Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Date Night Outfit
Well, I didn't get a picture of my outfit on the night Jon took me to see MammaMia, but I wore it again at church yesterday, so I had Jon take a picture. It's funny to see Jon's perspective...I look so different from two feet up! :) The shirt is compliments of KarenD, and the skirt was $7 on sale at Motherhood Maternity!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dr. Appointment
Today's dr. appointment required a lot of wait time. Evidently Dr. K was delivering a baby, so we had to wait awhile. When the time came, it was pretty routine. Here are my stats:
Weight: Gained 2lbs. Total of 16lbs.
Uterus: 31-32cms
Blood pressure: 118/79
Caleb's heart rate: 154bpm
We asked Dr. K about a "walking epidural," which is the pain relief of an epidural while maintaining the ability to walk. It seems like the best of both worlds, but it's still pretty rare, and it turns out it's not offered at my hospital. *sigh* We talked with Dr. K about the possibility of us delivering while she's on vacation (missions in Southwest Asia, as a matter of fact), and she said that the other doctors are a lot like her in the way they operate, so not to worry. She said that I'm likely to be late since it's my first baby, so she might even be back by the time Caleb comes. In which case, she's on call the whole week of Thanksgiving, so we'd have her without a doubt. Unlike what the scheduler said at the last appointment, she didn't mention induction at all, which is good. I'm sure as we get closer we'll know a little more.
We also asked if she could tell if Caleb was head up or down. She poked around a bit, decided that she couldn't really tell, and said, "Well, let's just start up the sonogram machine and find out!" So, once again, our patience (and picking the last appt. slot of the day) paid off, and we got a sonogram!
That's his face in the upper right half, facing the camera. Dr. K said it looked like he's already working on a full head of hair! She also said his bladder looked unusually large, which either meant he just needed to pee, or it could be an indicator of something wrong. She's not the one trained to notice things like that, so she scheduled for us to have a quick sono on our next appt, this time with the sonographer, to see if the trained eye noticed anything wrong. I don't think it's anything to worry about at all, and we get another sonogram!
All in all, it was worth the wait, and a very good appointment!
Weight: Gained 2lbs. Total of 16lbs.
Uterus: 31-32cms
Blood pressure: 118/79
Caleb's heart rate: 154bpm
We asked Dr. K about a "walking epidural," which is the pain relief of an epidural while maintaining the ability to walk. It seems like the best of both worlds, but it's still pretty rare, and it turns out it's not offered at my hospital. *sigh* We talked with Dr. K about the possibility of us delivering while she's on vacation (missions in Southwest Asia, as a matter of fact), and she said that the other doctors are a lot like her in the way they operate, so not to worry. She said that I'm likely to be late since it's my first baby, so she might even be back by the time Caleb comes. In which case, she's on call the whole week of Thanksgiving, so we'd have her without a doubt. Unlike what the scheduler said at the last appointment, she didn't mention induction at all, which is good. I'm sure as we get closer we'll know a little more.
We also asked if she could tell if Caleb was head up or down. She poked around a bit, decided that she couldn't really tell, and said, "Well, let's just start up the sonogram machine and find out!" So, once again, our patience (and picking the last appt. slot of the day) paid off, and we got a sonogram!
That's his face in the upper right half, facing the camera. Dr. K said it looked like he's already working on a full head of hair! She also said his bladder looked unusually large, which either meant he just needed to pee, or it could be an indicator of something wrong. She's not the one trained to notice things like that, so she scheduled for us to have a quick sono on our next appt, this time with the sonographer, to see if the trained eye noticed anything wrong. I don't think it's anything to worry about at all, and we get another sonogram!All in all, it was worth the wait, and a very good appointment!
Belly Pics are up!
Norvell Newbie has heard the cries of its readers (especially Holly...), and the new pics are up! I've added four, weeks 29-32, and sped it up quite a bit. Now it's like a video! :) I'm much bigger than week 28, which you've been seeing for awhile. Still, people still guess I'm only six months along, and always tell me how small I am. Oh, well! I'm just naturally petite. Haha!
Thirty-Two Weeks
This will be short and sweet because I'm hoping to put up a few posts today.
Caleb is approximately 3.75 pounds and 16.7 inches. I should be gaining about a half a pound a week now, as he continues to grow in preparation of his Big Debut!
My blood volume has increased by 40-50%! That factors in to my weight gain, as a matter of fact. Sitting on hard chairs is extremely uncomfortable; I took a blanket to sit on during Sunday School, which worked for about an hour, and then I needed to constantly readjust.
I think I'm getting a few more stretch marks. I know they're inevitable, and I also know I'll be expanding quite a bit more before it's all said and done, so I guess I better get used to it! I've made it this far with no stretch marks on my belly, though the skin is all mottled-looking, like it could become one big stretch mark overnight. I'm still holding out hope, though!
I had a second baby shower, put on by friends at church. It was a great shower, and I got lots of practical things from the girls who are moms now. Many of the gifts were not on my registry, but things they themselves found very helpful/useful, so that was neat. When I got home, I put it all away, and resorted what I already had. I've got a box of things that can be returned, and a small list of items I need to buy before Caleb comes. The returned items plus gift cards I've received should cover that list, and then everything else we'll get for Christmas gifts or just figure out we don't need! I've gone back through my registry and taken off some items to simplify things a little more.
I heard yesterday that Caleb should be turned into "birthin' position" head down by now, and pretty settled. I can't really tell. I feel like his back is along the left hemisphere of the uterus, with his feet kicking my right side. But whether he's head up or down, I don't know. That's one of my questions for the doctor this afternoon.
I feel like things are going pretty well as far as preparations go. Still, I also think I could quit working now and spend the entire time doing baby-related stuff: blogging, laundry, pictures, shopping, finding coupons, researching products...oh, and looking for a job for Jon! With all that on my mind plus preparing for maternity leave at work, I'm pretty scatterbrained, but "this too shall pass!"
Caleb is approximately 3.75 pounds and 16.7 inches. I should be gaining about a half a pound a week now, as he continues to grow in preparation of his Big Debut!
My blood volume has increased by 40-50%! That factors in to my weight gain, as a matter of fact. Sitting on hard chairs is extremely uncomfortable; I took a blanket to sit on during Sunday School, which worked for about an hour, and then I needed to constantly readjust.
I think I'm getting a few more stretch marks. I know they're inevitable, and I also know I'll be expanding quite a bit more before it's all said and done, so I guess I better get used to it! I've made it this far with no stretch marks on my belly, though the skin is all mottled-looking, like it could become one big stretch mark overnight. I'm still holding out hope, though!
I had a second baby shower, put on by friends at church. It was a great shower, and I got lots of practical things from the girls who are moms now. Many of the gifts were not on my registry, but things they themselves found very helpful/useful, so that was neat. When I got home, I put it all away, and resorted what I already had. I've got a box of things that can be returned, and a small list of items I need to buy before Caleb comes. The returned items plus gift cards I've received should cover that list, and then everything else we'll get for Christmas gifts or just figure out we don't need! I've gone back through my registry and taken off some items to simplify things a little more.
I heard yesterday that Caleb should be turned into "birthin' position" head down by now, and pretty settled. I can't really tell. I feel like his back is along the left hemisphere of the uterus, with his feet kicking my right side. But whether he's head up or down, I don't know. That's one of my questions for the doctor this afternoon.
I feel like things are going pretty well as far as preparations go. Still, I also think I could quit working now and spend the entire time doing baby-related stuff: blogging, laundry, pictures, shopping, finding coupons, researching products...oh, and looking for a job for Jon! With all that on my mind plus preparing for maternity leave at work, I'm pretty scatterbrained, but "this too shall pass!"
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A great shower!
I will be having three baby showers for Caleb: one from work, one from church, and one from family and friends. The family and friends shower was the first, hosted by KarenN last Saturday. It was such a great shower!
As I got ready on Saturday, I told Jon, "You know, I'm really looking forward to this shower, because everyone there loves us, and already loves Caleb!"
And it's true. Most showers, there are the random people there--maybe they don't know you that well, or had to ask "girl or boy?" before they ran out and got a gift. There are the friends you haven't seen in awhile, and so you haven't really gotten to catch up with them. But this shower, well I'm pretty sure everyone there is a faithful reader of this blog, and gosh, I think every one of them had already been showering Caleb with gifts throughout the whole pregnancy! So it was a special group.
One of the greatest joys of the day was having my mother-in-law, Mary, make the 7-hour drive for the sole purpose of the shower. She came in Friday night, left Sunday morning, and we kept her busy all day Saturday!
Because Mary was there, Jon and I got to the shower early, so we could visit with her. She brought out a bag full of Jon's things from when he was a baby--including his baby book and some beautiful clothes that were used as part of the shower decorations. Looking through all those things was neat, and I can't wait for Caleb to play with toys his daddy played with.
KarenN's house was beautiful--as always! The shower was a luncheon, and the tables were set with china and roses everywhere! The placemats and napkins were even made from baby-related fabric. The food was delicious: twice-baked potatoes, stuffed bell peppers, chicken lettuce wraps, fruit-kabobs, and yummy chips and salsa (Leanna's contribution, because she knows an event is not complete without chips and salsa!). The cake was a three-layer chocolate cake, baked and decorated by soon-to-be Uncle Dave.
After eating, we played games. The first was guessing the baby food in the jar, which I'm familiar with. The second was guessing the baby names of animals (kangaroo baby is a joey, for example). That was fun because I got to pick the animals from a list Dave and Karen put together, and call them out to everyone else. An owl baby is an owlet...how cute is that! And Margie knew that one from working with the owls at the zoo. (Below is a pic of me tasting the baby food. As a side note, I was incapable of closing any of the jars correctly. Let's hope I figure that one out eventually.)
After games we opened gifts, and I was overwhelmed with everyone's gift-giving. I love to give hand-made gifts, and I received many hand-made gifts as well! I also received gifts from people who weren't there: moms and aunts of those who attended. And thoughtful gifts from those who knew what I needed, either from their own experience or because they know my taste. And gifts that were obviously items gathered over time.
The final gift was coordinated by Leanna: a book of memories. Each shower guest (and some who couldn't attend) wrote a memory about me, the personality traits that were evident in that memory, and why those traits would make me a good mom. They all included photos, and Mary was passing out the Kleenexes about half-way through! That book will be something I will always cherish. It stung a little to realize that many of these character traits I had let go of during pregnancy; I'm become a mountains-out-of-molehills, my-way-or-the-highway, 7-months-of-PMS kind of girl. I'm thankful for the grace that my family and friends give me, and for KarenD's assurance that things will eventually be back to normal! I know there will be days when I will need that book as a reminder that I can do this, and that I have a family and friends who are there to back me up all the way.
We finished off the shower with cake and chit-chatting. Overall, it was the perfect shower, full of love and support. It couldn't have been better! Thanks, KarenN, for hosting such a beautiful shower, and to everyone who participated in some way.
I'm including two slideshows. One is of the shower in general, with all the decorations and pics of everyone who attended. The other is pics of most of the shower gifts as they're opened. I know some people could care less about seeing those, and some would love to see it all, so that's why there are two separate shows. If you click on the underlined name of the slideshow in the bottom left of each one, you'll be directed to the Picasa albums, where you can see the pics full-size. Enjoy!
As I got ready on Saturday, I told Jon, "You know, I'm really looking forward to this shower, because everyone there loves us, and already loves Caleb!"
And it's true. Most showers, there are the random people there--maybe they don't know you that well, or had to ask "girl or boy?" before they ran out and got a gift. There are the friends you haven't seen in awhile, and so you haven't really gotten to catch up with them. But this shower, well I'm pretty sure everyone there is a faithful reader of this blog, and gosh, I think every one of them had already been showering Caleb with gifts throughout the whole pregnancy! So it was a special group.
One of the greatest joys of the day was having my mother-in-law, Mary, make the 7-hour drive for the sole purpose of the shower. She came in Friday night, left Sunday morning, and we kept her busy all day Saturday!
Because Mary was there, Jon and I got to the shower early, so we could visit with her. She brought out a bag full of Jon's things from when he was a baby--including his baby book and some beautiful clothes that were used as part of the shower decorations. Looking through all those things was neat, and I can't wait for Caleb to play with toys his daddy played with.
KarenN's house was beautiful--as always! The shower was a luncheon, and the tables were set with china and roses everywhere! The placemats and napkins were even made from baby-related fabric. The food was delicious: twice-baked potatoes, stuffed bell peppers, chicken lettuce wraps, fruit-kabobs, and yummy chips and salsa (Leanna's contribution, because she knows an event is not complete without chips and salsa!). The cake was a three-layer chocolate cake, baked and decorated by soon-to-be Uncle Dave.
After eating, we played games. The first was guessing the baby food in the jar, which I'm familiar with. The second was guessing the baby names of animals (kangaroo baby is a joey, for example). That was fun because I got to pick the animals from a list Dave and Karen put together, and call them out to everyone else. An owl baby is an owlet...how cute is that! And Margie knew that one from working with the owls at the zoo. (Below is a pic of me tasting the baby food. As a side note, I was incapable of closing any of the jars correctly. Let's hope I figure that one out eventually.)
After games we opened gifts, and I was overwhelmed with everyone's gift-giving. I love to give hand-made gifts, and I received many hand-made gifts as well! I also received gifts from people who weren't there: moms and aunts of those who attended. And thoughtful gifts from those who knew what I needed, either from their own experience or because they know my taste. And gifts that were obviously items gathered over time.
The final gift was coordinated by Leanna: a book of memories. Each shower guest (and some who couldn't attend) wrote a memory about me, the personality traits that were evident in that memory, and why those traits would make me a good mom. They all included photos, and Mary was passing out the Kleenexes about half-way through! That book will be something I will always cherish. It stung a little to realize that many of these character traits I had let go of during pregnancy; I'm become a mountains-out-of-molehills, my-way-or-the-highway, 7-months-of-PMS kind of girl. I'm thankful for the grace that my family and friends give me, and for KarenD's assurance that things will eventually be back to normal! I know there will be days when I will need that book as a reminder that I can do this, and that I have a family and friends who are there to back me up all the way.
We finished off the shower with cake and chit-chatting. Overall, it was the perfect shower, full of love and support. It couldn't have been better! Thanks, KarenN, for hosting such a beautiful shower, and to everyone who participated in some way.
I'm including two slideshows. One is of the shower in general, with all the decorations and pics of everyone who attended. The other is pics of most of the shower gifts as they're opened. I know some people could care less about seeing those, and some would love to see it all, so that's why there are two separate shows. If you click on the underlined name of the slideshow in the bottom left of each one, you'll be directed to the Picasa albums, where you can see the pics full-size. Enjoy!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thoughts on Maternity Clothes
I thought I'd post a few thoughts about maternity clothes here, in case anyone was considering in investing in some. :)
When I first started gathering clothes, I abhorred the pants with the big panel across the belly. Oh my gosh. Who wears those? So, everything I bought for myself, I made sure they were the low-rise, below-belly type. However, I've found two problems with those. First, the 3-inch elastic band can twist and fold inside the fabric. This is really frustrating, though liveable. Second, as I've gotten bigger (just recently at 6-7 mos), the same band has a tendency to fold over and put pressure on my belly, which is not comfortable at all. So, I've pulled out a few of the big panel pants. And gagged every time I put them on. I mean, really, is there no other way to be comfortable? And even these aren't that comfortable. Yes, the elastic doesn't double over and hurt me, but now the elastic is at the top of my uterus (or directly across it), and that still isn't that comfortable. But I admit it is better.
The best pants I've found are the knit gauchos I wear for my belly pics. They're super-comfy, will stretch to whatever size I am, and put absolutely no pressure on my belly. As a matter of fact, Motherhood Maternity has a line of pants with the "secret fit belly" that I think are basically the same as my gauchos. I haven't bought any because I don't really need more maternity clothes, but they would be my top choice if I were to buy pants. And, for those of you like me who hate the idea of the full-belly coverage, you can fold the panel down.
Something else I've found invaluable are my workout shorts: one pair from Target and one pair from middle school gym class. They're stretchy and comfy, and will definitely make it through the entire pregnancy--at least through shorts season. Plus, they're shorts I already owned, and will continue to wear after the pregnancy.
I've outgrown about half my underwear--some pairs are just stretchier than others! I haven't found the need to buy maternity undies, but I do see how some seamless ones would be nice and comfy. And they wouldn't have to be maternity, either, just regular ones from Wal-Mart or wherever.
I've pretty much outgrown my bras. For whatever reason, one pre-pregnancy bra is still hanging on (with the help of the bra extender), but I think it's time to retire it and move to a larger size. The first time I moved up sizes, I added 2 inches and 1 cup size, and I think I'm going to have to go up again one more time (both inches and cup size) before I hit nursing bras. I've read that when I buy nursing bras (if I buy before baby), I should add a cup size to account for my milk coming in after baby's here, so I may be changing sizes one more time, at least! I've kept two "day" bras in constant rotation, and one comfy sleep bra.
I don't really have a lot to say about shirts. My favorites have been t-shirts that are snug enough to show off even the smallest baby belly. Otherwise, they feel like circus tents until about the 7th month. The crossover type shirts are very popular, and usually very low-cut, so black and white camisoles have been a good investment.
And dresses have been a godsend in hot weather. When you can't wear shorts (church or work), dresses are a way to keep cool, and there's no elastic around my waist! My favorite are the kind that stretch around the belly and then come back to normal shape around my legs--showing off the belly. Others just hang off straight off the belly, making it quite breezy below, and also making an already-self-conscious prego feel like a small whale. (I'm sure they look fine, and it's just me, but I'm just warning you.) If you're pregnant in the warmer months, I'd recommend getting some casual knit dresses, even if you won't need any for special occasions or things like that.
Overall, maternity-wear should be fun and comfortable, should reflect your style, and should make you feel pretty at a time when your hormones and emotions may tell you otherwise.
When I first started gathering clothes, I abhorred the pants with the big panel across the belly. Oh my gosh. Who wears those? So, everything I bought for myself, I made sure they were the low-rise, below-belly type. However, I've found two problems with those. First, the 3-inch elastic band can twist and fold inside the fabric. This is really frustrating, though liveable. Second, as I've gotten bigger (just recently at 6-7 mos), the same band has a tendency to fold over and put pressure on my belly, which is not comfortable at all. So, I've pulled out a few of the big panel pants. And gagged every time I put them on. I mean, really, is there no other way to be comfortable? And even these aren't that comfortable. Yes, the elastic doesn't double over and hurt me, but now the elastic is at the top of my uterus (or directly across it), and that still isn't that comfortable. But I admit it is better.
The best pants I've found are the knit gauchos I wear for my belly pics. They're super-comfy, will stretch to whatever size I am, and put absolutely no pressure on my belly. As a matter of fact, Motherhood Maternity has a line of pants with the "secret fit belly" that I think are basically the same as my gauchos. I haven't bought any because I don't really need more maternity clothes, but they would be my top choice if I were to buy pants. And, for those of you like me who hate the idea of the full-belly coverage, you can fold the panel down.
Something else I've found invaluable are my workout shorts: one pair from Target and one pair from middle school gym class. They're stretchy and comfy, and will definitely make it through the entire pregnancy--at least through shorts season. Plus, they're shorts I already owned, and will continue to wear after the pregnancy.
I've outgrown about half my underwear--some pairs are just stretchier than others! I haven't found the need to buy maternity undies, but I do see how some seamless ones would be nice and comfy. And they wouldn't have to be maternity, either, just regular ones from Wal-Mart or wherever.
I've pretty much outgrown my bras. For whatever reason, one pre-pregnancy bra is still hanging on (with the help of the bra extender), but I think it's time to retire it and move to a larger size. The first time I moved up sizes, I added 2 inches and 1 cup size, and I think I'm going to have to go up again one more time (both inches and cup size) before I hit nursing bras. I've read that when I buy nursing bras (if I buy before baby), I should add a cup size to account for my milk coming in after baby's here, so I may be changing sizes one more time, at least! I've kept two "day" bras in constant rotation, and one comfy sleep bra.
I don't really have a lot to say about shirts. My favorites have been t-shirts that are snug enough to show off even the smallest baby belly. Otherwise, they feel like circus tents until about the 7th month. The crossover type shirts are very popular, and usually very low-cut, so black and white camisoles have been a good investment.
And dresses have been a godsend in hot weather. When you can't wear shorts (church or work), dresses are a way to keep cool, and there's no elastic around my waist! My favorite are the kind that stretch around the belly and then come back to normal shape around my legs--showing off the belly. Others just hang off straight off the belly, making it quite breezy below, and also making an already-self-conscious prego feel like a small whale. (I'm sure they look fine, and it's just me, but I'm just warning you.) If you're pregnant in the warmer months, I'd recommend getting some casual knit dresses, even if you won't need any for special occasions or things like that.
Overall, maternity-wear should be fun and comfortable, should reflect your style, and should make you feel pretty at a time when your hormones and emotions may tell you otherwise.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thirty-One Weeks
This week hasn't brought a whole lot of change. My mental health has been a lot better recently, so thanks for those of you who have been praying for me in that area, and please continue!
I will admit I have gotten stressed lately about when people are doing what, and nothing like throwing in the two biggest holidays of the year (for me, anyway) to make things more confusing. A little easier, in a way, because people will be traveling or off work already, but I just start thinking about it, and I feel I have to orchestrate the whole family, so 1) Jon and I aren't completely overwhelmed and tired out with hosting/traveling (oh...and figuring out a baby...), and 2) everyone gets to see Caleb. I know it will all work out just fine, but that's not helping me worry less for some reason.
*Edit* I have the best husband in the world. He just called me and we talked out a really good plan, I think. Of course, it depends on everyone else's schedules as well, but we'll be calling around to make sure that will work for everyone (mostly parents). I know six weeks is going to fly by, but right now it sounds like a long and wonderful time. It will be great to have the luxury of spending good amounts of time with family, and still have weeks where it's just us--the three of us--to figure each other out. Did I mention I have a great husband?
Onward with the post: The other night I couldn't sleep. It was the night after my dr. appt. and our last Lamaze class, so I guess it was just my mind not letting me sleep. Anyway, I finally got up at 4:45 and started writing lists (this is what I do when I'm stressed). I listed out what to pack for the hospital and the exact steps I should take after contractions start (stuff like feeding the cats before going to the hospital, who to call when, etc.). Since then, I've also added lists of what I need to have accomplished in Sept, Oct, and Nov. I'm sure those lists will appear here soon.
So, that's where I am mentally. Physically, I feel fat and flabby. And you can't tell me I'm not, because my legs have certainly changed their constitution! I'm not saying my legs were ever bikini model shape, but biking and pilates did keep them in relative shape. Now, well, now it's not such a pretty picture. We went swimming on Tuesday, and I hope it's something we can keep up, because I really enjoyed it, and felt like I was doing something--anything--to be active, which is a good step! I've about outgrown my step-up bras, so I need to step up one more...this time I'm wondering if I should go ahead and get nursing bras, but for as cheaply as I got these, I may just wait a bit longer on that.
It's odd how our self-perception changes. I was looking at a picture the other day of me a few years back in a dress that I've always been a little self-conscious about. It wasn't the greatest at hiding my stomach pooch. But when I saw that picture today, I thought, "Man, I was skinny! Look at that flat stomach!" The same happens when I look at my beginning belly pics. When I posted those first photos, I thought, "Well, now the world knows about my flabby belly." And now I look back and I'm pretty impressed at myself! :) I know my world will be up-side-down after Caleb comes, but I'm really hoping I can get back to that kind of shape. I wasn't really happy with it at the time, but it's looking pretty good from this side!
And how is Mr. Caleb this week? He's 16 inches long, 3.3 pounds, and "heading into a growth spurt!" Woohoo! I haven't felt a lot of sharp kicks lately, but he's almost always moving. I even felt what I think was a heel under my hand...and way on my side. I thought those were love handles, but it turns out Caleb lives there, too! He's taking over my belly!
I will admit I have gotten stressed lately about when people are doing what, and nothing like throwing in the two biggest holidays of the year (for me, anyway) to make things more confusing. A little easier, in a way, because people will be traveling or off work already, but I just start thinking about it, and I feel I have to orchestrate the whole family, so 1) Jon and I aren't completely overwhelmed and tired out with hosting/traveling (oh...and figuring out a baby...), and 2) everyone gets to see Caleb. I know it will all work out just fine, but that's not helping me worry less for some reason.
*Edit* I have the best husband in the world. He just called me and we talked out a really good plan, I think. Of course, it depends on everyone else's schedules as well, but we'll be calling around to make sure that will work for everyone (mostly parents). I know six weeks is going to fly by, but right now it sounds like a long and wonderful time. It will be great to have the luxury of spending good amounts of time with family, and still have weeks where it's just us--the three of us--to figure each other out. Did I mention I have a great husband?
Onward with the post: The other night I couldn't sleep. It was the night after my dr. appt. and our last Lamaze class, so I guess it was just my mind not letting me sleep. Anyway, I finally got up at 4:45 and started writing lists (this is what I do when I'm stressed). I listed out what to pack for the hospital and the exact steps I should take after contractions start (stuff like feeding the cats before going to the hospital, who to call when, etc.). Since then, I've also added lists of what I need to have accomplished in Sept, Oct, and Nov. I'm sure those lists will appear here soon.
So, that's where I am mentally. Physically, I feel fat and flabby. And you can't tell me I'm not, because my legs have certainly changed their constitution! I'm not saying my legs were ever bikini model shape, but biking and pilates did keep them in relative shape. Now, well, now it's not such a pretty picture. We went swimming on Tuesday, and I hope it's something we can keep up, because I really enjoyed it, and felt like I was doing something--anything--to be active, which is a good step! I've about outgrown my step-up bras, so I need to step up one more...this time I'm wondering if I should go ahead and get nursing bras, but for as cheaply as I got these, I may just wait a bit longer on that.
It's odd how our self-perception changes. I was looking at a picture the other day of me a few years back in a dress that I've always been a little self-conscious about. It wasn't the greatest at hiding my stomach pooch. But when I saw that picture today, I thought, "Man, I was skinny! Look at that flat stomach!" The same happens when I look at my beginning belly pics. When I posted those first photos, I thought, "Well, now the world knows about my flabby belly." And now I look back and I'm pretty impressed at myself! :) I know my world will be up-side-down after Caleb comes, but I'm really hoping I can get back to that kind of shape. I wasn't really happy with it at the time, but it's looking pretty good from this side!
And how is Mr. Caleb this week? He's 16 inches long, 3.3 pounds, and "heading into a growth spurt!" Woohoo! I haven't felt a lot of sharp kicks lately, but he's almost always moving. I even felt what I think was a heel under my hand...and way on my side. I thought those were love handles, but it turns out Caleb lives there, too! He's taking over my belly!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Dr. Appointment
Yesterday was our eighth doctor visit. It was fast as always!
I like to come up with random questions to prolong the visit and also because I think Dr. K must get bored with the normal questions about aches and pains or weight gain. I have those questions, too, but then yesterday's question was if Caleb had an equilibrium; did he get topsy-turvy when I rolled from my left to my right in bed? Well, she didn't know, so we didn't have a whole lot of discussion about it, but she did say that she thinks babies do have that "alarm response" in the womb. There's a name for it, but it's when you hold a baby and lift him up and let him down quickly. His eyes get big and his arms flail out--John did it with Ian when he was little, and Ian always performed. Well, Dr. K has had so many mothers say it felt like their baby was having seizures in the womb--and then the baby was born healthy and seizure-free--that she believes the baby is somehow startled and that alarm response is kicking in. So that was interesting! I can't say I've felt that, but interesting nonetheless.
Here are the stats from the appointment:
Weight: Gained 4lbs. Total of 14lbs.
Uterus: 30cms, right on target
Blood pressure: 117/73
Caleb's heart rate: 146bpm
So it's all about as average as they come! Other than that, we added all the rest of the appointments to the schedule. It really makes it real to see weekly appts. on into November. Then we found out that Dr. K will be out of town from Nov. 17-24, and I'm due smack dab in the middle of that. The scheduler lady said we might have the baby before that, because Dr. K doesn't like to leave town with moms so close to due date. That would mean induction (unless Caleb is an early bird and comes on his own), so we're going to opt out of that if we can. I'm kind of hoping Caleb comes a little late, anyway, so I won't have to take off much unpaid time. And if we happen to go into labor while Dr. K's out of town, well, I'm sure someone will be there to catch the baby! I've learned that the doctor isn't really there for much of the excitement, anyway!
So, for now, our appts extend to November 10th, and we'll just see what happens after that!
I like to come up with random questions to prolong the visit and also because I think Dr. K must get bored with the normal questions about aches and pains or weight gain. I have those questions, too, but then yesterday's question was if Caleb had an equilibrium; did he get topsy-turvy when I rolled from my left to my right in bed? Well, she didn't know, so we didn't have a whole lot of discussion about it, but she did say that she thinks babies do have that "alarm response" in the womb. There's a name for it, but it's when you hold a baby and lift him up and let him down quickly. His eyes get big and his arms flail out--John did it with Ian when he was little, and Ian always performed. Well, Dr. K has had so many mothers say it felt like their baby was having seizures in the womb--and then the baby was born healthy and seizure-free--that she believes the baby is somehow startled and that alarm response is kicking in. So that was interesting! I can't say I've felt that, but interesting nonetheless.
Here are the stats from the appointment:
Weight: Gained 4lbs. Total of 14lbs.
Uterus: 30cms, right on target
Blood pressure: 117/73
Caleb's heart rate: 146bpm
So it's all about as average as they come! Other than that, we added all the rest of the appointments to the schedule. It really makes it real to see weekly appts. on into November. Then we found out that Dr. K will be out of town from Nov. 17-24, and I'm due smack dab in the middle of that. The scheduler lady said we might have the baby before that, because Dr. K doesn't like to leave town with moms so close to due date. That would mean induction (unless Caleb is an early bird and comes on his own), so we're going to opt out of that if we can. I'm kind of hoping Caleb comes a little late, anyway, so I won't have to take off much unpaid time. And if we happen to go into labor while Dr. K's out of town, well, I'm sure someone will be there to catch the baby! I've learned that the doctor isn't really there for much of the excitement, anyway!
So, for now, our appts extend to November 10th, and we'll just see what happens after that!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thirty Weeks
Whoo, hitting 30 is pretty incredible! We've almost made it through our Lamaze classes (only one more Monday), then we have a break from "training" until we attend a Baby Care weekend class.
Preparations seem to have slowed a bit since we got the nursery together. Our first shower is coming up, which I'm super-excited about, and we're trying to start winding things down with church involvement and projects. I reminded a lady at work yesterday that I wouldn't be able to do the newsletter we usually put out at the beginning of January. She thought maybe we could bump it back a month, which I said was fine, but after I got off the phone, I wondered if I'd still be working there in February. Jon got his resume together last night, with one going in the mail today. So the job hunt has started! We'll see where God takes us!
And how is Caleb doing this week? Jill mentioned that she'd read that babies are most active in week 28, but I'd say it's been this past week for us. He moves all around, and when I lay on my said, he pushes against whatever I'm laying on. There have been a couple of times when I actually gasp because of the surprising bit of pain I feel, but it's so quick (and really more of a surprise than painful) that it still isn't bothering me or keeping me awake.
Speaking of being awake, I am still sleeping through the night! No midnight trips to the bathroom! I'm pretty proud of my bladder's capacity, actually. Though Jon and I were out on a date on Tuesday, and I had to go to the bathroom three times! Not sure what happened there....
Okay, back to Caleb. He's grown to almost 16 inches, and weighs three pounds! It won't be too long before he catches up with Bonnie and Clyde! I haven't felt any more hiccups, but I might just be missing them. Who knows. And that's about all I know about my little baby boy. I can't wait until he's made his debut so I can take pictures and give you videos. Right now these updates are mostly about me (and my bladder, apparently), which is only interesting to people who haven't been through it, yet.
Lamaze was interesting on Monday night. We took a tour of the hospital, which was very cool. My doctor's office is on the same floor, and just a short walk away, so I think I can figure it out, even in the throes of labor. :) If not, I'll make it to my dr's office, and someone can guide me from there! The labor/delivery room is very nice! It's big, with a couch, a couple chairs, and a rocking chair. The furniture looks like real furniture: cherry dresser and armoire, and a frou-frou lamp on the side table. I remember there being a spotlight in Karen's room, so the dr. could see better (yes, spotlight on the hooha...just what everyone needs), but was a little relieved to see that wasn't here in this hospital. Oh, until the instructor pushed the magic button, and these huge trap doors opened from the ceiling to reveal a ginormous spotlight. Great! Well, at least everyone will have a good view!
Throughout the tour, I was again reminded of the beauty of labor, and how God works out this crazy thing in us. The more I learn (and I realize I'm learning from a proponent of natural birth), the more I think that natural birth is the way to go. No, I haven't seen any evidence that it's that much better for the baby, but it does seem that it's better for the mama (barring the pain part, of course). Studies show that having a baby while in a sitting position can reduce labor time by 25%! That's quite a lot! The normal way we see birth is with mom laying back, or sometimes slightly inclined. There are positions that help the baby turn, that move him down more, and prevent tearing or the need for an epesiotomy. If my legs are like jello, I can't do those positions.
So, the debate in my head continues. My original thought had been to go natural as long as I can, but not be a martyr about it, and if I can't function, well the epidural is there. I still think I'm going with that, but my resolve to last as long as I can has gotten stronger. I kind of have a feeling there will be a point where I will get the epidural, and that's fine. But secretly I'm hoping that I'm a hoss and I make it all natural. I at least want to do as much as I can do get that baby where he needs to be, so if I do get an epidural, everything is set and it's just a matter of pushing. We'll see if I'm singing the same tune when that first real contraction hits!
Preparations seem to have slowed a bit since we got the nursery together. Our first shower is coming up, which I'm super-excited about, and we're trying to start winding things down with church involvement and projects. I reminded a lady at work yesterday that I wouldn't be able to do the newsletter we usually put out at the beginning of January. She thought maybe we could bump it back a month, which I said was fine, but after I got off the phone, I wondered if I'd still be working there in February. Jon got his resume together last night, with one going in the mail today. So the job hunt has started! We'll see where God takes us!
And how is Caleb doing this week? Jill mentioned that she'd read that babies are most active in week 28, but I'd say it's been this past week for us. He moves all around, and when I lay on my said, he pushes against whatever I'm laying on. There have been a couple of times when I actually gasp because of the surprising bit of pain I feel, but it's so quick (and really more of a surprise than painful) that it still isn't bothering me or keeping me awake.
Speaking of being awake, I am still sleeping through the night! No midnight trips to the bathroom! I'm pretty proud of my bladder's capacity, actually. Though Jon and I were out on a date on Tuesday, and I had to go to the bathroom three times! Not sure what happened there....
Okay, back to Caleb. He's grown to almost 16 inches, and weighs three pounds! It won't be too long before he catches up with Bonnie and Clyde! I haven't felt any more hiccups, but I might just be missing them. Who knows. And that's about all I know about my little baby boy. I can't wait until he's made his debut so I can take pictures and give you videos. Right now these updates are mostly about me (and my bladder, apparently), which is only interesting to people who haven't been through it, yet.
Lamaze was interesting on Monday night. We took a tour of the hospital, which was very cool. My doctor's office is on the same floor, and just a short walk away, so I think I can figure it out, even in the throes of labor. :) If not, I'll make it to my dr's office, and someone can guide me from there! The labor/delivery room is very nice! It's big, with a couch, a couple chairs, and a rocking chair. The furniture looks like real furniture: cherry dresser and armoire, and a frou-frou lamp on the side table. I remember there being a spotlight in Karen's room, so the dr. could see better (yes, spotlight on the hooha...just what everyone needs), but was a little relieved to see that wasn't here in this hospital. Oh, until the instructor pushed the magic button, and these huge trap doors opened from the ceiling to reveal a ginormous spotlight. Great! Well, at least everyone will have a good view!
Throughout the tour, I was again reminded of the beauty of labor, and how God works out this crazy thing in us. The more I learn (and I realize I'm learning from a proponent of natural birth), the more I think that natural birth is the way to go. No, I haven't seen any evidence that it's that much better for the baby, but it does seem that it's better for the mama (barring the pain part, of course). Studies show that having a baby while in a sitting position can reduce labor time by 25%! That's quite a lot! The normal way we see birth is with mom laying back, or sometimes slightly inclined. There are positions that help the baby turn, that move him down more, and prevent tearing or the need for an epesiotomy. If my legs are like jello, I can't do those positions.
So, the debate in my head continues. My original thought had been to go natural as long as I can, but not be a martyr about it, and if I can't function, well the epidural is there. I still think I'm going with that, but my resolve to last as long as I can has gotten stronger. I kind of have a feeling there will be a point where I will get the epidural, and that's fine. But secretly I'm hoping that I'm a hoss and I make it all natural. I at least want to do as much as I can do get that baby where he needs to be, so if I do get an epidural, everything is set and it's just a matter of pushing. We'll see if I'm singing the same tune when that first real contraction hits!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Hiccups!
I officially felt hiccups this morning! I woke up early to help out with our church garage sale, but as I was trying to convince myself to get out of bed, I had my hand over my belly, and there they were! Very distinct, rythmic hiccups! I couldn't feel them from inside, just with my hand on the outside. So maybe he's had them before and just missed them. I woke Jon up so he could feel them, too. Our first hiccups!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Twenty-Nine Weeks
This week I've started to feel more pregnant. When my parents were here to help with the nursery, my getting up and down got a lot slower, and I did a lot of sitting and directing when I would have rathered help out. My lower back is starting to hurt, and bending down to put my shoes on has become a chore. I usually cheat and just wear flip-flops; then my belly growth becomes more obvious when it's been a few days since I've tried to reach my toes!
I'm also grumpier. There is just no way around it. I feel...different. Blah. Not depressed, but not happy. Just here. I don't know if that's hormones, lack of sleep, lack of vacation, or too much stress. Or all of the above! I don't have any motivation at work, or inspiration in creativity. I'm starting to dread the words, "Lydia's creative; let's ask her!" because I'm stuck stammering, trying to get my brain to jump into gear. It's a horrible feeling to be in a creative profession and not feel creative.
I've also had about the most scatterbrained week of my life. I've forgotten/overlooked things at work, lost things at home, misplaced Sunday School signups. I've always joked about how scatterbrained I am, but it's reached alarming proportions this week!
I fel like I'm walking around in a fog. No emotion, unless it's angry or snippy. No thoughts, unless they're jumbled and confused. No creativity. At all. And no happy, carefree-ness. Has someone swapped my brain for a bowl of angry mush?? Whatever has happened, I'm thankful it hasn't been all the way through the pregnancy, and I'm thankful for my very understanding friends and family. And I look forward to my maternity leave, when I can take a break from most things. I know...I'll have this little bundle of complication keeping me awake and taking away any sanity I might have hung on to, but at least I'll know his needs are pretty simple, and in most cases I can fill them.
And that's my confession for today! One could probably read this and send me straight to a counselor, but I'm pretty sure it's just pregnancy. September is looking much less busy, and my only busy Saturday in October is going to the State Fair (I don't care how pregnant I am!), so things are looking up! Plus, today is absolutely gorgeous, and who can be ALL gloom and doom when there's a hint of fall in the morning air?
So, way too much about me....how about Caleb?? The weeks are just ticking by.... He should be about 2.5 pounds and 15 inches long by now. His bones are starting to pack on the calcium, which means I get to eat more cheese to compensate! Hooray! And his rocking and rolling is still so fun. Sure, sometimes it's uncomfortable, but it's still not bad.
A few new people have asked lately if I'm expecting. Then they ask how far along I am, and I get confused. Do I tell them 7 months, since 29 weeks is a little over 7 months, when considering a month is 4 weeks? But then they think I'll have the baby in two more months, which I won't. I still have almost three months. But I'm certainly not just 6 months along, and dang-it, I've earned the right to count every day! So I try to tell them I'm due at the end of November, and hope that suffices. Lately, every response is, "but you're still so small!" I don't feel small, and I'm pretty sure my size is normal for 29 weeks. However, I do understand, because I myself was under the misconception that mama is full-blown belly throughout the last trimester. I'm happy that I'm not!
So there's week 29 for you, in all its glory! Things are getting exciting, I love that my house is in place and put together, and I can't wait for fall and the holidays! Because that means Caleb will be here!
I'm also grumpier. There is just no way around it. I feel...different. Blah. Not depressed, but not happy. Just here. I don't know if that's hormones, lack of sleep, lack of vacation, or too much stress. Or all of the above! I don't have any motivation at work, or inspiration in creativity. I'm starting to dread the words, "Lydia's creative; let's ask her!" because I'm stuck stammering, trying to get my brain to jump into gear. It's a horrible feeling to be in a creative profession and not feel creative.
I've also had about the most scatterbrained week of my life. I've forgotten/overlooked things at work, lost things at home, misplaced Sunday School signups. I've always joked about how scatterbrained I am, but it's reached alarming proportions this week!
I fel like I'm walking around in a fog. No emotion, unless it's angry or snippy. No thoughts, unless they're jumbled and confused. No creativity. At all. And no happy, carefree-ness. Has someone swapped my brain for a bowl of angry mush?? Whatever has happened, I'm thankful it hasn't been all the way through the pregnancy, and I'm thankful for my very understanding friends and family. And I look forward to my maternity leave, when I can take a break from most things. I know...I'll have this little bundle of complication keeping me awake and taking away any sanity I might have hung on to, but at least I'll know his needs are pretty simple, and in most cases I can fill them.
And that's my confession for today! One could probably read this and send me straight to a counselor, but I'm pretty sure it's just pregnancy. September is looking much less busy, and my only busy Saturday in October is going to the State Fair (I don't care how pregnant I am!), so things are looking up! Plus, today is absolutely gorgeous, and who can be ALL gloom and doom when there's a hint of fall in the morning air?
So, way too much about me....how about Caleb?? The weeks are just ticking by.... He should be about 2.5 pounds and 15 inches long by now. His bones are starting to pack on the calcium, which means I get to eat more cheese to compensate! Hooray! And his rocking and rolling is still so fun. Sure, sometimes it's uncomfortable, but it's still not bad.
A few new people have asked lately if I'm expecting. Then they ask how far along I am, and I get confused. Do I tell them 7 months, since 29 weeks is a little over 7 months, when considering a month is 4 weeks? But then they think I'll have the baby in two more months, which I won't. I still have almost three months. But I'm certainly not just 6 months along, and dang-it, I've earned the right to count every day! So I try to tell them I'm due at the end of November, and hope that suffices. Lately, every response is, "but you're still so small!" I don't feel small, and I'm pretty sure my size is normal for 29 weeks. However, I do understand, because I myself was under the misconception that mama is full-blown belly throughout the last trimester. I'm happy that I'm not!
So there's week 29 for you, in all its glory! Things are getting exciting, I love that my house is in place and put together, and I can't wait for fall and the holidays! Because that means Caleb will be here!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Twenty-Eight Weeks
Sorry this post is a little late. My parents have been here for Labor Day weekend, and WE HAVE A NURSERY NOW! So, yes, a little occupied this weekend! My mom will have pictures up, soon, I'm sure, and I'll try to take some as well. You'll get a more detailed account then. For now, I'll say I love the nursery, and Jon and I already enjoy sitting in there.
So, on to the Little Man: Caleb is two and a quarter pounds and almost 15 inches long. If you compare that with last week's update, he's gained more girth than height, I think. He's almost to the point where he's just "bulking up" for the Big Push.
I feel like my belly has grown quite a bit. For a couple of weeks, it didn't really grow much, but last week I had that tight feeling, like if I breathed in too much it would pop. And, it turns out, my belly pics reflect that! (You can see my belly pics up to week 28 in the sidebar now.) It's also possible to not only feel Caleb from the outside, but see him! Sometimes I think he's doing a little jig in there, based on the way my belly bounces around. They're small movements, but so fun to watch!
Other than that, I've been a little slower-moving lately. It takes longer to stand up, or get off the floor, or bend down to pick something up. I have to sit up very straight to accommodate the baby poking my lungs--no more slouching for me! Hopefully I'll keep that habit after Caleb's born. My feet swell slightly from being on them all day, and I tire out more easily, but I don't think it's kept me from doing too much; my mom and I still managed to shop all afternoon yesterday!
And that's about it for the update! Nursery pics will be coming!
So, on to the Little Man: Caleb is two and a quarter pounds and almost 15 inches long. If you compare that with last week's update, he's gained more girth than height, I think. He's almost to the point where he's just "bulking up" for the Big Push.
I feel like my belly has grown quite a bit. For a couple of weeks, it didn't really grow much, but last week I had that tight feeling, like if I breathed in too much it would pop. And, it turns out, my belly pics reflect that! (You can see my belly pics up to week 28 in the sidebar now.) It's also possible to not only feel Caleb from the outside, but see him! Sometimes I think he's doing a little jig in there, based on the way my belly bounces around. They're small movements, but so fun to watch!
Other than that, I've been a little slower-moving lately. It takes longer to stand up, or get off the floor, or bend down to pick something up. I have to sit up very straight to accommodate the baby poking my lungs--no more slouching for me! Hopefully I'll keep that habit after Caleb's born. My feet swell slightly from being on them all day, and I tire out more easily, but I don't think it's kept me from doing too much; my mom and I still managed to shop all afternoon yesterday!
And that's about it for the update! Nursery pics will be coming!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Dr. Appointment
On Monday, Jon and I went to our latest Dr. appointment. This was the appointment where they test me for gestational diabetes, so 30 minutes before, I had to drink this orange syrupy stuff. I'd heard horror stories about it, so I poured it into a cup with a little uncertainty. I decided that chugging it would be the best way to get it over and done with, but after my first huge gulp, I realized it basically tasted like flat orange soda. So, no, not the greatest, but not horrible, either, so that wasn't bad.
The stats are always the first thing at these appointments, so here they are:
My weight: gained less than half a pound! Total weight gain of 10 pounds.
My uterus length: 27 t0 28 cms. The number of centimeters should correspond with how many weeks along I am (which was 27.5), so we're just fine there.
My blood pressure: 99/66
Caleb's Heart rate: 143 bpm
So all that looks good! The nurse took two little vials of blood for the glucose test. That didn't go so great, because my vein wasn't giving up its blood very willingly. By the time the tourniquet came off, I couldn't feel my fingers very well, but at least it was done. But then they remembered I needed more blood taken because I'm Rh negative, so another tube from the other arm. That one went much better, and I was thankful that I don't have a huge problem with needles. I also got my Rhogam shot, again because I'm Rh negative.
So what exactly is Rh negative? Well, if you know your blood type, and if it has a "-" on the end (as in O-, like me), you're Rh negative! It's not as common as positive, which has two affects. First, you're on everyone's list to call when there's a blood drive, and second, if your baby is born positive (which is likely if your spouse, like mine, is positive), there's a possibility that your body will see any future positive babies as "foreign bodies" and miscarry.
So, if Caleb is positive, nothing will happen to him, but, at the point of his birth, it's possible that his blood and mine could get mixed, at which point, my blood will start forming antibodies to his positive blood. The next time my blood comes in contact with positive blood (at the next baby, perhaps), there would already be antibodies there to "fight the intruder." That is obviously not what we want, so I get a shot now, and if Caleb's blood is positive, I get another shot after his birth. If he has a negative blood type, then no worries for now, but we'll go through the same process for the next baby. Thankfully, modern science has it all figured out, so there's really nothing to worry about, and a couple shots is a minor inconvenience compared to not doing it!
The nurse joked with Jon and I about how I should have picked a negative person for my spouse, and how, when we have a little girl (if she's negative as well), we'll have to tell her, "Pick a negative man, but ONLY in blood type!"
Let's see...other than that we just had a few questions for the doctor. She said she would allow a video camera for the whole delivery, but the nurse may not, so we'll have to see. Basically, I want to get a few shots of the actual pushing ("I really did it!") and then shut the camera off until Caleb's there to steal the show!
The dr. also said that I could hold Caleb before they do all the cleaning and eye drops and all that, and she explained how they'd hand me a warm towel to receive him, I'd rub him down really well, and then hold him next to me with a warm blanket on top. Most babies are swept into the warmer, where they get rubbed down, measured, drops in eyes, and hat on head, which is not bad, but I'd like to do this as a science experiment, really. (I know, my poor kid is subject to my experiments straight out of the oven.) My mom had sent me information about something called the breast crawl, and I want to see if it happens. If it does, I think that would be totally cool. There is a site you can go look at for more information, but I'll warn you, it's all about nursing, so you can decide for yourself if you want to see it. It starts out with a bang right on the front page, so don't even click the link if you're not interested.
And that was my appointment! If the glucose test comes out unusual, I should know by tomorrow, and then I'd have to go in for more in-depth testing. Other than that, I go back in three weeks.
The stats are always the first thing at these appointments, so here they are:
My weight: gained less than half a pound! Total weight gain of 10 pounds.
My uterus length: 27 t0 28 cms. The number of centimeters should correspond with how many weeks along I am (which was 27.5), so we're just fine there.
My blood pressure: 99/66
Caleb's Heart rate: 143 bpm
So all that looks good! The nurse took two little vials of blood for the glucose test. That didn't go so great, because my vein wasn't giving up its blood very willingly. By the time the tourniquet came off, I couldn't feel my fingers very well, but at least it was done. But then they remembered I needed more blood taken because I'm Rh negative, so another tube from the other arm. That one went much better, and I was thankful that I don't have a huge problem with needles. I also got my Rhogam shot, again because I'm Rh negative.
So what exactly is Rh negative? Well, if you know your blood type, and if it has a "-" on the end (as in O-, like me), you're Rh negative! It's not as common as positive, which has two affects. First, you're on everyone's list to call when there's a blood drive, and second, if your baby is born positive (which is likely if your spouse, like mine, is positive), there's a possibility that your body will see any future positive babies as "foreign bodies" and miscarry.
So, if Caleb is positive, nothing will happen to him, but, at the point of his birth, it's possible that his blood and mine could get mixed, at which point, my blood will start forming antibodies to his positive blood. The next time my blood comes in contact with positive blood (at the next baby, perhaps), there would already be antibodies there to "fight the intruder." That is obviously not what we want, so I get a shot now, and if Caleb's blood is positive, I get another shot after his birth. If he has a negative blood type, then no worries for now, but we'll go through the same process for the next baby. Thankfully, modern science has it all figured out, so there's really nothing to worry about, and a couple shots is a minor inconvenience compared to not doing it!
The nurse joked with Jon and I about how I should have picked a negative person for my spouse, and how, when we have a little girl (if she's negative as well), we'll have to tell her, "Pick a negative man, but ONLY in blood type!"
Let's see...other than that we just had a few questions for the doctor. She said she would allow a video camera for the whole delivery, but the nurse may not, so we'll have to see. Basically, I want to get a few shots of the actual pushing ("I really did it!") and then shut the camera off until Caleb's there to steal the show!
The dr. also said that I could hold Caleb before they do all the cleaning and eye drops and all that, and she explained how they'd hand me a warm towel to receive him, I'd rub him down really well, and then hold him next to me with a warm blanket on top. Most babies are swept into the warmer, where they get rubbed down, measured, drops in eyes, and hat on head, which is not bad, but I'd like to do this as a science experiment, really. (I know, my poor kid is subject to my experiments straight out of the oven.) My mom had sent me information about something called the breast crawl, and I want to see if it happens. If it does, I think that would be totally cool. There is a site you can go look at for more information, but I'll warn you, it's all about nursing, so you can decide for yourself if you want to see it. It starts out with a bang right on the front page, so don't even click the link if you're not interested.
And that was my appointment! If the glucose test comes out unusual, I should know by tomorrow, and then I'd have to go in for more in-depth testing. Other than that, I go back in three weeks.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
What to tell work
NOTE: I started this post April 21st, before I told work that I was pregnant. I was going to edit it for today, but decided to leave it as is and then add edits to the end. So this first section was written before work knew about my pregnancy.
-------------------------------
When I first started working at Texas Life (part time, in 2004), I worked in the office. When I moved, I broached the topic of working from home. It was quickly squelched. Evidently, someone had done it before (who didn't live in the state), and had gotten pregnant and had a baby without the company even knowing. That left a bad taste in their mouths, and they wouldn't think of it.
Well, we all know that at some point they changed their minds, because I now work at home for them, and have for 3 years. However, I'm not sure how my being pregnant will affect their attitudes. In some ways, I think it will be fine. My boss is a granddad and likes to think of himself as a father figure to me. He worries about me and makes sure I take enough time off, etc. And almost everyone on the marketing team has kids. However, they've all got crazy lives, crazy schedules, and most have divorces or dead marriages because of the life of a salesperson. I'm not sure many will understand that I never have found my fulfillment in work, and having a baby will make that more obvious.
Having a baby will also bring up the question, "What will you do after the baby is born?" Many women take their maternity, go back a couple weeks, then quit their jobs. The problem is that I don't know the answer to that question. The truth is, I would love to quit. I've seen work-at-home moms, and it's hard, if not impossible, to keep up the same level of productivity with a newborn.
On the other hand, it just may not be in the cards for me to quit, yet. And that's fine, too. But I can't give work a confident, "Yes! I'll be back and more ready than ever to work hard for this company!"
-------------------------------
Here starts the post from today:
So I told work, obviously, and it has not been quite roses since then. Well, I thought it was until last week, when I got my performance reviews in (reviewed by my boss and peers). It turns out that the people in my department don't feel I'm pulling my weight, or sacrificing enough for my job. They feel it's just a job to me, and no more. Which, if you just read the first section of this post, you'll know is true. My work is not my life, and I sadly work in a department where most people have sacrificed their lives (and the lives of their families) for their work. Now, there are two sides to every coin, and I'm not saying the review was completely off the mark, but this is the first review I've gotten in three years that has been less than exemplary, so I do know there's a connection.
Last week I also had a discussion with my boss about my maternity leave. At the time, we knew of no one in our department who had set a precedent for maternity leave--everyone came into the dept. with kids already (which tells you the age difference between myself and everyone else). The day I announced my pregnancy, I'd asked for 6 weeks leave, and I described when I would take off and get back, supposing Caleb came the day expected. However, last week, my boss wanted me to outline again exactly what I wanted, and he implied that I needed to be available for emergencies, and stay in contact at least through part of my leave. Well, I know what an "emergency" is in a marketing department: it's any crazy project you promised to a client to be ready by Friday. They come up every week. So I knew I didn't like that idea, but didn't know exactly what to do.
Yesterday I went to lunch with a lady who has 5 kids and hasn't been in the department very long. She stressed the importance of 6 weeks of leave, and how I was doing the right thing to expect it. Knowing how our department works, she did suggest a compromise by my offering to be available through e-mail the last two weeks. Then, evidently, after I left for home last night, she went in and talked to our boss, expressing my frustration about it. It turns out he had done a little research himself, and found that one lady in our dept. did take maternity leave, and she took 12 weeks! My friend told him that she thought my request for 6 weeks was very good, and she would support it. She called me this morning to tell me, but still reminded me that offering to be available the last two weeks was still a good move. And I agree.
So, here is what I will request (and you can put edits in your comments): 6 weeks maternity, leaving Nov. 21st to return on Jan. 5th. The last two weeks (Dec. 22-Jan 2), I would be available through e-mail only, and only do edits of existing pieces, no creation of new pieces. Any time I spend working will not be counted against my maternity, including 30 minutes per e-mail.
So what do you think? Now, I realize that's the holiday weeks, and I can't imagine that they would find a reason to e-mail, but I'm willing to still answer any e-mails. Plus, Caleb will pick his own time to come, so the last two weeks might not fall on the holidays.
The following paragraph subject to change due to further instruction from God:
Beyond my maternity leave, Jon and I have decided that I will quit my job when able. That means that if Jon has already found a job starting in January, I will probably go ahead and quit, with perhaps a couple of weeks to prepare things for the next person coming in. If he has not yet found a job, I'll keep working until he does, and he'll keep on with his part-time security job, which will allow him to stay home with Caleb on the days I go into the office. When I quit, I become full-time mom and part-time photographer.
And with that paragraph, my life changes!
-------------------------------
When I first started working at Texas Life (part time, in 2004), I worked in the office. When I moved, I broached the topic of working from home. It was quickly squelched. Evidently, someone had done it before (who didn't live in the state), and had gotten pregnant and had a baby without the company even knowing. That left a bad taste in their mouths, and they wouldn't think of it.
Well, we all know that at some point they changed their minds, because I now work at home for them, and have for 3 years. However, I'm not sure how my being pregnant will affect their attitudes. In some ways, I think it will be fine. My boss is a granddad and likes to think of himself as a father figure to me. He worries about me and makes sure I take enough time off, etc. And almost everyone on the marketing team has kids. However, they've all got crazy lives, crazy schedules, and most have divorces or dead marriages because of the life of a salesperson. I'm not sure many will understand that I never have found my fulfillment in work, and having a baby will make that more obvious.
Having a baby will also bring up the question, "What will you do after the baby is born?" Many women take their maternity, go back a couple weeks, then quit their jobs. The problem is that I don't know the answer to that question. The truth is, I would love to quit. I've seen work-at-home moms, and it's hard, if not impossible, to keep up the same level of productivity with a newborn.
On the other hand, it just may not be in the cards for me to quit, yet. And that's fine, too. But I can't give work a confident, "Yes! I'll be back and more ready than ever to work hard for this company!"
-------------------------------
Here starts the post from today:
So I told work, obviously, and it has not been quite roses since then. Well, I thought it was until last week, when I got my performance reviews in (reviewed by my boss and peers). It turns out that the people in my department don't feel I'm pulling my weight, or sacrificing enough for my job. They feel it's just a job to me, and no more. Which, if you just read the first section of this post, you'll know is true. My work is not my life, and I sadly work in a department where most people have sacrificed their lives (and the lives of their families) for their work. Now, there are two sides to every coin, and I'm not saying the review was completely off the mark, but this is the first review I've gotten in three years that has been less than exemplary, so I do know there's a connection.
Last week I also had a discussion with my boss about my maternity leave. At the time, we knew of no one in our department who had set a precedent for maternity leave--everyone came into the dept. with kids already (which tells you the age difference between myself and everyone else). The day I announced my pregnancy, I'd asked for 6 weeks leave, and I described when I would take off and get back, supposing Caleb came the day expected. However, last week, my boss wanted me to outline again exactly what I wanted, and he implied that I needed to be available for emergencies, and stay in contact at least through part of my leave. Well, I know what an "emergency" is in a marketing department: it's any crazy project you promised to a client to be ready by Friday. They come up every week. So I knew I didn't like that idea, but didn't know exactly what to do.
Yesterday I went to lunch with a lady who has 5 kids and hasn't been in the department very long. She stressed the importance of 6 weeks of leave, and how I was doing the right thing to expect it. Knowing how our department works, she did suggest a compromise by my offering to be available through e-mail the last two weeks. Then, evidently, after I left for home last night, she went in and talked to our boss, expressing my frustration about it. It turns out he had done a little research himself, and found that one lady in our dept. did take maternity leave, and she took 12 weeks! My friend told him that she thought my request for 6 weeks was very good, and she would support it. She called me this morning to tell me, but still reminded me that offering to be available the last two weeks was still a good move. And I agree.
So, here is what I will request (and you can put edits in your comments): 6 weeks maternity, leaving Nov. 21st to return on Jan. 5th. The last two weeks (Dec. 22-Jan 2), I would be available through e-mail only, and only do edits of existing pieces, no creation of new pieces. Any time I spend working will not be counted against my maternity, including 30 minutes per e-mail.
So what do you think? Now, I realize that's the holiday weeks, and I can't imagine that they would find a reason to e-mail, but I'm willing to still answer any e-mails. Plus, Caleb will pick his own time to come, so the last two weeks might not fall on the holidays.
The following paragraph subject to change due to further instruction from God:
Beyond my maternity leave, Jon and I have decided that I will quit my job when able. That means that if Jon has already found a job starting in January, I will probably go ahead and quit, with perhaps a couple of weeks to prepare things for the next person coming in. If he has not yet found a job, I'll keep working until he does, and he'll keep on with his part-time security job, which will allow him to stay home with Caleb on the days I go into the office. When I quit, I become full-time mom and part-time photographer.
And with that paragraph, my life changes!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Twenty Six...and Twenty Seven....Weeks
Well, pooh, I've almost made it to the end of this week, and I never posted about last week! (Counting for the week ends every Wednesday.) So, I think I'll smoosh the two weeks together, since they're mostly smooshed in my mind, anyway.
I had a dream last night that Caleb was born. The birth was so easy--the only hard part was that I'd gotten bee stings all over my arms from a random swarm of bees, who were all now dead, through an even more random poison in the house that obviously affected no one but the bees. I guess I figured, after bee stings, what's a little labor and delivery, eh?
Last night was our second Lamaze class, and we saw two videos, not just one. As a side note, these videos remind me a lot of nature videos. We're watching this natural occurrence (which looks very unnatural, by the way) which takes about the same time as watching a snake molt--and almost as boring until the very end--and there's a soft narrator in the background: The mother draws inside herself, no longer worried about the world around her, but pulling from the strength of her instincts. Her family gives her constant and quiet support. She rests when she can.... I'm pretty sure they just pull the script from "How Farm Animals Are Born" and add in a bit about families or something to make it for us. Thankfully, the end of the movie ends in happiness and tears, whereas the other nature movies usually end in, "And the mother eats her young, thus negating all her hard work." Every time a baby is born in these movies, I tear up. It reminds me of when Ian was born, and what a relief to see him and hear him. I know I'm going to cry when Caleb's born, and it's a pretty safe bet that Jon will be crying (Caleb, too, now that I think of it), so you can bet we'll be a big snotty mess at the end of our ordeal!
On another note, last night's videos were about the different positions to be in during labor. Everything was fine until they showed a lady screaming during contractions. I thought I could do this, and then it turns out they've been editing out all the horror stories. That one just managed to slip through the cracks, and now I'm not so sure I want Caleb to come out. Ever.
Speaking of the little guy, let's see what kind of growing he's been doing the last couple of weeks.... Caleb is almost 2 pounds now! He's 14.5 inches long, and his lungs are developed enough at this point that they would be able to function (with medical intervention) out in the open. Let's hope he doesn't have to try them out for several more weeks!
I've been trying to notice things about Caleb: does he have a sleep pattern, has he gotten the hiccups, how is he situated in the uterus. But, alas, I have no idea about any of these questions. I've never been good at noticing developing patterns. I think I would've noticed the hiccups, though. I do notice that he seems to have direct access to my hip bone, because I could swear he pokes it every once in awhile. Sometimes his pokes actually make me jump, though they're so fleeting that they don't really hurt.
My belly seems to have slowed its growth--maybe it's absorbing the 8 pounds I packed on last month, which evidently did NOT, in fact, go to my belly. I know this because I now have stretch marks on my rear, not my belly, and I know that Caleb is not growing in my rear. That's all me....sigh.... Anyway, there's a girl who's 8 weeks behind me, and her belly is as big as mine! Granted, she's teeny tiny, so she's all belly, but still, I have an 8-week jump on her! I guess Caleb is just spreading out more than balling up in front.
Otherwise on the pregnancy front, I've noticed it's getting harder to get up and down from the floor, which is where I spend a lot of my time during photo shoots! I've also cried more--twice in two days last week--which is very unusual for me. On a good note, I'm sleeping through the night, now! It turns out that it wasn't me having to get up to pee that made me wake up. It was the cats. They've been kicked out of the room, and I'm sleeping very nicely. A couple of nights in a row, I slept very fitfully, but I think it was from an overworked brain still trying to think things out. Three photo shoots and the Big Shift in one weekend can do that to you, I guess.
Speaking of the Big Shift, it's almost complete! Our living room is all shifted around, desks and computer added, and I really like it! I mean, not just, "oh, I can tolerate it for the next few months." I really like it! I think it's a good layout, and won't feel too cramped at all. So that's nice. When we get all the random stuff put away, I'll take pictures.
And I think that about covers these last two weeks! More to come on this exciting journey!
I had a dream last night that Caleb was born. The birth was so easy--the only hard part was that I'd gotten bee stings all over my arms from a random swarm of bees, who were all now dead, through an even more random poison in the house that obviously affected no one but the bees. I guess I figured, after bee stings, what's a little labor and delivery, eh?
Last night was our second Lamaze class, and we saw two videos, not just one. As a side note, these videos remind me a lot of nature videos. We're watching this natural occurrence (which looks very unnatural, by the way) which takes about the same time as watching a snake molt--and almost as boring until the very end--and there's a soft narrator in the background: The mother draws inside herself, no longer worried about the world around her, but pulling from the strength of her instincts. Her family gives her constant and quiet support. She rests when she can.... I'm pretty sure they just pull the script from "How Farm Animals Are Born" and add in a bit about families or something to make it for us. Thankfully, the end of the movie ends in happiness and tears, whereas the other nature movies usually end in, "And the mother eats her young, thus negating all her hard work." Every time a baby is born in these movies, I tear up. It reminds me of when Ian was born, and what a relief to see him and hear him. I know I'm going to cry when Caleb's born, and it's a pretty safe bet that Jon will be crying (Caleb, too, now that I think of it), so you can bet we'll be a big snotty mess at the end of our ordeal!
On another note, last night's videos were about the different positions to be in during labor. Everything was fine until they showed a lady screaming during contractions. I thought I could do this, and then it turns out they've been editing out all the horror stories. That one just managed to slip through the cracks, and now I'm not so sure I want Caleb to come out. Ever.
Speaking of the little guy, let's see what kind of growing he's been doing the last couple of weeks.... Caleb is almost 2 pounds now! He's 14.5 inches long, and his lungs are developed enough at this point that they would be able to function (with medical intervention) out in the open. Let's hope he doesn't have to try them out for several more weeks!
I've been trying to notice things about Caleb: does he have a sleep pattern, has he gotten the hiccups, how is he situated in the uterus. But, alas, I have no idea about any of these questions. I've never been good at noticing developing patterns. I think I would've noticed the hiccups, though. I do notice that he seems to have direct access to my hip bone, because I could swear he pokes it every once in awhile. Sometimes his pokes actually make me jump, though they're so fleeting that they don't really hurt.
My belly seems to have slowed its growth--maybe it's absorbing the 8 pounds I packed on last month, which evidently did NOT, in fact, go to my belly. I know this because I now have stretch marks on my rear, not my belly, and I know that Caleb is not growing in my rear. That's all me....sigh.... Anyway, there's a girl who's 8 weeks behind me, and her belly is as big as mine! Granted, she's teeny tiny, so she's all belly, but still, I have an 8-week jump on her! I guess Caleb is just spreading out more than balling up in front.
Otherwise on the pregnancy front, I've noticed it's getting harder to get up and down from the floor, which is where I spend a lot of my time during photo shoots! I've also cried more--twice in two days last week--which is very unusual for me. On a good note, I'm sleeping through the night, now! It turns out that it wasn't me having to get up to pee that made me wake up. It was the cats. They've been kicked out of the room, and I'm sleeping very nicely. A couple of nights in a row, I slept very fitfully, but I think it was from an overworked brain still trying to think things out. Three photo shoots and the Big Shift in one weekend can do that to you, I guess.
Speaking of the Big Shift, it's almost complete! Our living room is all shifted around, desks and computer added, and I really like it! I mean, not just, "oh, I can tolerate it for the next few months." I really like it! I think it's a good layout, and won't feel too cramped at all. So that's nice. When we get all the random stuff put away, I'll take pictures.
And I think that about covers these last two weeks! More to come on this exciting journey!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Big Shift
To prepare for Caleb, we need to make the living room serve as the living and office area. Hence, the Big Shift! Because there are large pieces of furniture involved, we only want to move stuff around once, so one night I measured out everything in the house--the walls and everything that had a footprint on the floor--and drew it out on a grid. I drew the furniture on a separate grid, then cut out each piece. My mom put some adhesive on the back of the pieces, so we could arrange and rearrange all the furniture on the grid. It worked so great, and only took an hour or so of time! Since then, we've come up with two possible plans for how to arrange the house. I didn't have the foresight to show you the way it looks currently, to give you a comparison. I guess I could rearrange it all and scan that one in, but...nah.... Here are the two plans:
KarenD came up with this layout, and I think it's the winner. It brings our office space into the living room, but, as she pointed out, gives room next to my desk for Caleb to play (at least until he's mobile!). It uses the space in front of the fireplace, too, which spreads things out a bit more.
(click on the image for a larger view)
The next layout is the one my mom and I actually came up with first. (I just scanned in the living room area, because nothing else changes.) It splits the room more into two separate spaces: living and office, but it ends up being a little more crowded. Plus, my desk is the one in the back corner, leaving no space for Caleb to play where I can watch him while I work.
(click on the image for a larger view)
So, there you are! Jon's off on Monday of this week, so I'm hoping we'll get a lot of it moved around then. After that, the nursery (because then it'll be an official nursery!) will be open for us to start sorting things and going through the storage closet.
Very exciting!
KarenD came up with this layout, and I think it's the winner. It brings our office space into the living room, but, as she pointed out, gives room next to my desk for Caleb to play (at least until he's mobile!). It uses the space in front of the fireplace, too, which spreads things out a bit more.
(click on the image for a larger view)The next layout is the one my mom and I actually came up with first. (I just scanned in the living room area, because nothing else changes.) It splits the room more into two separate spaces: living and office, but it ends up being a little more crowded. Plus, my desk is the one in the back corner, leaving no space for Caleb to play where I can watch him while I work.
(click on the image for a larger view)So, there you are! Jon's off on Monday of this week, so I'm hoping we'll get a lot of it moved around then. After that, the nursery (because then it'll be an official nursery!) will be open for us to start sorting things and going through the storage closet.
Very exciting!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The first Lamaze class
Last night Jon and I went to our first Lamaze class. I had so much fun! Jon wouldn't go that far, but he did say he enjoyed it. And yes, he even made it through his first birthing video!
There were 6-7 couples there, most due in early October. (We're going a little early because of schedule conflicts with the later sessions.) We all introduced ourselves, and we got to put in a plug for my photography business, letting everyone know that I do maternity and newborn. So, in that way, it's handy that we're going early, because I'd actually be available to do all these people's shoots, if they wanted. We'll see. I had my business cards with me, but it seemed a little too cheesy at the time, so I'll pass them out next week.
Anyway...I love the instructor! She reminds me a lot of my mother-in-law. Her mannerisms are similar, and she did a great job of writing down little facts about each of us, and then remembering them and referring to them in her lecture. She's a registered nurse for labor and delivery, plus a certified doula (a birthing coach). Even though the subject matter can be a little personal (therefore uncomfortable to discuss with strangers), she did a great job of adding humor in to lighten the mood. She is also very expressive with her body language, and watching her do all kinds of motions to refer to "down there" and the way to push or the way the baby is going to wiggle his way out...I was cracking up.
So, the instructor went through the 5 or 6 points of Lamaze. It was an overview, and evidently we'll be covering each one in further classes. She talked about medical intervention vs. the natural method. Of course, the natural method is her preferred method, though, as an RN, she's very familiar with inductions, epidurals and everything else.
After her lecture, we watched the birthing video, outlining the stages of labor. Jon had been reading the labor chapter in the What to Expect book, so he was able to follow along with the terms and everything very well. I, of course, have seen probably 10 birthing videos since the second month I was pregnant (and so had most of the expectant moms, I'm sure), so it was funny to see all the women in the class look to our white-faced husbands at key points in the video: the baby's head crowning (our first look at some random person's hooha), when the baby comes out, and then when the placenta is delivered. All the guys did very well, I must say. The video reminded me of when Ian was born, and I kept leaning over to Jon to affirm that yes, that really is how babies are born, because I've been there. I know! :) I'm so thankful to Karen for letting me be a part of that, both for the memories as family, and also for the experience it's given me. I've read that childbirth used to be a female affair--every female in the family helped out, and by the time it was your turn to have a baby, you'd already been exposed to it before. It's not like that now, and I'm grateful that I've seen it firsthand. It's not some mystery behind closed doors for me.
The class ended with relaxation stretches and breathing. That was the best! Jon and I had to do all our stretches together, either pulling/pushing each other, or back to back with our hands together, so we did every stretch in sync. It was a lot of fun, and reminded me how important my Pilates exercises are (which I finally picked back up last week). The last relaxation thing we did was to imagine a "happy place" and consciously tense and relax our muscles. Some of that, as Jon explained, is to help you relax more--tensed muscles tend to bounce back further than neutral muscles. It was also a way to learn, "Okay, it's going to hurt, and I'm going to tense up naturally, so I have to make a conscious effort to relax my muscles, which will help the rest of me relax, too." We'll see if I remember my happy place in the throes of contractions. Haha!
Overall, it was a good class. I'm glad we're going, and I look forward to next week.
There were 6-7 couples there, most due in early October. (We're going a little early because of schedule conflicts with the later sessions.) We all introduced ourselves, and we got to put in a plug for my photography business, letting everyone know that I do maternity and newborn. So, in that way, it's handy that we're going early, because I'd actually be available to do all these people's shoots, if they wanted. We'll see. I had my business cards with me, but it seemed a little too cheesy at the time, so I'll pass them out next week.
Anyway...I love the instructor! She reminds me a lot of my mother-in-law. Her mannerisms are similar, and she did a great job of writing down little facts about each of us, and then remembering them and referring to them in her lecture. She's a registered nurse for labor and delivery, plus a certified doula (a birthing coach). Even though the subject matter can be a little personal (therefore uncomfortable to discuss with strangers), she did a great job of adding humor in to lighten the mood. She is also very expressive with her body language, and watching her do all kinds of motions to refer to "down there" and the way to push or the way the baby is going to wiggle his way out...I was cracking up.
So, the instructor went through the 5 or 6 points of Lamaze. It was an overview, and evidently we'll be covering each one in further classes. She talked about medical intervention vs. the natural method. Of course, the natural method is her preferred method, though, as an RN, she's very familiar with inductions, epidurals and everything else.
After her lecture, we watched the birthing video, outlining the stages of labor. Jon had been reading the labor chapter in the What to Expect book, so he was able to follow along with the terms and everything very well. I, of course, have seen probably 10 birthing videos since the second month I was pregnant (and so had most of the expectant moms, I'm sure), so it was funny to see all the women in the class look to our white-faced husbands at key points in the video: the baby's head crowning (our first look at some random person's hooha), when the baby comes out, and then when the placenta is delivered. All the guys did very well, I must say. The video reminded me of when Ian was born, and I kept leaning over to Jon to affirm that yes, that really is how babies are born, because I've been there. I know! :) I'm so thankful to Karen for letting me be a part of that, both for the memories as family, and also for the experience it's given me. I've read that childbirth used to be a female affair--every female in the family helped out, and by the time it was your turn to have a baby, you'd already been exposed to it before. It's not like that now, and I'm grateful that I've seen it firsthand. It's not some mystery behind closed doors for me.
The class ended with relaxation stretches and breathing. That was the best! Jon and I had to do all our stretches together, either pulling/pushing each other, or back to back with our hands together, so we did every stretch in sync. It was a lot of fun, and reminded me how important my Pilates exercises are (which I finally picked back up last week). The last relaxation thing we did was to imagine a "happy place" and consciously tense and relax our muscles. Some of that, as Jon explained, is to help you relax more--tensed muscles tend to bounce back further than neutral muscles. It was also a way to learn, "Okay, it's going to hurt, and I'm going to tense up naturally, so I have to make a conscious effort to relax my muscles, which will help the rest of me relax, too." We'll see if I remember my happy place in the throes of contractions. Haha!
Overall, it was a good class. I'm glad we're going, and I look forward to next week.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Pervasive: My Two Loves
"Daddy, how do I know when I'm in love?"
"Well, love is...pervasive."
"Oh. Um...okay. Thanks."
That conversation--though I didn't understand it at the time--changed my life. Pervasive: it permeates everything. It's the explanation I've passed on many times to girls asking the same question. When you think about the future, do you think of [fill in blank with potential spouse] with you in everything? Not just running through fields of joy together, but do you think of him as the guy who sits across the table from you every morning, who deals with your imperfections, or who holds your hair back for you when you're puking? That's pervasive. That's love!
My conversation with my dad answered my question--yes, I was in love with Jon, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
Now, without realizing it, I find another pervasive love creeping up. A love I really hadn't expected to appear until November.
As I'm sitting in church or talking with friends, I look down at my belly, or place my hand over the spot where Caleb is moving. I drift away into daydreams--taking Caleb to the zoo, rocking him, singing to him, and eventually teaching him to sing and play and be an active little kid.
In these daydreams, Jon is always with me (pervasive, remember?)--my first love together with this new love! What a blessing to be in love!
"Well, love is...pervasive."
"Oh. Um...okay. Thanks."
That conversation--though I didn't understand it at the time--changed my life. Pervasive: it permeates everything. It's the explanation I've passed on many times to girls asking the same question. When you think about the future, do you think of [fill in blank with potential spouse] with you in everything? Not just running through fields of joy together, but do you think of him as the guy who sits across the table from you every morning, who deals with your imperfections, or who holds your hair back for you when you're puking? That's pervasive. That's love!
My conversation with my dad answered my question--yes, I was in love with Jon, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
Now, without realizing it, I find another pervasive love creeping up. A love I really hadn't expected to appear until November.
As I'm sitting in church or talking with friends, I look down at my belly, or place my hand over the spot where Caleb is moving. I drift away into daydreams--taking Caleb to the zoo, rocking him, singing to him, and eventually teaching him to sing and play and be an active little kid.
In these daydreams, Jon is always with me (pervasive, remember?)--my first love together with this new love! What a blessing to be in love!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Twenty-Five Weeks!
Caleb has grown to 13.5 inches this week! He weighs a pound and a half, which is quite an increase from last week. I can tell, too! His kicks are getting to be a bit more than love taps. Jon and I watched my belly hop and jump for a few minutes last night. It feels kind of like muscle spasms, or big popcorn balls popping.
As for me, I've noticed a few disturbing things from the first trimester creeping back in. I'm starting to get crabby again. Woohoo. And my face has started to break out more. And I'm tired again. Well, actually, I think I've been tired all the way through! :)
A friend of mine who is a couple months ahead of me said that she experienced the same thing--even with a bit of morning sickness--when she hit the third trimester. The hormones must be realigning again or something. She did assure me that it lightens up a bit...not back to 2nd trimester bliss, but a bit!
And for once, I really have kept my update short! More later!
As for me, I've noticed a few disturbing things from the first trimester creeping back in. I'm starting to get crabby again. Woohoo. And my face has started to break out more. And I'm tired again. Well, actually, I think I've been tired all the way through! :)
A friend of mine who is a couple months ahead of me said that she experienced the same thing--even with a bit of morning sickness--when she hit the third trimester. The hormones must be realigning again or something. She did assure me that it lightens up a bit...not back to 2nd trimester bliss, but a bit!
And for once, I really have kept my update short! More later!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Dr. Appointment
Yesterday we went to our 24-week doctor appointment. It was pretty routine, but still fun. Since the last appointment, I'd gained 8 pounds! So, not exactly the pound a week I'm supposed to be gaining (try TWO pounds a week), but Dr. K said it put me right where I'm supposed to be right now, since I hadn't gained much weight until now. But, that does mean I can't let "being underweight" be my reason for the Wendy's Frosty any more. :) (Just kidding...I've only had one Wendy's Frosty this month!)
My blood pressure is still just fine: 110/70. And Caleb's heartbeat is a strong 146bpm. "Perfect," as Dr. K said. I like to think so! Remember how I said that the Dopplar takes WAY too long to find a heartbeat with? There's just too much tension waiting for that little heartbeat to come through. Well, this time, Caleb's heartbeat was the first thing we heard, loud and clear!
My uterus measures at 26 centimeters. This measurement is taken very precisely...the doctor pokes around on my abdomen until she finds something, then she spreads a tape measure across my belly. The measurement should be about the same as the number of weeks I am, give or take 2 cms. So, I'm 24.5 weeks, and I measure at 26 cm, which is just fine. I asked if that extra was me or the baby, and Dr. K said it could be both, but (and she looked at Jon for this) Caleb's probably going to be a big baby. Haha!
And that was pretty much it. We asked a few questions. One was about my cartilege ring that still hasn't healed completely. I was hoping it was related to pregnancy in some way (since I got it pierced 2 weeks before conceiving), but nope, it's just me, evidently. So, though I like it very much, and have endured the healing (or lack thereof) for 6 months, I think it might be time to pull the plug. We'll see.
We made more appointments for the next couple of months, starting every 2 weeks after this next appointment! I've added them to the sidebar. One exciting bit of information is that I get another sonogram at 36 weeks! I guess they figure the tape measure method isn't exact enough (go figure), so this will let them know what the next steps should be. If he's big, we might induce early or schedule a C-section, and if he's a normal size. we'll just let things happen. (That's me totally guessing why we might have the sono; I really don't know.)
We tried to pre-register at the hospital while we were there, but the lady that does it said it would be much easier for us to do it online. We both thought, "Wow, she's completely negating her job" but we didn't say it. We did find out that without insurance, the hospital costs would be $4,000, unless we stayed extra days (like for a C-section), in which case it would be $6,000. Evidently, when we register, the hospital will give us a more accurate figure based on what our insurance covers. We'll do that pretty soon so we will know what to expect. From our doctor, we found out who the anesthesiologist would be, so we can make sure they're covered under our insurance. (Yeah, things to think about!) People have made having a baby so complicated these days! :)
And that's all for this update! Tune in next time!
My blood pressure is still just fine: 110/70. And Caleb's heartbeat is a strong 146bpm. "Perfect," as Dr. K said. I like to think so! Remember how I said that the Dopplar takes WAY too long to find a heartbeat with? There's just too much tension waiting for that little heartbeat to come through. Well, this time, Caleb's heartbeat was the first thing we heard, loud and clear!
My uterus measures at 26 centimeters. This measurement is taken very precisely...the doctor pokes around on my abdomen until she finds something, then she spreads a tape measure across my belly. The measurement should be about the same as the number of weeks I am, give or take 2 cms. So, I'm 24.5 weeks, and I measure at 26 cm, which is just fine. I asked if that extra was me or the baby, and Dr. K said it could be both, but (and she looked at Jon for this) Caleb's probably going to be a big baby. Haha!
And that was pretty much it. We asked a few questions. One was about my cartilege ring that still hasn't healed completely. I was hoping it was related to pregnancy in some way (since I got it pierced 2 weeks before conceiving), but nope, it's just me, evidently. So, though I like it very much, and have endured the healing (or lack thereof) for 6 months, I think it might be time to pull the plug. We'll see.
We made more appointments for the next couple of months, starting every 2 weeks after this next appointment! I've added them to the sidebar. One exciting bit of information is that I get another sonogram at 36 weeks! I guess they figure the tape measure method isn't exact enough (go figure), so this will let them know what the next steps should be. If he's big, we might induce early or schedule a C-section, and if he's a normal size. we'll just let things happen. (That's me totally guessing why we might have the sono; I really don't know.)
We tried to pre-register at the hospital while we were there, but the lady that does it said it would be much easier for us to do it online. We both thought, "Wow, she's completely negating her job" but we didn't say it. We did find out that without insurance, the hospital costs would be $4,000, unless we stayed extra days (like for a C-section), in which case it would be $6,000. Evidently, when we register, the hospital will give us a more accurate figure based on what our insurance covers. We'll do that pretty soon so we will know what to expect. From our doctor, we found out who the anesthesiologist would be, so we can make sure they're covered under our insurance. (Yeah, things to think about!) People have made having a baby so complicated these days! :)
And that's all for this update! Tune in next time!
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