I backed into a mail box last night. I was turning around at my mother's house so I could park on the street, and I backed into the neighbor's mail box. I didn't see it. I didn't see it because it never occurred to me to look behind me. (Thank the Good Lord that the dogs were inside, because I probably would have hit one of them.) Who backs up in a vehicle without looking in the rearview mirror? Apparently my 8 and 1/2 month pregnant-brained, exhausted self does. Dave got out to look at it and when I saw his face in the rearview mirror (Oh, the irony!), I knew it was bad. I got out and cried like a baby and blubbered something about "shouldn't even be allowed to drive" while apologizing to my husband for messing up my "new" car. WHY couldn't this have happened while I was still driving the Tercel? This is the first time in 12 years of driving that I have hit anything (hard enough to do damage, anyway). Today, it doesn't look nearly as bad as it did last night, but I'll have to get it fixed soon because it knocked a chunk of paint right off of the trunk and I don't want it to rust. I know it really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but in my hormonal and exhausted state, I'm having a hard time getting over it. I'm so mad and sad - and it's only my fault. : ( Oh well, I'll take it tomorrow to get an estimate and hopefully it can be fixed next week.
I had my 34 week appointment yesterday and it was pretty uneventful. I lost 1/2 pound in the last two weeks and he didn't comment on it at all. I'm still not sure how that happened given that attended two baby showers, a graduation party, and a Memorial Day barbeque in addition to keeping up a pace that didn't allow for the healthiest food choices. The baby measured at 34 weeks, so she is still right on track. My blood pressure was "great," but my fasting sugar level seems to be creeping up a bit. I'm hoping it's just because I haven't been eating, resting, or exercising well because of the crazy schedule I've been keeping recently. All of my social obligations are over now (I did this on purpose), so I plan to take it easy for the month of June. Well, aside from work, which has exploded in the last week while I'm trying to wrap things up and manage new tasks as they come in. I will start my weekly appointments next week, so we will find out Friday if I have dilated at all. I doubt it right now because she is still head up, but I guess anything is possible. I will also have to have a non-stress test (NST) every week to monitor the baby and make sure her heartrate and oxygen levels are staying normal while she's moving around in there. This is because of the diabetes. I know in my bones that she is fine and developing normally, and I am really resenting the diabetes diagnosis right now.
Because it makes me feel better, I'll share the latest bits of rudeness/ignorance I've heard. Last week we visited a car lot in Clanton because Dave has started shopping for a new car. When the salesman walked up, he said, "Are you expecting a baby?" All I could say was "Yeah." Believe me when I say that I am past the point of needing to ask to be sure. It is VERY obvious that I am pregnant, just listen to the next incident for proof. At another point over the weekend, a lady started a conversation with, "So, is your doctor worried because she's so big?" This came from a repeat offender, so probably rankled me more than it should have. WHY is it any of her business what my doctor thinks? I wish I had said, "No." Instead, I was nice and said, "Actually, she's measuring exactly where she's supposed to be, and no he hasn't expressed any concern." I would say that I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore so people will stop being rude/nosy/stupid, but I know it will just continue in a different manner when the world needs to tell me that I don't know anything about caring for babies and I'm doing it all wrong.
In our Bible study on Wednesday night, we talked about how our attitudes affect our outlook and perceptions. Obviously, my attitude is bad right now. I need a nap.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hypnobabies Birth Stories
I found a website that is full of birth stories from women who used Hypnobabies. The stories have been great motivation for me to really focus on my practice in these last few weeks. They are very inspirational and have made me even more excited about having this baby. I've realized that even if an induction is necessary (and I still hope it isn't), I can still have a very comfortable, relaxing birth. I've realized that even if I fall asleep listening to the CDs because I'm so relaxed, the hypnotic suggestions will still work.
One of the most common themes throughout most of these stories is that the women were so relaxed during labor that the hospital staff did not believe they were actually in active labor. For many of them, it wasn't until they were involuntarily pushing the baby out that the staff believed a baby was coming soon. Stories like this are the reason I chose Hypnobabies as my birth method. This is how I want to experience the birth of my baby. I believe I can do this.
If you have time and interest, read some of them here:
http://www.pregnancybirthandbabies.com/enjoyable_births.htm
I also fully believe that Hypnobabies is one reason I've had such an enjoyable pregnancy. I can honestly say that my biggest complaint about being pregnant is not anything physical at all, it's the stupid things that people say and the constant, unsolicited advice. Even now when I'm huge and hot and itchy, and I know the baby has dropped because I can feel it in my hips and back, I LOVE being pregnant. It has been a very positive experience, thanks in part the the positive affirmations I listen to every day and the relaxation skills I've learned. I love my body and my big belly (despite the constant comments), and I'm already sad at the thought that I will not be feeling my baby move inside me anymore once she's born. It is hard for me to put into words the sense of strength and power I feel about this pregnancy and my decision to have a natural birth. Even if everything goes wrong (according to my plan, of course) from this point forward, it will have been worth it to have this sense of confidence in myself.
One of the most common themes throughout most of these stories is that the women were so relaxed during labor that the hospital staff did not believe they were actually in active labor. For many of them, it wasn't until they were involuntarily pushing the baby out that the staff believed a baby was coming soon. Stories like this are the reason I chose Hypnobabies as my birth method. This is how I want to experience the birth of my baby. I believe I can do this.
If you have time and interest, read some of them here:
http://www.pregnancybirthandbabies.com/enjoyable_births.htm
I also fully believe that Hypnobabies is one reason I've had such an enjoyable pregnancy. I can honestly say that my biggest complaint about being pregnant is not anything physical at all, it's the stupid things that people say and the constant, unsolicited advice. Even now when I'm huge and hot and itchy, and I know the baby has dropped because I can feel it in my hips and back, I LOVE being pregnant. It has been a very positive experience, thanks in part the the positive affirmations I listen to every day and the relaxation skills I've learned. I love my body and my big belly (despite the constant comments), and I'm already sad at the thought that I will not be feeling my baby move inside me anymore once she's born. It is hard for me to put into words the sense of strength and power I feel about this pregnancy and my decision to have a natural birth. Even if everything goes wrong (according to my plan, of course) from this point forward, it will have been worth it to have this sense of confidence in myself.
Monday, May 19, 2008
So Excited!
We had our Prepared Childbirth Class on Saturday, and it was great. A lot of my anxiety about this baby has been alleviated and now I just can’t wait! More about that in a minute, though.
One of the main reasons we attended the class was to familiarize Dave with the birthing process because he has not been obsessively reading everything he can find like me. I think he now feels nervous and excited and a lot more educated. He’s been studying the book they gave us and asking me questions, so I know that he is fully engaged. Also, he is now 100% supportive of my natural birth plans! Until now, he’s been skeptical. At any rate, this is the quiet conversation I overheard Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church.
“Do you remember when you were born?”
Silence from what I imagine was a big, brown-eyed, inquisitive face.
“Probably not. Your eyes were still closed.” Pause, then in a louder voice, “Right, Amanda?”
Me: “That’s right. Puppies’ eyes don’t open until they are two weeks old.”
This is funny in two parts: 1. He is excited and curious enough about the birth to discuss it with the dog and 2. At one fairly recent point in his life, he did not know that human babies open their eyes at birth. He actually asked me when babies’ eyes open. : ) God, I love that man.
Back to the class – We did the all day one on Saturday because that’s just easier to fit into our lives than five weeks of evening classes. First, I’ll just say that I LOVE Brookwood and I’m so glad we are having the baby there. I have been worried and anxious about how my natural birth plans will be received in L&D because so many women don’t even consider natural childbirth these days. There were two other women in the class that are planning on natural birth, so the instructors made sure to address that along with the pain relief options. I learned that when I get to L&D, they will try to pair me with a nurse that has experience or interest in natural birth. This is so exciting for me, and it’s something that I have been praying about. The hospital is very open to natural birth and they even have birthing balls and a squat bar on the unit!! I will be able to labor and push in positions of my choosing – two of the most important things in my plan. They also encourage “kangaroo care” – which is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, and if you are nursing they try to get you started in the first hour – two more extremely important things in my plan. I have now been told by three separate people that the nurses really try to help you have the birth experience you are seeking. I am so excited.
The class also talked a lot about relaxation during labor and the tension-pain-fear cycle. We learned some massage and breathing techniques (some of which I had to ignore because they directly contradict Hypnobabies). Basically, most of what we learned corresponded with what Dave and I have been studying and practicing in our Hypnobabies course. This is part of the reason he feels so much better about it now. Also, I learned that there is a nurse at Brookwood who just recently got certified in hypno-birthing! It just makes me so excited to learn that Brookwood is so open to natural birth, breastfeeding, and attachment parenting. They strongly encourage breastfeeding, and have a great Lactation center if you need help while you are there or after you go home. They encourage rooming-in with the baby and responding to her cues for hunger, sleep, etc. rather than rigid scheduling. Over all, I felt really good about the class and the hospital in general.
We took a tour of the L&D rooms and the postpartum rooms. This was nice, because now when I visualize my ideal birth I can actually see what the hospital looks like. There was some baby care instruction – things like diaper changing, swaddling, bathing, etc. Dave learned how to change a diaper and swaddle a baby. He was amazed that I already knew how to swaddle, but I informed him that I used to swaddle my dolls in the exact same way. Someone must have taught me to do that at some point.
We had our first baby shower on Sunday. The generosity was amazing. We can barely walk into the baby’s room right now because there are packages completely covering the floor. I will be sorting through them this week in an attempt to figure out where to put everything. I really wanted to look at everything again last night, but the nap won. I was SO tired.
I think the animals are realizing that things are about to change in our house. They keep going into the baby’s room and sniffing all the bags and boxes – over and over again. I keep seeing Georgia randomly coming out of there; I know she’s in there thinking, “What can this mean?” Of course, there was a present for her in one of those packages, so she might just be looking for another. She LOVES the bone that she received at the baby shower. She stayed busy with that all afternoon and evening yesterday. Last night, I heard a rustling in there, and I turned on the light to find Jewel deep in the middle of a sea of bags. Somehow she waded through them, sniffing each one, as is her nature. She is the nosiest of all my beasts – not afraid to sniff and stick her little paws in the purse of a guest, should the opportunity arise.
It was a busy weekend. This week will be busy too since one of my brothers is graduating from high school, and we have another shower Saturday evening. Then there is supposed to be a pool party for Memorial Day, and I am REALLY looking forward to that. I can’t think of anything better right now than floating in the pool.
One of the main reasons we attended the class was to familiarize Dave with the birthing process because he has not been obsessively reading everything he can find like me. I think he now feels nervous and excited and a lot more educated. He’s been studying the book they gave us and asking me questions, so I know that he is fully engaged. Also, he is now 100% supportive of my natural birth plans! Until now, he’s been skeptical. At any rate, this is the quiet conversation I overheard Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church.
“Do you remember when you were born?”
Silence from what I imagine was a big, brown-eyed, inquisitive face.
“Probably not. Your eyes were still closed.” Pause, then in a louder voice, “Right, Amanda?”
Me: “That’s right. Puppies’ eyes don’t open until they are two weeks old.”
This is funny in two parts: 1. He is excited and curious enough about the birth to discuss it with the dog and 2. At one fairly recent point in his life, he did not know that human babies open their eyes at birth. He actually asked me when babies’ eyes open. : ) God, I love that man.
Back to the class – We did the all day one on Saturday because that’s just easier to fit into our lives than five weeks of evening classes. First, I’ll just say that I LOVE Brookwood and I’m so glad we are having the baby there. I have been worried and anxious about how my natural birth plans will be received in L&D because so many women don’t even consider natural childbirth these days. There were two other women in the class that are planning on natural birth, so the instructors made sure to address that along with the pain relief options. I learned that when I get to L&D, they will try to pair me with a nurse that has experience or interest in natural birth. This is so exciting for me, and it’s something that I have been praying about. The hospital is very open to natural birth and they even have birthing balls and a squat bar on the unit!! I will be able to labor and push in positions of my choosing – two of the most important things in my plan. They also encourage “kangaroo care” – which is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, and if you are nursing they try to get you started in the first hour – two more extremely important things in my plan. I have now been told by three separate people that the nurses really try to help you have the birth experience you are seeking. I am so excited.
The class also talked a lot about relaxation during labor and the tension-pain-fear cycle. We learned some massage and breathing techniques (some of which I had to ignore because they directly contradict Hypnobabies). Basically, most of what we learned corresponded with what Dave and I have been studying and practicing in our Hypnobabies course. This is part of the reason he feels so much better about it now. Also, I learned that there is a nurse at Brookwood who just recently got certified in hypno-birthing! It just makes me so excited to learn that Brookwood is so open to natural birth, breastfeeding, and attachment parenting. They strongly encourage breastfeeding, and have a great Lactation center if you need help while you are there or after you go home. They encourage rooming-in with the baby and responding to her cues for hunger, sleep, etc. rather than rigid scheduling. Over all, I felt really good about the class and the hospital in general.
We took a tour of the L&D rooms and the postpartum rooms. This was nice, because now when I visualize my ideal birth I can actually see what the hospital looks like. There was some baby care instruction – things like diaper changing, swaddling, bathing, etc. Dave learned how to change a diaper and swaddle a baby. He was amazed that I already knew how to swaddle, but I informed him that I used to swaddle my dolls in the exact same way. Someone must have taught me to do that at some point.
We had our first baby shower on Sunday. The generosity was amazing. We can barely walk into the baby’s room right now because there are packages completely covering the floor. I will be sorting through them this week in an attempt to figure out where to put everything. I really wanted to look at everything again last night, but the nap won. I was SO tired.
I think the animals are realizing that things are about to change in our house. They keep going into the baby’s room and sniffing all the bags and boxes – over and over again. I keep seeing Georgia randomly coming out of there; I know she’s in there thinking, “What can this mean?” Of course, there was a present for her in one of those packages, so she might just be looking for another. She LOVES the bone that she received at the baby shower. She stayed busy with that all afternoon and evening yesterday. Last night, I heard a rustling in there, and I turned on the light to find Jewel deep in the middle of a sea of bags. Somehow she waded through them, sniffing each one, as is her nature. She is the nosiest of all my beasts – not afraid to sniff and stick her little paws in the purse of a guest, should the opportunity arise.
It was a busy weekend. This week will be busy too since one of my brothers is graduating from high school, and we have another shower Saturday evening. Then there is supposed to be a pool party for Memorial Day, and I am REALLY looking forward to that. I can’t think of anything better right now than floating in the pool.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I wish I had x-ray vision.
I would love to be able to look inside my belly and see what the baby is doing in there. I swear sometimes it feels like she's hitting a speed bag (You know, that hanging punching bag that you hit really fast with your fists? I know this from Tae Bo.) I also want to know how she is positioned. I cannot tell what these parts are that I'm feeling. There is lump in the top left side of my belly, and I don't know if it's a head or butt. I'm hoping it's a butt since that would put her in a nearly head-down position. However, she's not kicking me in the ribs, so I'm suspicious it's a head. I'm 32 weeks today and she's supposed to be moving to head-down pretty soon. I want her to get on with it so I don't have to worry about a breech baby.
There isn't much new to report on the pregnancy calendar. She weighs about 4 lbs. and is 11-ish inches long. I am supposed to start thinking about my birthing options. If I had waited until now to start thinking about them, I would be freaking out. Dave and I did our last Hypnobabies "class" last night. I have one more week of listening to a new CD track, then I start my maintenance program until birth. He's beginning to grasp his role in this process, I think. He has some jobs to do to help me be as relaxed as possible during birth. He told me he doesn't think he can be "down there" watching while I'm delivering her. That's fine, but he will be in the room. He started talking about how his brother stood at the door of the room when his wife was having their first child. I told him, "We aren't having any of that. You are in this with me and you are a grown man. Besides, you are the only person I want to be there." I think we are clear on this subject now. Perhaps I'm a radical feminist, but my thought on this subject is this: If you are man enough to look at a woman's most private part during recreational time, then you are man enough to see it during work time, too. This isn't 1950.
My first shower is this weekend. I think I need to practice using my "Bubble of Peace" before then. The Bubble of Peace is part of my Hypnobabies training. I'm supposed to surround myself with it to protect myself from negativity (obviously, I've not been doing this lately). Creating my bubble was the first thing I did in my Hypnobabies practice. Since this is all about visualization and the power of the mind, I'm supposed to build and maintain a positive outlook about pregnancy and birth - that means I have to protect myself from other people's negativity about birth, etc. In case you are wondering, my bubble is pale pink and covered in silvery, elven mail (think Lord of the Rings). There are butterflies inside of it. (Newsflash: I'm a freak.) Negative thoughts and feelings are supposed to bounce off of it. They do, when I remember to use it. This bubble, like most of the Hypnobabies training, will be useful in other areas of my life as well.
I also have a safe place I'm supposed to go to during my relaxation, but I find that most of the time I relax so quickly that I don't make it to the safe place. Dave rags me all the time about being "hypnotized" because he thinks I'm sleeping. Sometimes I am. :) However, most of the time I am in a state of "hypnotic amnesia"; I know this because I come out of it when the voice on the CD counts me up. It's so cool. My safe place is the backyard of our house in Gardendale. I don't know why, but like the pink Bubble, that's the image that popped into my mind when I was creating it. When I visualize my anesthesia moving through my body, it is a bright white light. Anesthetizing myself is the coolest thing about this program so far. I have a lot more work to do, but I'm really excited about my progress.
I have my 32 week appointment tomorrow. I have to ask the doctor if creating a birth plan is crap or if it's worth the time to do it. I have one in my head, but if it won't be taken seriously, I'm not putting it on paper. I know what I want and don't want, and I will make sure I get it (or don't). Hypnobabies is empowering. :)
There isn't much new to report on the pregnancy calendar. She weighs about 4 lbs. and is 11-ish inches long. I am supposed to start thinking about my birthing options. If I had waited until now to start thinking about them, I would be freaking out. Dave and I did our last Hypnobabies "class" last night. I have one more week of listening to a new CD track, then I start my maintenance program until birth. He's beginning to grasp his role in this process, I think. He has some jobs to do to help me be as relaxed as possible during birth. He told me he doesn't think he can be "down there" watching while I'm delivering her. That's fine, but he will be in the room. He started talking about how his brother stood at the door of the room when his wife was having their first child. I told him, "We aren't having any of that. You are in this with me and you are a grown man. Besides, you are the only person I want to be there." I think we are clear on this subject now. Perhaps I'm a radical feminist, but my thought on this subject is this: If you are man enough to look at a woman's most private part during recreational time, then you are man enough to see it during work time, too. This isn't 1950.
My first shower is this weekend. I think I need to practice using my "Bubble of Peace" before then. The Bubble of Peace is part of my Hypnobabies training. I'm supposed to surround myself with it to protect myself from negativity (obviously, I've not been doing this lately). Creating my bubble was the first thing I did in my Hypnobabies practice. Since this is all about visualization and the power of the mind, I'm supposed to build and maintain a positive outlook about pregnancy and birth - that means I have to protect myself from other people's negativity about birth, etc. In case you are wondering, my bubble is pale pink and covered in silvery, elven mail (think Lord of the Rings). There are butterflies inside of it. (Newsflash: I'm a freak.) Negative thoughts and feelings are supposed to bounce off of it. They do, when I remember to use it. This bubble, like most of the Hypnobabies training, will be useful in other areas of my life as well.
I also have a safe place I'm supposed to go to during my relaxation, but I find that most of the time I relax so quickly that I don't make it to the safe place. Dave rags me all the time about being "hypnotized" because he thinks I'm sleeping. Sometimes I am. :) However, most of the time I am in a state of "hypnotic amnesia"; I know this because I come out of it when the voice on the CD counts me up. It's so cool. My safe place is the backyard of our house in Gardendale. I don't know why, but like the pink Bubble, that's the image that popped into my mind when I was creating it. When I visualize my anesthesia moving through my body, it is a bright white light. Anesthetizing myself is the coolest thing about this program so far. I have a lot more work to do, but I'm really excited about my progress.
I have my 32 week appointment tomorrow. I have to ask the doctor if creating a birth plan is crap or if it's worth the time to do it. I have one in my head, but if it won't be taken seriously, I'm not putting it on paper. I know what I want and don't want, and I will make sure I get it (or don't). Hypnobabies is empowering. :)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Just Venting
Disclaimer: I'm in a funk, so stop reading now if you don't want to hear my whining.
I'm tired. I'm hot. My hormones are crazy. My body hurts. I can't bend in the middle anymore. People are stupid. To top it all off, my number one, go-to, feel-better food is off limits right now - and I don't dare have a tiny bite for fear that the Food Police will be buzzing around me in 30 seconds flat. For the record - sugar free chocolate pudding, while it has been a life saver, is NOT real chocolate.
Right this minute, I feel like staying at my house for the rest of this pregnancy. At least there I can wear zero clothes, lie on the couch, and avoid anyone who will say something stupid.
Let me be clear about something. I want this baby to be born before the doctor induces labor, BUT I want her to be READY to be born. That means fully-cooked and able to come home with me when I leave the hospital. I know that I don't get to control everything, and sometimes babies have to stay in the NICU (believe me, I know this), but I don't need anyone to tell me "I don't think you are going to make it until June" because my belly is so big. Umm, thanks, and do you realize that she won't be full-term until June 18th? And that's pushing it since 40 weeks isn't until July 10th. I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S TINY BEHIND HOW BIG MY BELLY IS; THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THIS BABY IS READY TO COME OUT YET. And furthermore, I don't need any commentary on when she will be born or how big she will be. Note to the shower planners who might read this - if you are planning any stupid games about predicting her birth date or size, they would be best cancelled now. I've heard enough already. She'll be here when she gets here; and, while I'm tired and achy, I'm not in any hurry to get her out before it's time. In truth, I already know that I will miss feeling her move inside me.
Yesterday, we had Muffins with Mommy before Sunday School. I was really good and I ate a lowfat blueberry muffin - just one. Then, someone came in with those miniature chocolate donuts. I knew that I would eat one when I saw them. It couldn't be helped. I got one. It wasn't 30 seconds before two people commented. One of them told me, "You don't need to be eating that. It will make you fat." First of all, fat is the least of my worries about eating a donut right now. Second, I KNOW I don't need to be eating it. I worry every day about everything I eat, and when I eat something that I shouldn't - I feel completely guilty for the rest of the day. I did splurge yesterday (again) and have a piece of regular cake after lunch, but I was very good at dinner and ate the cheesefake I made (sugar-free cheescake that was surprisingly good). This morning, my sugar was well within the fasting range before breakfast and one hour later. I must not have done too much damage. Oh, by the way, shrimp IS on the approved foods list for pregnancy. I double-checked.
There is a comeback that I've been saving because I haven't felt mean enough to say it to anyone yet, but I think I'm just about ready to throw it out there the next time someone comments on my size or that what I'm eating will make me fat: "I'm going to lose 20 pounds in one day. What's your plan?"
Oh, and here is an amazing tidbit that some people don't know. When I'm in the room with you, I can probably hear what you are saying about me. Surprising, isn't it?
I'm tired. I'm hot. My hormones are crazy. My body hurts. I can't bend in the middle anymore. People are stupid. To top it all off, my number one, go-to, feel-better food is off limits right now - and I don't dare have a tiny bite for fear that the Food Police will be buzzing around me in 30 seconds flat. For the record - sugar free chocolate pudding, while it has been a life saver, is NOT real chocolate.
Right this minute, I feel like staying at my house for the rest of this pregnancy. At least there I can wear zero clothes, lie on the couch, and avoid anyone who will say something stupid.
Let me be clear about something. I want this baby to be born before the doctor induces labor, BUT I want her to be READY to be born. That means fully-cooked and able to come home with me when I leave the hospital. I know that I don't get to control everything, and sometimes babies have to stay in the NICU (believe me, I know this), but I don't need anyone to tell me "I don't think you are going to make it until June" because my belly is so big. Umm, thanks, and do you realize that she won't be full-term until June 18th? And that's pushing it since 40 weeks isn't until July 10th. I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S TINY BEHIND HOW BIG MY BELLY IS; THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THIS BABY IS READY TO COME OUT YET. And furthermore, I don't need any commentary on when she will be born or how big she will be. Note to the shower planners who might read this - if you are planning any stupid games about predicting her birth date or size, they would be best cancelled now. I've heard enough already. She'll be here when she gets here; and, while I'm tired and achy, I'm not in any hurry to get her out before it's time. In truth, I already know that I will miss feeling her move inside me.
Yesterday, we had Muffins with Mommy before Sunday School. I was really good and I ate a lowfat blueberry muffin - just one. Then, someone came in with those miniature chocolate donuts. I knew that I would eat one when I saw them. It couldn't be helped. I got one. It wasn't 30 seconds before two people commented. One of them told me, "You don't need to be eating that. It will make you fat." First of all, fat is the least of my worries about eating a donut right now. Second, I KNOW I don't need to be eating it. I worry every day about everything I eat, and when I eat something that I shouldn't - I feel completely guilty for the rest of the day. I did splurge yesterday (again) and have a piece of regular cake after lunch, but I was very good at dinner and ate the cheesefake I made (sugar-free cheescake that was surprisingly good). This morning, my sugar was well within the fasting range before breakfast and one hour later. I must not have done too much damage. Oh, by the way, shrimp IS on the approved foods list for pregnancy. I double-checked.
There is a comeback that I've been saving because I haven't felt mean enough to say it to anyone yet, but I think I'm just about ready to throw it out there the next time someone comments on my size or that what I'm eating will make me fat: "I'm going to lose 20 pounds in one day. What's your plan?"
Oh, and here is an amazing tidbit that some people don't know. When I'm in the room with you, I can probably hear what you are saying about me. Surprising, isn't it?
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Stretch Marks
I knew that I would have stretch marks from this pregancy because I already had some from going through puberty. The other night, I was displaying my belly to my parents and discussing that my belly button seems to be poking out as far as it can go and you can't see it through my clothes. My dad noticed that I only had stretch marks on my hips. I stupidly said that I hoped I wouldn't get any more (as I also have them a couple of other places), though I knew it was doubtful. Would you believe that the VERY NEXT DAY I found some more on the under belly? Oh well. Dave suggested a deep tan to disguise them next summer "since I don't have to worry about frying my ovaries now." I did mention that frying my ovaries isn't my only concern about going to a tanning bed, not that I'm okay with frying them any more now than I was before I was pregnant. I guess he's thinking they are disposable now that we have a baby on the way. Men.
My pregnancy calendar says this about me (from www.babyzone.com):
"As your baby's weight increases (she weighs over three pounds this week!) the strain on your body will be noticeable. Your lower back and hips ache, especially at the end of the day. A growing baby also means less room for your internal organs. You'll be taking more breaths to fill your scrunched lungs."
I concur with all of that. I think the scrunched lungs are what makes the walking more difficult these days. I remember from swimming class in college that when my muscles had a burning feeling while I was swimming, it was because I was holding my breath and my body was burning lactic acid. Now, even though I have very focused breathing while I'm walking, I get the burning feeling in my legs. Hmmm. As stupid as it sounds, walking and breathing takes quite a bit of focus these days. Good thing I'm not chewing gum, too. :) Seriously, though, when I have the dog on the leash, it makes the walk so much harder because she walks faster than I want to walk (which causes a wind cramp that is so much harder to get rid of with this belly!) and she distracts me. I'm also pretty sure I've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions during the walks. My lower belly gets really tight and uncomfortable, then releases - rinse and repeat until I get home and rest for a minute. Oh well, that isn't going to stop me from walking. Those are practice contractions, and if walking makes them happen, maybe it will also help the real ones happen when it's time so I don't have to worry about induction.
About the baby this week (also from www.babyzone.com):
"Your unborn baby's lungs continue to mature. . . . Her skin, which has been wrinkled, now becomes pink and smooth as fat cells fill out her body. . . Baby knows your voice. . . Your baby's fingernails have grown and she may even need a manicure after she's born. . . Your unborn baby weighs around three pounds, eight ounces and stretches to around 11.2 inches (crown to rump)."
I think it is finally sinking in for Dave that we will have an actual, real, live baby soon. He asked me if I thought he was ready for this. I said, "Yes, I know you are. I've been praying for God to prepare you for it since long before we decided to have a baby." He said, "If she is anywhere near as sweet as Georgia, I'm going to be fine." He's ready. Note: He compares the baby to the dog because he has no other frame of reference.
Yesterday morning, I went to hug him when I got up, like I always do. He immediately put his hands on my belly and asked if there were any baby parts sticking out. There were, and he found them right away. Then he complained because he hadn't felt the baby move in while. Apparently, he tried to feel her in the middle of the night and she was sleeping. I told him that she must party in the wee hours of the morning because she sleeps until I get to work and get settled in for the day. Then, she moves all day long. Oh, and she's even worse now about stopping when you put your hands on my belly. This kid is going to be a sassy one. Luckily, she had hiccups last night for the first time in a long time, so he got to feel that. :)
His latest commentary on my big belly: "There is no doubt you are pregnant. If we weren't married, we would have had to send to you away to the special school for girls about 10 weeks ago." Alrighty then.
My pregnancy calendar says this about me (from www.babyzone.com):
"As your baby's weight increases (she weighs over three pounds this week!) the strain on your body will be noticeable. Your lower back and hips ache, especially at the end of the day. A growing baby also means less room for your internal organs. You'll be taking more breaths to fill your scrunched lungs."
I concur with all of that. I think the scrunched lungs are what makes the walking more difficult these days. I remember from swimming class in college that when my muscles had a burning feeling while I was swimming, it was because I was holding my breath and my body was burning lactic acid. Now, even though I have very focused breathing while I'm walking, I get the burning feeling in my legs. Hmmm. As stupid as it sounds, walking and breathing takes quite a bit of focus these days. Good thing I'm not chewing gum, too. :) Seriously, though, when I have the dog on the leash, it makes the walk so much harder because she walks faster than I want to walk (which causes a wind cramp that is so much harder to get rid of with this belly!) and she distracts me. I'm also pretty sure I've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions during the walks. My lower belly gets really tight and uncomfortable, then releases - rinse and repeat until I get home and rest for a minute. Oh well, that isn't going to stop me from walking. Those are practice contractions, and if walking makes them happen, maybe it will also help the real ones happen when it's time so I don't have to worry about induction.
About the baby this week (also from www.babyzone.com):
"Your unborn baby's lungs continue to mature. . . . Her skin, which has been wrinkled, now becomes pink and smooth as fat cells fill out her body. . . Baby knows your voice. . . Your baby's fingernails have grown and she may even need a manicure after she's born. . . Your unborn baby weighs around three pounds, eight ounces and stretches to around 11.2 inches (crown to rump)."
I think it is finally sinking in for Dave that we will have an actual, real, live baby soon. He asked me if I thought he was ready for this. I said, "Yes, I know you are. I've been praying for God to prepare you for it since long before we decided to have a baby." He said, "If she is anywhere near as sweet as Georgia, I'm going to be fine." He's ready. Note: He compares the baby to the dog because he has no other frame of reference.
Yesterday morning, I went to hug him when I got up, like I always do. He immediately put his hands on my belly and asked if there were any baby parts sticking out. There were, and he found them right away. Then he complained because he hadn't felt the baby move in while. Apparently, he tried to feel her in the middle of the night and she was sleeping. I told him that she must party in the wee hours of the morning because she sleeps until I get to work and get settled in for the day. Then, she moves all day long. Oh, and she's even worse now about stopping when you put your hands on my belly. This kid is going to be a sassy one. Luckily, she had hiccups last night for the first time in a long time, so he got to feel that. :)
His latest commentary on my big belly: "There is no doubt you are pregnant. If we weren't married, we would have had to send to you away to the special school for girls about 10 weeks ago." Alrighty then.
Friday, May 02, 2008
I'm Doing Great!
At least that's what the doctor says. I gained 1.5 lbs this time (the smallest amount so far), my sugar levels were acceptable, I measured 30 cm (perfect for 30 weeks), and her heartbeat was strong and good. Yay!!
I feel so much better after talking to him about all of this. He told me that he is not treating me as high risk, and that as long as my sugar stays under control she will most likely be a normal-sized, healthy baby. He did say that he probably won't let me go past 39 weeks, but that will depend on my progress at the time. In the last month, they will really start monitoring the baby to make sure she isn't getting too big, but right now she's right on track. There is a less than 5% chance of me having to use insulin, so that was VERY encouraging. Most of the time when complications occur and the baby gets way too big, it's because the diabetes is undiagnosed or untreated. I feel very encouraged. I am to continue monitoring my sugar a couple of times a week and stay on the diet. Everyone, please pray for spontaneous labor, natural delivery, and a normal-sized baby in the mid-to-late June timeframe. :)
Because I feel so much better after talking to my doctor, people seem to be less stupid right now. (Isn't it amazing how our outlook affects how we perceive the world around us?) However, I did remember a story that I need to share. Last weekend I encountered one of those people who knows a whole lot about combining pets and babies. Upon discovering that I have cats - because she asked just so she could give me this helpful tip - this person told me, "You better go ahead and get rid of them now." Thinking I needed to hear this one because people know everything, I asked, "Why?" Her response: "I heard they smell the milk on the baby's breath." Umm. So?
I'll not be getting rid of any of my animals unless I see that there is a danger to the baby. I don't foresee there being any issues. Georgia will LOVE her as if she's her own (she may pout first, but she'll come around), Jewel will probably be all about her, and I'm just not sure about Gypsy. She's a big question mark, but I really see her hiding from the noise before she does anything else. She completely disappears when there are visitors at the house. As far as germs are concerned, they are all on flea and tick repellent and up-to-date on their vaccines. Studies have shown that raising babies with animals in the house decreases the chance of allergies because they build immunities to them from birth. They won't be left unattended with her, but I will not be keeping them separate either - as if I even could.
Sidenote - to my disappointment, Timothia was kicking the crap out of Gypsy the other night while she was lying on my belly, and Gypsy never moved. I so wanted to see her be startled by it. They all know she's in there. I have no doubt about that.
I'm so proud of myself because I've been walking regularly, 3 or 4 times a week. It just makes me feel better, sleep better, and keeps the swelling down. I'm keeping it up, but that doesn't mean I'm fast about it. Dave was prodding me along last night at the end of mile number 2 because I had fallen so far behind. He says to me: "I've got eighty pounds on you!" as he's trotting backward ahead of me with the dog. I said, "Oh? Are you carrying it all in the front? Is it bearing down on your bladder so that you waddle after taking three steps? Is it spreading your hips apart, straining your lower back, and making you think you cracked your tailbone?" I could go on. We have some variation of this conversation at least once a week, but without him I don't know if I'd keep up the walking. He makes it easier. :)
I feel so much better after talking to him about all of this. He told me that he is not treating me as high risk, and that as long as my sugar stays under control she will most likely be a normal-sized, healthy baby. He did say that he probably won't let me go past 39 weeks, but that will depend on my progress at the time. In the last month, they will really start monitoring the baby to make sure she isn't getting too big, but right now she's right on track. There is a less than 5% chance of me having to use insulin, so that was VERY encouraging. Most of the time when complications occur and the baby gets way too big, it's because the diabetes is undiagnosed or untreated. I feel very encouraged. I am to continue monitoring my sugar a couple of times a week and stay on the diet. Everyone, please pray for spontaneous labor, natural delivery, and a normal-sized baby in the mid-to-late June timeframe. :)
Because I feel so much better after talking to my doctor, people seem to be less stupid right now. (Isn't it amazing how our outlook affects how we perceive the world around us?) However, I did remember a story that I need to share. Last weekend I encountered one of those people who knows a whole lot about combining pets and babies. Upon discovering that I have cats - because she asked just so she could give me this helpful tip - this person told me, "You better go ahead and get rid of them now." Thinking I needed to hear this one because people know everything, I asked, "Why?" Her response: "I heard they smell the milk on the baby's breath." Umm. So?
I'll not be getting rid of any of my animals unless I see that there is a danger to the baby. I don't foresee there being any issues. Georgia will LOVE her as if she's her own (she may pout first, but she'll come around), Jewel will probably be all about her, and I'm just not sure about Gypsy. She's a big question mark, but I really see her hiding from the noise before she does anything else. She completely disappears when there are visitors at the house. As far as germs are concerned, they are all on flea and tick repellent and up-to-date on their vaccines. Studies have shown that raising babies with animals in the house decreases the chance of allergies because they build immunities to them from birth. They won't be left unattended with her, but I will not be keeping them separate either - as if I even could.
Sidenote - to my disappointment, Timothia was kicking the crap out of Gypsy the other night while she was lying on my belly, and Gypsy never moved. I so wanted to see her be startled by it. They all know she's in there. I have no doubt about that.
I'm so proud of myself because I've been walking regularly, 3 or 4 times a week. It just makes me feel better, sleep better, and keeps the swelling down. I'm keeping it up, but that doesn't mean I'm fast about it. Dave was prodding me along last night at the end of mile number 2 because I had fallen so far behind. He says to me: "I've got eighty pounds on you!" as he's trotting backward ahead of me with the dog. I said, "Oh? Are you carrying it all in the front? Is it bearing down on your bladder so that you waddle after taking three steps? Is it spreading your hips apart, straining your lower back, and making you think you cracked your tailbone?" I could go on. We have some variation of this conversation at least once a week, but without him I don't know if I'd keep up the walking. He makes it easier. :)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Pregnant Friends
These ladies are friends of mine from the credit union. The one in gray is due in mid-June, the one in the middle is due the first week of July (like me!). We are all having girls. I think that Chinese calendar might be onto something. ;) It's been fun being pregnant with them since we get to chat (and vent) to each other about all the things that are happening to us and the stupid things people say. My college roommate is also pregnant right now - she's due in October.
Dave mentioned last night, while reminding me to practice my hypnosis because I slacked for a couple of days, that we have basically 8 weeks left. (Technically, we have 10, but he's so convinced that I won't go past 38 that he doesn't even count that far.) 8 weeks!! Holy crap. On one hand, that's a long time to manage my sugar and worry about the baby. On the other - HOLY CRAP!
I find that I have some mixed feelings about her impending arrival. Not that I don't want her, or anything like that. I'm so excited about meeting her and starting this new part of my life. However, the closer it gets, the more I realize that it will no longer be just me and Dave. That makes me a little sad. He's going to be a great father, and I can't wait to see him with her, but it will never be the same again. I find myself needing to spend as much time with him as possible in these last few weeks. The weekends and the evenings aren't long enough! I think I've fallen in love with him all over again through this whole process. I have the same crispy, end of summer feeling that I had the first time I fell in love with him - when the days were long and the only thing that mattered in the world was the two of us. It's one of those things you think you will never feel again. What a blessing God has given me! I can't wait to fall in love with him again and again as our family grows and our lives change together.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
29 Weeks
There isn't much to report on baby progress this week. She's growing. That's about it. :) She should weigh about 2 lbs 10 oz right now, according to the calendar. I believe this to be true, even with the diabetes and the constant comments about how huge my baby must be already because my belly is. From what I've read, it's from this point forward that she would gain extra weight if I don't keep my sugar under control. I also read a very interesting tid bit about predicting the baby's birth weight. Apparently, the most reliable method, over ultrasound, fundal height measurement, and palpitations, is.... the mother's intuition! *GASP* Imagine that the mother might have a clue with what's going on in her body! (Notice the sarcasm? I'm about tired of being told how huge my baby will be.) Have mercy, I sound grouchy. I think she'll be in the seven pound range, and I've believed that for quite some time now.
I've learned some interesting things about gestational diabetes in the last week besides that it's in the last weeks that the baby packs on extra fat if the mother's sugar isn't controlled. Apparently, when the mother's sugar isn't controlled, energy that is supposed to be used on developing the lungs is being used to store that extra sugar as fat - thus, when babies of diabetic mothers are born early (as is prone to happen) they have an increased chance of underdeveloped lungs. Also, the fasting sugar level (the first one you check before eating in the morning) can get wacked out overnight as if you feasted at a dessert buffet. This is because while you are sleeping, the placenta is releasing hormones that prohibit the use of insulin. Basically, you have done nothing to cause it to skyrocket but still it goes higher than it is supposed to be - as is the nature of gestational diabetes. Little things like using perfumed hand sanitizer or lotions can affect your sugar levels if you do not wash your hands first or use an alcohol prep pad. And the biggest of all, which I already knew but had confirmed this morning, even if you eat like the diet says, some approved foods will still make your sugar level too high. :( I got my glucose test strips in the mail yesterday, so I've now embarked on the adventure of figuring out what I can and can't eat (within the diet) to keep my sugar where it's supposed to be. I'll say this, I know when it's back to the fasting level because that's when I'm suddenly, painfully, nauseously starving.
More on the big belly - which, I happen to love and think is beautiful regardless of the ignorant comments I've received. I attended a baby shower for my friend who is about a month ahead of me over the weekend. There were 4 obviously pregnant women there, including one who was being induced this week (yesterday). One of the ladies walked up to me and said, "You look like you are the most due here. When are you due?" I laughed. And said, "July."
I've learned some interesting things about gestational diabetes in the last week besides that it's in the last weeks that the baby packs on extra fat if the mother's sugar isn't controlled. Apparently, when the mother's sugar isn't controlled, energy that is supposed to be used on developing the lungs is being used to store that extra sugar as fat - thus, when babies of diabetic mothers are born early (as is prone to happen) they have an increased chance of underdeveloped lungs. Also, the fasting sugar level (the first one you check before eating in the morning) can get wacked out overnight as if you feasted at a dessert buffet. This is because while you are sleeping, the placenta is releasing hormones that prohibit the use of insulin. Basically, you have done nothing to cause it to skyrocket but still it goes higher than it is supposed to be - as is the nature of gestational diabetes. Little things like using perfumed hand sanitizer or lotions can affect your sugar levels if you do not wash your hands first or use an alcohol prep pad. And the biggest of all, which I already knew but had confirmed this morning, even if you eat like the diet says, some approved foods will still make your sugar level too high. :( I got my glucose test strips in the mail yesterday, so I've now embarked on the adventure of figuring out what I can and can't eat (within the diet) to keep my sugar where it's supposed to be. I'll say this, I know when it's back to the fasting level because that's when I'm suddenly, painfully, nauseously starving.
More on the big belly - which, I happen to love and think is beautiful regardless of the ignorant comments I've received. I attended a baby shower for my friend who is about a month ahead of me over the weekend. There were 4 obviously pregnant women there, including one who was being induced this week (yesterday). One of the ladies walked up to me and said, "You look like you are the most due here. When are you due?" I laughed. And said, "July."
Thursday, April 17, 2008
More written therapy...
Last week was my regular doctor's appointment and it included the 1 hour glucose tolerance test. I failed it. I went back yesterday for the three hour test. I failed it, too. :(
I am now officially classified as "high risk" because of gestational diabetes. Obviously, this was not part of my plan. Let me clarify that the best explanation for gestational diabetes is that the hormones from the placenta make the insulin I produce less effective so that it can no longer handle my regular sugar intake effectively. I have NOT been sitting around gobbling up five pound bags of sugar, or otherwise eating any more sugar than I ever have in my life. That's not what causes this. Prior to pregancy, my blood sugar was always very normal.
I have a diet to follow and will be monitoring my sugar at home. I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks, and will continue to go every 2 weeks until I reach 36 weeks (then I'll go every week). As long as I keep my sugar levels where they are supposed to be with my diet and exercise, I don't have to have insulin shots. (Please everyone, pray that I don't have to have insulin shots. I don't know if I can give myself a shot, plus I don't want to deal with all the headache that comes with managing insulin and sugar levels.)
Diet and exercise are fine. I can do those things (Oh, how I will miss Coke and chocolate ice cream!), my worries about this are the implications it has on my health, the baby's, and my birth plans. For me it means that my chances of having gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies is 2 out of 3. Even though I will most likely be back to normal after birth, it increases my risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life (I didn't really need any more help there, but God made me this way and it's my responsibility to take care of this temple.)
For the baby it means a risk of her growing too large, which then increases the chances that I may need to be induced early or end up with a c-section. It also increases the chances that she'll be born early spontaneously, though, if I control my sugar it shouldn't be so early that there are adverse effects on her. There is a chance that she could have high or low blood sugar at birth and need some special attention for that, and that she could be more at risk for diabetes later in life (She doesn't need any help with that either!). There are also some scarier risks, but they are usually in extreme cases when sugar isn't controlled or the mother had diabetes prior to the pregnancy.
For the birth, it blows the lid right off of my best laid plans. Things could go just fine with me going into labor spontaneously and delivering her without a hitch (that's the plan), but the high risk classification just opens the door for interventions. It's fairly common for doctors to induce at 38 weeks to prevent the baby from growing too large. Inducing early increases the risk of a c-section because the body isn't ready to give birth yet and induction fails. Carrying the baby to term with diabetes increases the chances of shoulder dystocia (when the head is delivered and the shoulders get stuck in the birth canal) because of a large sized baby (babies are considered large if they are over 8.8 lbs). Given all this information, it's difficult to say with any accuracy how big the baby will be until it gets here. Even ultrasounds late in pregnancy can be off by a pound or more, and just because I've been diagnosed with a diabetes does not mean I will have a huge baby. I have lots to think about, and lots to discuss with the doctor.
On to happier things. I am 28 weeks 1 day. She is about 10 inches long and 2 lbs 7 ounces, according to the pregnancy calendar. Last week, the doctor measured me for the first time and I measured right on time at 27 cms. While I may LOOK huge, I'm actually right where I'm supposed to be. So there!
By the way, I LOVE my doctor. I asked him a ton of questions last week and his answers were right in line with what I wanted to hear. He made me feel better about some things, and I trust him even more now to do what's best for me and the baby. The best part - I talked to him about hypnosis and he seemed intrigued. He has some training in hypnosis for childbirth, but he's never had the opportunity to use it. I will be his first patient to use that method. He wanted to know what program I am using and the websites where he can read more about it. He's very supportive!
On that note, I have solid confirmation that the techniques I've been practicing work. The other night I was lying in bed and my knees were throbbing in pain. I don't know why, but I had taken some Tylenol and it wasn't doing anything for me (drugs don't work as well when you are pregnant). I decided I would try hypnosis to see if I could make them stop hurting. It worked! It worked so well and so fast! It's very affirming to know that my mind is so powerful.
I am now officially classified as "high risk" because of gestational diabetes. Obviously, this was not part of my plan. Let me clarify that the best explanation for gestational diabetes is that the hormones from the placenta make the insulin I produce less effective so that it can no longer handle my regular sugar intake effectively. I have NOT been sitting around gobbling up five pound bags of sugar, or otherwise eating any more sugar than I ever have in my life. That's not what causes this. Prior to pregancy, my blood sugar was always very normal.
I have a diet to follow and will be monitoring my sugar at home. I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks, and will continue to go every 2 weeks until I reach 36 weeks (then I'll go every week). As long as I keep my sugar levels where they are supposed to be with my diet and exercise, I don't have to have insulin shots. (Please everyone, pray that I don't have to have insulin shots. I don't know if I can give myself a shot, plus I don't want to deal with all the headache that comes with managing insulin and sugar levels.)
Diet and exercise are fine. I can do those things (Oh, how I will miss Coke and chocolate ice cream!), my worries about this are the implications it has on my health, the baby's, and my birth plans. For me it means that my chances of having gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies is 2 out of 3. Even though I will most likely be back to normal after birth, it increases my risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life (I didn't really need any more help there, but God made me this way and it's my responsibility to take care of this temple.)
For the baby it means a risk of her growing too large, which then increases the chances that I may need to be induced early or end up with a c-section. It also increases the chances that she'll be born early spontaneously, though, if I control my sugar it shouldn't be so early that there are adverse effects on her. There is a chance that she could have high or low blood sugar at birth and need some special attention for that, and that she could be more at risk for diabetes later in life (She doesn't need any help with that either!). There are also some scarier risks, but they are usually in extreme cases when sugar isn't controlled or the mother had diabetes prior to the pregnancy.
For the birth, it blows the lid right off of my best laid plans. Things could go just fine with me going into labor spontaneously and delivering her without a hitch (that's the plan), but the high risk classification just opens the door for interventions. It's fairly common for doctors to induce at 38 weeks to prevent the baby from growing too large. Inducing early increases the risk of a c-section because the body isn't ready to give birth yet and induction fails. Carrying the baby to term with diabetes increases the chances of shoulder dystocia (when the head is delivered and the shoulders get stuck in the birth canal) because of a large sized baby (babies are considered large if they are over 8.8 lbs). Given all this information, it's difficult to say with any accuracy how big the baby will be until it gets here. Even ultrasounds late in pregnancy can be off by a pound or more, and just because I've been diagnosed with a diabetes does not mean I will have a huge baby. I have lots to think about, and lots to discuss with the doctor.
On to happier things. I am 28 weeks 1 day. She is about 10 inches long and 2 lbs 7 ounces, according to the pregnancy calendar. Last week, the doctor measured me for the first time and I measured right on time at 27 cms. While I may LOOK huge, I'm actually right where I'm supposed to be. So there!
By the way, I LOVE my doctor. I asked him a ton of questions last week and his answers were right in line with what I wanted to hear. He made me feel better about some things, and I trust him even more now to do what's best for me and the baby. The best part - I talked to him about hypnosis and he seemed intrigued. He has some training in hypnosis for childbirth, but he's never had the opportunity to use it. I will be his first patient to use that method. He wanted to know what program I am using and the websites where he can read more about it. He's very supportive!
On that note, I have solid confirmation that the techniques I've been practicing work. The other night I was lying in bed and my knees were throbbing in pain. I don't know why, but I had taken some Tylenol and it wasn't doing anything for me (drugs don't work as well when you are pregnant). I decided I would try hypnosis to see if I could make them stop hurting. It worked! It worked so well and so fast! It's very affirming to know that my mind is so powerful.
Monday, April 07, 2008
I hate my clothes!
Not really, because I just got new, fun spring/summer clothes that actually fit. However, I am having one of those days when, if it was socially acceptable to walk around naked, I would strip right now without thinking twice about it. I cannot wait to go home and change. I'm contemplating cooking dinner naked, but I'm planning to grill on the front porch and my across the street neighbor might be offended and the one next door would probably enjoy it too much. I bought new bras over the weekend, and while this one is a thousand times more comfortable than the others, it's still driving me bananas. I cannot stand the feeling of it on my ribcage - which keeps getting wider and wider! I've been trying to plot a way to go without a bra for the next three months, but sadly, I don't think that's going to be possible given the professional environment in which I work. This is going to get even better when she is actually long enough to kick me in the ribs.
I'm finished whining now.
I'm finished whining now.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
99 Days!
I can't believe it, but I only have 99 days left! That's based on a due date of July 10th, so who really knows? The doctor just keeps saying "the first week of July." All I know is that she'll come when she's ready, and not when "they" say she should be here. I'm hoping it's right on time, but we shall see. It's still hard to believe that I'm in double-digits now. I can't wait. I get more excited to meet her every day.
According to my pregnancy calendar, we are 26 weeks today and the baby weighs about 2 lbs. and is about 9 inches long. Also, she can open her eyes now so she's practicing her blinking skills.
I have changed my diet to make sure that I'm getting enough protein, and I swear the swelling in my feet has been better! I read that eating a high protein diet (75-80 grams a day) reduces the risk of preeclampsia. Since I am planning a natural birth, I need to stay as low-risk as possible. Now I'm just trying not to worry about the number of calories I'm eating, though I find I'm not eating as much or as often. The protein makes me feel full longer, and I'm sure lean meat, eggs, and cheese are better for me than chocolate chip granola bars and Pop Tarts. I feel pretty good about my diet, but my most recent downfalls are real Coke (only 8 0z a day) and chocolate. Two caffeine containing junk foods that I should probably avoid, but chocolate makes the world a better place and 8 oz of Coke a day aren't going to kill us.
If you weren't already aware of my decision, you may have just done a double-take about my natural birth plan. It's something I've kept fairly quiet because people's reactions are generally less than desirable - that's putting it very nicely. It's something I'm really excited about so I finally decided I would write about it here. If you have something negative or derogatory to say about the decision, please keep it to yourself. I don't need to hear it, and I assure you I've done plenty of research and I'm not blindly naive about birth.
Birth is a completely individual and personal experience for everyone. I believe with everything in my being that natural is the best method for me and my baby. I've researched the pros and cons of using medications and all the various interventions that could be involved, and I just don't want any of that if it can be avoided. And, I believe it can be avoided. I have a number of reasons for my decision that I won't go into here, but primarily I believe that God gave me these hips for birthing babies. :) My body is designed to give birth, and it knows how to give birth if I just let it. I've never been anxious or scared about birth, and the more I prepare for mine, the more excited I get.
I'm planning to use hypnosis as my birth method. Before you roll your eyes and laugh, let me correct the idea that hypnosis is what you see on TV when people are made to do crazy things. It's not nearly as wacky as it sounds, and it makes good sense to me. Basically, it's a state of deep relaxation that allows your body to function as it was designed. The proven theory behind this is that pain leads to fear and that leads to tension, which becomes a vicious cycle that makes you feel more pain. When your body is tense, it fights against itself and can't function as efficiently as it would if you were not tense. Anyway, I have a study guide and CD's to teach me how to relax and put myself in a state of deep hypnosis. I will also learn to administer my own natural anesthesia. It's all about the power of the mind controlling the body. A little education - when in hypnosis, I will be aware of my surroundings, and I will me able to move and talk as I see fit. I will still be in complete control of my body, and I cannot enter hypnosis unless I choose to do so. I have been practicing for a couple of weeks now and I love it! It's so relaxing, and so affirming. I have complete confidence that I can do this.
If you want to know more about my reasons for choosing natural birth and you are open to the idea, feel free to ask me. I'd hate to hog the knowledge if someone is truly interested in what I've learned - not in dissuading me.
The next three months are going to fly by.
According to my pregnancy calendar, we are 26 weeks today and the baby weighs about 2 lbs. and is about 9 inches long. Also, she can open her eyes now so she's practicing her blinking skills.
I have changed my diet to make sure that I'm getting enough protein, and I swear the swelling in my feet has been better! I read that eating a high protein diet (75-80 grams a day) reduces the risk of preeclampsia. Since I am planning a natural birth, I need to stay as low-risk as possible. Now I'm just trying not to worry about the number of calories I'm eating, though I find I'm not eating as much or as often. The protein makes me feel full longer, and I'm sure lean meat, eggs, and cheese are better for me than chocolate chip granola bars and Pop Tarts. I feel pretty good about my diet, but my most recent downfalls are real Coke (only 8 0z a day) and chocolate. Two caffeine containing junk foods that I should probably avoid, but chocolate makes the world a better place and 8 oz of Coke a day aren't going to kill us.
If you weren't already aware of my decision, you may have just done a double-take about my natural birth plan. It's something I've kept fairly quiet because people's reactions are generally less than desirable - that's putting it very nicely. It's something I'm really excited about so I finally decided I would write about it here. If you have something negative or derogatory to say about the decision, please keep it to yourself. I don't need to hear it, and I assure you I've done plenty of research and I'm not blindly naive about birth.
Birth is a completely individual and personal experience for everyone. I believe with everything in my being that natural is the best method for me and my baby. I've researched the pros and cons of using medications and all the various interventions that could be involved, and I just don't want any of that if it can be avoided. And, I believe it can be avoided. I have a number of reasons for my decision that I won't go into here, but primarily I believe that God gave me these hips for birthing babies. :) My body is designed to give birth, and it knows how to give birth if I just let it. I've never been anxious or scared about birth, and the more I prepare for mine, the more excited I get.
I'm planning to use hypnosis as my birth method. Before you roll your eyes and laugh, let me correct the idea that hypnosis is what you see on TV when people are made to do crazy things. It's not nearly as wacky as it sounds, and it makes good sense to me. Basically, it's a state of deep relaxation that allows your body to function as it was designed. The proven theory behind this is that pain leads to fear and that leads to tension, which becomes a vicious cycle that makes you feel more pain. When your body is tense, it fights against itself and can't function as efficiently as it would if you were not tense. Anyway, I have a study guide and CD's to teach me how to relax and put myself in a state of deep hypnosis. I will also learn to administer my own natural anesthesia. It's all about the power of the mind controlling the body. A little education - when in hypnosis, I will be aware of my surroundings, and I will me able to move and talk as I see fit. I will still be in complete control of my body, and I cannot enter hypnosis unless I choose to do so. I have been practicing for a couple of weeks now and I love it! It's so relaxing, and so affirming. I have complete confidence that I can do this.
If you want to know more about my reasons for choosing natural birth and you are open to the idea, feel free to ask me. I'd hate to hog the knowledge if someone is truly interested in what I've learned - not in dissuading me.
The next three months are going to fly by.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
"You're gonna have this baby in June."
That's what Dave said to me as I stood naked in the bathroom after my shower Sunday morning. Apparently, my belly is looking even huger these days. The "Wow, how much longer?" factor has increased greatly as I've had several strangers and many friends and family comment on my rapid belly growth in the last week. June is fine with me, as long as she waits until after the first week, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
I believe she turned head down over the weekend. Sunday night I could feel her moving like crazy, like she flipped over. Then Monday, I was suddenly feeling kicks in the top part of my belly where I had not felt them yet. Head down is a good thing, but I think it's also contributing to my extra bathroom trip in the middle of the night. It seems I'm now on a two trip schedule rather than just the one trip I've been taking for the last several months. Also, I can't seem to sleep in a way that doesn't make my back hurt in the morning. I think it's just the weight of the belly, and it doesn't seem to matter how many pillows I have. I'm up to four right now, but that's because I've had to have two under my head to breathe (I have a cold right now). Dave is envious of my pillow nest. :)
I can tell that the baby is getting stronger and bigger because the kicks and punches are much stronger now. I can also see my belly move most of the time when she kicks or has hiccups. Dave can feel it, but she's a sassy one already. Any time I put my hand on my belly while she's moving, she stops. This means that when he tries to feel it, she usually stops - unless it's bedtime.
I got a little worried over the weekend because I barely felt her move at all Saturday. I decided to sit on the porch and drink sweet tea and eat a granola bar and wait to feel her. I did. She moved a little, but was much more subdued than normal. I've come to the conclusion that the basketball tournament wore her out on Friday. She was moving almost non-stop all Friday morning and most of the afternoon. That's not her normal schedule. :) I don't know if she loved it or hated it, but the noise really got her stirred up. I think she slept most of the day Saturday.
We've also discovered that she likes music. When Dave plays the keyboard or when the music in church is loud enough, she moves all over the place. She went NUTS when the bands were playing at the ball games over the weekend.
We are 25 weeks today. I think my hunger has finally slowed down some, thank goodness. It's hard to practice self-control when you are STARVING all the time. I've decided that the guidelines they give you for pregnancy weight gain are a joke. I'm supposed to gain about 25 pounds because my weight before pregnancy was on the high side of normal. I am just a few pounds short of that goal today, and I have 106 more days to go. I had a meltdown about this after my last doctor's appointment, but then I started thinking about those women who started overweight and are only supposed to gain 15 lbs. I don't know if that's possible. I cannot explain to you the HUNGER. I was so blessed not to be sick the whole time, and I'm so thankful for that, but the trade off for that is hunger like I've never felt before. Are you just supposed to not eat when you are starving? Anyway, I evaluated my eating habits and found that the only thing I was eating on a daily basis that was really bad was Pop-Tarts. 410 calories for 2! And 2 come in a package together! I quit buying them. Luckily, my appetite seems to be almost normal this week, so maybe it will stay that way for a while so the weight gain can slow down. All in all, I feel good about my pregnant body. I think my belly is pretty and I can't tell that I've gained much extra anywhere else.
I still don't need to hear that I'm huge from every person who lays eyes on me. I already know it, thank you.
I believe she turned head down over the weekend. Sunday night I could feel her moving like crazy, like she flipped over. Then Monday, I was suddenly feeling kicks in the top part of my belly where I had not felt them yet. Head down is a good thing, but I think it's also contributing to my extra bathroom trip in the middle of the night. It seems I'm now on a two trip schedule rather than just the one trip I've been taking for the last several months. Also, I can't seem to sleep in a way that doesn't make my back hurt in the morning. I think it's just the weight of the belly, and it doesn't seem to matter how many pillows I have. I'm up to four right now, but that's because I've had to have two under my head to breathe (I have a cold right now). Dave is envious of my pillow nest. :)
I can tell that the baby is getting stronger and bigger because the kicks and punches are much stronger now. I can also see my belly move most of the time when she kicks or has hiccups. Dave can feel it, but she's a sassy one already. Any time I put my hand on my belly while she's moving, she stops. This means that when he tries to feel it, she usually stops - unless it's bedtime.
I got a little worried over the weekend because I barely felt her move at all Saturday. I decided to sit on the porch and drink sweet tea and eat a granola bar and wait to feel her. I did. She moved a little, but was much more subdued than normal. I've come to the conclusion that the basketball tournament wore her out on Friday. She was moving almost non-stop all Friday morning and most of the afternoon. That's not her normal schedule. :) I don't know if she loved it or hated it, but the noise really got her stirred up. I think she slept most of the day Saturday.
We've also discovered that she likes music. When Dave plays the keyboard or when the music in church is loud enough, she moves all over the place. She went NUTS when the bands were playing at the ball games over the weekend.
We are 25 weeks today. I think my hunger has finally slowed down some, thank goodness. It's hard to practice self-control when you are STARVING all the time. I've decided that the guidelines they give you for pregnancy weight gain are a joke. I'm supposed to gain about 25 pounds because my weight before pregnancy was on the high side of normal. I am just a few pounds short of that goal today, and I have 106 more days to go. I had a meltdown about this after my last doctor's appointment, but then I started thinking about those women who started overweight and are only supposed to gain 15 lbs. I don't know if that's possible. I cannot explain to you the HUNGER. I was so blessed not to be sick the whole time, and I'm so thankful for that, but the trade off for that is hunger like I've never felt before. Are you just supposed to not eat when you are starving? Anyway, I evaluated my eating habits and found that the only thing I was eating on a daily basis that was really bad was Pop-Tarts. 410 calories for 2! And 2 come in a package together! I quit buying them. Luckily, my appetite seems to be almost normal this week, so maybe it will stay that way for a while so the weight gain can slow down. All in all, I feel good about my pregnant body. I think my belly is pretty and I can't tell that I've gained much extra anywhere else.
I still don't need to hear that I'm huge from every person who lays eyes on me. I already know it, thank you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Riddle Me This
HOW is my belly going to grow for three more months without my belly button bursting wide open? It's already flattened out to the point that the scars that used to be on the inside are now on the outside. Sometimes it feels and looks a little bruised. In my imagination, I see myself waking up one day to a beautiful and completely natural sun tattoo of stretch marks radiating from around my belly button. I hope that doesn't happen. I've also solved the mystery of how an innie becomes an outie. If I mash on the skin around my expanded belly button, it pops right out.
We, Timothia and I, are 24 weeks along today. According to my pregnancy calendar, she weighs about one and a half pounds and is about eight and a half inches long. She feels bigger than that to me. Also, some of my weight gain is now going directly to her so she can fatten up (Hallelujah!!).
I had a doctor's appointment last week and I finally got to see her face, sort of. She still tried to turn it away, but we got a good profile shot of it. She was sucking on her bottom lip. Her lips and nose look normal and her heartbeat was good. She is the picture of health; however, she is sucking the life blood out of me. Following a couple of scary near fainting episodes (one that happened while I was driving to work), I found out that I am a little anemic right now. Let me tell you that it was a relief to know that is why I've been so tired, faint, and short of breath - all the while thinking it was supposed to be normal and wondering how much worse it would be as I get bigger. I just had a feeling that it wasn't normal and when I pressed the doctor about it, he decided to test me. He also tested my thyroid, but I haven't heard the results on it yet. I have a feeling it will be normal. I started on iron supplements last week, and I can already tell a difference in how I feel.
I also started walking regularly (finally, thanks to Daylight Savings time) and I think that is helping me feel and sleep better. I read that it's also supposed to help the swelling because it increases circulation, and I hope that's true because my right foot (just the right one) has been swelling quite a bit. I am on a mission for a couple more pairs of cute flip-flops because that's all I'll be wearing soon.
I officially cannot see my feet anymore and I am so thankful for the warm weather because I can wear clothes that fit again! My belly has outgrown most of my long-sleeved shirts, but the short-sleeved ones feel great. Oh, I did manage to paint my own toenails over the weekend, but Dave will soon be taking over that job. He offered this time, but I wanted to try it myself.
We have a busy weekend coming up. Two days of NCAA basketball (Yay! We are going to the tournament Friday and Sunday) and the Spring Fling at church. I will be painting faces, and I think Dave is going to help me with that. It should be fun.
We, Timothia and I, are 24 weeks along today. According to my pregnancy calendar, she weighs about one and a half pounds and is about eight and a half inches long. She feels bigger than that to me. Also, some of my weight gain is now going directly to her so she can fatten up (Hallelujah!!).
I had a doctor's appointment last week and I finally got to see her face, sort of. She still tried to turn it away, but we got a good profile shot of it. She was sucking on her bottom lip. Her lips and nose look normal and her heartbeat was good. She is the picture of health; however, she is sucking the life blood out of me. Following a couple of scary near fainting episodes (one that happened while I was driving to work), I found out that I am a little anemic right now. Let me tell you that it was a relief to know that is why I've been so tired, faint, and short of breath - all the while thinking it was supposed to be normal and wondering how much worse it would be as I get bigger. I just had a feeling that it wasn't normal and when I pressed the doctor about it, he decided to test me. He also tested my thyroid, but I haven't heard the results on it yet. I have a feeling it will be normal. I started on iron supplements last week, and I can already tell a difference in how I feel.
I also started walking regularly (finally, thanks to Daylight Savings time) and I think that is helping me feel and sleep better. I read that it's also supposed to help the swelling because it increases circulation, and I hope that's true because my right foot (just the right one) has been swelling quite a bit. I am on a mission for a couple more pairs of cute flip-flops because that's all I'll be wearing soon.
I officially cannot see my feet anymore and I am so thankful for the warm weather because I can wear clothes that fit again! My belly has outgrown most of my long-sleeved shirts, but the short-sleeved ones feel great. Oh, I did manage to paint my own toenails over the weekend, but Dave will soon be taking over that job. He offered this time, but I wanted to try it myself.
We have a busy weekend coming up. Two days of NCAA basketball (Yay! We are going to the tournament Friday and Sunday) and the Spring Fling at church. I will be painting faces, and I think Dave is going to help me with that. It should be fun.
Monday, March 10, 2008
A Guide for Talking to Pregnant Women
Disclaimer: This is a rant stemming from the snarky attitude I previously mentioned. It was triggered again recently. Since writing is a sort of therapy for me, I’ve decided to just write and get it out. I’ll feel better. The disclaimer is this - it might step on your toes, so if you have a problem with that, either put on your big girl panties or stop reading now.
I’ve heard about and have had several experiences that have convinced me that people don’t know how to talk to pregnant women. It’s as if all tact and manners leave them when confronted with the thought of new life growing in a woman’s body. I’ve been thinking there should be some sort of pamphlet given out at the OB’s office that these women can hand out to well-meaning, but clueless family, friends, and strangers when they say and do dumb things. These are the things I would include.
1. First and foremost, pregnancy is a state of wellness. Pregnant women, except in special cases, are not injured, disabled, or seriously ill. Thus, they do not need to be treated as such. Some fawning and special attention is welcome, of course, but it isn’t necessary to follow me around trying to take things out of my arms and asking what you can do for me over and over again (especially when you’ve never acted this way before). Also note that the question, “How are you feeling?” gets really old when it’s followed by, “Really? You feel fine?” If I say I’m fine, take my word for it. I promise you probably don’t want to hear all the things that make me feel occasionally miserable anyway. Remember, pregnancy is normally a healthy state of being.
2. This goes along with number 1 – Pregnant women are still capable of thinking. True, some blood that normally flows to the brain is redirected to the uterus, but that doesn’t mean I need scolding and instruction about every little thing. Believe me, I know my limitations all too well and I would in NO WAY endanger my baby out of sheer stubbornness. If I need help carrying/lifting/bending/squatting/selecting my food or beverage/resting/etc., I will ask for it. I don’t need a lecture about what I should or should not be picking up or carrying. I don’t need to a lecture about the food or drink you observe me consuming. Pregnancy doesn’t make a woman an idiot.
3. Unless you are their doctor, pregnant women do not need to hear your comments on their weight, belly size, or any other sort of expansion (nose/hips/face/butt/thighs, etc). Comments like, “That baby is just growing so fast” are okay, but “Dang, your belly is huge since the last time I saw you” is not. Can you see the difference? I am aware of every ounce that I have gained. I know how many more pounds I can gain before I go over the goal that my doctor set for me. I know how much I’ve gained in each month of pregnancy. I know what the average rate of weight gain is at all stages of pregnancy, and I know how that weight gets distributed. As you can see, I’ve thought a lot about it. Simply because of this fact, you should not say anything to me about my weight or size. This point also goes for the women who haven’t gained much weight at all. Believe me when I tell you, they are just as worried about their small size as I am about my big one. In this day and age when eating disorders are rampant, the very last thing that a pregnant woman needs to hear is your observation or criticism of her weight.
4. Pregnant women don’t need your commentary on the way they walk. A bit of education on this point: a pregnant woman might waddle for a variety of reasons. Number one, the distribution of her weight changes drastically as the pregnancy progresses. This alone changes her gait as she learns how to balance and carry the new weight. Number two, the ligaments in her pelvis become pliable so that her hips can expand in preparation for delivery. Some women might not notice this at all, but some are very well aware of it as it can be quite painful. Regardless, all her joints get a little more loose than normal because of this process (it isn’t just the ligaments in her pelvis that are affected), and this will change the way she walks. Number three, her feet and legs hurt! She’s carrying more weight and she balances differently. Number four, you have no idea what other aches and pains she may be experiencing. Most pregnant women I know try very hard not to waddle, so just don’t comment on the walk. If you aren’t convinced, try strapping a 10+ pound bowling ball around your middle and see if it doesn’t make a difference.
5. A pregnant woman knows when she’s out of breath; she doesn’t need you to tell her. More education so you will understand why she’s out of breath (and thus, not have to ask): In the second trimester, 40% of a woman’s blood flows to the uterus instead of to the heart and lungs as it normally would (normally, only 4% of blood flows to the uterus). Because of this, her blood pressure is low and she is often out of breath (just from normal things like getting out of bed). In the third trimester, she may still have low blood pressure, but the baby may also be pressing against her diaphragm (that’s the muscle under the lungs, not the contraceptive – she hasn’t used those in quite a while) making it hard to breathe. She probably already feels like a moose, so there’s no need to comment that she sounds like one, too.
6. Don’t press a pregnant woman for the baby’s name. If she doesn’t volunteer it the first time you ask, it isn’t your business. She might not know the name yet. She might have just had a fight with her husband about the name. She might have known the name for months but decided that SHE wants to be the first to call the baby by it’s name after it’s born (as opposed to having people ask about the baby by name while it’s still in utero). She might not want to hear your commentary on the name she’s chosen or the name you think she should use. If she doesn’t tell you the name, she has a reason. (A mini-rant that applies only to me and is in no way a generalization about all pregnant women: When I tell you that we have chosen to wait until the baby is born to name her, just shut up about it. I don’t need to hear that I’m crazy or I don’t know how hard it is to pick a name. We didn’t name any of our pets before we saw them, so it’s a little hard to imagine naming our child before we see her. It would be typical for us to pick a name and then change it once we see her. That’s how Dave and I work. If you need to call her something right now, she goes by Timothia.)
7. Pregnant women (really all women) don’t need to hear that they look tired. Of course they are tired. Growing a human being is hard work! I can’t speak for what happens in the third trimester since I’m not there yet, but I can tell you that early in the pregnancy she begins waking multiple times per night to pee. As the belly expands, she has to wake up to TURN OVER in the bed because it is such a production given all the pillows she must use to get comfortable enough to sleep in the first place. Just keep that observation to yourself and do something nice for her without making a big deal about it.
So, what should you say to a pregnant woman? Some good options are:
“You look great!”
“You are just glowing!”
“Your maternity clothes are so cute!”
I feel better now. :)
I’ve heard about and have had several experiences that have convinced me that people don’t know how to talk to pregnant women. It’s as if all tact and manners leave them when confronted with the thought of new life growing in a woman’s body. I’ve been thinking there should be some sort of pamphlet given out at the OB’s office that these women can hand out to well-meaning, but clueless family, friends, and strangers when they say and do dumb things. These are the things I would include.
1. First and foremost, pregnancy is a state of wellness. Pregnant women, except in special cases, are not injured, disabled, or seriously ill. Thus, they do not need to be treated as such. Some fawning and special attention is welcome, of course, but it isn’t necessary to follow me around trying to take things out of my arms and asking what you can do for me over and over again (especially when you’ve never acted this way before). Also note that the question, “How are you feeling?” gets really old when it’s followed by, “Really? You feel fine?” If I say I’m fine, take my word for it. I promise you probably don’t want to hear all the things that make me feel occasionally miserable anyway. Remember, pregnancy is normally a healthy state of being.
2. This goes along with number 1 – Pregnant women are still capable of thinking. True, some blood that normally flows to the brain is redirected to the uterus, but that doesn’t mean I need scolding and instruction about every little thing. Believe me, I know my limitations all too well and I would in NO WAY endanger my baby out of sheer stubbornness. If I need help carrying/lifting/bending/squatting/selecting my food or beverage/resting/etc., I will ask for it. I don’t need a lecture about what I should or should not be picking up or carrying. I don’t need to a lecture about the food or drink you observe me consuming. Pregnancy doesn’t make a woman an idiot.
3. Unless you are their doctor, pregnant women do not need to hear your comments on their weight, belly size, or any other sort of expansion (nose/hips/face/butt/thighs, etc). Comments like, “That baby is just growing so fast” are okay, but “Dang, your belly is huge since the last time I saw you” is not. Can you see the difference? I am aware of every ounce that I have gained. I know how many more pounds I can gain before I go over the goal that my doctor set for me. I know how much I’ve gained in each month of pregnancy. I know what the average rate of weight gain is at all stages of pregnancy, and I know how that weight gets distributed. As you can see, I’ve thought a lot about it. Simply because of this fact, you should not say anything to me about my weight or size. This point also goes for the women who haven’t gained much weight at all. Believe me when I tell you, they are just as worried about their small size as I am about my big one. In this day and age when eating disorders are rampant, the very last thing that a pregnant woman needs to hear is your observation or criticism of her weight.
4. Pregnant women don’t need your commentary on the way they walk. A bit of education on this point: a pregnant woman might waddle for a variety of reasons. Number one, the distribution of her weight changes drastically as the pregnancy progresses. This alone changes her gait as she learns how to balance and carry the new weight. Number two, the ligaments in her pelvis become pliable so that her hips can expand in preparation for delivery. Some women might not notice this at all, but some are very well aware of it as it can be quite painful. Regardless, all her joints get a little more loose than normal because of this process (it isn’t just the ligaments in her pelvis that are affected), and this will change the way she walks. Number three, her feet and legs hurt! She’s carrying more weight and she balances differently. Number four, you have no idea what other aches and pains she may be experiencing. Most pregnant women I know try very hard not to waddle, so just don’t comment on the walk. If you aren’t convinced, try strapping a 10+ pound bowling ball around your middle and see if it doesn’t make a difference.
5. A pregnant woman knows when she’s out of breath; she doesn’t need you to tell her. More education so you will understand why she’s out of breath (and thus, not have to ask): In the second trimester, 40% of a woman’s blood flows to the uterus instead of to the heart and lungs as it normally would (normally, only 4% of blood flows to the uterus). Because of this, her blood pressure is low and she is often out of breath (just from normal things like getting out of bed). In the third trimester, she may still have low blood pressure, but the baby may also be pressing against her diaphragm (that’s the muscle under the lungs, not the contraceptive – she hasn’t used those in quite a while) making it hard to breathe. She probably already feels like a moose, so there’s no need to comment that she sounds like one, too.
6. Don’t press a pregnant woman for the baby’s name. If she doesn’t volunteer it the first time you ask, it isn’t your business. She might not know the name yet. She might have just had a fight with her husband about the name. She might have known the name for months but decided that SHE wants to be the first to call the baby by it’s name after it’s born (as opposed to having people ask about the baby by name while it’s still in utero). She might not want to hear your commentary on the name she’s chosen or the name you think she should use. If she doesn’t tell you the name, she has a reason. (A mini-rant that applies only to me and is in no way a generalization about all pregnant women: When I tell you that we have chosen to wait until the baby is born to name her, just shut up about it. I don’t need to hear that I’m crazy or I don’t know how hard it is to pick a name. We didn’t name any of our pets before we saw them, so it’s a little hard to imagine naming our child before we see her. It would be typical for us to pick a name and then change it once we see her. That’s how Dave and I work. If you need to call her something right now, she goes by Timothia.)
7. Pregnant women (really all women) don’t need to hear that they look tired. Of course they are tired. Growing a human being is hard work! I can’t speak for what happens in the third trimester since I’m not there yet, but I can tell you that early in the pregnancy she begins waking multiple times per night to pee. As the belly expands, she has to wake up to TURN OVER in the bed because it is such a production given all the pillows she must use to get comfortable enough to sleep in the first place. Just keep that observation to yourself and do something nice for her without making a big deal about it.
So, what should you say to a pregnant woman? Some good options are:
“You look great!”
“You are just glowing!”
“Your maternity clothes are so cute!”
I feel better now. :)
Sunday, March 09, 2008
An Update on Me and Timothia
There isn't much to report as far as the baby-growing goes. She's growing; so am I. Dave humored me and took a picture of my belly. 
I am 22 weeks and 4 days today. That means we are on the downhill slope, it also means that my belly is supposed to be this big. The t-shirt I'm wearing is one of my regular t-shirts - it won't fit for much longer, but it still fits now. Also, those are regular work-out pants. I feel the need to point these things out because there have been plenty of comments on how big I am and how much weight I've gained and about how I walk. Those aren't things you should say to a pregnant woman, even if your intentions are good. I'm working hard not to stress about my weight gain; I don't need to hear 10 times a day how big I am. Also, if you were suddenly carrying a bowling ball in your abdomen, you would probably walk funny, too. Not to mention that my feet hurt all the time now and my back gets stiff when I'm sitting. Anyway.... I still feel pretty good otherwise. There are some minor complaints, but I've decided that I love the second trimester. I feel mostly normal most of the time. I now have to make a pillow nest when I sleep to support both my belly and my back. The weight of my belly strains my back at night if there isn't a pillow stuffed behind me. I told Dave today that we may have to sleep in separate beds soon because I don't know how we will both fit with my expanding belly and all of my pillows. :) I am still sleeping well most nights, as long as the cat leaves me alone.
The baby's name will not be Timothia. As I said before, we will name her when she's born. However, due to the extreme number of times we are asked her name, we tell people that she will be named after Dave: Timothia Davida. So, now we call her Timothia. :)
She moves all the time now and she has hiccups pretty regularly. I like it when she does because that is strong and consistent movement. I enjoy feeling her move in there. It's the neatest feeling in the world, sort of my secret. It makes me smile when I feel her.
I go back to the doctor this week and I'll be getting another ultrasound - yay! It's fun to see her in there. People ask me where her head is and stuff, and I have NO clue. :) I hope that when she gets bigger I'll be able to tell, but it all just feels like flips and pokes and hiccups to me. I do know when she's on my bladder, but that's about it.
I am 22 weeks and 4 days today. That means we are on the downhill slope, it also means that my belly is supposed to be this big. The t-shirt I'm wearing is one of my regular t-shirts - it won't fit for much longer, but it still fits now. Also, those are regular work-out pants. I feel the need to point these things out because there have been plenty of comments on how big I am and how much weight I've gained and about how I walk. Those aren't things you should say to a pregnant woman, even if your intentions are good. I'm working hard not to stress about my weight gain; I don't need to hear 10 times a day how big I am. Also, if you were suddenly carrying a bowling ball in your abdomen, you would probably walk funny, too. Not to mention that my feet hurt all the time now and my back gets stiff when I'm sitting. Anyway.... I still feel pretty good otherwise. There are some minor complaints, but I've decided that I love the second trimester. I feel mostly normal most of the time. I now have to make a pillow nest when I sleep to support both my belly and my back. The weight of my belly strains my back at night if there isn't a pillow stuffed behind me. I told Dave today that we may have to sleep in separate beds soon because I don't know how we will both fit with my expanding belly and all of my pillows. :) I am still sleeping well most nights, as long as the cat leaves me alone.The baby's name will not be Timothia. As I said before, we will name her when she's born. However, due to the extreme number of times we are asked her name, we tell people that she will be named after Dave: Timothia Davida. So, now we call her Timothia. :)
She moves all the time now and she has hiccups pretty regularly. I like it when she does because that is strong and consistent movement. I enjoy feeling her move in there. It's the neatest feeling in the world, sort of my secret. It makes me smile when I feel her.
I go back to the doctor this week and I'll be getting another ultrasound - yay! It's fun to see her in there. People ask me where her head is and stuff, and I have NO clue. :) I hope that when she gets bigger I'll be able to tell, but it all just feels like flips and pokes and hiccups to me. I do know when she's on my bladder, but that's about it.
Some New Pictures to Share
I finally uploaded some pictures from my camera, so I thought I would share a few of them here.
This is the view of the snow from our front porch. It didn't last long, but it was beautiful. It snowed here again Friday night and Saturday morning, but we didn't get any accumulation.
This is our house from the street. I would have posted some pictures of Georgia playing in the snow, but she was so nutty that all of the pictures of her came out blurry.
This is my latest art project. I was asked to donate a painting for a door prize for our Spring Ladies' Night Out program. This is what I came up with, so hopefully they are worthy of giving away. The three are a set. The pictures of the paintings didn't come out too well with or without the flash, so forgvie the fuzziness. It's hard to take a picture of a picture.
This is the view of the snow from our front porch. It didn't last long, but it was beautiful. It snowed here again Friday night and Saturday morning, but we didn't get any accumulation.
This is our house from the street. I would have posted some pictures of Georgia playing in the snow, but she was so nutty that all of the pictures of her came out blurry.
This is my latest art project. I was asked to donate a painting for a door prize for our Spring Ladies' Night Out program. This is what I came up with, so hopefully they are worthy of giving away. The three are a set. The pictures of the paintings didn't come out too well with or without the flash, so forgvie the fuzziness. It's hard to take a picture of a picture.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's a Girl!
Saturday night at my sister’s wedding reception, we revealed that we are having a girl. Actually, she made the announcement. Since it was her reception we were high-jacking, it only seemed appropriate that she be the one to tell it. Plus, she made me tell her first anyway since she allowed us to reveal it there. :)
Prior to the announcement, my belly became a crystal ball by which random people were predicting the baby’s gender. That was ……………..interesting. Literally, a few people walked up to me, put both hands on my belly, and rubbed it while saying thoughtfully and with certainty, “It’s a boy.” According to the ultrasound, they were wrong.
Immediately following the announcement (and I mean in the next breath), people began yelling out, “What’s her name?” She doesn’t have a name yet, and my standard line for that question will be, “We will name her when she’s born.” My compromise for finding out the gender (because I really wanted a surprise) is that the name, once we choose one, will remain a secret until she is born. Dave is in agreement with this because he doesn’t want people sitting around the hospital waiting room saying, “When is (insert name here) going to be here?” I agree that would be weird, plus WE will be the first people to call her by her name.
Also, I’ve gotten a lot of, “Are you excited?” Well, duh! Of course I’m excited. I’m having a baby that we planned. I was excited before the ultrasound, and the gender of the baby didn’t change that one bit. Oh, also, the walls of the nursery will still be blue. Just because she’s a girl doesn’t mean she has to be all pinked out. At this point, I don’t know if I personally will by anything pink for her just because I know that everyone else who was desperately hoping for a girl will be buying pink. In case you were wondering, I was desperately hoping for a healthy baby, and it looks like that’s on track, too.
I’m feeling snarky today, so I’m going to tell an amusing Dave story in hopes that I don’t go off on a rant about all the things that people are saying and doing about this pregnancy that are on my last nerve. Generally, I wake up at 2 a.m. every morning to use the bathroom. This is like clockwork. Occasionally, I decide that I’m too tired to get up yet and go back to sleep for about an hour before I wake up again at three. Apparently, 3 a.m. is the time that Dave usually gets up for his snack and television show. (Don’t ask – I don’t understand his nighttime habits.) Twice in the past week, I have gotten up at three and gone to the bathroom. I always leave the light off because, hey, I’ve been using a toilet for 27 years, I can manage in the dark when I don’t want to completely wake up. Both times I’ve gotten up at three, Dave has immediately gotten up and followed me to the bathroom. Knowing that he doesn’t realize I’m awake and sitting on the toilet in the dark, I say, quietly, “I’m in here.” To which he exclaims, “OH!” This is the point that I think he wakes up. Then he goes to the other bathroom and on about his routine. This morning, since the exact same sequence of events happened for the second time in a week, I just laughed and laughed at him until I fell back to sleep. When I wake up at two, he never moves. He’s a funny nighttime person.
Back to the ultrasound… We got to see everything except her face. Every time the teck got close to her face, she covered it with her hands. The bonus about that is that I get to have another ultrasound at my next appointment so they can look at her face. All of her organs and the other things they check looked normal, and her growth is right on track for her fetal age. They gave me an adjusted due date, but my doctor says we are still calling it the first week of July. He doesn’t really believe in a due date, and I tend to agree with him. Also, she wasn’t moving around during the ultrasound, regardless of the fact that I drank a Mountain Dew on the way there to get her moving. Next time, I’m going to do anything special and maybe she’ll move more.
The ultrasound really seems to be what Dave needed to start getting excited about the baby. He has been reading my book more and he learned that she will soon be able to hear outside sounds. Now in the mornings, he sings songs to her. He has also started working on the nursery. He put up the shelves that will hold all of our kid stuff, and we put together the crib over the weekend. We still have to get a bunch of stuff out of there and rearrange the furniture, but we’ve made some progress.
That’s enough for now. I will be 20 weeks tomorrow – that’s half way.
Prior to the announcement, my belly became a crystal ball by which random people were predicting the baby’s gender. That was ……………..interesting. Literally, a few people walked up to me, put both hands on my belly, and rubbed it while saying thoughtfully and with certainty, “It’s a boy.” According to the ultrasound, they were wrong.
Immediately following the announcement (and I mean in the next breath), people began yelling out, “What’s her name?” She doesn’t have a name yet, and my standard line for that question will be, “We will name her when she’s born.” My compromise for finding out the gender (because I really wanted a surprise) is that the name, once we choose one, will remain a secret until she is born. Dave is in agreement with this because he doesn’t want people sitting around the hospital waiting room saying, “When is (insert name here) going to be here?” I agree that would be weird, plus WE will be the first people to call her by her name.
Also, I’ve gotten a lot of, “Are you excited?” Well, duh! Of course I’m excited. I’m having a baby that we planned. I was excited before the ultrasound, and the gender of the baby didn’t change that one bit. Oh, also, the walls of the nursery will still be blue. Just because she’s a girl doesn’t mean she has to be all pinked out. At this point, I don’t know if I personally will by anything pink for her just because I know that everyone else who was desperately hoping for a girl will be buying pink. In case you were wondering, I was desperately hoping for a healthy baby, and it looks like that’s on track, too.
I’m feeling snarky today, so I’m going to tell an amusing Dave story in hopes that I don’t go off on a rant about all the things that people are saying and doing about this pregnancy that are on my last nerve. Generally, I wake up at 2 a.m. every morning to use the bathroom. This is like clockwork. Occasionally, I decide that I’m too tired to get up yet and go back to sleep for about an hour before I wake up again at three. Apparently, 3 a.m. is the time that Dave usually gets up for his snack and television show. (Don’t ask – I don’t understand his nighttime habits.) Twice in the past week, I have gotten up at three and gone to the bathroom. I always leave the light off because, hey, I’ve been using a toilet for 27 years, I can manage in the dark when I don’t want to completely wake up. Both times I’ve gotten up at three, Dave has immediately gotten up and followed me to the bathroom. Knowing that he doesn’t realize I’m awake and sitting on the toilet in the dark, I say, quietly, “I’m in here.” To which he exclaims, “OH!” This is the point that I think he wakes up. Then he goes to the other bathroom and on about his routine. This morning, since the exact same sequence of events happened for the second time in a week, I just laughed and laughed at him until I fell back to sleep. When I wake up at two, he never moves. He’s a funny nighttime person.
Back to the ultrasound… We got to see everything except her face. Every time the teck got close to her face, she covered it with her hands. The bonus about that is that I get to have another ultrasound at my next appointment so they can look at her face. All of her organs and the other things they check looked normal, and her growth is right on track for her fetal age. They gave me an adjusted due date, but my doctor says we are still calling it the first week of July. He doesn’t really believe in a due date, and I tend to agree with him. Also, she wasn’t moving around during the ultrasound, regardless of the fact that I drank a Mountain Dew on the way there to get her moving. Next time, I’m going to do anything special and maybe she’ll move more.
The ultrasound really seems to be what Dave needed to start getting excited about the baby. He has been reading my book more and he learned that she will soon be able to hear outside sounds. Now in the mornings, he sings songs to her. He has also started working on the nursery. He put up the shelves that will hold all of our kid stuff, and we put together the crib over the weekend. We still have to get a bunch of stuff out of there and rearrange the furniture, but we’ve made some progress.
That’s enough for now. I will be 20 weeks tomorrow – that’s half way.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Stories from the Animal House
Animal House as in the house where animals live and funny things happen, not the wild frat party house.
As most people who read this blog know, I leave a window cracked for the cats to come and go while we are at home. This plan has worked famously for two years, even though they bring me dead things (and sometimes live ones) as presents. However, I've had to start closing the window even when we are home. Recently, I've been suspicious that a cat other than mine has visited us. There has been more than one occasion that I smelled a strange cat in my laundry room, where the cats' food and litter boxes stay. I've wondered if another cat has come into the house, but thought surely a weird cat wouldn't just wander into someone's house. (I don't know why I thought this, given the stray puppy episode that happened before we even moved in there.) Anyway, I heard some bumping around in there the other night and for some reason I thought I should check it out. I guess it didn't sound like either one of my cats jumping to the floor (I can tell which one it is by the way they hit the floor). Just as I opened the door to the laundry room, a HUGE fluffy black cat was exiting the window. I was right! We did have a strange house guest. Apparently, he has been coming inside to mark the litter boxes and, luckily, he did not figure out how to use the pet door before I figured out that he was visiting. A scrubbing of the laundry room ensued to get rid of the smell and the window was immediately closed. All is well now and the cats are adjusting to coming to the door and yelling to be let in/out.
That brings me to my next story. Since the window is closed, Jewel came to the front door making the death cry (the one she uses when she has a prize for us). I told her she could come in, but the mouse had to stay on the porch. She obliged. Once she was inside, I noticed that the mouse was still alive and seemingly only slightly injured. I decided to move it off the porch to give it a fighting chance. When I picked it up, the tiny little beast BIT ME! It did not want to let go either, so I sat it down in the mulch in the flower bed and waited for it to calm down and let go of my thumb. When I checked later, it was gone. That was my first mouse bite - which is amazing considering I've rescued a few.
I know I'm a strange woman. Most women would be screaming in a chair if there was a live mouse around, but I just can't stand to watch them kill them. It's okay if they just show up dead, but I don't need to see the process. Lizards are okay, but I rescue them too if they are fortunate enough to escape the claws. They also bite, but I've not had that pleasure yet. Don't you think I would be a good boy mom?
In baby news today, I am 19 weeks 1 day now and my Pregnancy Calendar says the baby is 8 inches long. My ultrasound is this afternoon, so we should get some idea of how big it really is. The calendar also says that my feet are going to start growing now and will probably grow at least a 1/2 size and stay that way. I have to admit, this is one pregnancy thing I hope to avoid. My feet are big enough already. I'll never be able to find cute shoes if they get bigger.
I can feel the baby moving fairly regularly now at certain times of the day. Dave tried to feel it last night and couldn't. It was kicking pretty hard, but I guess not hard enough yet. Jewel settled in for a nap on my belly. The baby kicked at her several times, but she never moved so I don't think she could feel it either. One of these days that is going to be a funny scene.
As most people who read this blog know, I leave a window cracked for the cats to come and go while we are at home. This plan has worked famously for two years, even though they bring me dead things (and sometimes live ones) as presents. However, I've had to start closing the window even when we are home. Recently, I've been suspicious that a cat other than mine has visited us. There has been more than one occasion that I smelled a strange cat in my laundry room, where the cats' food and litter boxes stay. I've wondered if another cat has come into the house, but thought surely a weird cat wouldn't just wander into someone's house. (I don't know why I thought this, given the stray puppy episode that happened before we even moved in there.) Anyway, I heard some bumping around in there the other night and for some reason I thought I should check it out. I guess it didn't sound like either one of my cats jumping to the floor (I can tell which one it is by the way they hit the floor). Just as I opened the door to the laundry room, a HUGE fluffy black cat was exiting the window. I was right! We did have a strange house guest. Apparently, he has been coming inside to mark the litter boxes and, luckily, he did not figure out how to use the pet door before I figured out that he was visiting. A scrubbing of the laundry room ensued to get rid of the smell and the window was immediately closed. All is well now and the cats are adjusting to coming to the door and yelling to be let in/out.
That brings me to my next story. Since the window is closed, Jewel came to the front door making the death cry (the one she uses when she has a prize for us). I told her she could come in, but the mouse had to stay on the porch. She obliged. Once she was inside, I noticed that the mouse was still alive and seemingly only slightly injured. I decided to move it off the porch to give it a fighting chance. When I picked it up, the tiny little beast BIT ME! It did not want to let go either, so I sat it down in the mulch in the flower bed and waited for it to calm down and let go of my thumb. When I checked later, it was gone. That was my first mouse bite - which is amazing considering I've rescued a few.
I know I'm a strange woman. Most women would be screaming in a chair if there was a live mouse around, but I just can't stand to watch them kill them. It's okay if they just show up dead, but I don't need to see the process. Lizards are okay, but I rescue them too if they are fortunate enough to escape the claws. They also bite, but I've not had that pleasure yet. Don't you think I would be a good boy mom?
In baby news today, I am 19 weeks 1 day now and my Pregnancy Calendar says the baby is 8 inches long. My ultrasound is this afternoon, so we should get some idea of how big it really is. The calendar also says that my feet are going to start growing now and will probably grow at least a 1/2 size and stay that way. I have to admit, this is one pregnancy thing I hope to avoid. My feet are big enough already. I'll never be able to find cute shoes if they get bigger.
I can feel the baby moving fairly regularly now at certain times of the day. Dave tried to feel it last night and couldn't. It was kicking pretty hard, but I guess not hard enough yet. Jewel settled in for a nap on my belly. The baby kicked at her several times, but she never moved so I don't think she could feel it either. One of these days that is going to be a funny scene.
Monday, February 11, 2008
We Have Movement!
Last Wednesday, at 18 weeks exactly, I finally felt the baby move (and knew with relative certainty that it was the baby). Let me first say, it didn't feel like butterfly wings or flutters or any of that other mushy stuff people have been telling me. Perhaps it might have felt like that at some point and I missed it or just didn't have a clue, but that's not what it feels like now. It felt like someone was poking me from the inside. Then there was another movement that felt like it was flipping around in there - sort of like bubbles rising (not gas bubbles, this couldn't be mistaken for gas as I've never felt this feeling before and it was in the wrong location). There is a noise that I associate with the flippy feeling, it's "bloop bloop." Ah! I just realized what it is! Remember when you were a little kid and you pooted in the bathtub (every kid did it, so don't deny it) and you could feel the bubbles rise to the surface? THAT's what it feels like, but stronger! Another person described it as feeling like popcorn popping inside your belly, and I can concur with that description, too - but not butterfly wings. Anyway, I felt it, and it's been getting more regular since then. At first it was about once a day and now it's a couple of times a day. It still surprises me, but it's really cool. I can't wait for Dave to be able to feel it.
I pulled a tricky wife trick on Dave this weekend, and it had great results. :) Dave hasn't been super excited (maybe not even a little excited) about this whole baby thing to date because it's not very real to him yet, and it's quite overwhelming for him. He's started expressing some interest since my belly started getting bigger, and he was a little more interested when I started telling him about cool things about the baby - like that is was moving all the time, not that it's tail has disappeared. :) Anyway, I need him to be educated about fetal development, but more importantly about labor and delivery, because he's my rock and I need him to know what's going on when we get there. I have this book he gave me, called "A Child is Born," that is full of week-by-week pictures of the developing fetus (real ones taken inside the uterus) and a summary of what's happening to the baby and to the mother at that time. It's a really neat book. It also has very graphic pictures of labor and delivery - though not a very detailed explanation of the process. Well, it FINALLY occurred to me over the weekend to leave it on the back of the toilet in the bathroom. He took the bait. :) This morning, he said, "I looked at pictures of the baby in your book." I was so happy. :) Previously, he thought it looked like an alien and didn't want to see pictures. This is a step forward. He's also told me he's getting excited about the ultrasound, which is this week. I think it will be so cool for him to actually see the baby. It should make it a little more real for him. (By the way, he knows I do things like this, so I'm not giving away any secrets. The best way to get him to eat fruit is to leave grapes and pineapple in a bowl on the counter.)
I found my first stretch marks the other day, too. I'm happy to say they aren't on my belly (yet), but on my boobs. Who'd have guessed it? I would, that's who. These things have grown so fast and just keep growing. That's okay, it's nice to have cleavage for a change.
In other news, I got Georgia a new toy over the weekend, and it may be the new favorite over the frisbee. It's my favorite anyway. It's a wand that holds a tennis ball and you fling it as far as you can. I can throw one so far with that thing, and she loves it. I love it because I no longer have to pick up the slimey ball with my hands. :) We played so long that I had to make her quit before she fell out.
The cats are still acting like cats. Gypsy's behavior has improved all around since I brought home a new scratching box for her. She was starting to use the couch, and was really aggressive toward Jewel (chasing and picking fights all the time). The couch scratching has stopped, and the fighting has greatly decreased. I guess she just had pent up frustration and needed something to take it out on.
I pulled a tricky wife trick on Dave this weekend, and it had great results. :) Dave hasn't been super excited (maybe not even a little excited) about this whole baby thing to date because it's not very real to him yet, and it's quite overwhelming for him. He's started expressing some interest since my belly started getting bigger, and he was a little more interested when I started telling him about cool things about the baby - like that is was moving all the time, not that it's tail has disappeared. :) Anyway, I need him to be educated about fetal development, but more importantly about labor and delivery, because he's my rock and I need him to know what's going on when we get there. I have this book he gave me, called "A Child is Born," that is full of week-by-week pictures of the developing fetus (real ones taken inside the uterus) and a summary of what's happening to the baby and to the mother at that time. It's a really neat book. It also has very graphic pictures of labor and delivery - though not a very detailed explanation of the process. Well, it FINALLY occurred to me over the weekend to leave it on the back of the toilet in the bathroom. He took the bait. :) This morning, he said, "I looked at pictures of the baby in your book." I was so happy. :) Previously, he thought it looked like an alien and didn't want to see pictures. This is a step forward. He's also told me he's getting excited about the ultrasound, which is this week. I think it will be so cool for him to actually see the baby. It should make it a little more real for him. (By the way, he knows I do things like this, so I'm not giving away any secrets. The best way to get him to eat fruit is to leave grapes and pineapple in a bowl on the counter.)
I found my first stretch marks the other day, too. I'm happy to say they aren't on my belly (yet), but on my boobs. Who'd have guessed it? I would, that's who. These things have grown so fast and just keep growing. That's okay, it's nice to have cleavage for a change.
In other news, I got Georgia a new toy over the weekend, and it may be the new favorite over the frisbee. It's my favorite anyway. It's a wand that holds a tennis ball and you fling it as far as you can. I can throw one so far with that thing, and she loves it. I love it because I no longer have to pick up the slimey ball with my hands. :) We played so long that I had to make her quit before she fell out.
The cats are still acting like cats. Gypsy's behavior has improved all around since I brought home a new scratching box for her. She was starting to use the couch, and was really aggressive toward Jewel (chasing and picking fights all the time). The couch scratching has stopped, and the fighting has greatly decreased. I guess she just had pent up frustration and needed something to take it out on.
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