sorry I have been silent for a few weeks... we went to Ohio and blogging slipped for a couple of weeks due to busyness...
Today I just had to post about my favorite subject ... "what NOT to say to a pregnant woman"
Today, dear friends, we have a very special installment of this subject matter. Let me go back a few months...
We have a parisioner who is, shall we say, a generous supporter and someone whose good side it is best to be on... she is the one who I ticked off last year at a PPC meeting when "CYO dances" was added to the "dreams" list for the parish... nough said on that topic as you can imagine my reaction... I did manage to get back on her good side 1 - by complimenting her eggplant parm (which was really good so I was being honest) and 2. because her granddaughter is in my conf prep and adores me.
Well a few months ago, at a PPC meeting, she commented after that she was SURE I am having a boy. Fr. Jim asked her how she could be so sure. She replied, "Just look at her. She looks fantastic. Her skin is glowing, her complexion is great. When a woman is carrying a girl she looks terrible. A girl drains the life out of you." Fr. Jim laughed and said, now come on, every pregnant woman has a glow - is there really a difference? Many people at the table said yes there is - really.
Fast forward. THis morning after our 10:30 Mass, we had a little parish brunch which this parishioner organizes each month. During the brunch, she came over to me and said, "I think it is definitely a girl"
I said, "Did you just say girl"
She said, "yes, I really think it is a girl"
I thought, "B*#ch"
but I said, "huh, cause a few months ago you siad definitely a boy"
She said, "Ya, but you've gotten fat in the backside now and you didn't have that before"
I thought, "Whoa, what did she say? Holy f'n sh*t. She did NOT just say that... yes yes she did"
I said, "huh, how 'bout that"
and I waddled over to the stage to eat my quiche in peace. (J/k, I am not waddling yet)
Now there are a few problems with this statement. First of all, I am STILL 5 pounds under my start weight and I have a big baby bulging out of me so I know that I am down in other areas... Jim even commented on it a few weeks ago. Secondly, I AM 7 MONTHS PREGNANT for the love of pete! I have hormones raging through my body. I have mood swings like you read about (just ask Jim) and ANYTHING could have come out of my mouth. And lastly, who tells someone that they have gotten fat in the backside? Honestly, as if that is polite in any situation?
Ya, so that is my update for today.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
edit to today's earlier post...
Doctors office called:
Sugar levels fine - no gestational diabetes - Yay!
Iron levels VERY low - need to take iron supplement 3 X per day. Common problem during pregnancy. No problem.
Sugar levels fine - no gestational diabetes - Yay!
Iron levels VERY low - need to take iron supplement 3 X per day. Common problem during pregnancy. No problem.
Week 28 - Perfect
We had our last monthly Dr. appointment yesterday and now we are on the every other week plan for the remainder of the 3rd trimester. It was a great appointment. I gained 1.8 pounds in the last month (actually I drank quite a bit of water before going in ... my scale at home shows 0.5 gain) and she while I am still 1 pound under where I began (little does she know that by the time I saw her I was already down 10 pounds from the actual "beginning" of the pregnancy), at the rate that we are going, I should gain a total of 15 pounds during the pregnancy. Very few women can accomplish the range set by thier doctor, so for weight gain, I am perfect.
My blood pressure was once again perfect. (Remember it was high early on so these perfect readings are really wonderful)
The baby's heart rate is 150, and was strong and loud - again perfect.
The baby moved 4 times while she was listening for the heartbeat. She said that was great and that we now need to beging counting movements for the remainder of the pregnancy. We need to start couonting when we wake up and need to have 10 movements in by 6:00pm. She thinks we will have no problem since it seems our baby is VERY active. She was right. This morning it took 10 minutes to count 10 movements.
An hour before the appointment I had to drink this sugary drink (tasted like those teeny weenie drinks of childhood... that you could only drink one of before having a sugar high like no other ... ya, the amount I had to drink was like 3 teenie weenies) so that they could draw blood to test for gestational diabetes, the results will be back this afternoon. They also test for anemia, again results will be back this afternoon.
On my way out I got a flu shot and a Rho-gam shot. The flu shot to protect me from - you guessed it - the flu. Apparently, when a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is at high risk for developing flu-pneumonia. This often leads to being on a respirator and often death. So yikes! THe Rho-gam shot is because my blood type is negative and Jim is positive, so there is a chance that the baby's blood is positive. If that is the case, and the baby's blood mixes with my blood, which can happen through various ways (including birth itself) especially in the 3rd trimester, then my negative blood will react by building up antibodies to this supposed invader and reject it... "it" is the baby. So Rho-gam prevents this reaction. I get one shot now at 28 weeks and another just before delivery which then protects me from developing the antibodies after birth so that I would be able to safely carry another baby later. Interesting stuff, eh?
On the next topic - sleeping - suffice it to say I am not. It is very uncomfortable. I even bought a new pillow support to help, and it does, but still not enough. My hips ache by the morning. But ther is only 12 weeks left, right?
So that is my weekly update.
My blood pressure was once again perfect. (Remember it was high early on so these perfect readings are really wonderful)
The baby's heart rate is 150, and was strong and loud - again perfect.
The baby moved 4 times while she was listening for the heartbeat. She said that was great and that we now need to beging counting movements for the remainder of the pregnancy. We need to start couonting when we wake up and need to have 10 movements in by 6:00pm. She thinks we will have no problem since it seems our baby is VERY active. She was right. This morning it took 10 minutes to count 10 movements.
An hour before the appointment I had to drink this sugary drink (tasted like those teeny weenie drinks of childhood... that you could only drink one of before having a sugar high like no other ... ya, the amount I had to drink was like 3 teenie weenies) so that they could draw blood to test for gestational diabetes, the results will be back this afternoon. They also test for anemia, again results will be back this afternoon.
On my way out I got a flu shot and a Rho-gam shot. The flu shot to protect me from - you guessed it - the flu. Apparently, when a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is at high risk for developing flu-pneumonia. This often leads to being on a respirator and often death. So yikes! THe Rho-gam shot is because my blood type is negative and Jim is positive, so there is a chance that the baby's blood is positive. If that is the case, and the baby's blood mixes with my blood, which can happen through various ways (including birth itself) especially in the 3rd trimester, then my negative blood will react by building up antibodies to this supposed invader and reject it... "it" is the baby. So Rho-gam prevents this reaction. I get one shot now at 28 weeks and another just before delivery which then protects me from developing the antibodies after birth so that I would be able to safely carry another baby later. Interesting stuff, eh?
On the next topic - sleeping - suffice it to say I am not. It is very uncomfortable. I even bought a new pillow support to help, and it does, but still not enough. My hips ache by the morning. But ther is only 12 weeks left, right?
So that is my weekly update.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Nursing 101
Last night we had our first “parenting class”. Most of our classes we will take at Isis Maternity in Needham and I was carefully able to select our instructors based on their bios. I am very excited about these classes. However, since we will be delivering at BIDMC, they ask us to take this one particular class with them directly. It is called “Breastfeeding Basics”. For all of these classes, they ask that mom AND dad attend. To begin with “Dad” couldn’t understand why he had to attend this first class since it is regarding breast feeding and well, he won’t be doing that now will he? I finally convinced him that it is not ME that is asking him to go, but that the class is for couples and he is the other half of this couple so… His classic line is “I’ll go because you have asked me to go.”
And so last night we both left work at 4:40 (ish) to meet at home to drive into Boston to the BIDMC for our first class. This should have given us ample time to get home, grab a quick bit to eat and head off to class arriving at 6:45 to meet our instructor in the lobby and head up to class which was to begin at 7:00. No problem … except that there was a Patriot’s home game last night and while I left Wayland at 4:40, I did not arrive home (a 30 minute drive … 45-50 in traffic) until 6:00. Jim was better off going 495 to 24 and having no traffic, so he stopped at BJ’s to get a rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and stuffing so that I would have something to eat before class (other than the 3 minute mac and cheese that I was thinking of). SUPER nice of him! Unfortunately, this caused him to arrive home just after I did and the potatoes and stuffing needed to be heated and once all was heated and I had made a plate for dinner to take in the car we ran out the door and were on our way at 6:30 (remember we were to meet our instructor in the lobby at 6:45 for our 7:00 class… and it takes 40 minutes to get there)
Jim dropped me at the lobby entrance and went to park. The instructor left directions for us on how to get to the conference room where the class was meeting. Once I had retrieved the directions from the info desk, I waited for Jim to arrive since he had left his cell phone at home so I could not call him. He arrived in about 3 minutes and away we went.
We arrived at the board room and entered quietly apologizing for our lateness and found the feeble instructor sitting at a table with one other couple. This was slightly uncomfortable, but okay let’s just get this done. We introduced ourselves around and sat down. The instructor, Sandra, a grandmotherly aged woman, told us that she had a bit of *sniff * allergies and so if she had a coughing fit just to talk amongst ourselves and also she has a shaky hand so just try to ignore it. (yes, she sniffed to prove her stuffy nose) I can only describe her voice by comparing it to the MAD TV sketch with the momma and little boy that Beth Pitts used to imitate …Stuart? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80NZDbndC-8&feature=related Ya that is the best I can do. To describe her voice, but now think of a monotone version. Okay.
So, Sandra asks us if we can think of any benefits to breast feeding. I said, um bonding? Then she asked Jim for a benefit. Seriously, I wish I had a video to share. He thought about while his eyes darted wildly around the room looking for an answer to drop out of the sky. He must have gotten one because he said, um, isn’t it supposed to be, like, better? She said yes and talked about the nutritional benefits etc. She said the other couple had answered the same two benefits.
Then she asked us if we had any concerns about breast feeding. I shook my head no as did Jim. The other couple did the same. So she held up an artsy watercolor picture of this worried looking woman. And explained that many women feel anxious about breast feeding (remember we are in Stuart’s voice here) and she holds up these large red laminated cards with all the concerns written on them and read them to us. Then she told us that there was really nothing to be worried about (good, cause we said we weren’t worried) and she flipped the artsy picture over to reveal the same woman with a humongous smile on her face now. But you will discover this once you have your cute little baby.
I couldn’t even look at Jim because I would burst out laughing, but out of the corner of my eye I could see him looking at me with that “Are you serious? We have to sit through 2 hours of this?” look on his face. I kept my gaze focused on Sandra.
So then she tells us about the anatomy of the breast. She has another big laminated poster of a breast and she tells us all about the ducts etc. and how your cute little baby will be telling your body how much milk to produce etc. Then, however, she reaches down on the chair beside her where this stuffed doll is wrapped in a blanket and begins to unwrap it… while explaining that “this cute little baby is Ted” and pulls out from under Ted’s blanket a stuffed breast. I really thought I was going to lose it and I still could not look at Jim. She peals back a layer to reveal the inner workings of the stuffed breast just to further elaborate her teaching.
Then she explains that you don’t have to be worried about nursing in public because you can make it a completely unnoticed event. “You just pick up your cute little baby once you start getting the clues (Sandra wanted to make sure that we knew the cues and so she imitated the cute little baby) that your cute little baby want to nurse and lift your shirt, attach your cute little baby and nurse.” She was holding the doll against her fully clothed body at the time and she asked us, “See you can’t even tell I am nursing, can you?” We all shook our heads no. and she said, “some people use these elaborate cover ups which really just draw attention to what you are doing. You don’t need these at all.” I was thinking, ya if the baby can suck the milk out through a layer of clothing there is not a problem, but I will gladly accept the wrap that I registered for at babies r us so as to cover my own naked breast if I should be nursing in public, thanks anyway.
So she said, Lets take a little break to use the restrooms and then we will come back and finish up. Oh but wait, I forgot to tell you something. And she went on for about 15 minutes more about stuff she had already told us, and then showed us 3 nursing positions explaining the nursing pillow etc. And how to know if the cute little baby is attached properly and she imitated the cute little baby’s mouth which reminded me of a guppie.
Then off to break and when we come back maybe you can try these positions with our cute little baby. So Jim and I took off for the bathrooms and when we got outside the room we were busting a gut laughing. Everything we had stored up during class we let out in the hallway. I was crying.
We made our way to the restrooms and then back to the board room and when we got near Jim began to make the guppie mouth motion and we both burst out laughing again.
Sidenote - You know that noise you make when you have a mouth full of air and you puff out your cheeks and push the air out through clenched lips? Okay well hold that thought.
We pulled it together to re-enter the room and when we entered Sandra was working with the other couple and the cute little baby demonstrating the holds. I was on the verge of laughing, barely keeping it together when we sat down at the table again. Then Sandra takes the doll and brings it to me and says, “Do you want to give this a try with your cute little nipples?” Jim, sitting beside me burst out laughing while trying to suppress it and made THAT NOISE as he ran out of the conference room. I too burst out laughing and could not regain control for every time I did regain control I could hear Jim in the hallway still laughing in this high pitched laugh. It was awful. It went on for like 5 minutes during which time Sandra said “Well maybe we will save that for after class then.” And put the cute little baby back on the chair. I apologized when I had regained a bit of control and said I just can’t get control when I can hear Jim in the hallway… and I stood up to go into the hallway when I heard Sandra say “yes, maybe close the door” which I did once I stepped to the other side of it. Jim and I continued to laugh in the hallway when he all of a sudden gained control and rejoined the group leaving me in the hallway this time. I finally regained control too and rejoined the group in time to talk about pumps, fill out the evaluation and leave. Sandra did ask if I wanted to try the positioning with the cute little baby but I declined.
This experience did remind me of our Engaged Encounter weekend where Jim and I had a similar uncontrolled laughing fit over another word choice incident.
As I said, I have hand picked our other instructors and am quite sure that our Isis classes will go a bit better.
*Preparing for Childbirth – given by Becky, a Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum and instruction on infant massage, a former actress and High School teacher who understands that entertainment and learning are complimentary and tries to educate with energy and humor. She sounds great.
*Newborn Essentials – Given by Carole, a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Having worked at many area hospitals including Brigham and Woman's, St. Elizabeth's and Caritas, her passion is supporting and nurturing expectant parents into their new roles. Carole is also the founder of Newborn Nurses, a company that provides postpartum assistance to parents with new babies. She has helped many families through those first few challenging weeks after birth and has a huge success rate in helping babies sleep through the night. Sounds great!
*Infant CPR – Given by Jonathan, the Executive Director of NorthEast Emergency Medical Services, Inc., Jonathan's clinical background includes serving as a paramedic in several major metropolitan areas including greater Boston. Currently, Jonathan volunteers as the Vice-Chair of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP) nationally and as a member of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sounds Great!
Wish us luck. Please?
And so last night we both left work at 4:40 (ish) to meet at home to drive into Boston to the BIDMC for our first class. This should have given us ample time to get home, grab a quick bit to eat and head off to class arriving at 6:45 to meet our instructor in the lobby and head up to class which was to begin at 7:00. No problem … except that there was a Patriot’s home game last night and while I left Wayland at 4:40, I did not arrive home (a 30 minute drive … 45-50 in traffic) until 6:00. Jim was better off going 495 to 24 and having no traffic, so he stopped at BJ’s to get a rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and stuffing so that I would have something to eat before class (other than the 3 minute mac and cheese that I was thinking of). SUPER nice of him! Unfortunately, this caused him to arrive home just after I did and the potatoes and stuffing needed to be heated and once all was heated and I had made a plate for dinner to take in the car we ran out the door and were on our way at 6:30 (remember we were to meet our instructor in the lobby at 6:45 for our 7:00 class… and it takes 40 minutes to get there)
Jim dropped me at the lobby entrance and went to park. The instructor left directions for us on how to get to the conference room where the class was meeting. Once I had retrieved the directions from the info desk, I waited for Jim to arrive since he had left his cell phone at home so I could not call him. He arrived in about 3 minutes and away we went.
We arrived at the board room and entered quietly apologizing for our lateness and found the feeble instructor sitting at a table with one other couple. This was slightly uncomfortable, but okay let’s just get this done. We introduced ourselves around and sat down. The instructor, Sandra, a grandmotherly aged woman, told us that she had a bit of *sniff * allergies and so if she had a coughing fit just to talk amongst ourselves and also she has a shaky hand so just try to ignore it. (yes, she sniffed to prove her stuffy nose) I can only describe her voice by comparing it to the MAD TV sketch with the momma and little boy that Beth Pitts used to imitate …Stuart? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80NZDbndC-8&feature=related Ya that is the best I can do. To describe her voice, but now think of a monotone version. Okay.
So, Sandra asks us if we can think of any benefits to breast feeding. I said, um bonding? Then she asked Jim for a benefit. Seriously, I wish I had a video to share. He thought about while his eyes darted wildly around the room looking for an answer to drop out of the sky. He must have gotten one because he said, um, isn’t it supposed to be, like, better? She said yes and talked about the nutritional benefits etc. She said the other couple had answered the same two benefits.
Then she asked us if we had any concerns about breast feeding. I shook my head no as did Jim. The other couple did the same. So she held up an artsy watercolor picture of this worried looking woman. And explained that many women feel anxious about breast feeding (remember we are in Stuart’s voice here) and she holds up these large red laminated cards with all the concerns written on them and read them to us. Then she told us that there was really nothing to be worried about (good, cause we said we weren’t worried) and she flipped the artsy picture over to reveal the same woman with a humongous smile on her face now. But you will discover this once you have your cute little baby.
I couldn’t even look at Jim because I would burst out laughing, but out of the corner of my eye I could see him looking at me with that “Are you serious? We have to sit through 2 hours of this?” look on his face. I kept my gaze focused on Sandra.
So then she tells us about the anatomy of the breast. She has another big laminated poster of a breast and she tells us all about the ducts etc. and how your cute little baby will be telling your body how much milk to produce etc. Then, however, she reaches down on the chair beside her where this stuffed doll is wrapped in a blanket and begins to unwrap it… while explaining that “this cute little baby is Ted” and pulls out from under Ted’s blanket a stuffed breast. I really thought I was going to lose it and I still could not look at Jim. She peals back a layer to reveal the inner workings of the stuffed breast just to further elaborate her teaching.
Then she explains that you don’t have to be worried about nursing in public because you can make it a completely unnoticed event. “You just pick up your cute little baby once you start getting the clues (Sandra wanted to make sure that we knew the cues and so she imitated the cute little baby) that your cute little baby want to nurse and lift your shirt, attach your cute little baby and nurse.” She was holding the doll against her fully clothed body at the time and she asked us, “See you can’t even tell I am nursing, can you?” We all shook our heads no. and she said, “some people use these elaborate cover ups which really just draw attention to what you are doing. You don’t need these at all.” I was thinking, ya if the baby can suck the milk out through a layer of clothing there is not a problem, but I will gladly accept the wrap that I registered for at babies r us so as to cover my own naked breast if I should be nursing in public, thanks anyway.
So she said, Lets take a little break to use the restrooms and then we will come back and finish up. Oh but wait, I forgot to tell you something. And she went on for about 15 minutes more about stuff she had already told us, and then showed us 3 nursing positions explaining the nursing pillow etc. And how to know if the cute little baby is attached properly and she imitated the cute little baby’s mouth which reminded me of a guppie.
Then off to break and when we come back maybe you can try these positions with our cute little baby. So Jim and I took off for the bathrooms and when we got outside the room we were busting a gut laughing. Everything we had stored up during class we let out in the hallway. I was crying.
We made our way to the restrooms and then back to the board room and when we got near Jim began to make the guppie mouth motion and we both burst out laughing again.
Sidenote - You know that noise you make when you have a mouth full of air and you puff out your cheeks and push the air out through clenched lips? Okay well hold that thought.
We pulled it together to re-enter the room and when we entered Sandra was working with the other couple and the cute little baby demonstrating the holds. I was on the verge of laughing, barely keeping it together when we sat down at the table again. Then Sandra takes the doll and brings it to me and says, “Do you want to give this a try with your cute little nipples?” Jim, sitting beside me burst out laughing while trying to suppress it and made THAT NOISE as he ran out of the conference room. I too burst out laughing and could not regain control for every time I did regain control I could hear Jim in the hallway still laughing in this high pitched laugh. It was awful. It went on for like 5 minutes during which time Sandra said “Well maybe we will save that for after class then.” And put the cute little baby back on the chair. I apologized when I had regained a bit of control and said I just can’t get control when I can hear Jim in the hallway… and I stood up to go into the hallway when I heard Sandra say “yes, maybe close the door” which I did once I stepped to the other side of it. Jim and I continued to laugh in the hallway when he all of a sudden gained control and rejoined the group leaving me in the hallway this time. I finally regained control too and rejoined the group in time to talk about pumps, fill out the evaluation and leave. Sandra did ask if I wanted to try the positioning with the cute little baby but I declined.
This experience did remind me of our Engaged Encounter weekend where Jim and I had a similar uncontrolled laughing fit over another word choice incident.
As I said, I have hand picked our other instructors and am quite sure that our Isis classes will go a bit better.
*Preparing for Childbirth – given by Becky, a Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum and instruction on infant massage, a former actress and High School teacher who understands that entertainment and learning are complimentary and tries to educate with energy and humor. She sounds great.
*Newborn Essentials – Given by Carole, a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Having worked at many area hospitals including Brigham and Woman's, St. Elizabeth's and Caritas, her passion is supporting and nurturing expectant parents into their new roles. Carole is also the founder of Newborn Nurses, a company that provides postpartum assistance to parents with new babies. She has helped many families through those first few challenging weeks after birth and has a huge success rate in helping babies sleep through the night. Sounds great!
*Infant CPR – Given by Jonathan, the Executive Director of NorthEast Emergency Medical Services, Inc., Jonathan's clinical background includes serving as a paramedic in several major metropolitan areas including greater Boston. Currently, Jonathan volunteers as the Vice-Chair of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP) nationally and as a member of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sounds Great!
Wish us luck. Please?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reread...
So tonight I re-read my entire blog and realized that I used to be really funny... that was after the summer of Paula in 2006. Maybe after I am off with the newborn for a bit my funny bone will kick back in.
FYI - Fr. Matt, there is nothing at all questionable in here ... I guess I was paranoid because of thoughts that never made it to the blog. Maybe we can sit down and chat about that sometime... Thanks again for the prayers for the baby.
Kate - it was great to see you tonight! You no longer blend in with a white sheet and your energy is totally back. What a difference a week can make!
FYI - Jim is still upset that he missed LIFT tonight. He said he got a poster with the September, October and November dates on it. He had kids lined up to go NEXT week as was on the poster. He could have gotten a ton of kids for tonight b/c of the holiday and he is bummed for the missed opportunity to hear Sr. Olga.
Tonight's talk was so good. It really made me think of a couple of people who I have difficulty loving and forgiving as Jesus loves and forgives. I think I will resolve to rectify this in the coming year. Yes, I do think it may take a year to get there with those who I am thinking of.
Now, off to bed. THe holiday is over and there is much work to be done tomorrow.
Peace out.
FYI - Fr. Matt, there is nothing at all questionable in here ... I guess I was paranoid because of thoughts that never made it to the blog. Maybe we can sit down and chat about that sometime... Thanks again for the prayers for the baby.
Kate - it was great to see you tonight! You no longer blend in with a white sheet and your energy is totally back. What a difference a week can make!
FYI - Jim is still upset that he missed LIFT tonight. He said he got a poster with the September, October and November dates on it. He had kids lined up to go NEXT week as was on the poster. He could have gotten a ton of kids for tonight b/c of the holiday and he is bummed for the missed opportunity to hear Sr. Olga.
Tonight's talk was so good. It really made me think of a couple of people who I have difficulty loving and forgiving as Jesus loves and forgives. I think I will resolve to rectify this in the coming year. Yes, I do think it may take a year to get there with those who I am thinking of.
Now, off to bed. THe holiday is over and there is much work to be done tomorrow.
Peace out.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Week 26 completed
No Margo - I am not going to wait five months before posting again, but I thought perhaps weekly updates would suffice...
I remind you all that I do not read ahead in my book to find out what might be coming up as far as bodily changes and symptoms. I prefer to use the "What to Expect" book more as a "Should I have expected this?!?!" It is more fun that way, usually...
This week as I was reclining on the couch Saturday night after a long day of car shopping/buying (we got a corolla), and a I-ordered-way-too-much-food dinner of which I took half home for later, the baby shifted positions (probably as uncomfortable as I was with all that food bulging out the tummy), and I instinctively moved my hand across my belly in a "simmer down now" kinda fashion. Only this particular time I was caught off guared by an outward ridge where my perfect innie belly button once resided. I had to pull up my shirt to see what could possibly be stuck to my belly button and it was in fact MY BELLY BUTTON!!!
Breathe easy my friends, the belly button has since receded to an innie position again though more of a flattie at times. But it turns out this is common at week 26 in pregnancy... and yes, I should have expected it to pop like a well done turkey (just in time for thanksgiving, I guess) My mom and sister say their belly buttons never popped, but they also never puked, etc. I think they just didn't notice that change. But then again, they both gained weight during pregnancy and I, as I approach the end of my second trimester am still in the lost category. I am just saying, pregnancy is different for everyone and it the book says it is to be expected then who am I to judge...
Now for an update on the aforementioned puking. I had gone the past 2 weeks puke free until this morning. I had an early DRE meeting and I guess this little one does not do mornings ... or it could have been the blueberry bread that I had for breakfast that the 6th graders made last night. You never really know how a 6th grader's bread will turn out so I had to try it before we deliver it to the homebound. Jim's comment this morning after he tried a slice was, "Oh my gosh! Was that not the heaviest bread you have ever eaten? I don't think I will even need lunch today." That about sums it up...
I did have a good energy day this week on Wednesday, which was good since I had to shop for the bread supplies, shop for decorating supplies for the bread bags, shop for fleece to make baby blankets for Birthright, set up the hall in stations, and run between all the classes making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to. (and yell at the 8th graders who were rotating between talking about the new marijuana law and something that "sucks" those were the two main things I heard coming from their room. I was their primary adult supervision as their teacher was in the hospital with his wife having a baby. This particular group of 8th graders (boys especially) need a full time supervisor ... and possibly tape over their mouths. Anyhow, it was good that I had energy cause I probably would have sat down and cried otherwise.
"what to expect" says that the baby should have started to open his eyes this week and would react if you held a flashlight up to your tummy "hey, what the heck is that bright light shining in my eyes" kind of way. Jim said "that just sounds cruel." I agreed. We won't be shining a flashlight in our baby's eyes.
Also, the baby's brainwave activity is kicking it so now can not only hear noises but respond to them as well by movement of course. The baby should be weighing in at approx 2 pounds this week and measuring 9 inches.
When we were at Brigham and Women's this week visiting a friend there was a young guy in the elevator. He was going to neonatal icu to visit his daughter who was born at 23 weeks. The mom's water broke and all they could do was deliver and hope for the best. He said the baby (and mom too) was doing great and was beautiful. That made us feel good since we were 3 weeks beyond that. Not that we are planning for that type of situation, but it was nice to hear that the baby was doing well. Just saying.
One more week of second trimester and we are on to the THIRD!! Yippee!!!
I remind you all that I do not read ahead in my book to find out what might be coming up as far as bodily changes and symptoms. I prefer to use the "What to Expect" book more as a "Should I have expected this?!?!" It is more fun that way, usually...
This week as I was reclining on the couch Saturday night after a long day of car shopping/buying (we got a corolla), and a I-ordered-way-too-much-food dinner of which I took half home for later, the baby shifted positions (probably as uncomfortable as I was with all that food bulging out the tummy), and I instinctively moved my hand across my belly in a "simmer down now" kinda fashion. Only this particular time I was caught off guared by an outward ridge where my perfect innie belly button once resided. I had to pull up my shirt to see what could possibly be stuck to my belly button and it was in fact MY BELLY BUTTON!!!
Breathe easy my friends, the belly button has since receded to an innie position again though more of a flattie at times. But it turns out this is common at week 26 in pregnancy... and yes, I should have expected it to pop like a well done turkey (just in time for thanksgiving, I guess) My mom and sister say their belly buttons never popped, but they also never puked, etc. I think they just didn't notice that change. But then again, they both gained weight during pregnancy and I, as I approach the end of my second trimester am still in the lost category. I am just saying, pregnancy is different for everyone and it the book says it is to be expected then who am I to judge...
Now for an update on the aforementioned puking. I had gone the past 2 weeks puke free until this morning. I had an early DRE meeting and I guess this little one does not do mornings ... or it could have been the blueberry bread that I had for breakfast that the 6th graders made last night. You never really know how a 6th grader's bread will turn out so I had to try it before we deliver it to the homebound. Jim's comment this morning after he tried a slice was, "Oh my gosh! Was that not the heaviest bread you have ever eaten? I don't think I will even need lunch today." That about sums it up...
I did have a good energy day this week on Wednesday, which was good since I had to shop for the bread supplies, shop for decorating supplies for the bread bags, shop for fleece to make baby blankets for Birthright, set up the hall in stations, and run between all the classes making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to. (and yell at the 8th graders who were rotating between talking about the new marijuana law and something that "sucks" those were the two main things I heard coming from their room. I was their primary adult supervision as their teacher was in the hospital with his wife having a baby. This particular group of 8th graders (boys especially) need a full time supervisor ... and possibly tape over their mouths. Anyhow, it was good that I had energy cause I probably would have sat down and cried otherwise.
"what to expect" says that the baby should have started to open his eyes this week and would react if you held a flashlight up to your tummy "hey, what the heck is that bright light shining in my eyes" kind of way. Jim said "that just sounds cruel." I agreed. We won't be shining a flashlight in our baby's eyes.
Also, the baby's brainwave activity is kicking it so now can not only hear noises but respond to them as well by movement of course. The baby should be weighing in at approx 2 pounds this week and measuring 9 inches.
When we were at Brigham and Women's this week visiting a friend there was a young guy in the elevator. He was going to neonatal icu to visit his daughter who was born at 23 weeks. The mom's water broke and all they could do was deliver and hope for the best. He said the baby (and mom too) was doing great and was beautiful. That made us feel good since we were 3 weeks beyond that. Not that we are planning for that type of situation, but it was nice to hear that the baby was doing well. Just saying.
One more week of second trimester and we are on to the THIRD!! Yippee!!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
The first 5 months of pregnancy in a nutshell of a post
Many of you have asked me to post updates here, and I would have been happy to started this earlier however I have been either exhausted or working and in any down time, I have been working on a computer that was dying a slow death. That computer has reached it's ultimate demise and I have a new laptop purchased by my wonderful parish! So for those who are interested, here is the pregnancy story from conception to week 25:
Weirdly enough, week one and two are preconception so we will skip to week 3...
Week 3 - nothing to report
week 4 - strang things begin to happen... We had our graduation Mass folowed by a luncheon. That was normal. I didn't have a chance to eat during all the hoopla of the day, but I brought home the leftovers dropping off a platter of food at my aunt's house (she lives alone since my favorite uncle passed away and loves 1. visitors and 2. when visitors bring a meal or two so she doesn't have to cook ... my uncle was the cook over there) Then a platter of food to my mom, dad, sister and nephew. My sister also appreciates 1. me visiting and 2. the food delivery as it means she doesn't have to cook for a couple of meals. Then I made my way home with the remaining food for Jim and I to consume during the week ahead. I was so excited to make a sandwich with the most delicious looking roast beef and the freshest rolls... made my sandwhich... sat on the couch... turned on the TIVO to catch up on some shows ... took a bite of my sandwich ... and promptly spit it back out. Hmmm. that was weird... So I threw that sandwich away and made a ham and cheese option ... same thing, I spit out the first bite. Hmmm. That is really weird. I googled "food aversions" and the first return was "food aversions in pregnancy" so I grabbed my calendar to see if I could possibly be pregnant and yes, it was a possibility so we would need to wait and see.
week 5 - Took the test and yes! we are pregnant!
(FYI this news, while exciting also caused some ... well A LOT ... of fear because we did have a miscarriage before which was just devestating)
week 6 - week 7 began to tell close family and friends. We had an appointment with the nurse practioner at my dr. office. She gave us a folder of information and went through all the complications that can arise due to pregancy at my age. It was a VERY overwhelming appointment. I tried to put my mind elsewhere, but I could not escape her doom and gloom talk about 1 in so many babies born with X, 1 in so many babies born with Y, etc. It seemed to go on forever. Then she went through the testing that is available and recommended to detect any abnormalities. I already knew that I didn't want an amniocentisis as it has a risk of miscarriage and I don't want to do anything to increase that risk. But she explained a test that is done by taking an ultrasound and a blood test that is about 85% accurate in predicting certain abnormalities. I thought that would be a good one since it would either give us peace of mind or time to prepare for whatever we might be facing. THen we did a weight and blood pressure check. My weight was down and my blood pressure was up (I wonder why the BP might have been elevated, hmm let's think about it.") We scheduled that testing appointment with the nurse on our way out and when she was entering our information she said, "Wait, this can't be right. What is your date of birth?" I asid "2-10-68" She said, "Really? You are 40? You look so much younger!" ps - I love her.
week 6 - We had our first ultrasound just to make sure things were progressing well before Jim and I embark on our cross country drive from MA to MS which was supposed to take 24 hours and actually clocked in at somethng like 32 hours. They had to tell us what we were looking at because we really could not tell. It looked like a tiny little teddy bear but they pointed out the 2 arms and 2 legs and the sac that develops before the placenta to supply the baby with the proper nutrients. Everything looked good and that sac had developed nicely so they felt good about hte pregnancy which eased my mind a bit too.
This drive was in a box truck filled with luggage from the kids in Acton and Wayland for the upcoming 2 weeks of Mission Trips. We decided to drive because last time I was pregnant at almost the same time frame and I flew to MS for the same mission trip I sufferred a miscarriage 2 days later. I know that flying can be dehydrating and can cause early labor in the 3rd trimester, so I didn't want to take any chances. Also airlines were starting to charge for the 2nd bag and that cost was offset by the cost of the truck so it was a win/win all around.
Oh, 3 days before our departure on this long raod trip my "morning sickness" kicked in. Perfect timing for a road trip with a man who has the world's worst puke phobia. I "" morning sickness because it was never necessarily restricted to morning.
week 6 - 8 Mississippi Mission Trips and Road Tripping So this whole morning sickness thing was taking over my life. I learned a few tricks to outsmart it, but ultimately it seemed to outsmart me in the end. None of the youth on the Wayland trip knew that I was pregnant so it was pretty tricky trying to keep it a secret with my tactics for keeping the puking at bay. I had to arise very early (not a problem as I was getting up multiple times per night to pee) and eat a package of peanut butter crackers and a cranberry juice. I ate these while sitting on a bench outside of the ladies room just in case I had to make a run for it. Then I would sneak back to bed and get up with everyone else. I took on more of a supervisory role during my week instead of doing the actual labor intensive part which I THOUGHT was a good cover. I had to take a nap before dinner every night which was not fun since I would rather have been in the pavillion with the kids playing cards and such. And I found that I REALLY needed to sleep at night... sometimes before lights out actually happened, again not my style, but I was not the one in control of my body and I had to do what I had to do.
On Jim's week more of the youth knew cause Jim had a little bit of trouble keeping the secret. He really doesn't do secrets well at all actually so this was not a surprise. However, I did find out later that a few of his newer kids thought I was lazy. LAZY? Sister you have no idea how difficult it was for me to NOT throw up on your shoes!!!
Week 9 - morning sickness continues ... has developed a pattern of every other day. At least I know the day on which I will puke. I also realized that toothpaste caused the gag reflex to happen. I switched to the children's toothpaste that tastes like bubble gum and has sparkles in it. Yum and fun all in one. That helped a bit in the morning.
Week 10 - Dr. appointment with our actual ob/gyn. We love her. She is so great. At this appointment we noted how I am still losing weight. I forget how much at this appointment, but during the first trimester I lost 16 pounds. She said that was fine but in 2nd a nd 3rd trimester she would like to see me gain about 1/2 pound per week. That would be like 13 pounds which still gives me a net loss of 3 pounds ... not bad! My blood pressure was a little elevated again on this appointment but honestly I have been taking it at WalMart and it was fine. I think it is white coat syndrome.
She talked to us about the test we had scheduled with the nurse practitioner. She asked what we would do if it was determined that the baby had an abnormality. We said we would still carry to term. She then asked what about if the baby had a condition that was incompatable with life outside the womb. We again said we would carry to term. She asked why we had scheduled the test since would carry to term no matter what. I said I thought it would offer some peace of mind. She told us that the test uses the ultrasound, blood test, and age of mother to determine the possibility of an abnormality. Based on my age of 40, this test had a good chance of coming back with an abnormal result. She told us that she had a couple in her office this morning who had this test done for the same reason. The results were back today that there was a possibility of an abnormality. Now that couple was faced with the decision to have the amniocentisis to rule abnormalities out or just take the pregancy as it comes with the thought that there could be a birth defect. She recommended we not put ourselves through that. It was such a difficult decision to make. She told us to think about it and even if we decide on the day of the test not to have it done, just don't show up. It is not a problem at all. The test was scheduled for 3 days later. We opted to not have the test done.
Week 11 - Jim went back to Mississippi with his new parish and I stayed home and enjoyed the big king sized bed all to myself. It was very comfortable. I still continued to have my every other day morning sickness. But everyone was telling me that I will only have it for 2 more weeks. I believe the exact statement was, "On week 13 it is like you wake up and a light switch is flicked. You stop getting morning sickness and you get more energy and you get your appetite back." Woo hoo, I think, bring on week 13
Week 12 - 13 Every other day... every other day .... it's almost over .... every other day... Oh and I have had to buy some maternity pants as mine no longer button despite my record weight loss. My shirts are still okay though, they are long enough to cover the elastic tops on the pants. Boy are maternity pants comfortable!!!
Week 14 - my light switch is broken! I am still getting sick on a regular basis.
Week 15 - away for the weekend with my mom, dad, sister and nephew. I still have one pair of pre-pregnancy shorts that I can wear luckily as I do not want to buy materninty shorts since most of my pregnancy will be fall / winter. Nausea stays with me in the mornings but I luck out and do not actually get sick. Could it be ending?
Also, I have started to feel the baby moving. It feels like a swarm of butterflies fluttering around. A very strange feeling, but kinda cool.
Week 16 - nope. not ending. but getting more spaced out. We went to Camp Agna in Wareham. The day we arrive so does an ecoli scare for the public water. So no brushing teeth unless bottled water etc. This was kind of scarey while pregnant, I am not gonna lie, but luckily we had to go home Saturday night to help Gabe & Una with the afterparty for his bro's wedding. So we left a little early and took showers at home. I waited on Sunday to shower at home also.
Also, appointment with nurse practitioner again. I asked to do the BP first and it ws near normal. She had a folder full of releases for me to sign since we decided not to have the tests done. This gets them off the hook for any birth defects that could have been determined with the tests. It was a very nagative feel for the appointment. She told me that I should probably start to feel the baby moving by the next appointment. I told her that I have actually already felt it. She said, "Ya, a lot of women think they are feeling the baby moving but it is actually other bodily functions that you are more aware of now. I am not saying that you are not feeling it, but usually it is something else." (meanwhile I was thinking, b***h, I know what I am feeling!!) I have now taken to calling her "Dr. Death" since she always has the bad stuff.
Week 17 - I officially tell the DRE Cluster that we are expecting. FYI still feeling the baby move...
Week 18 - I start to leak out to families at the parish the news that we are expecting. I told one family, they asked if it was secret still, I said since I was really starting to show that the secret was out. We had our Outdoor Mass that weekend and many people were congratulating me. This kind of news gets around fast I guess. Still feeling the baby move...
Week 19 - Morning sickness is happening approx 1 time per week now. Unpredictable. What is predictable? I am still feeling the baby move...
Week 20 - The first 2 days of this week I could literally count 12 - 15 movements per hour all day long. It is pretty clear that I knew what I was feeling before. I am just saying... However the next two days nothing. No movement at all. We had an appointment on day 5 of that week anyway, so I waited to call the Dr. office. But I was really scared that we were going to find out that we lost the baby at that appointment. However, at that appointment, we have our 20 week ultrasound and you can actually see a baby now. THe technician explained everything she was seeing... heart with 4 chambers, right arm and hand, left arm and hand, spine, legs and feet. The baby was breach so she was having difficulty getting al the pictures she needed. She tried the banging on the tummy trick and the roll on side trick but the baby was stubborn and would not move. After we had an appointment with our doctor to review the U/S. She said everything loked good - the baby was growing at the right rate. Everything looked great, but they could not get 2 key pictures that they need; full face and cerebellum. She said that this was pretty typical and not to worry, but we needed to come back in a week or so and have another ultrasound. She cheerily said - the good news is you get another peek at your baby! (Really all I heard was we could not see the cerebellum ... which I googled ... and panicked)
My BP was high again and I told my dr. that when I take it at WalMart or on my dad's BP monitor it is much lower consistantly. She asked me to track it at home. I bought a BP cuff for at home.
The feeling of movement came back at the couple of times a day rate. I think the baby way having a party those 2 days of big movements... dancing and bouncing of the walls like a moon bounce ... hey maybe that is why little kids like those moon bounces, it reminds them of their early days...
Week 21 - Silently prayed a novena to St. Gerard for the health of our baby.
- Back for Ultrasound. This technician was cold - she barely talked at all. At one point I said to Jim - Can you tell what you are looking at? hoping she would catch the hint and tell us. She didn't. She also was having trouble getting the baby to move into a good position and had to do the side roll and the banging tricks. Finally she said - okay we are done and she handed us the 3 pictures - all almost identical. I asked her if she got all the pictures she needed and she said yes. I still didn't know what that meant so I asked when we would hear the results. She said well if you don't hear anything by next week give the office a call. Great another week of waiting and wondering... Gosh, don't they know how scarey this whole process is?!?!?!?!
Hey wait - it has been almost 2 weeks since I last puked ... could it be over?
Oh and we began middle school youth ministry this week. I think I did too much as I woke up the next day with a horrible pain where the leg connects to the body on the inner leg. Really horrible. It hurts to walk, turn over in bed, get dressed, and oh stairs are a killer.
Plus note - BP is okay at home
Week 22 - Got 5 cold sores on my bottom lip ... apparently this is normal due to the excess hormones ... called my dr. office to find out if I can get a presription for it, oh and by the way, how were those U/S pictures? Yes, and the pictures were great - everything is fine. whew!
We had a middle school trip to laser zone ... in a school bus, ya, so I will avoid school busses at all costs for the rest of the pregnancy...
I was whining to Jim about the lip issue and the leg issue and he said "At least your not throwing up anymore." I made the mistake of saying, "I would rather be throwing up than dealing with these two things." The next morning...it's baaaaaaaaaaack. So I get all 3 at the same time. Ya fun.
BP okay at home.
Week 23 - I went to LIFT on Tuesday night as I really do enjoy the praise and worship music and the adoration. The talks are good sometimes and othertimes not so much. So on my way out the door at the end I ran into Fr. Matt who asked how the pregnancy was going. I said good. Hes thought that didn't sound too convincing so he pressed and I told him that I have had literally every symptom in the book, but that the baby was developing just fine and that was really what mattered, so I could deal. He prayed over me the most heartfelt prayer I have ever heard consecrating the pregnancy to Our Lady and asking her to be with me and the baby during the remaining time and to alleviate every symptom plaguing me while protecting the baby from every harm. I swear it was like a 5 full minute prayer and he was joined by a couple of other religious standing around with a laying on of hands during the prayer. It was really moving.
Week 24 - We had an appointment with "Dr. Death", but for the first time she was completely upbeat and positive. My blood pressure was normal, my weight was up 2 pounds (althought this was because we had been at the Mellos over the weekend and I ate excessively - it happened a couple of weeks ago and I ended up losing it again by the end of the week) THe baby's heartbeat was strong and you could hear the baby kicking too. Also, this week ended with our anniversary. That morning I woke up feeling the movements from the outside. Yup kicks and punches from the inside are now able to be felt from the outside. I tried to get Jim to feel it too but he has no patience at all and wouldn't sit still and wait. Every time he would take his hand away the baby would kick. It was kind of funny.
Week 25 - We scheduled some classes to help us get prepared for actually having a baby to care for as well as our tour of Beth Israel so that we will know where to go when the time comes. In November we will take a 75 minute breast feeding class and a 7 hour Preapared Childbirth class; In December, we have our hospital tour and a 2-hour infant CPR class and in January (cutting it a little close) a 3-hour Newborn Essentials class. A little overwhelming, I know, but I am just that type of neurotic person that needs to do this, and Jim is just going to have to suck it up and accompany me along the way.
And now, my friends, you are up to date on the whole pregnancy so far.
Weirdly enough, week one and two are preconception so we will skip to week 3...
Week 3 - nothing to report
week 4 - strang things begin to happen... We had our graduation Mass folowed by a luncheon. That was normal. I didn't have a chance to eat during all the hoopla of the day, but I brought home the leftovers dropping off a platter of food at my aunt's house (she lives alone since my favorite uncle passed away and loves 1. visitors and 2. when visitors bring a meal or two so she doesn't have to cook ... my uncle was the cook over there) Then a platter of food to my mom, dad, sister and nephew. My sister also appreciates 1. me visiting and 2. the food delivery as it means she doesn't have to cook for a couple of meals. Then I made my way home with the remaining food for Jim and I to consume during the week ahead. I was so excited to make a sandwich with the most delicious looking roast beef and the freshest rolls... made my sandwhich... sat on the couch... turned on the TIVO to catch up on some shows ... took a bite of my sandwich ... and promptly spit it back out. Hmmm. that was weird... So I threw that sandwich away and made a ham and cheese option ... same thing, I spit out the first bite. Hmmm. That is really weird. I googled "food aversions" and the first return was "food aversions in pregnancy" so I grabbed my calendar to see if I could possibly be pregnant and yes, it was a possibility so we would need to wait and see.
week 5 - Took the test and yes! we are pregnant!
(FYI this news, while exciting also caused some ... well A LOT ... of fear because we did have a miscarriage before which was just devestating)
week 6 - week 7 began to tell close family and friends. We had an appointment with the nurse practioner at my dr. office. She gave us a folder of information and went through all the complications that can arise due to pregancy at my age. It was a VERY overwhelming appointment. I tried to put my mind elsewhere, but I could not escape her doom and gloom talk about 1 in so many babies born with X, 1 in so many babies born with Y, etc. It seemed to go on forever. Then she went through the testing that is available and recommended to detect any abnormalities. I already knew that I didn't want an amniocentisis as it has a risk of miscarriage and I don't want to do anything to increase that risk. But she explained a test that is done by taking an ultrasound and a blood test that is about 85% accurate in predicting certain abnormalities. I thought that would be a good one since it would either give us peace of mind or time to prepare for whatever we might be facing. THen we did a weight and blood pressure check. My weight was down and my blood pressure was up (I wonder why the BP might have been elevated, hmm let's think about it.") We scheduled that testing appointment with the nurse on our way out and when she was entering our information she said, "Wait, this can't be right. What is your date of birth?" I asid "2-10-68" She said, "Really? You are 40? You look so much younger!" ps - I love her.
week 6 - We had our first ultrasound just to make sure things were progressing well before Jim and I embark on our cross country drive from MA to MS which was supposed to take 24 hours and actually clocked in at somethng like 32 hours. They had to tell us what we were looking at because we really could not tell. It looked like a tiny little teddy bear but they pointed out the 2 arms and 2 legs and the sac that develops before the placenta to supply the baby with the proper nutrients. Everything looked good and that sac had developed nicely so they felt good about hte pregnancy which eased my mind a bit too.
This drive was in a box truck filled with luggage from the kids in Acton and Wayland for the upcoming 2 weeks of Mission Trips. We decided to drive because last time I was pregnant at almost the same time frame and I flew to MS for the same mission trip I sufferred a miscarriage 2 days later. I know that flying can be dehydrating and can cause early labor in the 3rd trimester, so I didn't want to take any chances. Also airlines were starting to charge for the 2nd bag and that cost was offset by the cost of the truck so it was a win/win all around.
Oh, 3 days before our departure on this long raod trip my "morning sickness" kicked in. Perfect timing for a road trip with a man who has the world's worst puke phobia. I "" morning sickness because it was never necessarily restricted to morning.
week 6 - 8 Mississippi Mission Trips and Road Tripping So this whole morning sickness thing was taking over my life. I learned a few tricks to outsmart it, but ultimately it seemed to outsmart me in the end. None of the youth on the Wayland trip knew that I was pregnant so it was pretty tricky trying to keep it a secret with my tactics for keeping the puking at bay. I had to arise very early (not a problem as I was getting up multiple times per night to pee) and eat a package of peanut butter crackers and a cranberry juice. I ate these while sitting on a bench outside of the ladies room just in case I had to make a run for it. Then I would sneak back to bed and get up with everyone else. I took on more of a supervisory role during my week instead of doing the actual labor intensive part which I THOUGHT was a good cover. I had to take a nap before dinner every night which was not fun since I would rather have been in the pavillion with the kids playing cards and such. And I found that I REALLY needed to sleep at night... sometimes before lights out actually happened, again not my style, but I was not the one in control of my body and I had to do what I had to do.
On Jim's week more of the youth knew cause Jim had a little bit of trouble keeping the secret. He really doesn't do secrets well at all actually so this was not a surprise. However, I did find out later that a few of his newer kids thought I was lazy. LAZY? Sister you have no idea how difficult it was for me to NOT throw up on your shoes!!!
Week 9 - morning sickness continues ... has developed a pattern of every other day. At least I know the day on which I will puke. I also realized that toothpaste caused the gag reflex to happen. I switched to the children's toothpaste that tastes like bubble gum and has sparkles in it. Yum and fun all in one. That helped a bit in the morning.
Week 10 - Dr. appointment with our actual ob/gyn. We love her. She is so great. At this appointment we noted how I am still losing weight. I forget how much at this appointment, but during the first trimester I lost 16 pounds. She said that was fine but in 2nd a nd 3rd trimester she would like to see me gain about 1/2 pound per week. That would be like 13 pounds which still gives me a net loss of 3 pounds ... not bad! My blood pressure was a little elevated again on this appointment but honestly I have been taking it at WalMart and it was fine. I think it is white coat syndrome.
She talked to us about the test we had scheduled with the nurse practitioner. She asked what we would do if it was determined that the baby had an abnormality. We said we would still carry to term. She then asked what about if the baby had a condition that was incompatable with life outside the womb. We again said we would carry to term. She asked why we had scheduled the test since would carry to term no matter what. I said I thought it would offer some peace of mind. She told us that the test uses the ultrasound, blood test, and age of mother to determine the possibility of an abnormality. Based on my age of 40, this test had a good chance of coming back with an abnormal result. She told us that she had a couple in her office this morning who had this test done for the same reason. The results were back today that there was a possibility of an abnormality. Now that couple was faced with the decision to have the amniocentisis to rule abnormalities out or just take the pregancy as it comes with the thought that there could be a birth defect. She recommended we not put ourselves through that. It was such a difficult decision to make. She told us to think about it and even if we decide on the day of the test not to have it done, just don't show up. It is not a problem at all. The test was scheduled for 3 days later. We opted to not have the test done.
Week 11 - Jim went back to Mississippi with his new parish and I stayed home and enjoyed the big king sized bed all to myself. It was very comfortable. I still continued to have my every other day morning sickness. But everyone was telling me that I will only have it for 2 more weeks. I believe the exact statement was, "On week 13 it is like you wake up and a light switch is flicked. You stop getting morning sickness and you get more energy and you get your appetite back." Woo hoo, I think, bring on week 13
Week 12 - 13 Every other day... every other day .... it's almost over .... every other day... Oh and I have had to buy some maternity pants as mine no longer button despite my record weight loss. My shirts are still okay though, they are long enough to cover the elastic tops on the pants. Boy are maternity pants comfortable!!!
Week 14 - my light switch is broken! I am still getting sick on a regular basis.
Week 15 - away for the weekend with my mom, dad, sister and nephew. I still have one pair of pre-pregnancy shorts that I can wear luckily as I do not want to buy materninty shorts since most of my pregnancy will be fall / winter. Nausea stays with me in the mornings but I luck out and do not actually get sick. Could it be ending?
Also, I have started to feel the baby moving. It feels like a swarm of butterflies fluttering around. A very strange feeling, but kinda cool.
Week 16 - nope. not ending. but getting more spaced out. We went to Camp Agna in Wareham. The day we arrive so does an ecoli scare for the public water. So no brushing teeth unless bottled water etc. This was kind of scarey while pregnant, I am not gonna lie, but luckily we had to go home Saturday night to help Gabe & Una with the afterparty for his bro's wedding. So we left a little early and took showers at home. I waited on Sunday to shower at home also.
Also, appointment with nurse practitioner again. I asked to do the BP first and it ws near normal. She had a folder full of releases for me to sign since we decided not to have the tests done. This gets them off the hook for any birth defects that could have been determined with the tests. It was a very nagative feel for the appointment. She told me that I should probably start to feel the baby moving by the next appointment. I told her that I have actually already felt it. She said, "Ya, a lot of women think they are feeling the baby moving but it is actually other bodily functions that you are more aware of now. I am not saying that you are not feeling it, but usually it is something else." (meanwhile I was thinking, b***h, I know what I am feeling!!) I have now taken to calling her "Dr. Death" since she always has the bad stuff.
Week 17 - I officially tell the DRE Cluster that we are expecting. FYI still feeling the baby move...
Week 18 - I start to leak out to families at the parish the news that we are expecting. I told one family, they asked if it was secret still, I said since I was really starting to show that the secret was out. We had our Outdoor Mass that weekend and many people were congratulating me. This kind of news gets around fast I guess. Still feeling the baby move...
Week 19 - Morning sickness is happening approx 1 time per week now. Unpredictable. What is predictable? I am still feeling the baby move...
Week 20 - The first 2 days of this week I could literally count 12 - 15 movements per hour all day long. It is pretty clear that I knew what I was feeling before. I am just saying... However the next two days nothing. No movement at all. We had an appointment on day 5 of that week anyway, so I waited to call the Dr. office. But I was really scared that we were going to find out that we lost the baby at that appointment. However, at that appointment, we have our 20 week ultrasound and you can actually see a baby now. THe technician explained everything she was seeing... heart with 4 chambers, right arm and hand, left arm and hand, spine, legs and feet. The baby was breach so she was having difficulty getting al the pictures she needed. She tried the banging on the tummy trick and the roll on side trick but the baby was stubborn and would not move. After we had an appointment with our doctor to review the U/S. She said everything loked good - the baby was growing at the right rate. Everything looked great, but they could not get 2 key pictures that they need; full face and cerebellum. She said that this was pretty typical and not to worry, but we needed to come back in a week or so and have another ultrasound. She cheerily said - the good news is you get another peek at your baby! (Really all I heard was we could not see the cerebellum ... which I googled ... and panicked)
My BP was high again and I told my dr. that when I take it at WalMart or on my dad's BP monitor it is much lower consistantly. She asked me to track it at home. I bought a BP cuff for at home.
The feeling of movement came back at the couple of times a day rate. I think the baby way having a party those 2 days of big movements... dancing and bouncing of the walls like a moon bounce ... hey maybe that is why little kids like those moon bounces, it reminds them of their early days...
Week 21 - Silently prayed a novena to St. Gerard for the health of our baby.
- Back for Ultrasound. This technician was cold - she barely talked at all. At one point I said to Jim - Can you tell what you are looking at? hoping she would catch the hint and tell us. She didn't. She also was having trouble getting the baby to move into a good position and had to do the side roll and the banging tricks. Finally she said - okay we are done and she handed us the 3 pictures - all almost identical. I asked her if she got all the pictures she needed and she said yes. I still didn't know what that meant so I asked when we would hear the results. She said well if you don't hear anything by next week give the office a call. Great another week of waiting and wondering... Gosh, don't they know how scarey this whole process is?!?!?!?!
Hey wait - it has been almost 2 weeks since I last puked ... could it be over?
Oh and we began middle school youth ministry this week. I think I did too much as I woke up the next day with a horrible pain where the leg connects to the body on the inner leg. Really horrible. It hurts to walk, turn over in bed, get dressed, and oh stairs are a killer.
Plus note - BP is okay at home
Week 22 - Got 5 cold sores on my bottom lip ... apparently this is normal due to the excess hormones ... called my dr. office to find out if I can get a presription for it, oh and by the way, how were those U/S pictures? Yes, and the pictures were great - everything is fine. whew!
We had a middle school trip to laser zone ... in a school bus, ya, so I will avoid school busses at all costs for the rest of the pregnancy...
I was whining to Jim about the lip issue and the leg issue and he said "At least your not throwing up anymore." I made the mistake of saying, "I would rather be throwing up than dealing with these two things." The next morning...it's baaaaaaaaaaack. So I get all 3 at the same time. Ya fun.
BP okay at home.
Week 23 - I went to LIFT on Tuesday night as I really do enjoy the praise and worship music and the adoration. The talks are good sometimes and othertimes not so much. So on my way out the door at the end I ran into Fr. Matt who asked how the pregnancy was going. I said good. Hes thought that didn't sound too convincing so he pressed and I told him that I have had literally every symptom in the book, but that the baby was developing just fine and that was really what mattered, so I could deal. He prayed over me the most heartfelt prayer I have ever heard consecrating the pregnancy to Our Lady and asking her to be with me and the baby during the remaining time and to alleviate every symptom plaguing me while protecting the baby from every harm. I swear it was like a 5 full minute prayer and he was joined by a couple of other religious standing around with a laying on of hands during the prayer. It was really moving.
Week 24 - We had an appointment with "Dr. Death", but for the first time she was completely upbeat and positive. My blood pressure was normal, my weight was up 2 pounds (althought this was because we had been at the Mellos over the weekend and I ate excessively - it happened a couple of weeks ago and I ended up losing it again by the end of the week) THe baby's heartbeat was strong and you could hear the baby kicking too. Also, this week ended with our anniversary. That morning I woke up feeling the movements from the outside. Yup kicks and punches from the inside are now able to be felt from the outside. I tried to get Jim to feel it too but he has no patience at all and wouldn't sit still and wait. Every time he would take his hand away the baby would kick. It was kind of funny.
Week 25 - We scheduled some classes to help us get prepared for actually having a baby to care for as well as our tour of Beth Israel so that we will know where to go when the time comes. In November we will take a 75 minute breast feeding class and a 7 hour Preapared Childbirth class; In December, we have our hospital tour and a 2-hour infant CPR class and in January (cutting it a little close) a 3-hour Newborn Essentials class. A little overwhelming, I know, but I am just that type of neurotic person that needs to do this, and Jim is just going to have to suck it up and accompany me along the way.
And now, my friends, you are up to date on the whole pregnancy so far.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
