Today was just one of those that I should have stayed in bed. Nothing went right from the very start. I was supposed to have an appointment at 9:30 this morning. I drove all the way to my doctor's office downtown (about 30 minutes away) only to be told my doctor had just been called off to perform an emergency C-Section. Uhm, wha?? Is that not why you people have my phone number??? So you can let me know these things before I drive all the way down there?
Ugh. Anyway, they told me the next available appointment was at 1:30. In my head, I didn't want to drive alllllllll the way back home to turn around and come back so I figured I could kill time down in that part of town. I actually treated myself to an hour long, amazing pedicure. The girl did such a good job, she must have taken pity on the poor pregnant girl who can no longer reach her toes! I got a great ankle/foot/calf massage and she said she was impressed because I have no swelling at all. Must be all that wonder I'm always chugging. With my toes looking all cute and Barbie pink, I decided to see if I could find a cute outfit for my baby shower. I hit up a few stores and bought some super cute shoes that will hopefully work with what I have already to wear.
By this point it was about noon and I was starving! I didn't want to eat a lot because I didn't want to mess up my weigh in (yes, I am OCD thanks!). I got a quick couple tacos from Taco Bell and ended up driving around until my appointment time. I actually was almost late because I hit some stupid lunch time traffic. I got into the office on time but was delayed by a poor girl sitting in the waiting room with contractions. She had come in for her 39 week appointment with them but the doctor wanted to just keep an eye on her for a little bit before sending her to L&D.
I finally got called back and weighed (Only up another pound...), they took my blood pressure which was a little high for me (118/80). I just attributed that to being stressed and running late? And then I sat there for a good 10 more minutes waiting for my doctor. She finally came in and we chatted a little about her hectic morning. My belly was measuring 33.5 cm, so right on track there. And then...
Then my world decided to flip upside down for a few. This doctor (little Indian lady) is normally so good at figuring out baby's position just by prodding and feeling my tummy. She did that for a bit and then whipped out the doppler. She started moving it all across my lower belly and we heard nothing. She made a concerned face, squirted more ultrasound goo on my belly and tried again. And again...nothing. I was trying so hard to breathe and just not panic, but it has never taken more than a few seconds to find his heartbeat before...and he is BIG now! Shouldn't it be easier? After a few more minutes, my doctor said she would be right back and came back with a couple nurses (each equipped with their own dopplers). They each took their turns and made more concerned faces. After what seemed like an eternity (and right on the brink of some serious tears and panic), my doctor found Peanut all curled up on my right side. His heart beat was literally coming from my right hip...he was really tucked in there.
The second she found him, she said, "There he is!" and let me listen to his heartbeat for much longer than normal. She said he sounded good and strong and that he was just being sneaky and hiding. I swear I have never been more scared of anything in my life. I guess you don't realize how much of your heart is really inside your belly until something like that happens.
My doctor asked me a few questions about where I typically feel his movements. I told her always on the right or left side, never really down low or up high. She said he's still laying sideways in there...this time he does have his head down a little bit (to the right), his butt up towards my right ribs and his legs spread across to the left. She estimated him at about 4.5 pounds and 16 inches although she said his length is harder because he's kind of balled up in there. My tummy felt weird like I'd stretched a muscle when I left, I think probably because of all the prodding, Peanut twisted funny in there. Since I left, he's been kicking and sliding up a storm in there...so apparently he just wanted to give me a damn heart attack!
As far as everything else, my doctor did not give me a concrete diagnosis of SPD...she said the pain I'm feeling could be because of how he is laying in there. She told me exactly what I thought she would: stop working, walking so much and ice it if it gets really bad. *sigh* I seriously am still wired for sound. It's going to take me awhile to calm down from the events of today.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
33 Weeks!
I feel like I am running out of original ways to say, "I cannot believe I am this pregnant!" This week has brought some new adventures and trials though just like always. After calling my doctor about the...ahem...crotch pain I have been having, she partially diagnosed me with a condition called SPD over the phone. I say partially because she really cannot be positive til I get looked at on Thursday, but she said all my symptoms were pointing straight to this lovely condition.
SPD, or symphysis pubis dysfunction, is a condition in which the pubic bones shift from the weight of pregnancy or the stress of childbirth. They can grind against each other, click together or even separate from each other. Um. OUCH?! When I looked it up, I learned that 1 in 4 pregnant women suffer with this condition to some degree. The symptoms include pain in the front of the pelvic area (check), audible popping or grinding of the hip bones or pelvic bones (which I totally kept hearing last night as I tossed and turned from side to side), pain in the hips, lower back and down the inside of the legs (check) and things like waddling (check), limping (check), difficulty climbing stairs (check...well, I CAN do it...but it hurts super bad sometimes) and pain when standing/walking for a long time (check). Sounds like a blast, no? Sadly, even if I do indeed have this condition which I most likely do, there is really nothing that can be done. My doctor advised me to sit when in pain, to use ice when necessary and to avoid walking or standing too much when the pain gets really bad.
Some days, I'll feel pretty good until I walk a lot. Then it will start aching. After it starts hurting, it gets worse before it gets better. For this reason, my doctor advised that I be done with work early. When I'm at work, I'm on my feet and walking the whole time. Josh wanted me to quit on April 1st but I just feel at a loss. If I quit this soon, what in the world am I going to be doing until this baby is born? I love working. I've worked full time since I was 17 years old. The decision to be a stay at home mommy for Peanut's first year of life was one that was so hard for me to make simply because I am so independent and actually enjoy the social aspect of going to work every day. I knew it would be hard to give up this independence, but doing it before I actually have a baby to show for it makes me squirmy. I will have about a month of no work and just being pregnant...it makes me feel lazy and helpless. I know it's for the best for my pain level and the fact that I am frequently alone at work. If I were to go into labor at work, I'd kind of be screwed. Time to put on my mom hat a little early I guess. I put in my two week's notice at my job on Saturday. My last day will officially be April 11th, exactly one month before Peanut is due.
I feel like I popped a little more this week...or else my baby has just gone through another growth spurt. Check out this belly:
Sticking straight out there! No wonder my pelvic bones are protesting...he's getting heavy in there! Excuse my wet, messy, curly hair: pregnancy hormones do nutso things to it.
SPD, or symphysis pubis dysfunction, is a condition in which the pubic bones shift from the weight of pregnancy or the stress of childbirth. They can grind against each other, click together or even separate from each other. Um. OUCH?! When I looked it up, I learned that 1 in 4 pregnant women suffer with this condition to some degree. The symptoms include pain in the front of the pelvic area (check), audible popping or grinding of the hip bones or pelvic bones (which I totally kept hearing last night as I tossed and turned from side to side), pain in the hips, lower back and down the inside of the legs (check) and things like waddling (check), limping (check), difficulty climbing stairs (check...well, I CAN do it...but it hurts super bad sometimes) and pain when standing/walking for a long time (check). Sounds like a blast, no? Sadly, even if I do indeed have this condition which I most likely do, there is really nothing that can be done. My doctor advised me to sit when in pain, to use ice when necessary and to avoid walking or standing too much when the pain gets really bad.
Some days, I'll feel pretty good until I walk a lot. Then it will start aching. After it starts hurting, it gets worse before it gets better. For this reason, my doctor advised that I be done with work early. When I'm at work, I'm on my feet and walking the whole time. Josh wanted me to quit on April 1st but I just feel at a loss. If I quit this soon, what in the world am I going to be doing until this baby is born? I love working. I've worked full time since I was 17 years old. The decision to be a stay at home mommy for Peanut's first year of life was one that was so hard for me to make simply because I am so independent and actually enjoy the social aspect of going to work every day. I knew it would be hard to give up this independence, but doing it before I actually have a baby to show for it makes me squirmy. I will have about a month of no work and just being pregnant...it makes me feel lazy and helpless. I know it's for the best for my pain level and the fact that I am frequently alone at work. If I were to go into labor at work, I'd kind of be screwed. Time to put on my mom hat a little early I guess. I put in my two week's notice at my job on Saturday. My last day will officially be April 11th, exactly one month before Peanut is due.
I feel like I popped a little more this week...or else my baby has just gone through another growth spurt. Check out this belly:
Sticking straight out there! No wonder my pelvic bones are protesting...he's getting heavy in there! Excuse my wet, messy, curly hair: pregnancy hormones do nutso things to it.
Bump Update:
How far along: 33 Weeks! 47 days to go...ahhhhhh!!!
How big is baby: Last week, Peanut was about 3.5 pounds and they are supposed to gain about half a pound per week, so I'd venture a guess that he is probably between 4 and 4.5 pounds right now! I can tell he's getting bigger...when I feel my super stretched tummy, I can feel parts of him on either side. Until now, he's been easy to find on one side but not the other. Now, wherever I put my hand I can feel some part of him (not that I know what those parts are!) He's also probably reached his birth height of around 17 inches. From now on, his only chub is putting on chub.
Weight Gain: I won't know for sure until Thursday, but I bet I'm climbing again. Just the way my belly is so much bigger this week, I had to have gained a few more pounds. If so, that puts me around 20 to date...a little lower than target but fine by me!
Best moment of the week: Josh took me to see The Hunger Games on Saturday night and I LOVED it so much! This is probably the last movie date we'll go on for awhile...so it was pretty special. Pregnancy does not agree with movies though (hormones!). I only had to leave to pee once during the entire 2 1/2 hours though so I was pretty proud. During one really emotional part, I was so afraid I was going to start doing the ugly cry in the theater. I've read the books so I knew it was coming, but wow. By far, the best book to film adaptation I've ever seen.
Food cravings: This week I had two polar opposites. Key Lime Pie...and Raisin Bran. Not together! Both of those things sounded like the most amazing thing in the world to me...and they were!
Food aversions: Still not liking anything hot. As you can see in my cravings, I'm wanting food to be cool and refreshing, not filling and warm. We went to my favorite Mexican place on Friday and I had to gag down the food I normally love because it was so rich and warm. Strange.
Weight Gain: I won't know for sure until Thursday, but I bet I'm climbing again. Just the way my belly is so much bigger this week, I had to have gained a few more pounds. If so, that puts me around 20 to date...a little lower than target but fine by me!
Best moment of the week: Josh took me to see The Hunger Games on Saturday night and I LOVED it so much! This is probably the last movie date we'll go on for awhile...so it was pretty special. Pregnancy does not agree with movies though (hormones!). I only had to leave to pee once during the entire 2 1/2 hours though so I was pretty proud. During one really emotional part, I was so afraid I was going to start doing the ugly cry in the theater. I've read the books so I knew it was coming, but wow. By far, the best book to film adaptation I've ever seen.
Food cravings: This week I had two polar opposites. Key Lime Pie...and Raisin Bran. Not together! Both of those things sounded like the most amazing thing in the world to me...and they were!
Food aversions: Still not liking anything hot. As you can see in my cravings, I'm wanting food to be cool and refreshing, not filling and warm. We went to my favorite Mexican place on Friday and I had to gag down the food I normally love because it was so rich and warm. Strange.
Symptoms: Crotch pain! Hip pain and popping. Itchy skin from being stretched so much...I've been a lotion fiend this week. Up til now, I have managed no stretch marks on my tummy and I hope I can keep it that way. Insomnia: I've truly lost hope for a restful night's sleep for the remainder of my life.
Movement: My crazy baby is always having dance parties in there. He started doing this new thing where he completely flails. I can tell because it feels like what a baby looks like when they're startled. Sudden, jerky movement like he thinks he's falling or something? It's so weird!
What I’m looking forward to: My baby shower! It's coming up quick next Sunday and I am both nervous and excited. Nervous because having everyone from all the different aspects of my life together to celebrate me makes me squirmy. Excited because we really need to get on the ball of purchasing baby stuff. Hopefully after the shower, I'll be able to make an inventory of what we still need and we can get it done!
What I miss: Being able to walk without feeling like I'm waddling!
Movement: My crazy baby is always having dance parties in there. He started doing this new thing where he completely flails. I can tell because it feels like what a baby looks like when they're startled. Sudden, jerky movement like he thinks he's falling or something? It's so weird!
What I’m looking forward to: My baby shower! It's coming up quick next Sunday and I am both nervous and excited. Nervous because having everyone from all the different aspects of my life together to celebrate me makes me squirmy. Excited because we really need to get on the ball of purchasing baby stuff. Hopefully after the shower, I'll be able to make an inventory of what we still need and we can get it done!
What I miss: Being able to walk without feeling like I'm waddling!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Your WHAT hurts?
That would be the question poor Josh just asked me as I tearily told him about my newest pregnancy woe. You see, I am having some uncommon pain at the moment.
I woke up this morning perfectly fine. I got through this day perfectly fine, including 6 hours on my feet before and during work. And then...I was no longer perfectly fine. It came on pretty suddenly. I'd been feeling Peanut squirming and wriggling all over the place throughout the day. They were new movements for sure: more rolling and sliding in nature than the bumps and thumps I usually feel. I figured maybe he was turning over?
As I was closing the store to leave work, I noticed an extreme pressure pretty low down in my abdomen. I thought to myself, "hmm that feels weird. Peanut must be sitting really low in there." It was not painful really, just like a heavy feeling. Then, I had to pee really bad out of nowhere. So I did. Then 5 minutes later, I had to pee really bad again...like I hadn't just went. Again, I thought to myself, "Peanut must be down low putting pressure on my bladder."
I drove to my mom's house to get Charlie and sat and visited with her for awhile. I noticed that when I walked, I was waddling a little bit. This just enforced that Peanut was really down low in my pelvis, but I was not too concerned. Until I walked up the stairs to my apartment.
Just the simple act of walking up stairs made something shift in there and my ahem...pubic bone...literally feels like it is being ripped in half. Everything around it feels badly bruised and sore all of a sudden and the pain is beginning to radiate down the inside of my legs. Long story short, it really feels like I got kicked really hard...in the crotch. Trying to explain this to Josh was a little awkward and I feel bad because he doesn't know what to do. I did laugh a little when he asked if I wanted ice. Do I? I don't quite know yet...do I want to ice my crotch??
For now, I took two extra strength Tylenol and as long as I sit "indian style" it feels okay, but the second I try to move, or heaven forbid take a step it feels like I am being ripped in half. After some googling (always a bad idea) it seems like it might be just normal ligament pain from the baby stretching things out...I'll be calling my doctor in the morning that's for sure. Ah, pregnancy...
I woke up this morning perfectly fine. I got through this day perfectly fine, including 6 hours on my feet before and during work. And then...I was no longer perfectly fine. It came on pretty suddenly. I'd been feeling Peanut squirming and wriggling all over the place throughout the day. They were new movements for sure: more rolling and sliding in nature than the bumps and thumps I usually feel. I figured maybe he was turning over?
As I was closing the store to leave work, I noticed an extreme pressure pretty low down in my abdomen. I thought to myself, "hmm that feels weird. Peanut must be sitting really low in there." It was not painful really, just like a heavy feeling. Then, I had to pee really bad out of nowhere. So I did. Then 5 minutes later, I had to pee really bad again...like I hadn't just went. Again, I thought to myself, "Peanut must be down low putting pressure on my bladder."
I drove to my mom's house to get Charlie and sat and visited with her for awhile. I noticed that when I walked, I was waddling a little bit. This just enforced that Peanut was really down low in my pelvis, but I was not too concerned. Until I walked up the stairs to my apartment.
Just the simple act of walking up stairs made something shift in there and my ahem...pubic bone...literally feels like it is being ripped in half. Everything around it feels badly bruised and sore all of a sudden and the pain is beginning to radiate down the inside of my legs. Long story short, it really feels like I got kicked really hard...in the crotch. Trying to explain this to Josh was a little awkward and I feel bad because he doesn't know what to do. I did laugh a little when he asked if I wanted ice. Do I? I don't quite know yet...do I want to ice my crotch??
For now, I took two extra strength Tylenol and as long as I sit "indian style" it feels okay, but the second I try to move, or heaven forbid take a step it feels like I am being ripped in half. After some googling (always a bad idea) it seems like it might be just normal ligament pain from the baby stretching things out...I'll be calling my doctor in the morning that's for sure. Ah, pregnancy...
Sunday, March 18, 2012
32 Weeks!
At my 32 week appointment on Thursday, my doctor gave me an eye opening fact. She told me that if I go into labor now, there is really no use in panicking and rushing in to the hospital...because they wouldn't do anything to stop Peanut from entering the world at this point. She called him "fair game." If he decides to make his entrance now, they'll just let him come. He is big enough, strong enough and well developed enough that he would do fine in the outside world with just a little extra help. Talk about a wake up call. I know I still have 8 weeks left and I'd like to carry him inside me that whole time, but honestly...it's up to him. And I could have a baby at anytime. Scary, but amazing.
I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of weeks. Of course I have the usual heartburn and trouble sleeping, but besides those completely normal things, I have felt almost normal. Well, as normal as can be with a basketball attached to my belly. I am slowly accepting this pregnant body of mine and I know now how to work with it instead of letting it work against me. I can totally do this for 8 more weeks. (Remind me of this statement in another few weeks when I finally hit the miserable stage, please).
My baby shower invites are out and it's coming up fast on April 1st. I was sitting here thinking that was so far away but really it's only two weeks! I really hate being the center of attention, especially when I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin right now but I know it will be fun. It's always hard for me to accept being "showered" with anything, especially attention, without feeling awkward. I just have to tell myself that they will be showering Peanut...for now, I'm just his vessel. You can't have one without the other!
I don't feel like I've grown very much from last week at all, my belly is still big but no bigger than it has been I don't think. One thing I have noticed is that my wedding ring feels a little snug by nighttime. It still slides on and off easily in the morning, but by the end of the day, it starts to feel uncomfortable. As much as I don't want to, I think I may have to retire it for awhile. The last thing I want is to have to cut it off of my finger.
Here's my 32 week belly:
This is actually one of the few maternity shirts I own, and I feel like it's a tent when I wear it. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy some soon though, this belly won't fit in my normal shirts much longer.
I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of weeks. Of course I have the usual heartburn and trouble sleeping, but besides those completely normal things, I have felt almost normal. Well, as normal as can be with a basketball attached to my belly. I am slowly accepting this pregnant body of mine and I know now how to work with it instead of letting it work against me. I can totally do this for 8 more weeks. (Remind me of this statement in another few weeks when I finally hit the miserable stage, please).
My baby shower invites are out and it's coming up fast on April 1st. I was sitting here thinking that was so far away but really it's only two weeks! I really hate being the center of attention, especially when I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin right now but I know it will be fun. It's always hard for me to accept being "showered" with anything, especially attention, without feeling awkward. I just have to tell myself that they will be showering Peanut...for now, I'm just his vessel. You can't have one without the other!
I don't feel like I've grown very much from last week at all, my belly is still big but no bigger than it has been I don't think. One thing I have noticed is that my wedding ring feels a little snug by nighttime. It still slides on and off easily in the morning, but by the end of the day, it starts to feel uncomfortable. As much as I don't want to, I think I may have to retire it for awhile. The last thing I want is to have to cut it off of my finger.
Here's my 32 week belly:
This is actually one of the few maternity shirts I own, and I feel like it's a tent when I wear it. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy some soon though, this belly won't fit in my normal shirts much longer.
Bump Update:
How far along: 32 Weeks! 54 days to go...wow, we are really getting down there. Technically, only 5 weeks until I am "full term" at 37 weeks. Whoa!
How far along: 32 Weeks! 54 days to go...wow, we are really getting down there. Technically, only 5 weeks until I am "full term" at 37 weeks. Whoa!
How big is baby: At my most recent appointment, my doctor estimated Peanut at about 3.5 pounds based on what she could feel (I think it is totally weird that they can do that, by the way!) He's also pretty cramped in there. I found out he was wedged sideways, or kind of diagonal, at my appointment. My doctor says she thinks he has more room in there that way rather than up and down since my torso is so short. Sorry, Peanut! We have to keep our eye on him and make sure he flips before 36 weeks, otherwise the dreaded C-section topic will have to be discussed.
Weight Gain: I only gained half a pound since my last appointment, which baffles me. At this point, baby will gain a half pound a week until the end. It's good to know I am only gaining what baby is gaining right now. If Peanut is 3.5 pounds now that means we can estimate that he'll be around 7.5 pounds at birth! Pretty cool.
Best moment of the week: I got a few unexpected days off of work this week due to scheduling drama so it was nice to have a little mini vacation.
Food cravings: Still loving the lemon things. And donuts has really been a big one for me lately. I haven't eaten as many as I've wanted to but I sure have been craving them! Also, celery. I am so strange.
Food aversions: Anything warm and too rich. I think maybe because it is so nice outside, but I have no desire to eat really hot food. All I want is fresh, cool things to eat.
Weight Gain: I only gained half a pound since my last appointment, which baffles me. At this point, baby will gain a half pound a week until the end. It's good to know I am only gaining what baby is gaining right now. If Peanut is 3.5 pounds now that means we can estimate that he'll be around 7.5 pounds at birth! Pretty cool.
Best moment of the week: I got a few unexpected days off of work this week due to scheduling drama so it was nice to have a little mini vacation.
Food cravings: Still loving the lemon things. And donuts has really been a big one for me lately. I haven't eaten as many as I've wanted to but I sure have been craving them! Also, celery. I am so strange.
Food aversions: Anything warm and too rich. I think maybe because it is so nice outside, but I have no desire to eat really hot food. All I want is fresh, cool things to eat.
Symptoms: A little annoying pain behind my right knee where I have a bad vericose vein. Heartburn and insomnia as usual.
Movement: All the time! I think Peanut may actually have flipped into position again because I feel all these strange, sliding movements now in addition to all his bumps and thumps.
What I’m looking forward to: Finding something cute to wear for my baby shower. And I am totally treating myself to a pedicure this week too. My toes always look cuter when someone else paints them!
What I miss: Margaritas!!!! Now that it's nice and warm outside and everyone wants to sit on the patio and drink, I find myself getting so jealous!
Movement: All the time! I think Peanut may actually have flipped into position again because I feel all these strange, sliding movements now in addition to all his bumps and thumps.
What I’m looking forward to: Finding something cute to wear for my baby shower. And I am totally treating myself to a pedicure this week too. My toes always look cuter when someone else paints them!
What I miss: Margaritas!!!! Now that it's nice and warm outside and everyone wants to sit on the patio and drink, I find myself getting so jealous!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Pregnant Girl Problems
My May Mommies and I have started kind of an inside joke where we share random things that happen to us and then throw on the hash tag #pregnantgirlproblems. For those that don't know, hash tags are used on twitter and facebook to indicate the main "theme" of your post pretty much. It's just silly. But I literally go through my every day life rolling my eyes at things and adding it to the ever growing list of Pregnant Girl Problems in my head.
This post is inspired by one of those very problems. It is 1:16 a.m and I am wide awake. I wasn't wide awake an hour ago. In fact, for the first time in weeks, my head hit the pillow and I was fast asleep. Then about fifteen minutes ago, I was woken up by my stomach growling so loudly that it scared me! I was starving! I had to actually get out of bed and I went to the kitchen to make my new obsession: Peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches. Now, I am completely awake. That, my friends, is what we call a #pregnantgirlproblem or a #pgp. :)
Here are some of my other personal faves:
1. When your shirts that previously showed no cleavage are absolutely obscene without a camisole underneath.
2. When every time you sneeze, you have to cross your legs to stop yourself from peeing your pants.
3. When even water gives you heartburn.
4. When you haven't shaved your legs in weeks because it is impossible to bend in the proper way to reach around your huge belly.
5. When hearing a random song on the radio somehow relates to your baby and you start bawling on your way to work.
6. When the only thing you really crave is from a restaurant that closed 5 years ago. And your attempts to create it at home are such fails that you want to cry.
7. When you spend 10 minutes looking frantically for the sunglasses that are on top of your head or your keys that you left hanging in the door.
8. When you find yourself doing super corny things you swore you would never do when you got pregnant like holding your belly and talking to your unborn child.
9. When you swear you can smell the drain as you are brushing your teeth. (Josh literally thinks I am insane for this one by the way).
10. When you have to rock back and forth to build enough momentum to roll out of bed.
There are plenty more where those came from, but those are my favorites at the moment. Being pregnant really is an odd time...full of hilarious mishaps and things I'm positive I'll look back on and laugh at later. I hope.
This post is inspired by one of those very problems. It is 1:16 a.m and I am wide awake. I wasn't wide awake an hour ago. In fact, for the first time in weeks, my head hit the pillow and I was fast asleep. Then about fifteen minutes ago, I was woken up by my stomach growling so loudly that it scared me! I was starving! I had to actually get out of bed and I went to the kitchen to make my new obsession: Peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches. Now, I am completely awake. That, my friends, is what we call a #pregnantgirlproblem or a #pgp. :)
Here are some of my other personal faves:
1. When your shirts that previously showed no cleavage are absolutely obscene without a camisole underneath.
2. When every time you sneeze, you have to cross your legs to stop yourself from peeing your pants.
3. When even water gives you heartburn.
4. When you haven't shaved your legs in weeks because it is impossible to bend in the proper way to reach around your huge belly.
5. When hearing a random song on the radio somehow relates to your baby and you start bawling on your way to work.
6. When the only thing you really crave is from a restaurant that closed 5 years ago. And your attempts to create it at home are such fails that you want to cry.
7. When you spend 10 minutes looking frantically for the sunglasses that are on top of your head or your keys that you left hanging in the door.
8. When you find yourself doing super corny things you swore you would never do when you got pregnant like holding your belly and talking to your unborn child.
9. When you swear you can smell the drain as you are brushing your teeth. (Josh literally thinks I am insane for this one by the way).
10. When you have to rock back and forth to build enough momentum to roll out of bed.
There are plenty more where those came from, but those are my favorites at the moment. Being pregnant really is an odd time...full of hilarious mishaps and things I'm positive I'll look back on and laugh at later. I hope.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
31 Weeks!
Okay. It's time to admit that now I'm getting scared. Not about anything rational of course, because that's not my style. I'm getting scared that this child of mine is never going to be still outside of the womb because he certainly never stays still inside of it. I absolutely love the baby movements. I really do. I love that each time he wiggles, it's a new adventure of what I am going to see and feel...but really...I wonder sometimes how much movement is too much movement!
In other news, Josh and I ventured to the hospital today to take our tour of the Labor and Delivery wing. I was really looking forward to this just so I could be reassured that we had a home for our baby to be born. Josh was excited because he just wanted to know where he needed to park! It was a fast tour, but I am so glad we did it.
I've heard horror stories about hospital deliveries being all about the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am type of delivery where the doctors force pitocin to speed labor and then perform unnecessary c-sections because they don't want a woman taking up a bed for 18+ hours. I can now confidently say that Rose Medical Center (where we will be delivering) is not one of those hospitals. I am so reassured to know that they are a mommy friendly hospital. I haven't talked about this much yet, but I truly hope to achieve a natural vaginal delivery if possible. I am not adverse to an epidural if I decide I want one, but I'd at least like to try without. The nurse that gave us the tour told us about several things they do differently to ensure the happiest labor experience possible and it made me a very happy mama:
* 12 private Labor and Delivery suites.
The minute I arrive at the hospital, I am admitted to my own private suite and left there to my own devices pretty much while I labor with only intermittent monitoring. The nurse explained that they like their patients to get up and walk around, try laboring in different positions, etc. and they don't believe in strapping patients down with monitors and stuff. These suites have a private bathroom complete with a jacuzzi tub that we are free to labor in if we want (big plus! I hear water is the best way to relieve contraction pain) She also told us that the fetal monitors they have are wireless and waterproof, so we can move about freely and in the water without worrying about baby's heart rate.
*Mommy/Baby Friendly Policies:
What excited me most about this tour was learning that this hospital truly likes to ensure the mommy/baby bond right from birth. They believe in immediate skin to skin contact while the cord pulses out instead of whisking the baby away to be cleaned/measured/etc right away. I always wanted this experience but I thought whisking the baby away was just something that happened. The nurse told us unless there is a medical issue, they usually let the bonding begin immediately while the mom delivers the placenta (ew) and gets stitched up if necessary. Then, sometime within the first hour of life, they take the baby for measurements and a quick rub down as well as the Vitamin K injection and eye ointment. The nurse said they never separate baby and mommy unless absolutely necessary. They will wheel in a little bassinet and the baby gets to stay right by your side the whole time. They are also pro-breastfeeding and encourage immediate suckling after birth which I think is fantastic...babies that are allowed to do this right away usually take to it better than babies that don't get this opportunity.
*Josh's Bonus Points:
This is important, because letting Josh feel comfortable here will make me more comfortable. These are the things Josh was excited about:
Easy Parking (with valet service for laboring mommies!)
A HUGE waiting room down the hall from the labor suites where family can stay during the action. And there are sweet vending machines. :)
Free wi-fi on the whole floor for all the facebooking and updating we're sure to do right after.
A full size bed in the labor suite just in case we need some rest in the middle of the action.
Free meals!
Whew! In all, I feel so much better just knowing that this is all going to be real and that I will be supported in whatever decision I make on the day I deliver my baby. With no further ado, here is my growing 31 week bump:
I've taken to calling this "torpedo belly" because he sticks straight out in a little point.
Bump Update:
How far along: 31 Weeks! 63 Days to go...*gulp*
In other news, Josh and I ventured to the hospital today to take our tour of the Labor and Delivery wing. I was really looking forward to this just so I could be reassured that we had a home for our baby to be born. Josh was excited because he just wanted to know where he needed to park! It was a fast tour, but I am so glad we did it.
I've heard horror stories about hospital deliveries being all about the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am type of delivery where the doctors force pitocin to speed labor and then perform unnecessary c-sections because they don't want a woman taking up a bed for 18+ hours. I can now confidently say that Rose Medical Center (where we will be delivering) is not one of those hospitals. I am so reassured to know that they are a mommy friendly hospital. I haven't talked about this much yet, but I truly hope to achieve a natural vaginal delivery if possible. I am not adverse to an epidural if I decide I want one, but I'd at least like to try without. The nurse that gave us the tour told us about several things they do differently to ensure the happiest labor experience possible and it made me a very happy mama:
* 12 private Labor and Delivery suites.
The minute I arrive at the hospital, I am admitted to my own private suite and left there to my own devices pretty much while I labor with only intermittent monitoring. The nurse explained that they like their patients to get up and walk around, try laboring in different positions, etc. and they don't believe in strapping patients down with monitors and stuff. These suites have a private bathroom complete with a jacuzzi tub that we are free to labor in if we want (big plus! I hear water is the best way to relieve contraction pain) She also told us that the fetal monitors they have are wireless and waterproof, so we can move about freely and in the water without worrying about baby's heart rate.
*Mommy/Baby Friendly Policies:
What excited me most about this tour was learning that this hospital truly likes to ensure the mommy/baby bond right from birth. They believe in immediate skin to skin contact while the cord pulses out instead of whisking the baby away to be cleaned/measured/etc right away. I always wanted this experience but I thought whisking the baby away was just something that happened. The nurse told us unless there is a medical issue, they usually let the bonding begin immediately while the mom delivers the placenta (ew) and gets stitched up if necessary. Then, sometime within the first hour of life, they take the baby for measurements and a quick rub down as well as the Vitamin K injection and eye ointment. The nurse said they never separate baby and mommy unless absolutely necessary. They will wheel in a little bassinet and the baby gets to stay right by your side the whole time. They are also pro-breastfeeding and encourage immediate suckling after birth which I think is fantastic...babies that are allowed to do this right away usually take to it better than babies that don't get this opportunity.
*Josh's Bonus Points:
This is important, because letting Josh feel comfortable here will make me more comfortable. These are the things Josh was excited about:
Easy Parking (with valet service for laboring mommies!)
A HUGE waiting room down the hall from the labor suites where family can stay during the action. And there are sweet vending machines. :)
Free wi-fi on the whole floor for all the facebooking and updating we're sure to do right after.
A full size bed in the labor suite just in case we need some rest in the middle of the action.
Free meals!
Whew! In all, I feel so much better just knowing that this is all going to be real and that I will be supported in whatever decision I make on the day I deliver my baby. With no further ado, here is my growing 31 week bump:
Bump Update:
How far along: 31 Weeks! 63 Days to go...*gulp*
How big is baby: One of my "May Mommies" just had her baby this week due to issues with pre-eclampsia. She was 5 days ahead of me and little Madelynn weighed 3.7 pounds and is absolutely perfect. It made everything so much more real to see what my Peanut would look like as an "outside baby" if he were born right now.
Weight Gain: If I know my body, I've probably gained another 2 since my last appointment so that puts me right around 17 I'd bet.
Best moment of the week: The tour of course!
Food cravings: All things lemon. Lemonade. Lemon jelly filled donuts (not custard filled....blech!) and lemon chicken have all been in my mind this week. Lemonade is probably the strongest craving I've had this whole pregnancy. I love it so much! The warm weather makes me crave it too.
Food aversions: Eggs. I tried eating eggs for pretty much the first time in this pregnancy the other night and it did not go well. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and my eggs were brown and burnt tasting. UGH! I don't think I'll be eating eggs again anytime soon. :/
Weight Gain: If I know my body, I've probably gained another 2 since my last appointment so that puts me right around 17 I'd bet.
Best moment of the week: The tour of course!
Food cravings: All things lemon. Lemonade. Lemon jelly filled donuts (not custard filled....blech!) and lemon chicken have all been in my mind this week. Lemonade is probably the strongest craving I've had this whole pregnancy. I love it so much! The warm weather makes me crave it too.
Food aversions: Eggs. I tried eating eggs for pretty much the first time in this pregnancy the other night and it did not go well. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and my eggs were brown and burnt tasting. UGH! I don't think I'll be eating eggs again anytime soon. :/
Symptoms: Hip pain...so flipping bad! I can't lay on one side too long or they really start to ache. The usual heartburn and constant nausea are there too but otherwise, I really don't feel too bad right now!
Movement: Constant. Strong. Jerky. Crazy.
What I’m looking forward to: The real nesting bug to hit. I had little spurts of it awhile ago, but Josh and I have so much little stuff to still get situated before baby, I hope I get inspired soon!
What I miss: Definitely still missing my pre-pregnancy body. You never realize how good you once looked until you look like crap! :)
Movement: Constant. Strong. Jerky. Crazy.
What I’m looking forward to: The real nesting bug to hit. I had little spurts of it awhile ago, but Josh and I have so much little stuff to still get situated before baby, I hope I get inspired soon!
What I miss: Definitely still missing my pre-pregnancy body. You never realize how good you once looked until you look like crap! :)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Milestone Time!
Like he does every night around this time (10:00 pm), little Peanut started having a break dance party inside my tummy. I have been sneakily trying to capture his new huge, Alien-esque movements on my phone and also to get Josh to see them. Every stinking time I would get Josh to look, the baby would be still. Josh would look away and he would start again. Already a little punk!
But not tonight! I started feeling some huge movements and lifted up my shirt like I always do to see him move. Sure enough, my belly was bouncing and jerking all over the place. I just so happened to say, "baby...look" to Josh and right as he looked over my tummy did one of the craziest bulging movements I have seen so far. Josh literally yelled, "WHOA!"
I about died laughing from his reaction. Then it became a game for Josh. He would poke my belly and Peanut would kick back. So he took my cell phone and set it on there and Peanut kicked it off! We were laughing hysterically. (By the way, laughing with a pregnant belly makes me feel like Santa Claus). Josh even tried blowing raspberries on my belly (ewww) and Peanut still kicked right along. It was so much fun experiencing that with Josh tonight. It's been real for me for awhile and Josh has felt the baby...but to actually see it is such an amazing (if a little creepy) thing!
But not tonight! I started feeling some huge movements and lifted up my shirt like I always do to see him move. Sure enough, my belly was bouncing and jerking all over the place. I just so happened to say, "baby...look" to Josh and right as he looked over my tummy did one of the craziest bulging movements I have seen so far. Josh literally yelled, "WHOA!"
I about died laughing from his reaction. Then it became a game for Josh. He would poke my belly and Peanut would kick back. So he took my cell phone and set it on there and Peanut kicked it off! We were laughing hysterically. (By the way, laughing with a pregnant belly makes me feel like Santa Claus). Josh even tried blowing raspberries on my belly (ewww) and Peanut still kicked right along. It was so much fun experiencing that with Josh tonight. It's been real for me for awhile and Josh has felt the baby...but to actually see it is such an amazing (if a little creepy) thing!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
30 Weeks!
I made it! For some reason, 30 weeks has been a milestone I've been longing to hit for awhile. I don't really know why? It's a nice round number and it means only 10 weeks to go until Peanut is here.
At this point, I am *so* over being pregnant. It's not that I want Peanut to come sooner than planned, it's just I've been struggling getting used to all these big changes in my body. Now that my belly is large and in charge (not to mention other random parts of me...like my face!) I am just ready to have my body back. I would do anything for this child and I know it will all be worth it in the end, but I just do not like the way I look right now at all.
After much thought and seeing some pictures of me taken recently, I really think I am going to skip maternity photos. I can look decent in my weekly self portraits but that's because I am in control. I am just so not comfortable in my own skin right now at all. I feel super chubby in my face (maybe due to the adorable double chin I've suddenly developed) and thinking of being in front of the camera for any extended period of time makes me want to cry. I went out with friends last night and they were very picture happy and I was squirming...I hated being forced to smile for pictures when I felt so gross. And, seeing those pictures posted today took a serious hit on my self esteem.
I know I am being silly and will probably get yelled at for this post, but I just cannot force myself to do a maternity photo shoot. I don't like maternity pictures all that much anyway, and I've taken plenty of pictures to remember my growing belly during this pregnancy. I hope later on down the road, my child won't resent me for not doing a professional session of him in my belly. My fragile self esteem aside, we cannot really afford any extra expenses right now anyway.
*Sigh* Now that I've thrown myself a wicked pity party, here's my 30 week belly:
Bump Update:
How far along: 30 Weeks! 70 days left!
At this point, I am *so* over being pregnant. It's not that I want Peanut to come sooner than planned, it's just I've been struggling getting used to all these big changes in my body. Now that my belly is large and in charge (not to mention other random parts of me...like my face!) I am just ready to have my body back. I would do anything for this child and I know it will all be worth it in the end, but I just do not like the way I look right now at all.
After much thought and seeing some pictures of me taken recently, I really think I am going to skip maternity photos. I can look decent in my weekly self portraits but that's because I am in control. I am just so not comfortable in my own skin right now at all. I feel super chubby in my face (maybe due to the adorable double chin I've suddenly developed) and thinking of being in front of the camera for any extended period of time makes me want to cry. I went out with friends last night and they were very picture happy and I was squirming...I hated being forced to smile for pictures when I felt so gross. And, seeing those pictures posted today took a serious hit on my self esteem.
I know I am being silly and will probably get yelled at for this post, but I just cannot force myself to do a maternity photo shoot. I don't like maternity pictures all that much anyway, and I've taken plenty of pictures to remember my growing belly during this pregnancy. I hope later on down the road, my child won't resent me for not doing a professional session of him in my belly. My fragile self esteem aside, we cannot really afford any extra expenses right now anyway.
*Sigh* Now that I've thrown myself a wicked pity party, here's my 30 week belly:
Bump Update:
How far along: 30 Weeks! 70 days left!
How big is baby: 15.5 - 16.5 inches! I have trouble visualizing that but it seems so big! Baby is probably about 3.5 or 4 lbs right now.
Weight Gain: I was officially up 15 pounds at my 30 week appointment on Thursday.
Sleep: I am thinking this question needs to be deleted soon because it is getting ridiculous. Between the heartburn, leg cramps and heavy belly, sleep is just something I don't enjoy anymore.
Best moment of the week: Seeing some old friends and having them share my excitement about the baby was fun...even if I did feel huge and uncomfortable.
Food cravings: Blue things! I had a crazy week of wanting blue jello and then blue kool aid...guess my body knows it's having a boy!
Food aversions: Still hating pepperoni. Bleh. Anything greasy is making my stomach turn too.
Weight Gain: I was officially up 15 pounds at my 30 week appointment on Thursday.
Sleep: I am thinking this question needs to be deleted soon because it is getting ridiculous. Between the heartburn, leg cramps and heavy belly, sleep is just something I don't enjoy anymore.
Best moment of the week: Seeing some old friends and having them share my excitement about the baby was fun...even if I did feel huge and uncomfortable.
Food cravings: Blue things! I had a crazy week of wanting blue jello and then blue kool aid...guess my body knows it's having a boy!
Food aversions: Still hating pepperoni. Bleh. Anything greasy is making my stomach turn too.
Symptoms: I'm still having lots of Charley horses in my feet and calves. My feet start aching after standing/walking too long (guess that's what 15 extra pounds does!), hip pain and heartburn all the time. Other than that, I feel great!
Movement: I have a strong boy in there! His movements are really starting to make me jump because they are so intense. He is still mostly moving early in the morning and late at night, but I've recently started feeling him throughout the day as well. The first time I felt him kick when I was standing was really strange!
What I’m looking forward to: Josh and I have our tour of the hospital and labor and delivery coming up this weekend. I think it will be nice to actually get a feel for where this baby is going to be born. We can also pre-register so that when I am in labor, I don't have to worry about paperwork!
What I miss: My body. As many problems that I had with it before, it was mine and I was at least semi-comfortable in it. I hate this sudden fear of a camera coming out around me...ugh.
Movement: I have a strong boy in there! His movements are really starting to make me jump because they are so intense. He is still mostly moving early in the morning and late at night, but I've recently started feeling him throughout the day as well. The first time I felt him kick when I was standing was really strange!
What I’m looking forward to: Josh and I have our tour of the hospital and labor and delivery coming up this weekend. I think it will be nice to actually get a feel for where this baby is going to be born. We can also pre-register so that when I am in labor, I don't have to worry about paperwork!
What I miss: My body. As many problems that I had with it before, it was mine and I was at least semi-comfortable in it. I hate this sudden fear of a camera coming out around me...ugh.
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