I will be 28 weeks tomorrow...only +/- 12 weeks until we get to meet the Little Miss. I know it's going to go so quickly, it's almost scary.
Had my GTT test on the 28th (two days ago) and got my results at my appointment yesterday. I passed it with no problems (yay!) along with my other labwork (checked my iron and urine). My fundal height was 28, so perfect, I have gained 16lbs, bringing me up to 143, and Little Girl is breech. She still has plenty of time to turn, and she had better do it! I have until 36 weeks before they worry about it, so if at my next appointment (32 weeks) she is still facing the wrong way I will start the exercises to help get her in the right position. And I am so not opposed to asking for an awful, painful external version to attempt to turn her and avoid a c-section...though hopefully it doesn't come to that!
I have realized that I really need to get on the ball and start purchasing things for her arrival. We have most of the big stuff--place for her to sleep, carseat, etc--but the smallest article of clothing we have is 6 months. So I really need to get her some clothes. I have no real excuse...there are plenty of newborn+ lots on Craigslist and braggyardsales for very reasonable prices, I just haven't bothered to inquire about any of them yet. I need to make sure the clothes are for the right season-Spring/Summer-since we'll be here in North Carolina when she is born and then head off to Texas in April. Both places get very warm very early, and stay very warm for a very long time.
I also haven't gotten any of my birthing supplies. I need my exercise ball, nursing nightgown(s), some more wool socks, Depends (if you haven't given birth, trust me...Depends are a good buy!)...I think that's about it. I need to load up my IPod with labor friendly music, too.
So my goal over the next four weeks is to order the last couple of things I need for newborn diapering, to buy her newborn-3 months clothing, to pick out her coming home outfit, and to get my birthing supplies ready. She's going to be here so soon!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
99 Days!
That's right, double digits--the lil' miss is due in 99 short days! I know it will be here so much faster than I realize!
Some pictures of the belly to remember this awesome day (and my sweet little boy had to be in on the action, of course):
This week has been PAINFUL. I've gotten all sorts of pregnant comments, some that I mentioned in a previous post, so apparently all that pain has been the little one and I growing. Ouch!
My belly button is doing the "super cute" thing it did with Ian--the top half is popping out while the bottom stays in/flat. I think I'd prefer if the entire thing could decide to do one thing or the other, but oh well.
Here is the first, and currently only, little girl thing I have bought:
If she's like her mommy and big brother, she is going to be bald. For a long time. And when she does have hair, it will be transparent...and short. Headwraps are a must. ;)
My diaper stash is almost complete, which is exciting! I just got 12 Bum Genius 3.0 one size pockets for $50...they are about $18/each new. They need the velcro replaced on them, but my sister-in-law is a fantastic sewer and has said she will do it for me. Hopefully it's an easy fix, but for a savings of almost $200 over buying new...well, even if I have to HAND SEW the velcro on there, it will be worth it.
Some pictures of the belly to remember this awesome day (and my sweet little boy had to be in on the action, of course):
This week has been PAINFUL. I've gotten all sorts of pregnant comments, some that I mentioned in a previous post, so apparently all that pain has been the little one and I growing. Ouch!
My belly button is doing the "super cute" thing it did with Ian--the top half is popping out while the bottom stays in/flat. I think I'd prefer if the entire thing could decide to do one thing or the other, but oh well.
Here is the first, and currently only, little girl thing I have bought:
If she's like her mommy and big brother, she is going to be bald. For a long time. And when she does have hair, it will be transparent...and short. Headwraps are a must. ;)
My diaper stash is almost complete, which is exciting! I just got 12 Bum Genius 3.0 one size pockets for $50...they are about $18/each new. They need the velcro replaced on them, but my sister-in-law is a fantastic sewer and has said she will do it for me. Hopefully it's an easy fix, but for a savings of almost $200 over buying new...well, even if I have to HAND SEW the velcro on there, it will be worth it.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
25 1/2 weeks
I don't know what happened, but 20 weeks hit and suddenly this pregnancy is FLYING. I'm sure Thanksgiving and Christmas had a little something to do with it. In less than three weeks, I will be in my third trimester--crazy!
I think Lil' Miss must have hit a growth spurt. I've been unsatiably hungry the last few days and yesterday Ian said to me "Wow, Mommy. Your belly is BIG". He hadn't said a thing about my belly until then, and now today he followed it up with "Your belly is getting really big. You can't drive? The baby is gonna come out?" I don't know where he came up with not driving, but he definitely made me smile--he can be pretty cute. ;)
I'm going to tell a secret: our front running name is Teagan Ella. I like it and I don't, and here are my reasons. 1. Teagan and Ian sound very similar. I'm imagining yelling at them for dinner/to stop fighting/to get off the dog/etc. It just doesn't flow well. 2. When we came up with Ian's name, I just knew--that's his name. Teagan hasn't hit me that way, at least not yet. It wasn't an instant "that's it" at all. 3. I'm getting my little girl. The name just doesn't seem "girly" enough, as silly as that probably is. Ella is non-negotiable--it's the name of my great-grandmother who passed away 5 years ago.
So, my "job" is to keep looking for names. But, so far, I haven't found anything I like more than Teagan. 3 months to keep looking...I'll figure it out.
In other news, I LOST one of my eBay auctions. I was so angry about it, too! I had been the top bidder for 2 days, I checked it one hour before it was up and I was still winning (by a lot...my max bid was $20 and we were only up to $15.50...where we had been for TWO DAYS), I go to the grocery store and then come home to find that I lost. Some sneaky woman snuck in there and stole my diaper covers. :p But, the good news is that I did win one. I got 14 barely used prefolds for $22.95 (that was with shipping). And then I found 12 more newborn, organic, prepped only (means they were washed several times to fluff them out and get them ready for use but never used) for $22 with shipping. So my 26 prefolds combined with my small all-in-ones and small pockets mean I am about set for the newborn stage--woo-hoo! Will probably need more covers, though, and I still need to make the supplies purchases--wipes, liners, wet bags, diaper pail, pins, Snappis, etc. But those don't count as newborn necessities...those will stick with us until this baby potty learns and until the next one (fingers crossed) does as well. ;)
I think Lil' Miss must have hit a growth spurt. I've been unsatiably hungry the last few days and yesterday Ian said to me "Wow, Mommy. Your belly is BIG". He hadn't said a thing about my belly until then, and now today he followed it up with "Your belly is getting really big. You can't drive? The baby is gonna come out?" I don't know where he came up with not driving, but he definitely made me smile--he can be pretty cute. ;)
I'm going to tell a secret: our front running name is Teagan Ella. I like it and I don't, and here are my reasons. 1. Teagan and Ian sound very similar. I'm imagining yelling at them for dinner/to stop fighting/to get off the dog/etc. It just doesn't flow well. 2. When we came up with Ian's name, I just knew--that's his name. Teagan hasn't hit me that way, at least not yet. It wasn't an instant "that's it" at all. 3. I'm getting my little girl. The name just doesn't seem "girly" enough, as silly as that probably is. Ella is non-negotiable--it's the name of my great-grandmother who passed away 5 years ago.
So, my "job" is to keep looking for names. But, so far, I haven't found anything I like more than Teagan. 3 months to keep looking...I'll figure it out.
In other news, I LOST one of my eBay auctions. I was so angry about it, too! I had been the top bidder for 2 days, I checked it one hour before it was up and I was still winning (by a lot...my max bid was $20 and we were only up to $15.50...where we had been for TWO DAYS), I go to the grocery store and then come home to find that I lost. Some sneaky woman snuck in there and stole my diaper covers. :p But, the good news is that I did win one. I got 14 barely used prefolds for $22.95 (that was with shipping). And then I found 12 more newborn, organic, prepped only (means they were washed several times to fluff them out and get them ready for use but never used) for $22 with shipping. So my 26 prefolds combined with my small all-in-ones and small pockets mean I am about set for the newborn stage--woo-hoo! Will probably need more covers, though, and I still need to make the supplies purchases--wipes, liners, wet bags, diaper pail, pins, Snappis, etc. But those don't count as newborn necessities...those will stick with us until this baby potty learns and until the next one (fingers crossed) does as well. ;)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
New addiction--eBay
I am trying very hard to buy my newborn diaper stash used. Based on Ian's size at birth, I don't expect newborn prefolds/covers to fit Little Girl for more than 6-8 weeks...tops. I've been checking diaperswappers several times a day for the prefolds I want. I just read on another board that they are hard to get used for a couple of reasons: 1. Everybody loves them so much they don't sell them, and 2. When somebody does sell them there are about 40 mamas trying to get to them. I've thought I was "first" trying to get a couple dozen, but the stinking site won't let me PM so I'm pretty sure I'm missing out by having to post on the thread. I'm getting frustrated. The only ones I seem to stand a chance at are the ones I complained about before--the used ones that cost as much or more than the new ones.
So, I wandered over to eBay. I am currently the top bidder for three newborn Thirsties covers at $15.50 (they are $11/each new--auction ends in 6 hours), and 12 GMD newborn prefolds plus two size small Swaddlebees prefolds at $11.50 (they are $21 for the GMD new...dont' know the price of the Swaddlebees--auction ends in 9 hours). I've been the leader for a couple of days, so hoping no one comes in and scoops these up! :)
Buying cloth diapers is fun. Buying them for a good price is much MORE fun. ;)
So, I wandered over to eBay. I am currently the top bidder for three newborn Thirsties covers at $15.50 (they are $11/each new--auction ends in 6 hours), and 12 GMD newborn prefolds plus two size small Swaddlebees prefolds at $11.50 (they are $21 for the GMD new...dont' know the price of the Swaddlebees--auction ends in 9 hours). I've been the leader for a couple of days, so hoping no one comes in and scoops these up! :)
Buying cloth diapers is fun. Buying them for a good price is much MORE fun. ;)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
24 Weeks-VIABILITY!
If baby were born now, she would have about a 40% chance of survival. And since I'm closer to 25 weeks than 24 weeks at this point (oops), she is actually nearing a 50% chance of surviving outside of the womb. Of course, we're hoping she spends at least another 12 weeks right where she is, getting big and strong and ready to come home with us.
I had my 24-week appointment last week. I am now GAINING weight, so everyone is happy. My weight gain is following Ian's almost exactly. I started at 127 3/4 with him, and was at 136 3/4 at 24 weeks. This time, I started at 127 even and was at 136 even...so exactly 9 pounds gained at 24 weeks with both babies. I think I'm on track for another 30 pound pregnancy, which is just perfect. If I continue following my Ian pattern, I will gain another 6 pounds between now and December 29 (my 28 week appointment). Doc said to just keep doing what I'm doing--I'm healthy and my weight is perfect. Yay!
Fundal height was exactly 24cm, so also perfect. Blood pressure is still normal, I'm very thankful for that. I was actually surprised to have good BP since I had spent 20 minutes looking for a spot before parking on an unmarked curb, practically running to the entrance, then being angry because I was not checking in 15 minutes early, but right on time...on the day I had to get out of there on time to pick Ian up from school to avoid a $1/minute late charge. And of course they took my BP within two minutes of walking in, so I was sure it would be out of control.
Next appointment is the 29th, and on the 27th or 28th I have to do my GTT (glucose tolerance test) and some labwork to make sure my iron and all that is normal. The third trimester is creeping up--just over three weeks to go! It actually starts on hubby's birthday, the 31st, so that will be an exciting day. :)
And now, the belly:
I am losing my belly button...it is going flat on me, so I know it's only a matter of time before it pokes out. Uterus is almost to my ribs, so in the next few weeks I should start to pop out and really show...takes a little longer with my long torso. ;) I was about 28 weeks when people started to really notice I was pregnant with Ian, so I'm expecting to "pop" right around then this time, too.
I had my 24-week appointment last week. I am now GAINING weight, so everyone is happy. My weight gain is following Ian's almost exactly. I started at 127 3/4 with him, and was at 136 3/4 at 24 weeks. This time, I started at 127 even and was at 136 even...so exactly 9 pounds gained at 24 weeks with both babies. I think I'm on track for another 30 pound pregnancy, which is just perfect. If I continue following my Ian pattern, I will gain another 6 pounds between now and December 29 (my 28 week appointment). Doc said to just keep doing what I'm doing--I'm healthy and my weight is perfect. Yay!
Fundal height was exactly 24cm, so also perfect. Blood pressure is still normal, I'm very thankful for that. I was actually surprised to have good BP since I had spent 20 minutes looking for a spot before parking on an unmarked curb, practically running to the entrance, then being angry because I was not checking in 15 minutes early, but right on time...on the day I had to get out of there on time to pick Ian up from school to avoid a $1/minute late charge. And of course they took my BP within two minutes of walking in, so I was sure it would be out of control.
Next appointment is the 29th, and on the 27th or 28th I have to do my GTT (glucose tolerance test) and some labwork to make sure my iron and all that is normal. The third trimester is creeping up--just over three weeks to go! It actually starts on hubby's birthday, the 31st, so that will be an exciting day. :)
And now, the belly:
I am losing my belly button...it is going flat on me, so I know it's only a matter of time before it pokes out. Uterus is almost to my ribs, so in the next few weeks I should start to pop out and really show...takes a little longer with my long torso. ;) I was about 28 weeks when people started to really notice I was pregnant with Ian, so I'm expecting to "pop" right around then this time, too.
Diapers!
My first cloth diapers arrived yesterday. It was so exciting to open up that box and see what I had gotten, since I did a "grab bag" type thing for Cyber Monday and had NO IDEA what would be coming. So, for $39.80 I got:
Swaddlebees Econappi one-size pocket (retail $26.95--pics are small setting, large setting, and inside):
Happy Heiny's size small pocket (retail $18.95):
Bum Genius size small all-in-one (retail $15.95):
Econobum one-size cover and prefold (retail $9.95--pics are small setting, large setting, and inside with prefold):
And with the diapers, I also got some Flip diaper disposable inserts ($4.95), Bum Genius doublers ($4.95), odor remover ($5.99) and bottom cleaner ($7.95):
Retail total: $95.64. Again, I paid: $39.80. Total savings: $55.84!! The diapers alone retail $71.80, so even if I don't use the "extras" I got a great deal. Gotta love Cyber Monday. ;)
My first thoughts (keep in mind these are from someone who has never actually used a cloth diaper on a baby):
Swaddlebees: Love it. Inside is really soft. The insert is cool, it folds and snaps to the different sizes. HOWEVER, the smallest setting on the insert is still really big when trying to put it into the smallest setting of the diaper. Will likely need to order different inserts for small size.
Happy Heiny's: Again, inside is SUPER soft. Love that it's purplish despite my requesting boy colors (didn't know baby girl was a girl when I ordered!). Didn't know that Happy Heiny's pockets do not include insert, so will have to order some. Not a biggy...have to get inserts for the Swaddlebees anyway.
Bum Genius: Hazen's favorite. He wants them ALL to be like THAT. It's like a disposable diaper, nothing special to do to it. Put it on, take it off, put it in pail. However, all-in-ones (AIOs) take a long time to dry. So I've convinced him to allow me to order extra Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers as opposed to AIOs. Will be just as easy for him since I'll be the one dealing with the insert anyway.
Econobum: I like the cover. It really does get pretty small, which impresses me. Still not sure it will fit a newborn, but I've read great reviews on the cover as a whole, so hopeful it will at least contain the messes when baby fits in it. The prefold is HUGE and I'm sure that won't comfortably fit a newborn. Even with folding it in the diaper the way the instructions suggest, it's huge and doesn't really fit well in the cover. Will be using the Green Mountain Diapers prefolds with this cover...the econobum one can be a burp cloth. ;)
Flip inserts: Was debating whether I should try the Flip system (covers with disposable or reusable inserts) but now I'm committed! Hoping to be able to use the covers with disposable inserts when traveling, and then use the reusable inserts otherwise. Also wondering if they will work as a cover for prefolds. Hmmm.
Other stuff: don't know much about it! I like the doublers, but my newborn prefolds can be used as doublers as well. So I might have an abundance of doublers! The deodorizer and bottom cleaner are things I haven't seen before, so need to figure out what they are and how likely I am to use them.
Swaddlebees Econappi one-size pocket (retail $26.95--pics are small setting, large setting, and inside):
Happy Heiny's size small pocket (retail $18.95):
Bum Genius size small all-in-one (retail $15.95):
Econobum one-size cover and prefold (retail $9.95--pics are small setting, large setting, and inside with prefold):
And with the diapers, I also got some Flip diaper disposable inserts ($4.95), Bum Genius doublers ($4.95), odor remover ($5.99) and bottom cleaner ($7.95):
Retail total: $95.64. Again, I paid: $39.80. Total savings: $55.84!! The diapers alone retail $71.80, so even if I don't use the "extras" I got a great deal. Gotta love Cyber Monday. ;)
My first thoughts (keep in mind these are from someone who has never actually used a cloth diaper on a baby):
Swaddlebees: Love it. Inside is really soft. The insert is cool, it folds and snaps to the different sizes. HOWEVER, the smallest setting on the insert is still really big when trying to put it into the smallest setting of the diaper. Will likely need to order different inserts for small size.
Happy Heiny's: Again, inside is SUPER soft. Love that it's purplish despite my requesting boy colors (didn't know baby girl was a girl when I ordered!). Didn't know that Happy Heiny's pockets do not include insert, so will have to order some. Not a biggy...have to get inserts for the Swaddlebees anyway.
Bum Genius: Hazen's favorite. He wants them ALL to be like THAT. It's like a disposable diaper, nothing special to do to it. Put it on, take it off, put it in pail. However, all-in-ones (AIOs) take a long time to dry. So I've convinced him to allow me to order extra Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers as opposed to AIOs. Will be just as easy for him since I'll be the one dealing with the insert anyway.
Econobum: I like the cover. It really does get pretty small, which impresses me. Still not sure it will fit a newborn, but I've read great reviews on the cover as a whole, so hopeful it will at least contain the messes when baby fits in it. The prefold is HUGE and I'm sure that won't comfortably fit a newborn. Even with folding it in the diaper the way the instructions suggest, it's huge and doesn't really fit well in the cover. Will be using the Green Mountain Diapers prefolds with this cover...the econobum one can be a burp cloth. ;)
Flip inserts: Was debating whether I should try the Flip system (covers with disposable or reusable inserts) but now I'm committed! Hoping to be able to use the covers with disposable inserts when traveling, and then use the reusable inserts otherwise. Also wondering if they will work as a cover for prefolds. Hmmm.
Other stuff: don't know much about it! I like the doublers, but my newborn prefolds can be used as doublers as well. So I might have an abundance of doublers! The deodorizer and bottom cleaner are things I haven't seen before, so need to figure out what they are and how likely I am to use them.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ultrasound tonight!!! And some diaper stuff
Sooo unbelievably excited. I really don't know how I'm supposed to make it through the day. 10pm for an ultrasound is just cruel. Planning to keep as busy as possible--playdate at 10:30 this morning (which I should be getting ready for), then home to work on Ian's "family tree" for school tomorrow, two hours of Biggest Loser when hubby gets home (it's on until 11pm here now...ridiculous!), Financial Peace University from 7 to 9ish, then back to base by 9:45 to check in. Hopefully that will keep us busy enough to distract from the loooooong wait today!
In other news, I made my first cloth diaper purchase. Cotton Babies (the maker of Bum Genius, Flip, Fuzzibunz, etc) was having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. They were selling grab bags of one diaper and one accessory for $9.95, with a guaranteed savings of 30-35%...not bad! So I went ahead and ordered four of those. The trick, though, is that I don't know what I'm getting. The diapers can be an all-in-one, pocket, fitted, or one-size cover. Hoping to get a little variety since I'm new to cloth diapering and want to try everything. The downside is that I had to choose boy or girl for the sex when I ordered on Monday...I DON'T KNOW!! So I clicked boy and requested gender neutral if possible in the notes. I figure blue on a girl will be better than pink on a boy.
In other CD news, some people irritate me. I've been checking out diaperswappers, a very cool site to sell your used diapers, but there are tons of girls on there who sell their used diapers for MORE than the cost of buying them new. Seriously? All the good deals I've found get swiped up really quickly (obviously) and I'm left with the ones trying to sell a dozen newborn prefolds for $35...they retail at $21. Granted, if I order them from the site there is a flat shipping charge of $6-something, but since I'm ordering quite a few things from there anyway, $6 for shipping is extremely reasonable. So no luck yet with diaperswappers, but I will keep searching. Planning to order my newborn kit this week, so will have to keep my eyes open for the next size up, Snappis, wet bags, etc.
Oh, and I've heard people say cloth diapering is addictive. I didn't understand it...a diaper is a diaper, right? Yeah, not so much...this CD stuff totally IS addicting. :p
Will update with pictures and hopefully GENDER tomorrow--cannot wait!
In other news, I made my first cloth diaper purchase. Cotton Babies (the maker of Bum Genius, Flip, Fuzzibunz, etc) was having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. They were selling grab bags of one diaper and one accessory for $9.95, with a guaranteed savings of 30-35%...not bad! So I went ahead and ordered four of those. The trick, though, is that I don't know what I'm getting. The diapers can be an all-in-one, pocket, fitted, or one-size cover. Hoping to get a little variety since I'm new to cloth diapering and want to try everything. The downside is that I had to choose boy or girl for the sex when I ordered on Monday...I DON'T KNOW!! So I clicked boy and requested gender neutral if possible in the notes. I figure blue on a girl will be better than pink on a boy.
In other CD news, some people irritate me. I've been checking out diaperswappers, a very cool site to sell your used diapers, but there are tons of girls on there who sell their used diapers for MORE than the cost of buying them new. Seriously? All the good deals I've found get swiped up really quickly (obviously) and I'm left with the ones trying to sell a dozen newborn prefolds for $35...they retail at $21. Granted, if I order them from the site there is a flat shipping charge of $6-something, but since I'm ordering quite a few things from there anyway, $6 for shipping is extremely reasonable. So no luck yet with diaperswappers, but I will keep searching. Planning to order my newborn kit this week, so will have to keep my eyes open for the next size up, Snappis, wet bags, etc.
Oh, and I've heard people say cloth diapering is addictive. I didn't understand it...a diaper is a diaper, right? Yeah, not so much...this CD stuff totally IS addicting. :p
Will update with pictures and hopefully GENDER tomorrow--cannot wait!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Mommy Guilt and WEIGHT GAIN!
I feel GUILTY for having another baby. Like this is going to take away from Ian and effect him in some catastrophic way. I know it's ridiculous to think that way...I have my little brother who is one of my best friends (now, lol) and three stepsisters that I adore. Siblings are wonderful and make life full and fun. BUT Ian was my one and only for four years...four and a half by the time baby arrives. It just seems like the longer the gap between children, the harder it would be on them. He will always remember a time when it was just him...I don't remember that. I was only 18 months old when my brother was born. And we spent two years trying for this baby, two years that I spent not knowing if it was going to happen. I appreciated Ian more in those two years, and I clung to him knowing he might very well be my only child.
I'm excited for this baby, of course I am. I really can't wait to be a mommy of two. But I can't help but worry about how Ian is going to handle it all. I've talked to my other mommy of two friends and they all say this is normal, and it will go away once the baby is here--everything will work itself out. And, logically, I know that's true. But the guilt is still here, and probably will be until this little one is born and fits into our family the way that Ian instantly did.
In "better" news, my weight gain has picked up! My belly doesn't seem any bigger (I actually think I shrunk a bit this week!) but the scale is really moving now--thank you Thanksgiving! I am now up about 8 pounds, which is a difference of four pounds from last week--woo-hoo!
I don't know why I'm allowing myself to worry about this. My weight gain followed this EXACT pattern when I was pregnant with Ian. The first half was spent in the negatives/very low positives. Then, at about 24 weeks, it really picked up. I am fully expecting that to happen now, but when I get emails saying "average weight gain at this point is 10-15 pounds" and I'm pushing four...well, it makes you feel a little like you're starving your baby or something!
I've been worried about getting "yelled at" at my next appointment (Thursday). I spent a large chunk of my pregnancy with Ian being told I needed to gain more until I got to the end and had a different doctor tell me I had the best weight gain he had seen in a long time. I'm supposed to gain 25-35lbs...I gained exactly 30 with Ian. So I know odds are my gain will be fine this time around, too. And I haven't been "yelled at" yet about it, so I'm probably worrying over nothing. But I do have the least gain in my March due date club, which is surprising and doesn't help my worry. Maybe I should just consider myself more disciplined than the others with my eating? I'm not gaining too little, everyone else is gaining too much. I think I'll go with that. ;)
I'm excited for this baby, of course I am. I really can't wait to be a mommy of two. But I can't help but worry about how Ian is going to handle it all. I've talked to my other mommy of two friends and they all say this is normal, and it will go away once the baby is here--everything will work itself out. And, logically, I know that's true. But the guilt is still here, and probably will be until this little one is born and fits into our family the way that Ian instantly did.
In "better" news, my weight gain has picked up! My belly doesn't seem any bigger (I actually think I shrunk a bit this week!) but the scale is really moving now--thank you Thanksgiving! I am now up about 8 pounds, which is a difference of four pounds from last week--woo-hoo!
I don't know why I'm allowing myself to worry about this. My weight gain followed this EXACT pattern when I was pregnant with Ian. The first half was spent in the negatives/very low positives. Then, at about 24 weeks, it really picked up. I am fully expecting that to happen now, but when I get emails saying "average weight gain at this point is 10-15 pounds" and I'm pushing four...well, it makes you feel a little like you're starving your baby or something!
I've been worried about getting "yelled at" at my next appointment (Thursday). I spent a large chunk of my pregnancy with Ian being told I needed to gain more until I got to the end and had a different doctor tell me I had the best weight gain he had seen in a long time. I'm supposed to gain 25-35lbs...I gained exactly 30 with Ian. So I know odds are my gain will be fine this time around, too. And I haven't been "yelled at" yet about it, so I'm probably worrying over nothing. But I do have the least gain in my March due date club, which is surprising and doesn't help my worry. Maybe I should just consider myself more disciplined than the others with my eating? I'm not gaining too little, everyone else is gaining too much. I think I'll go with that. ;)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Lazy Monday
First, some pics of the belly: 22 weeks and 3 days!
Not really liking how visible my stretchmark from Ian is getting BUT I know I'm lucky to have only one from him and to have not gotten anymore (yet) this time around. Gotta keep it positive. ;)
Things are going well. I've been having lots of growing pains in my hips and abdomen, so I'm sure my 24 week pictures will show some growth. I can always tell when I'm about to pop out a little bit more!
I'm anxious waiting for the ultrasound--only 9 days left! I know with Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend it will fly by. Thank goodness.
My entire diaper plan has gone out the window. I get so excited that I go loony and THEN do my research and change my mind. I should learn to research first and THEN post. ;) I think we're going to stick with prefolds and fitteds as our primary diapers, and then use the pockets for night and out-and-abouts. Of course I don't know for sure what I plan to do, so I'm just ordering a bit of everything. I've got my newborn diapers ready to order, just waiting until the next payday. I'll post pics once I get my first "stash"--I'm so excited to get them and play with them! I have my 10-15lb diapers ready to go, too, with a bit more variety than the newborns, but am waiting until after our move to order those. The less I have to try and stuff in my car, the better.
So things are good. On one hand I'm really enjoying being pregnant--I love growing and feeling kicks and this stage right now where I feel great. But I'm also already getting very excited to meet my newest baby...only 18ish weeks to go!
Not really liking how visible my stretchmark from Ian is getting BUT I know I'm lucky to have only one from him and to have not gotten anymore (yet) this time around. Gotta keep it positive. ;)
Things are going well. I've been having lots of growing pains in my hips and abdomen, so I'm sure my 24 week pictures will show some growth. I can always tell when I'm about to pop out a little bit more!
I'm anxious waiting for the ultrasound--only 9 days left! I know with Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend it will fly by. Thank goodness.
My entire diaper plan has gone out the window. I get so excited that I go loony and THEN do my research and change my mind. I should learn to research first and THEN post. ;) I think we're going to stick with prefolds and fitteds as our primary diapers, and then use the pockets for night and out-and-abouts. Of course I don't know for sure what I plan to do, so I'm just ordering a bit of everything. I've got my newborn diapers ready to order, just waiting until the next payday. I'll post pics once I get my first "stash"--I'm so excited to get them and play with them! I have my 10-15lb diapers ready to go, too, with a bit more variety than the newborns, but am waiting until after our move to order those. The less I have to try and stuff in my car, the better.
So things are good. On one hand I'm really enjoying being pregnant--I love growing and feeling kicks and this stage right now where I feel great. But I'm also already getting very excited to meet my newest baby...only 18ish weeks to go!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Edit to the diaper post
I got excited and said I was going to use a different type of BumGenius than I am (there is a difference!). I won't be using the AIOs, I'll be using the pocket type that has a liner stuffed into it. I'm eyeing the 4.0s because my beloved Target sells them online, and they are available with both snaps and velcro. I've been quite conflicted on whether to go with snaps or velcro. I've read that the velcro will wear out eventually and need to be replaced. You would assume that would be an easy fix, but I am not very handy with the needle and thread. Snaps last longer. Velcro is also a problem because older babies can easily undo it, but I wonder if it's much different than babies being able to undo their disposable diapers? Hmm. I've been told, though, that velcro is easier to deal with, especially during the middle of the night changings. SO I think I'm going to try some with Velcro and some with Snaps and see what I think.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Cloth Diapers
We've decided to use cloth for this little one, so I've been doing as much research as I can. I go to all sorts of websites, I price them, I look at them, I fantasize about how cute they'll look on a newborn bottom...they are much more fun than disposables!
I've been very back and forth on what diapers to use, and I suppose over time I'll try them all. Right now I'm leaning towards prefolds/covers for the first few weeks, and then one size all-in-one Bum Genius' after that. But I don't know. I may try some other options, too. The prefolds just seem to be the easiest choice for a tiny newborn, PLUS those can be used as doublers in bigger diapers later. The AIOs (all-in-ones) seem to be the least "scary" when it comes to converting my husband, and the rest of the family, to my I-wanna-cloth-diaper ways. They're seriously like using a disposable--snap 'em on, take 'em off, throw them in the pail and Mom will deal with the stinkies...nobody's life is gonna change.
I think my excitement in this is because it's "new". I did all the "new" stuff with Ian...tiny clothes, learning to breastfeed, learning to bathe, getting over the fear of breaking the itsy-bitsy person I was holding, etc. There is nothing "new" about the second baby, not really. I'm not nervous about the things that scared me before, I know that as hard as the first weeks (months...) are, we'll get through them and my precious newborn will be a 4-year-old before I even realize what happened. But cloth diapers...those are new. And kinda scary. And they give me something to research and figure out and fall in love with. So they're exciting.
I'm planning on getting almost completely neutral colors, but I'm sure some pink or blue will find it's way in there once we find out what this baby is...13 days to go!
I've been very back and forth on what diapers to use, and I suppose over time I'll try them all. Right now I'm leaning towards prefolds/covers for the first few weeks, and then one size all-in-one Bum Genius' after that. But I don't know. I may try some other options, too. The prefolds just seem to be the easiest choice for a tiny newborn, PLUS those can be used as doublers in bigger diapers later. The AIOs (all-in-ones) seem to be the least "scary" when it comes to converting my husband, and the rest of the family, to my I-wanna-cloth-diaper ways. They're seriously like using a disposable--snap 'em on, take 'em off, throw them in the pail and Mom will deal with the stinkies...nobody's life is gonna change.
I think my excitement in this is because it's "new". I did all the "new" stuff with Ian...tiny clothes, learning to breastfeed, learning to bathe, getting over the fear of breaking the itsy-bitsy person I was holding, etc. There is nothing "new" about the second baby, not really. I'm not nervous about the things that scared me before, I know that as hard as the first weeks (months...) are, we'll get through them and my precious newborn will be a 4-year-old before I even realize what happened. But cloth diapers...those are new. And kinda scary. And they give me something to research and figure out and fall in love with. So they're exciting.
I'm planning on getting almost completely neutral colors, but I'm sure some pink or blue will find it's way in there once we find out what this baby is...13 days to go!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Two weeks, two weeks
Until the big ultrasound! I cannot wait...I am nearly 22 weeks now, and it is so strange to not know what we're having. I'm still pretty set on a girl, but it could very well be a boy. I'm totally thrilled with either--I just can't wait to know and get a name and some special items picked out for this little one. :)
The honeymoon is officially here, which is great. I feel good, the belly is growing, the baby is moving. I'm still only up 4 pounds which is starting to annoy me. Based on my weight gain with Ian, this is totally normal and the pounds will pack on in the third trimester (I gained 21 of the 30 pounds gained with him between weeks 24 and 39), but it's frustrating to not have that scale move. I've added more high calorie 100% juices and things like chocolate milk to my tons and tons of water in an effort to gain a little weight. I'm also not being conservative with the mayo on my cheese sandwiches. So I guess there are perks to being a slow gainer...I can have all the wonderful, fatty, high calorie foods I want without worrying too much about it. ;)
The honeymoon is officially here, which is great. I feel good, the belly is growing, the baby is moving. I'm still only up 4 pounds which is starting to annoy me. Based on my weight gain with Ian, this is totally normal and the pounds will pack on in the third trimester (I gained 21 of the 30 pounds gained with him between weeks 24 and 39), but it's frustrating to not have that scale move. I've added more high calorie 100% juices and things like chocolate milk to my tons and tons of water in an effort to gain a little weight. I'm also not being conservative with the mayo on my cheese sandwiches. So I guess there are perks to being a slow gainer...I can have all the wonderful, fatty, high calorie foods I want without worrying too much about it. ;)
Friday, November 5, 2010
20 weeks--halfway!!
Not much to say beyond that. Just really excited to hit the 20-week mark. In 4 weeks, I will hit the age of viability. I really can't wait to reach that milestone. :)
Thought I should add some pics of the belly. And, for comparison, a pic of 20 weeks with Ian.
With Ian:
Thought I should add some pics of the belly. And, for comparison, a pic of 20 weeks with Ian.
With Ian:
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ultrasound scheduled
For December 1 at 10pm. Yes, a month from now in the middle of the night. Going to see about the possibility of a referral...I'm kind of pissed.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
16-20 week appointment--19w4d
Finally had my 16-20 week appointment today. It was two days shy of 8 weeks since my last appointment!
Baby's heartbeat was only 130, so pretty low (normal range, but low...Ian's was in the 150s and this one's was 160 at 12 weeks). So now I'm really curious to find out what we're having. I know the HR isn't a reliable indicator at all, but that would definitely scream BOY! if it were!
I got my order in for my ultrasound, but when I called I was told that radiology has to review the order first and I can call back tomorrow after 1:30 to schedule. I want to schedule it NOW. I am pretty sure I am the only one in my March due date club who has not had her ultrasound yet. I knew I'd be one of the last being due on the 25th, but seriously the APRIL girls are having theirs before I do. Sheesh. :p
Other than that, not much to report. I have to go to the lab in the next day or two and pee in a cup, which is always fun. Also need to get in for my flu shot...I hate shots. I skipped it last year, but with being pregnant and with all the strange illnesses Ian brought home in the month of October (Croup, pneumonia, strep, pink eye) I'm thinking I should probably get it this time.
Will update when I get my ultrasound date...can't wait!
Baby's heartbeat was only 130, so pretty low (normal range, but low...Ian's was in the 150s and this one's was 160 at 12 weeks). So now I'm really curious to find out what we're having. I know the HR isn't a reliable indicator at all, but that would definitely scream BOY! if it were!
I got my order in for my ultrasound, but when I called I was told that radiology has to review the order first and I can call back tomorrow after 1:30 to schedule. I want to schedule it NOW. I am pretty sure I am the only one in my March due date club who has not had her ultrasound yet. I knew I'd be one of the last being due on the 25th, but seriously the APRIL girls are having theirs before I do. Sheesh. :p
Other than that, not much to report. I have to go to the lab in the next day or two and pee in a cup, which is always fun. Also need to get in for my flu shot...I hate shots. I skipped it last year, but with being pregnant and with all the strange illnesses Ian brought home in the month of October (Croup, pneumonia, strep, pink eye) I'm thinking I should probably get it this time.
Will update when I get my ultrasound date...can't wait!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Advantages of a Late Ultrasound
I've come to terms with the fact that I likely won't get my ultrasound until 22 or 23 weeks. It was really upsetting at first, but I'm getting better. I have my next appointment on Tuesday at 19 weeks and 4 days, and at that time we will schedule my u/s. The problem is that they schedule anywhere from 2-4 weeks out ANYWAY, but we have Veteran's Day on the 11th...followed by a Friday "down day" which means non-emergency offices will not be open. The next week is wide open, but because Hazen's shop's manning has been cut in half the ONLY day he can come with me is that Friday afternoon. The next week is Thanksgiving week. Hazen is available on both the 22 and 24 at any time (Monday and Wednesday) but then Thanksgiving is Thursday and, you guessed it, another "down day" on Friday. So, basically, I have no choice but to be okay with a late ultrasound.
Now, to the advantage part of this--the gender should be VERY obvious by that gestation. So I figure I can be pretty confident in whatever they tell me (and, BTW, I am still convinced they are going to say it's a girl. My "instinct" is really strong regarding this...so I'm probably wrong, lol).
In other news, I took my last Unisom on Monday night. Haven't had one on Tuesday or Wednesday. So far, so good. I don't feel awesome, but I'm not nauseas and I'm not throwing up. This is the fourth time I've tried to stop them, so I'm really hoping it works this time--I REALLY hate taking any kind of medicine unless I absolutely have to. I don't even like to take Tylenol. The downside is that Unisom is now marketed as a sleeping aid, whereas it was originally an anti-nausea medicine (obviously still used that way, but not marketed as such). The last two nights have not been the best sleep-wise. I wake up several times, I can't get comfortable, I have one long stretch where I absolutely cannot get back to sleep. So I am missing the sleep-aid part of it, but don't want to be dependent on sleeping pills either. So I'm going to suck it up and hopefully my body quickly adjusts to not having that help and will let me get a little more sleep.
Now, to the advantage part of this--the gender should be VERY obvious by that gestation. So I figure I can be pretty confident in whatever they tell me (and, BTW, I am still convinced they are going to say it's a girl. My "instinct" is really strong regarding this...so I'm probably wrong, lol).
In other news, I took my last Unisom on Monday night. Haven't had one on Tuesday or Wednesday. So far, so good. I don't feel awesome, but I'm not nauseas and I'm not throwing up. This is the fourth time I've tried to stop them, so I'm really hoping it works this time--I REALLY hate taking any kind of medicine unless I absolutely have to. I don't even like to take Tylenol. The downside is that Unisom is now marketed as a sleeping aid, whereas it was originally an anti-nausea medicine (obviously still used that way, but not marketed as such). The last two nights have not been the best sleep-wise. I wake up several times, I can't get comfortable, I have one long stretch where I absolutely cannot get back to sleep. So I am missing the sleep-aid part of it, but don't want to be dependent on sleeping pills either. So I'm going to suck it up and hopefully my body quickly adjusts to not having that help and will let me get a little more sleep.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The 18 week belly
I don't like anything touching my belly, so I roll it over. Definitely starting to look (and feel!!) pregnant this week. The couple of days of serious growth I had were painful. Hopefully soon people notice I'm growing a little person as opposed to just gaining weight. ;)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Feeling Kicks!
Last night, hubby felt the baby kicking. It was so much fun--I really love it when other people can start feeling it, too. It will be a bit longer before I let other people try (uterus is still slightly below my bellybutton...no one needs to be putting their hands there!), but it's really great to be able to share it with my hubby. :)
At the beginning of the week, I was getting a little worried because Baby was being stubborn and really wasn't moving much. I was eating, drinking orange juice, having ice-cream, anything I could to get the stinker to move for me. Not much was happening. Wednesday afternoon the movements started to be more regular again, and then yesterday (Thursday) they were pretty strong. On top of that, the sides of my belly were really hurting, especially if I coughed or laughed (those round ligaments are no joke!!). I seriously grew just over yesterday...it was painful. I'll take a pic in the next day or two so you can see the difference between 16 weeks and 18. Ouch!
I can very rarely feel the baby on the outside. Last night, I was laying in bed and s/he was pretty active. I put my hand on my belly and was immediately kicked! I had Hazen put his hand on me, and sure enough, he was given two big kicks. It was fun to see his reaction. He faked feeling it once with Ian and I knew he wasn't telling the truth. The time he really did feel it, I could tell it was genuine. These times were definitely genuine--he would gasp or say "wow!" at exactly the right moment, without me having to say "Did you feel that?". So cool!!
At the beginning of the week, I was getting a little worried because Baby was being stubborn and really wasn't moving much. I was eating, drinking orange juice, having ice-cream, anything I could to get the stinker to move for me. Not much was happening. Wednesday afternoon the movements started to be more regular again, and then yesterday (Thursday) they were pretty strong. On top of that, the sides of my belly were really hurting, especially if I coughed or laughed (those round ligaments are no joke!!). I seriously grew just over yesterday...it was painful. I'll take a pic in the next day or two so you can see the difference between 16 weeks and 18. Ouch!
I can very rarely feel the baby on the outside. Last night, I was laying in bed and s/he was pretty active. I put my hand on my belly and was immediately kicked! I had Hazen put his hand on me, and sure enough, he was given two big kicks. It was fun to see his reaction. He faked feeling it once with Ian and I knew he wasn't telling the truth. The time he really did feel it, I could tell it was genuine. These times were definitely genuine--he would gasp or say "wow!" at exactly the right moment, without me having to say "Did you feel that?". So cool!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Cabbage Test
So, there is a gender test out there known as the cabbage test. The gist of it is this: Cut up a purple cabbage into tiny little pieces. Boil some water. Put the cabbage in the water and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 part cabbage water to 1 part urine. If the water turns pink or red, you're having a boy. If it's purple, it's a girl. Here are my results (I did this around 13 weeks, I think, so awhile ago...I'm just that awesome at blogging).
On the counter (purple):
In the window (reddish):
Going down the sink? Purple. So my interpretation? I'm having a boy or a girl. ;)
On the counter (purple):
In the window (reddish):
Going down the sink? Purple. So my interpretation? I'm having a boy or a girl. ;)
17 weeks, 5 days
Almost 18 weeks...this pregnancy is flying by! I have my next appointment on November 2 and am very anxious to get my ultrasound scheduled and find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
I'm feeling better. I'm still at my pre-pregnancy weight, so hoping to start gaining pretty soon. I looked back at my info from Ian and I was down almost a full pound at this point with him, so at least I'm doing a little better. And I ended up gaining 30 pounds and having an 8 pound, perfectly healthy little boy that time. I'm sure the same will happen this time. :)
If I take Unisom the night before, I don't have to worry about morning sickness. I have tried not taking it a few times, but everytime I throw up. Really not fun. I'm going to try and go without it again this weekend...hoping soon I'll be ready to give it up!
The fatigue is better. I don't have to take naps everyday anymore, though I still appreciate the ones I squeeze in! By bedtime I am beat, but it's alright. I'm sleeping well, and that's the important thing.
So, finally for some belly pictures. I've taken a pic about every three weeks. I may start doing every two soon, but for now three weeks between seems to be a good comparison. I'm taking a while to really pop out again, same as I did with Ian. It's all about the long torso, I guess. ;)
3 weeks, 3 days (day I got my BFP! End of the day and a little bloated):
10 weeks:
13 weeks:
16 1/2 weeks:
I'm feeling better. I'm still at my pre-pregnancy weight, so hoping to start gaining pretty soon. I looked back at my info from Ian and I was down almost a full pound at this point with him, so at least I'm doing a little better. And I ended up gaining 30 pounds and having an 8 pound, perfectly healthy little boy that time. I'm sure the same will happen this time. :)
If I take Unisom the night before, I don't have to worry about morning sickness. I have tried not taking it a few times, but everytime I throw up. Really not fun. I'm going to try and go without it again this weekend...hoping soon I'll be ready to give it up!
The fatigue is better. I don't have to take naps everyday anymore, though I still appreciate the ones I squeeze in! By bedtime I am beat, but it's alright. I'm sleeping well, and that's the important thing.
So, finally for some belly pictures. I've taken a pic about every three weeks. I may start doing every two soon, but for now three weeks between seems to be a good comparison. I'm taking a while to really pop out again, same as I did with Ian. It's all about the long torso, I guess. ;)
3 weeks, 3 days (day I got my BFP! End of the day and a little bloated):
10 weeks:
13 weeks:
16 1/2 weeks:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sooooo moody
I was the ideal pregnant person the first time. I was happy all the time, I was rarely sick, my moods were kept pretty well in check (I was more weepy, but that was over TV shows, songs, etc rather than some random thing my husband said). This time, I yell at the dog, I yell at the husband, I yell at the kid. I throw things (not at anybody, just to make a nice loud sound and get some "anger" out), I cry for no reason. I start off my day perfectly happy and then turn into some angry person that I don't even recognize. It's kind of awful!
I am really hoping this is all some nasty side-effect of the first trimester and that it will be leaving me soon. I will be 14-weeks tomorrow (a full week into the 2nd trimester--yeah!) and I seem to be feeling better. As long as I take my Unisom the night before, the nausea really isn't bad anymore (I've tried not taking it twice...both times I spent the next day vomitting. Don't think I'm ready to give it up yet!). The fatigue is so-so. It's not AS bad, but I'm still a much happier person if I get my 2-hour nap.
I know this will be worth it. I'm feeling baby every-other-day or so, and that's been a lot of fun. I was much further along before I felt Ian, so it's been an unexpected (but happy!) surprise. I'm really looking forward to the daily movements and feeling it on the outside. I can't wait for Hazen and Ian to be able to share in this, especially since I'll be nearly 20 weeks before we hear the heartbeat again. And I am really looking forward to the honeymoon stage of pregnancy. I'm excited to feel good, have some energy back, and start growing my obvious belly. :)
I am really hoping this is all some nasty side-effect of the first trimester and that it will be leaving me soon. I will be 14-weeks tomorrow (a full week into the 2nd trimester--yeah!) and I seem to be feeling better. As long as I take my Unisom the night before, the nausea really isn't bad anymore (I've tried not taking it twice...both times I spent the next day vomitting. Don't think I'm ready to give it up yet!). The fatigue is so-so. It's not AS bad, but I'm still a much happier person if I get my 2-hour nap.
I know this will be worth it. I'm feeling baby every-other-day or so, and that's been a lot of fun. I was much further along before I felt Ian, so it's been an unexpected (but happy!) surprise. I'm really looking forward to the daily movements and feeling it on the outside. I can't wait for Hazen and Ian to be able to share in this, especially since I'll be nearly 20 weeks before we hear the heartbeat again. And I am really looking forward to the honeymoon stage of pregnancy. I'm excited to feel good, have some energy back, and start growing my obvious belly. :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
12 weeks, 4 days
Things are going well. Had my 12 week appointment last week (was 11 + 5), and the heartbeat was so loud and clear, I couldn't believe it. I remember Ian's heartbeat being muted and hard to pick out (plus it was hard to find), but this time she found it within seconds and it was so easy to hear. We didn't get to listen long--baby didn't like the doppler and was bumping into it and moving away, and that was making me laugh. So we got maybe 5 seconds of listen time between the baby and me being incooperative. It was beating at about 160bpm, compared to 140 at 6 weeks, 5 days.
I'm starting to feel better. Still exhausted by the end of the day, but the nausea is slowing down. Haven't thrown up in about a week, knock on wood (though it has been replaced by a very irritating headache)!
The belly is starting to pooch. I'm pretty regularly in maternity wear these days, particularly the pants. It's hard to find pants that I like, that are in my size, and that don't cost a fortune. I refuse to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes, especially since I'm saving for my cloth diaper stash. Ross has been okay, but I've only found one pair of pants there. They should get me through the second trimester (which starts Friday!!!!), but I really don't think they'll be much help once the third hits. I also got three shirts that are cute, but I think they'll also be more for the second and useless to me in the last couple of months.
I am in such disbelief that I got my sticky baby already. I mean, 26 months isn't "already" by any means, but that the first positive tests I had actually resulted in a healthy baby (jumping ahead by 6 months, I know, but at this point it really looks like I'll be bringing home a squishy newborn in March!!). Based on our first experience, I expected a miscarriage. I don't know why, I just thought that I would get pregnant, miscarry, and then a few months later get pregnant with our keeper. It's twisted and stupid, I know, but it was my expectation. And then with the spotting and all...I just really thought it was over before we really got started.
And now, for some cheerful news--I felt the baby this morning! I've been really trying and focusing on it for the last week or so, and today the beanie obliged. I can't describe it, only a mommy who has been through the early movements can understand it, but it was unmistakably baby. I can't wait until I can feel it all regularly and have a little foot or bottom sticking out of my belly in weird angles...I LOVE the huge pregnant stage and I am looking so forward to it. I'm looking forward to it ALL. :)
I'm starting to feel better. Still exhausted by the end of the day, but the nausea is slowing down. Haven't thrown up in about a week, knock on wood (though it has been replaced by a very irritating headache)!
The belly is starting to pooch. I'm pretty regularly in maternity wear these days, particularly the pants. It's hard to find pants that I like, that are in my size, and that don't cost a fortune. I refuse to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes, especially since I'm saving for my cloth diaper stash. Ross has been okay, but I've only found one pair of pants there. They should get me through the second trimester (which starts Friday!!!!), but I really don't think they'll be much help once the third hits. I also got three shirts that are cute, but I think they'll also be more for the second and useless to me in the last couple of months.
I am in such disbelief that I got my sticky baby already. I mean, 26 months isn't "already" by any means, but that the first positive tests I had actually resulted in a healthy baby (jumping ahead by 6 months, I know, but at this point it really looks like I'll be bringing home a squishy newborn in March!!). Based on our first experience, I expected a miscarriage. I don't know why, I just thought that I would get pregnant, miscarry, and then a few months later get pregnant with our keeper. It's twisted and stupid, I know, but it was my expectation. And then with the spotting and all...I just really thought it was over before we really got started.
And now, for some cheerful news--I felt the baby this morning! I've been really trying and focusing on it for the last week or so, and today the beanie obliged. I can't describe it, only a mommy who has been through the early movements can understand it, but it was unmistakably baby. I can't wait until I can feel it all regularly and have a little foot or bottom sticking out of my belly in weird angles...I LOVE the huge pregnant stage and I am looking so forward to it. I'm looking forward to it ALL. :)
Monday, August 23, 2010
9 weeks, 3 days
Moving right along. The morning sickness is still terrible. I'm sitting here willing myself to not need to throw up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't...I'm not feeling too hopeful for today. Sigh.
My belly is already poofing out. Definitely not bloat...it's here all day now. I'm shocked at how much quicker this happens the second time around! I know I've just got the look like I need to lay off the junk (which cracks me up since I've LOST four pounds!), but at least I'm closer to having an obvious baby belly. I'll have to get some pictures up soon.
My husband has been so incredible. Our marriage has gone through some major ups and downs in the last few years. It wasn't the best when I was pregnant with Ian, but I didn't realize it then. It's amazing how different it is to be at a great point in marriage during pregnancy. I couldn't see how not "great" we were then until now, if that makes any sense. I don't know how to thank Hazen enough for all he has done for me this pregnancy. He is so helpful and so patient without even being asked. I am really blessed. :)
My belly is already poofing out. Definitely not bloat...it's here all day now. I'm shocked at how much quicker this happens the second time around! I know I've just got the look like I need to lay off the junk (which cracks me up since I've LOST four pounds!), but at least I'm closer to having an obvious baby belly. I'll have to get some pictures up soon.
My husband has been so incredible. Our marriage has gone through some major ups and downs in the last few years. It wasn't the best when I was pregnant with Ian, but I didn't realize it then. It's amazing how different it is to be at a great point in marriage during pregnancy. I couldn't see how not "great" we were then until now, if that makes any sense. I don't know how to thank Hazen enough for all he has done for me this pregnancy. He is so helpful and so patient without even being asked. I am really blessed. :)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
So THIS is morning sickness...
I admit, I had it pretty easy with Ian. I was nauseas a lot, but I didn't really throw up. This time is different. At least it has gotten bad enough that I now feel like Baby is doing just fine.
I had this wonderful dinner planned for yesterday. I had the slow cooker going all day with my homemade refried beans. Big mistake. HUGE mistake. A slow cooker filled with beans, onion, garlic, and cumin when your sense of smell is like a hound dog is not smart. Not smart at all. By the time the beans were done, all happy feelings I had started my day with were gone. I was throwing up, I was disgusted, I had to clean the dishes as quickly as possible to get rid of the smell. Ugh.
Today I went to the store and bought a can of beans. No joke. Forget healthy eating...it does me no good if I can't even get it passed my lips! And the thought of my homemade ones make me nauseas, so that's not gonna happen. I even made my homemade guacamole, but it's kind of yucky. I use Hass avocados for my guac. For some reason, the store I went to just had these strange looking avocados that I would have thought were some kind of papaya or something (I don't know what a papaya looks like...these avocados are how I imagine them, though!). They're way too sweet. I don't know how to describe the tast of an avocado but "sweet" is not it.
Calling Monday if the nausea doesn't start to subside. I'm having a very hard time leaving the couch and I have a little boy with a birthday fast approaching. I need to be functional for him. I took some B6 this morning, and that seemed to help a little. The nausea is come and go rather than constant, but it's still way too frequent to make me happy. I've been eating sour candies, and those work until I swallow them. At 140 calories per 6 candies, I can't just eat those all day. Ginger Ale has the same effect...great, until my glass is empty.
Ugh...
I had this wonderful dinner planned for yesterday. I had the slow cooker going all day with my homemade refried beans. Big mistake. HUGE mistake. A slow cooker filled with beans, onion, garlic, and cumin when your sense of smell is like a hound dog is not smart. Not smart at all. By the time the beans were done, all happy feelings I had started my day with were gone. I was throwing up, I was disgusted, I had to clean the dishes as quickly as possible to get rid of the smell. Ugh.
Today I went to the store and bought a can of beans. No joke. Forget healthy eating...it does me no good if I can't even get it passed my lips! And the thought of my homemade ones make me nauseas, so that's not gonna happen. I even made my homemade guacamole, but it's kind of yucky. I use Hass avocados for my guac. For some reason, the store I went to just had these strange looking avocados that I would have thought were some kind of papaya or something (I don't know what a papaya looks like...these avocados are how I imagine them, though!). They're way too sweet. I don't know how to describe the tast of an avocado but "sweet" is not it.
Calling Monday if the nausea doesn't start to subside. I'm having a very hard time leaving the couch and I have a little boy with a birthday fast approaching. I need to be functional for him. I took some B6 this morning, and that seemed to help a little. The nausea is come and go rather than constant, but it's still way too frequent to make me happy. I've been eating sour candies, and those work until I swallow them. At 140 calories per 6 candies, I can't just eat those all day. Ginger Ale has the same effect...great, until my glass is empty.
Ugh...
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
6 weeks 5 days
And we have a heartbeat!!! 140bpm and measuring absolutely perfect. How is it possible to be so in love with something soooo tiny (crown to rump as of today: a whopping 0.83cm)??
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Oh, morning sickness
It found me at 5 weeks, 6 days. The first day, Thursday, I threw up in the morning brushing my teeth. I think that's the worst. You brush your teeth to get your mouth clean and fresh, and throwing up completely destroys that. Then you're afraid to brush your teeth because it might happen again...ugh. I felt fine after that until about noon. After noon the rest of the day was downhill, and I didn't get my nap that day either. i was a nauseas, tired, grouch by bedtime. Yesterday, Friday, I felt pretty good. Again, around noon, I started to go south, but after a two hour nap I was well enough to go to a book club meeting and stay longer than planned. I was the first to cut out, though, because I was about to pass out. Then today I woke up feeling awful, but the house needs to be cleaned and the weather is VERY mild so we need to go to the park. Being pregnant when you already have a kid is much harder, I've decided. It's not like I can veg in bed because I don't feel well, or pass out whenever I want because I'm tired. I just get to suck it up. Oh well...it's worth every second. ;)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
5 weeks, 3 days
I had some spotting starting last Thursday (4 weeks, 6 days). It wasn't much, there was just some orange-red colored streaking in my CM a couple of times when I went to the bathroom. Of course since I've had a miscarriage, it freaked me out a little bit. I've also had a lot of cramping, which I know is normal, but I've had some sharper cramps on the right side. My first pregnancy, the miscarriage, was a suspected ectopic. At 6 weeks, 3 days my hCG was in the low 300s and there was nothing in my uterus. Because of that, I went ahead and called yesterday.
This hospital has a reputation for NOT being good about humoring pregnant women and their fears. I guess when you mention "ectopic", though, they change their tune. They got me in that day with Dr. Elliot (I LOVE her...I think I may request her for my doctor!), and she ran bloodwork for me. My hCG was over 9000, absolutely perfect, so she gave me a quick exam and an ultrasound. I have some irritation which she thinks is probably causing the spotting, and the ultrasound revealed a 5 weeks, 4 days sac and yolk sac in my uterus. Yay! I had some fluid on the right side, so she thinks I probably had a cyst burst which caused the pain. She couldn't find my right ovary, which is something that has happened to me several times...it hides behind my uterus. I've had someone actually ask me if I have both ovaries.
I will go back next Wednesday at 6 weeks, 5 days to make ABSOLUTELY sure I only have the one baby in the right spot, we don't want anybody to be hiding in a tube (only a 1/30000 chance of that, but it does happen), and also to see my beanies heart beat. I can't wait. :)
Oh, she took pictures of the ultrasound and I totally forgot to ask for them, I was just so happy when she told me everything looked perfect. I'm hoping she stuck them in my file...I would LOVE to have them. :)
This hospital has a reputation for NOT being good about humoring pregnant women and their fears. I guess when you mention "ectopic", though, they change their tune. They got me in that day with Dr. Elliot (I LOVE her...I think I may request her for my doctor!), and she ran bloodwork for me. My hCG was over 9000, absolutely perfect, so she gave me a quick exam and an ultrasound. I have some irritation which she thinks is probably causing the spotting, and the ultrasound revealed a 5 weeks, 4 days sac and yolk sac in my uterus. Yay! I had some fluid on the right side, so she thinks I probably had a cyst burst which caused the pain. She couldn't find my right ovary, which is something that has happened to me several times...it hides behind my uterus. I've had someone actually ask me if I have both ovaries.
I will go back next Wednesday at 6 weeks, 5 days to make ABSOLUTELY sure I only have the one baby in the right spot, we don't want anybody to be hiding in a tube (only a 1/30000 chance of that, but it does happen), and also to see my beanies heart beat. I can't wait. :)
Oh, she took pictures of the ultrasound and I totally forgot to ask for them, I was just so happy when she told me everything looked perfect. I'm hoping she stuck them in my file...I would LOVE to have them. :)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Spotting
Had a little bit of spotting last night. Showed up as orange tinted CM when I wiped (sorry for TMI!) and so I did an internal check and it was pink with red streaks. It only happened once, and hasn't happened again since about 6pm last night (it's now 8am). I was pretty upset and crying at the time, but I think it's fine and normal first trimester stuff. I had one instance of spotting with Ian, too, so I'm sure it's okay. I was going to call the hospital today, but I don't know what I expect them to do. I am only 5 weeks today, so not much would show in an ultrasound. I would rather wait another week or so so that I'd have a chance at seeing the heartbeat...today we might only see a sac. So I'm taking it easy today and enjoying games, crafts, and TV with the kid. It's a bit of a bummer because I had a lunch date with some friends, but I'll feel better if I just veg for the day.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ugh...I need new pregnancy books
The last time I found out I was pregnant was almost five years ago. I was 21 and I seriously didn't know much about birth or pregnancy. I bought the "right" pregnancy books--What to Expect and Your Pregnancy Week by Week. I was flipping through "Your Pregnancy" today. I was enjoying it at first--I love the illustrations of what the baby looks like each week, what it's doing developmentally, what my body is doing, etc. But then I started to read things about natural birth. "Natural birth" is put in quotations...automatically made me realize it was going to be an anti-natural birth passage. It said to beware of homebirths--there is twice as high of an infant mortality rate. Didn't mention which study they got that info from, though...last I checked, the mortality rate was actually LOWER than births in the hospital. Also said to "beware" of birthing instructors who teach that nobody needs a c-section. Do I think that "nobody" needs a c-section? No, of course not. Do I believe that nearly a third of delivering mothers need one? Again, of course not!
Then I of course noticed that the book is written by an OB and M.S...I have no idea what a M.S. is! I try and google it and I get Multiple Sclerosis and find out that the author has a master's in consumer and family studies. Wha??? Plus, the book was originally written in 1989. Sure, it's undergone some revisions, but it seems some of the 1989 mentality has stubbornly remained anyway.
I don't plan on a homebirth. I don't know that it's even an option living on base. I would like my next birth to be quite a bit more natural than my first. I don't want to be hooked up to twenty censors and machines, I don't want synthetic chemicals to be pumped into my body at such concentrations that I have non-stop contractions, if I need to use the bathroom I want to get up and go to it, not have a bed-pan brought to me like I'm an invalid.
I've grown and learned a bit in the last 5 years...guess it's time my pregnancy library reflects that.
Then I of course noticed that the book is written by an OB and M.S...I have no idea what a M.S. is! I try and google it and I get Multiple Sclerosis and find out that the author has a master's in consumer and family studies. Wha??? Plus, the book was originally written in 1989. Sure, it's undergone some revisions, but it seems some of the 1989 mentality has stubbornly remained anyway.
I don't plan on a homebirth. I don't know that it's even an option living on base. I would like my next birth to be quite a bit more natural than my first. I don't want to be hooked up to twenty censors and machines, I don't want synthetic chemicals to be pumped into my body at such concentrations that I have non-stop contractions, if I need to use the bathroom I want to get up and go to it, not have a bed-pan brought to me like I'm an invalid.
I've grown and learned a bit in the last 5 years...guess it's time my pregnancy library reflects that.
Monday, July 19, 2010
16dpo test
Think I'm about done testing now. I don't believe it can get much darker than that, but of course if I don't see progression the next time I test it will make me worry...even if there isn't much progressing that can happen. I'm waiting for my call back for my first appointment. They didn't have any appointments open when I called on Thursday so they said they'd have to call me back. I figure if I don't hear by Wednesday I will call again...a week is more than enough time. Hoping I can figure out how to relax and think positive thoughts--this pregnancy is going to go perfectly and I am going to have a beautiful baby at the end of it!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
On the agenda for today:
Deep cleaning! If this pregnancy is anything like the one with Ian, in about a week every smell is going to make me nauseas. Trying to rid the house of any potential smells NOW while I can (just because I can't smell them doesn't mean they're not there!!) so that in a week I can bask in freshness and non-nauseatedness.
Also having my blood test today...eek!!
Took two more tests today (will post later), and they're both darker than yesterday--yay! Trying to stop peeing on things for a couple of days. Wish me luck.
Also having my blood test today...eek!!
Took two more tests today (will post later), and they're both darker than yesterday--yay! Trying to stop peeing on things for a couple of days. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Getting darker
Feeling a little better today.
10dpo:
9-10dpo (9dpo say 8dpo because my ovulation date hadn't changed yet--I agree with where it is now):
10dpo:
9-10dpo (9dpo say 8dpo because my ovulation date hadn't changed yet--I agree with where it is now):
Can't think of a title today...
How silly and lame is that? I am completely brain dead. I have been up since 5am after a night of poor sleep, so I guess I can be forgiven, right?
My crosshairs got moved today so it looks like I was actually 9dpo yesterday rather than 8. I'm happy with that--I'm a day further along than I thought and BFPs at 9dpo is nothing to be upset over!
I don't want to have my blood drawn until I'm SURE they will call me with news to make me smile. I had planned to wait until Friday, but I think I'll bump it up to Thursday since I'm a day further than I thought. Plus, this way I hopefully won't have to wait over the weekend to get my results.
I'm going to get more tests this morning once Ian wakes up. I'm going to take one a day over the next few days to make sure my lines are getting darker. They were so light yesterday that it's a little nerve-wracking, but I know light lines are to be expected that early.
I am so in denial right now. This doesn't seem real.
My crosshairs got moved today so it looks like I was actually 9dpo yesterday rather than 8. I'm happy with that--I'm a day further along than I thought and BFPs at 9dpo is nothing to be upset over!
I don't want to have my blood drawn until I'm SURE they will call me with news to make me smile. I had planned to wait until Friday, but I think I'll bump it up to Thursday since I'm a day further than I thought. Plus, this way I hopefully won't have to wait over the weekend to get my results.
I'm going to get more tests this morning once Ian wakes up. I'm going to take one a day over the next few days to make sure my lines are getting darker. They were so light yesterday that it's a little nerve-wracking, but I know light lines are to be expected that early.
I am so in denial right now. This doesn't seem real.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Well...
I'm pregnant.
If you're a reader---PLEASE don't say anything outside of this blog. We won't be announcing to family until we hear the heartbeat. I am reeeeally early...like just over 3 weeks early.
If you're a reader---PLEASE don't say anything outside of this blog. We won't be announcing to family until we hear the heartbeat. I am reeeeally early...like just over 3 weeks early.
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