her. Of course they wouldn't do that cause that isn't their job, but that didn't stop her from trying to debate the issue for two minutes. The employee made the mistake of saying to her, "We can't do that, and if you had just stamped them yourself, we would be done with this transaction already." Of course that made this woman go into a tailspin and she yelled at the postal employee for a bit about customer service, all while not doing anything to further the transaction.
Finally they get her all settled down, given the stamps, and then when they went to run her card it wouldn't read. The other counters were not having problems, so the employee said that she would have to go to the other counter to use her card. He walked her over to the counter and explained to one of the other postal employees about what needed to be done and walked away, leaving her to wait until that postal employee was done with their transaction and could run her card. Meanwhile the grumpy lady stood way off to the side putting the stamps on her letters, complaining loudly about how long this was taking and how tired and sore she was from it all. When the employee finished, she saw that the lady was putting stamps on her letters and simply said, "Can I help who is next?" That just happened to be me, so I started to waddle forward with my cart and packages, and the lady ran in front of me, bumping into my belly on the way, and starting yelling about how she was next. The postal employee tried to explain that she thought the lady would like to finish stamping her letters first so they could take them from her when the transaction was complete, and that she was trying to be nice to the poor pregnant woman who had been standing patiently in line with all those packages. The lady would have none of it, and just went about her business. While we all waited for her to be done with her transaction, this little old lady behind me in line asked me how far along I was, to which I replied that I was nine months pregnant. To which she said, "About ready to give birth, carrying all those heavy packages, and yet you still have a sweet smile on your face and haven't complained one bit about this line. Just goes to show you how good manners haven't been lost." Everyone smiled at that jab, well everyone but the cranky lady.
The other thing that happened this week, that made me feel less than stellar, was when I went to get lunch at a fast food drive through. The gentleman who was taking my money looked down at me in the car and said, "You must be having twins." Nope, not even close. I remarked that I was just due really soon, but he just shrugged it off. This is the second stupid comment from a male at a drive through I have had this month. The other was when I went to get a milkshake for T when he had the flu and didn't want anything else for dinner. I got a large for T and a small for me, and the man made a comment about the large being for me and it not being very healthy. I guess it serves me right for eating fast food, but honestly I have only had it a handful of times the entire pregnancy, and each time I try to stick with kids meal size proportions to keep the calories down. I do love though that each time it was a male who made a comment, cause no female in their right mind would ever insult a pregnant woman.
UPDATE: At Thursday's appointment I had made progress, 1cm and 75% effacement.
I did have a funny thing happen to me this week. I went to the post office to mail out the Christmas presents to various family members (before it got too late.) There was the normal line you would expect at a post office, so I stood there with my wheely cart full of boxes and several in my hands, belly sticking out for all to see. A woman ahead of me in line was complaining about how long the wait was and how she hates just standing there cause it makes her uncomfortable and tired. Now this woman was in her early thirties max, normal build, and with no visible disability or health issue that would make her incapable of standing for the five minutes it took to get to the front of the line. Regardless, that didn't stop her from whining.
When she finally did get to the front of the line, she was called to one of the counters in the back. She had 78 letters that needed to be mailed, and she wanted the postal employees to stamp them for her. At first I thought that maybe she was thinking they had one of those electronic stamp things many offices have where you can set the price and just whip them on through, but no she wanted to buy paper stamps and have them put them on for her. Of course they wouldn't do that cause that isn't their job, but that didn't stop her from trying to debate the issue for two minutes. The employee made the mistake of saying to her, "We can't do that, and if you had just stamped them yourself, we would be done with this transaction already." Of course that made this woman go into a tailspin and she yelled at the postal employee for a bit about customer service, all while not doing anything to further the transaction.
Finally they get her all settled down, given the stamps, and then when they went to run her card it wouldn't read. The other counters were not having problems, so the employee said that she would have to go to the other counter to use her card. He walked her over to the counter and explained to one of the other postal employees about what needed to be done and walked away, leaving her to wait until that postal employee was done with their transaction and could run her card. Meanwhile the grumpy lady stood way off to the side putting the stamps on her letters, complaining loudly about how long this was taking and how tired and sore she was from it all. When the employee finished, she saw that the lady was putting stamps on her letters and simply said, "Can I help who is next?" That just happened to be me, so I started to waddle forward with my cart and packages, and the lady ran in front of me, bumping into my belly on the way, and starting yelling about how she was next. The postal employee tried to explain that she thought the lady would like to finish stamping her letters first so they could take them from her when the transaction was complete, and that she was trying to be nice to the poor pregnant woman who had been standing patiently in line with all those packages. The lady would have none of it, and just went about her business. While we all waited for her to be done with her transaction, this little old lady behind me in line asked me how far along I was, to which I replied that I was nine months pregnant. To which she said, "About ready to give birth, carrying all those heavy packages, and yet you still have a sweet smile on your face and haven't complained one bit about this line. Just goes to show you how good manners haven't been lost." Everyone smiled at that jab, well everyone but the cranky lady.
The other thing that happened this week, that made me feel less than stellar, was when I went to get lunch at a fast food drive through. The gentleman who was taking my money looked down at me in the car and said, "You must be having twins." Nope, not even close. I remarked that I was just due really soon, but he just shrugged it off. This is the second stupid comment from a male at a drive through I have had this month. The other was when I went to get a milkshake for T when he had the flu and didn't want anything else for dinner. I got a large for T and a small for me, and the man made a comment about the large being for me and it not being very healthy. I guess it serves me right for eating fast food, but honestly I have only had it a handful of times the entire pregnancy, and each time I try to stick with kids meal size proportions to keep the calories down. I do love though that each time it was a male who made a comment, cause no female in their right mind would ever insult a pregnant woman.
UPDATE: At Thursday's appointment I had made progress, 1cm and 75% effacement.
36 Weeks
This week marks my last week before being considered at term. As such, we decided to get some last minute things accomplished so we could be ready for whatever came our way. The first thing we did was get maternity pictures taken. We went to a local chain studio, and honestly they did a good job for a great price. However, we did have to wait 45 minutes before we even got into the studio. We had reservations, but apparently they can't anticipate the amount of time it will take for portraits when it comes to kids and indecisive parents. We also picked a Saturday before the holidays, which meant it was packed of all the people trying to get holiday photos done. But we have our pictures now, and despite being very pregnant and all that entails in the form of weight gain, I think they look very good.
The following Monday, T took the day off so we could go shopping for all the stuff we need babywise from day one. We have lots on our registry that honestly we won't need for a few months (books, high chair, etc), but we did have stuff like baby monitors, changing pad, a pack of diapers that needed to be picked up. We also decided to pick up a few things to put under the tree for the baby, since technically this will be her first Christmas. I had been collecting coupons from Target and other sites for various things, and I managed to cut our final bill almost in half! I love doing that.
The next day we had our first physical exam type of appointment at the OB. I won't get into details, but I was 50% effaced with no dilation. My belly measurements are still matching the weeks, which meant I was 36 cm. Hopefully that will slow down since I don't know how much more stretching my poor belly can take. The skin is so tight it shines in the light now. The OB also confirmed she is head down, thank goodness, so no breach baby for me. (Although she still feels sunny side up.)
It also looks like I got the swine flu vaccine just in the nick of time. T woke up Wednesday morning feeling like death very suddenly, but tried to go to work. Within two hours he was home sick with a lot of the symptoms of the swine flu. I took care of him for two days before he felt well enough to go back to work, but still didn't feel 100% great. I, miraculously, did not get sick at all, which was my biggest concern. I took all the precautions I could by washing my hands all the time, staying out of the same room as much as possible, and drinking lots of Vitamin C, but I did the same thing in Ohio and got sick. So I am 95% sure that T had the swine flu and am thankful that I managed to get that shot finally. I am still going to get T vaccinated, once I am able to find it available.
The following Monday, T took the day off so we could go shopping for all the stuff we need babywise from day one. We have lots on our registry that honestly we won't need for a few months (books, high chair, etc), but we did have stuff like baby monitors, changing pad, a pack of diapers that needed to be picked up. We also decided to pick up a few things to put under the tree for the baby, since technically this will be her first Christmas. I had been collecting coupons from Target and other sites for various things, and I managed to cut our final bill almost in half! I love doing that.
The next day we had our first physical exam type of appointment at the OB. I won't get into details, but I was 50% effaced with no dilation. My belly measurements are still matching the weeks, which meant I was 36 cm. Hopefully that will slow down since I don't know how much more stretching my poor belly can take. The skin is so tight it shines in the light now. The OB also confirmed she is head down, thank goodness, so no breach baby for me. (Although she still feels sunny side up.)
It also looks like I got the swine flu vaccine just in the nick of time. T woke up Wednesday morning feeling like death very suddenly, but tried to go to work. Within two hours he was home sick with a lot of the symptoms of the swine flu. I took care of him for two days before he felt well enough to go back to work, but still didn't feel 100% great. I, miraculously, did not get sick at all, which was my biggest concern. I took all the precautions I could by washing my hands all the time, staying out of the same room as much as possible, and drinking lots of Vitamin C, but I did the same thing in Ohio and got sick. So I am 95% sure that T had the swine flu and am thankful that I managed to get that shot finally. I am still going to get T vaccinated, once I am able to find it available.
35 Weeks
I had my last bi-weekly appointments at the OB at the start of the week. Everything looked good, although I am having a ton of swelling which is making it painful to type come evening time. As I was checking out, I mentioned to the receptionist how difficult it has been tracking down the swine flu vaccine. She said they had just received their doses, which they didn't think they were going to get, and I could get the shot right then if I wanted. After all that hassle, it ended up being nothing to get the shot. My arm did hurt more from this shot than the seasonal though, but I didn't end up with any flu like symptoms. Now I just need to find a shot for T.
The day before Halloween, I went shopping for the last of my Christmas gifts (with a few exceptions that I didn't find in stores.) Retail therapy felt good because I had been by myself at home most of the week, which makes me very lonely. I also had a ton of coupons, so was able to get a lot more items than I normally would. The gifts I have bought online are here as well, so I spent the next day wrapping everything to get ready to ship out to family members.
We were invited to a Halloween party on Saturday. Before the party, two of our friends were in town for a wedding and we went around town running errands with them so that we could spend some time with them. They are also expecting and moved to another state a few months back, so this will be the last time we see them in person before we each have kids. The party didn't start until 8, which was great because that is when trick or treating magically stops in our neighborhood. It is a phenomenon that we have seen year after year, but still haven't understood how the kids magically all know to stop at that time. T dressed up as Charlie Brown (wearing a shirt I owned in high school) and two pairs of girls panty hose to make him look bald. I made a pregnasaurus costume out of a large green t-shirt, green and white foam, a foam visor, and some felt. It was amazing looking and I got a lot of comments on it. T and I have already made plans for next year. We are going to do a family costume, and T will be David Bowie's character from the Labryinth, I will be Jennifer Connelly's character, and the baby will be the baby brother. It is going to be awesome.
The day before Halloween, I went shopping for the last of my Christmas gifts (with a few exceptions that I didn't find in stores.) Retail therapy felt good because I had been by myself at home most of the week, which makes me very lonely. I also had a ton of coupons, so was able to get a lot more items than I normally would. The gifts I have bought online are here as well, so I spent the next day wrapping everything to get ready to ship out to family members.
We were invited to a Halloween party on Saturday. Before the party, two of our friends were in town for a wedding and we went around town running errands with them so that we could spend some time with them. They are also expecting and moved to another state a few months back, so this will be the last time we see them in person before we each have kids. The party didn't start until 8, which was great because that is when trick or treating magically stops in our neighborhood. It is a phenomenon that we have seen year after year, but still haven't understood how the kids magically all know to stop at that time. T dressed up as Charlie Brown (wearing a shirt I owned in high school) and two pairs of girls panty hose to make him look bald. I made a pregnasaurus costume out of a large green t-shirt, green and white foam, a foam visor, and some felt. It was amazing looking and I got a lot of comments on it. T and I have already made plans for next year. We are going to do a family costume, and T will be David Bowie's character from the Labryinth, I will be Jennifer Connelly's character, and the baby will be the baby brother. It is going to be awesome.
34 Weeks
Because of last weeks debacle with my supervisor and site manager at work, we ended up having a meeting with the Advisory Board and the graduate students. The meeting was productive, but I came out of it feeling defeated and not an efficient manager. My supervisor, who has never had children, came out of it feeling better about the situation than I did, but thanks to a comment from another board member, started to panic about the project's progress post baby. Our original agreement was that they would treat me as if I was salaried, despite not being salaried in the university pay system because I made a few hundred less than was required. Thanks to the comment, my supervisor wants me to count my hours, and then if there are any left he can switch them to the students to give them more hours. This is a frustration I did not need, but I will deal with the situation after the baby arrives and see if I will be reduced in hours.
I have been calling the poor health department daily, trying to get the H1N1 vaccine shot. Our state stopped testing patients, and so now our numbers of infected look like we have fewer than anybody, so they have been slower to ship the vaccine to the state. Hopefully soon I will get it. In the meantime, I finished cleaning out the professors office that I have been helping with since the spring. I don't plan on coming to campus very often the rest of the year so I can avoid all the germs.
I have been calling the poor health department daily, trying to get the H1N1 vaccine shot. Our state stopped testing patients, and so now our numbers of infected look like we have fewer than anybody, so they have been slower to ship the vaccine to the state. Hopefully soon I will get it. In the meantime, I finished cleaning out the professors office that I have been helping with since the spring. I don't plan on coming to campus very often the rest of the year so I can avoid all the germs.
33 Weeks
Saturday, October 17th, I was thrown a baby shower by three of my friends (K, L, and A). We had rented out a local restaurant called Blue Marlin and had them cater. My friends provided the cake, decorations and fun. It was cat themed so each of them had fuzzy cat ear headbands on when I arrived, and a pair waiting for me. The cake was a bright pink cat cake (homemade by A and L) that was chocolate inside and raspberry frosting outside.
The table decorations were rubber duckies used as photo holders with pictures of me, T and the cat. Each table had a healthy supply of Kit Kats and sparkles. It was all very cute.
We ate some food, socialized and then I opened presents. There were no silly baby shower games, which you have to love. We received amazing presents. One of the most memorable was a collection of onesies K had made that had different designs on them that were unique. There was a cat, a rubber ducky, a got maps (with a picture of the part of England we were in), a future Rock Band shredder, and one giving the pronunciation of our last name. Another great gift was a collection of Mother Goose rhymes that the giver H was read/ learned to read with when she was a child.
I refused to read the messages in the cards because I did not want to cry at my own shower. I was so touched though that it was really difficult not to, but somehow I managed. Having all of my family thousands of miles away becomes more apparent when you have moments like these, but then I realize that I have a very large group of friends here that I would consider family, and I feel very blessed and lucky to know them. Needless to say, I made it through the shower and clean up without bursting into tears, but there were misty eyed moments and I did cry on the way home.
The other thing to happen this week was work related. I was supposed to travel down to my research site, but being this far along, my OB and I had some hesitations being somewhere where medical assistance would be more than an hour away. I contacted the site manager to let him know that I could not travel, but neglected to specifically say that it was due to the pregnancy. We had been restricted from travel from the university last spring, and he assumed that this was the same case, and so he fired off an email to my supervisor to complain and hopefully force the university to let us travel again. This made my supervisor jumpy that the site manager was not pleased with the progress made on the project, and the whole thing just blew up in a matter of minutes. I spent about an hour on the phone with both of them getting it all cleared up and getting confirmation that the site manager was in fact pleased with the project so far. I felt so stupid for not being more specific during my email and chalk it all up to the fact that I have been trying to act as if I am not pregnant during this semester because I didn't want it to cause problems such as this.
The table decorations were rubber duckies used as photo holders with pictures of me, T and the cat. Each table had a healthy supply of Kit Kats and sparkles. It was all very cute.
We ate some food, socialized and then I opened presents. There were no silly baby shower games, which you have to love. We received amazing presents. One of the most memorable was a collection of onesies K had made that had different designs on them that were unique. There was a cat, a rubber ducky, a got maps (with a picture of the part of England we were in), a future Rock Band shredder, and one giving the pronunciation of our last name. Another great gift was a collection of Mother Goose rhymes that the giver H was read/ learned to read with when she was a child.
I refused to read the messages in the cards because I did not want to cry at my own shower. I was so touched though that it was really difficult not to, but somehow I managed. Having all of my family thousands of miles away becomes more apparent when you have moments like these, but then I realize that I have a very large group of friends here that I would consider family, and I feel very blessed and lucky to know them. Needless to say, I made it through the shower and clean up without bursting into tears, but there were misty eyed moments and I did cry on the way home.
The other thing to happen this week was work related. I was supposed to travel down to my research site, but being this far along, my OB and I had some hesitations being somewhere where medical assistance would be more than an hour away. I contacted the site manager to let him know that I could not travel, but neglected to specifically say that it was due to the pregnancy. We had been restricted from travel from the university last spring, and he assumed that this was the same case, and so he fired off an email to my supervisor to complain and hopefully force the university to let us travel again. This made my supervisor jumpy that the site manager was not pleased with the progress made on the project, and the whole thing just blew up in a matter of minutes. I spent about an hour on the phone with both of them getting it all cleared up and getting confirmation that the site manager was in fact pleased with the project so far. I felt so stupid for not being more specific during my email and chalk it all up to the fact that I have been trying to act as if I am not pregnant during this semester because I didn't want it to cause problems such as this.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
32 Weeks
I can tell the little one is continuing to grow because my appetite is continuing to grow. I eat every two to three hours now, but usually they are small in portion to keep the heartburn in check. But last night I had my first killer craving that wasn't fruit. At about four in the afternoon I simply had to have sugar cookies. Since my favorite brand is not sold in this state, I had to make my own, but it was worth it. T laughed at my sudden intense need for sugar cookies because so far I have not been a crazy craving pregnant woman.
I had another OB appointment this week, and it was with the same OB as last time. At the previous appointment this OB had left me with a bad taste in my mouth for his bedside manner. He was very rushed and didn't seem to understand the concept of closed doors for patient information. This time I was in the exam room a total of two minutes for my appointment because he was again rushed. I had figured that since he had left immediately after my appointment to deliver last time, that I would give him the benefit of the doubt. Now I am sure this guy just has a terrible bedside manner. So after my appointment I walked to my permanent OB to finish asking the questions that I had and feel like I hadn't wasted the 25 minutes trip downtown.
T and I have both gotten the get-it-done bug this week. I finished organizing the closet in the nursery as best I can while pregnant. I can at least get to my craft materials and still have room for the baby's stuff. T and I spent the other evening in the attic trying to get it organized in there so we have more storage space. We sorted out a lot of stuff to go to Goodwill and to be sold. We still have a lot that needs to be done in there, but already we have a ton more space and can get to things like suitcases without a lot of hassle.
Today we have our first appointment with a prospective pediatrician and next week we will visit another. I came up with a laundry list of questions so hopefully the doctor set aside more than a few minutes to talk to us. I am just glad we are doing this now rather than getting to the hospital and having to try to find one then. Both practices came highly recommended by friends and coworkers, and both are within a two mile drive of our house. I considered using our family practice office, but they always have a full waiting room with just a few toys, and have lost several physicians in the last year. I like my doctor because he is no nonsense, quick and efficient, but I don't get the sense that is what I would want from my pediatrician when my first child gets sick and I don't know what to do or think.
I had another OB appointment this week, and it was with the same OB as last time. At the previous appointment this OB had left me with a bad taste in my mouth for his bedside manner. He was very rushed and didn't seem to understand the concept of closed doors for patient information. This time I was in the exam room a total of two minutes for my appointment because he was again rushed. I had figured that since he had left immediately after my appointment to deliver last time, that I would give him the benefit of the doubt. Now I am sure this guy just has a terrible bedside manner. So after my appointment I walked to my permanent OB to finish asking the questions that I had and feel like I hadn't wasted the 25 minutes trip downtown.
T and I have both gotten the get-it-done bug this week. I finished organizing the closet in the nursery as best I can while pregnant. I can at least get to my craft materials and still have room for the baby's stuff. T and I spent the other evening in the attic trying to get it organized in there so we have more storage space. We sorted out a lot of stuff to go to Goodwill and to be sold. We still have a lot that needs to be done in there, but already we have a ton more space and can get to things like suitcases without a lot of hassle.
Today we have our first appointment with a prospective pediatrician and next week we will visit another. I came up with a laundry list of questions so hopefully the doctor set aside more than a few minutes to talk to us. I am just glad we are doing this now rather than getting to the hospital and having to try to find one then. Both practices came highly recommended by friends and coworkers, and both are within a two mile drive of our house. I considered using our family practice office, but they always have a full waiting room with just a few toys, and have lost several physicians in the last year. I like my doctor because he is no nonsense, quick and efficient, but I don't get the sense that is what I would want from my pediatrician when my first child gets sick and I don't know what to do or think.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
31 Weeks
The countdown is getting closer to zero. Saturday will mark 60 days before the baby is due. I had a moment of panic on Sunday that things were not going to be ready for her arrival so I spent most of the afternoon washing all the fabrics on the stroller, swing, etc from the hand-me-downs we have been given and then sanitizing all other surfaces. I also tried to organize the closet in the nursery which also houses all our extra linens, Christmas tree and my craft stuff. I still have a lot of work to do to actually get it organized, but now I have an idea of what to do to get there.
The baby herself is still moving and grooving. The other day I was sitting at the computer doing some work and I could really feel her moving, so I looked down at my bare stomach and watched as my belly button went up and down like a sub woofer. It was pretty neat looking. She is definetely running out of room since I can feel every movement more these days, but so far she hasn't slowed down or reduced the distance she moves.
My Braxton-Hicks contractions are also getting more frequent, which is a good thing. They don't hurt, but they do make my stomach peak into a horizontal line around my belly button. I am glad they happen though because it helps me to recognize what exactly occurs during a contraction and hopefully that will alleviate any fears when labor starts about what is going on. Cause there will be plenty of other things for me to worry about.
I had another funny thing happen to me this week in regards to being pregnant. I went to campus to drop off some books and had to park in a metered spot since it was before the time I am allowed to park in the faculty lot near my building. So I put in enough money for 30 minutes figuring that even if someone stopped to talk to me I would be fine. Well I got talking to one of the secretaries about my second position in the department and the paperwork not being processed quite yet and so we didn't get done in 30 minutes. I walked to the meter just as the Meter Maid (or whatever you call them now that they are also male, as this one was) finished my ticket. I waddled up and said, "Oh I guess I am just a minute too late." He asked if it was my car, and I confirmed it was and said, "I don't walk so fast these days and I must not have gotten here in time." He looked at my stomach, saw I was pregnant and said, "Oh I see that you probably can't walk all that fast. Don't worry about it. I won't penalize you for that" and tore up the ticket. I thanked him profusely, got in the car, and smiled. This completely made up for the chaos and absence of help from the flat tire of last week.
The baby herself is still moving and grooving. The other day I was sitting at the computer doing some work and I could really feel her moving, so I looked down at my bare stomach and watched as my belly button went up and down like a sub woofer. It was pretty neat looking. She is definetely running out of room since I can feel every movement more these days, but so far she hasn't slowed down or reduced the distance she moves.
My Braxton-Hicks contractions are also getting more frequent, which is a good thing. They don't hurt, but they do make my stomach peak into a horizontal line around my belly button. I am glad they happen though because it helps me to recognize what exactly occurs during a contraction and hopefully that will alleviate any fears when labor starts about what is going on. Cause there will be plenty of other things for me to worry about.
I had another funny thing happen to me this week in regards to being pregnant. I went to campus to drop off some books and had to park in a metered spot since it was before the time I am allowed to park in the faculty lot near my building. So I put in enough money for 30 minutes figuring that even if someone stopped to talk to me I would be fine. Well I got talking to one of the secretaries about my second position in the department and the paperwork not being processed quite yet and so we didn't get done in 30 minutes. I walked to the meter just as the Meter Maid (or whatever you call them now that they are also male, as this one was) finished my ticket. I waddled up and said, "Oh I guess I am just a minute too late." He asked if it was my car, and I confirmed it was and said, "I don't walk so fast these days and I must not have gotten here in time." He looked at my stomach, saw I was pregnant and said, "Oh I see that you probably can't walk all that fast. Don't worry about it. I won't penalize you for that" and tore up the ticket. I thanked him profusely, got in the car, and smiled. This completely made up for the chaos and absence of help from the flat tire of last week.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
30 Weeks
We had our second and final birthing class on Monday. The events leading up to the class were exciting. I had gone to campus to do some work and attend some meetings. When I returned to my car in the parking garage I found a completely flat tire. I began changing it myself, but once I got to the part where I needed to get the spare out of the trunk, I found I couldn't do it by myself. About twenty people walked by me and not one of them offered any assistance. I was astounded by the rudeness and the complete lack of sympathy by the students. I called one of my friends who I knew was on campus and he came to help me. After we got the spare on and lowered the car, we discovered that the spare was flat as well. My friend was kind enough to drive me to a tire shop just down the road and sit and wait with me while they replaced the tire. (I had somehow gotten a puncture in the sidewall which is completely unrepairable.) When we finished getting the new tire on, I thanked my friend profusely and then began to travel out of the garage. I noticed my car was wobbly and I knew it had to be the tire. I drove very cautiously and slowly the two blocks back to the tire place to have them torque the lug nuts and discovered that despite my friends best efforts, were a full turn or more from being secure. Had I gone at speed my wheel would have spun off. (A reminder to all men and women that basic car repair knowledge is invaluable!)
After all that debacle, I stayed on campus to grab some dinner and do some work before the birthing class rather than try to attempt to make it home and turn immediately around. My fun day continued when the pasta I picked up for dinner spilled sauce on the passenger seat, which I ended up having to super clean the next day before I picked up a professor to take to the airport.
At birthing class we went over recovery and breast feeding before taking a tour of the hospital wing. It was good to see the rooms before I have to be a patient because I know what to expect now. The birthing rooms are recently remodeled and have ample room along with a whirlpool tub. I sure hope I get to use those tubs, cause they looked so appealing and comfortable. (Even made me want to remodel my bathroom to get one.) After giving birth, they have two recovery rooms, the postpartum and the Nesting Place. My preference is for the Nesting Place, which allows you to keep the baby with you at all times rather than keeping them in the nursery. The postpartum rooms are small, but if they have space they allow you to stay in the birthing rooms instead.
We walked by the nursery and saw all the babies in their various stages of crying and sleeping. The nurses inside were starring at us all like we had pickles on our noses. I find it hard to believe they haven't seen a bunch of pregnant women cooing at babies. T and I joked that maybe they were just worried that we would all deliver at the same time.
On Wednesday I had another OB appointment. My weight gain was back to normal thank goodness. While the OB was trying to get the fetal heart rate, he asked if she is still very active, and then said, "Oh, I just answered my own question. She just kicked my hand." He had a very hard time getting the heart rate off of her because she wouldn't sit still. (Guess I shouldn't have had that apple cider at breakfast, but now know that she will be limited in the amount of sugar we give her.) The books all say that she should be slowing down with movements because she is getting cramped, but I think that has just made her movements more obvious to me. The other night I was sitting in the recliner reading a book and you could watch my stomach move in waves and quick jabs. She gets very active after dinner and doesn't stop until after I fall asleep. (And maybe not even then since T said he put his hand on my stomach the other morning while I was asleep and she was already rocking and rolling.)
Speaking of sleep, I finally got a good night last night. I have been having tremendous heartburn the last couple of days that just wouldn't stop no matter what I did. I can only take two Tums a day thanks to the kidney stone episode, but even taking small glasses of milk, eating small meals, and sleeping in a reclined position didn't help. I was even waking T up with my coughing at night as the heartburn irritated my throat. I asked the OB, and they said to take Pepcid twice a day and chew gum after each meal to help digestion. Well the gum only seemed to make it worse, but I took the Pepcid before bed and had the best nights sleep I had had in weeks. (Even with the bathroom trips every two hours.) It is amazing how much better a good nights sleep can make you feel. Now I feel like I can survive these last ten (or so) weeks.
After all that debacle, I stayed on campus to grab some dinner and do some work before the birthing class rather than try to attempt to make it home and turn immediately around. My fun day continued when the pasta I picked up for dinner spilled sauce on the passenger seat, which I ended up having to super clean the next day before I picked up a professor to take to the airport.
At birthing class we went over recovery and breast feeding before taking a tour of the hospital wing. It was good to see the rooms before I have to be a patient because I know what to expect now. The birthing rooms are recently remodeled and have ample room along with a whirlpool tub. I sure hope I get to use those tubs, cause they looked so appealing and comfortable. (Even made me want to remodel my bathroom to get one.) After giving birth, they have two recovery rooms, the postpartum and the Nesting Place. My preference is for the Nesting Place, which allows you to keep the baby with you at all times rather than keeping them in the nursery. The postpartum rooms are small, but if they have space they allow you to stay in the birthing rooms instead.
We walked by the nursery and saw all the babies in their various stages of crying and sleeping. The nurses inside were starring at us all like we had pickles on our noses. I find it hard to believe they haven't seen a bunch of pregnant women cooing at babies. T and I joked that maybe they were just worried that we would all deliver at the same time.
On Wednesday I had another OB appointment. My weight gain was back to normal thank goodness. While the OB was trying to get the fetal heart rate, he asked if she is still very active, and then said, "Oh, I just answered my own question. She just kicked my hand." He had a very hard time getting the heart rate off of her because she wouldn't sit still. (Guess I shouldn't have had that apple cider at breakfast, but now know that she will be limited in the amount of sugar we give her.) The books all say that she should be slowing down with movements because she is getting cramped, but I think that has just made her movements more obvious to me. The other night I was sitting in the recliner reading a book and you could watch my stomach move in waves and quick jabs. She gets very active after dinner and doesn't stop until after I fall asleep. (And maybe not even then since T said he put his hand on my stomach the other morning while I was asleep and she was already rocking and rolling.)
Speaking of sleep, I finally got a good night last night. I have been having tremendous heartburn the last couple of days that just wouldn't stop no matter what I did. I can only take two Tums a day thanks to the kidney stone episode, but even taking small glasses of milk, eating small meals, and sleeping in a reclined position didn't help. I was even waking T up with my coughing at night as the heartburn irritated my throat. I asked the OB, and they said to take Pepcid twice a day and chew gum after each meal to help digestion. Well the gum only seemed to make it worse, but I took the Pepcid before bed and had the best nights sleep I had had in weeks. (Even with the bathroom trips every two hours.) It is amazing how much better a good nights sleep can make you feel. Now I feel like I can survive these last ten (or so) weeks.
Friday, September 25, 2009
29 Weeks
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
24 Weeks
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.
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.
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.
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