Too much time has gone by and the blogs are unkept! I feel bad because I enjoy blogging and sharing about the kids and life in general and keeping in touch with those few of you who I link to via this place. I hope no one's forgotten me! I haven't forgotten you! I have just been insanely busy.
I have more pictures of my precious children to post. THEY ARE GROWING and Emilia is now 7 months and 17lbs. She is wearing size 9 months clothing and just is SUCH a personality!
I will be back later with pictures to share :)
HAVE A GREAT TUESDAY!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
MORE PICTURES?
That is all I ever do here, huh? Post pictures of my girls??? :) CANNOT HELP IT! I am a proud mama! Since I know this isn't happening again, I am EXTRA proud and excited of the girls.
I will have some good ones coming this week of Elena in her dance gear! She is taking lessons now. And Emilia being her cute self will join those pics, no doubt!
Life is fine. Tiring and frustrating more often than not, but the girls are shining lights in the darkness! :)
How can these faces NOT cheer you up?
I will have some good ones coming this week of Elena in her dance gear! She is taking lessons now. And Emilia being her cute self will join those pics, no doubt!
Life is fine. Tiring and frustrating more often than not, but the girls are shining lights in the darkness! :)
How can these faces NOT cheer you up?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Time to Look in the Mirror
It has BEEN time but I have been avoiding it. I weigh from time to time but just haven't been in the place where I can say "okay, I really will watch my food intake and start to exercise." HOW DO MOMS DO IT? Especially newer moms?
I want to SLEEP not go move my body around and sweat, necessitating a very rare and precious SHOWER! As it is I have to schedule those, to be sure the kids are being watched and that big sis is supervised and little sis is kept alive by someone.
So I am not ready to really start to exercise. I WILL start walking. It is rough because it is in the 100s here lately. And my heel spurs are back (had them for a while after Elena was born too). HOWEVER, I hate that I am breastfeeding and not losing weight and it is because I have not reigned in my eating yet.
I eat too much of the bad foods. I don't eat massive quantities, but I do make bad choices. Sometimes I make faster choices because I don't want to spend precious time in the kitchen.
For some reason I am having a hard time deciding to really make the changes I need to make to my food. I have done this countless times before and NEVER found it so hard to really commit to change like I am now. I guess it is because with so many other things to worry about, I don't want to add to the list. I imagine it has something to do with not wanting to invest in planning and executing and possibly failing when it is easier to just be.
Easy is not usually good and that is what I am settling for these days!
So my ass will not shrink any time soon. I do weigh around what I did pre-Emilia, but of course I don't look like I did and I am and probably will continue to stagnate until I sign on to make the serious changes needed to see my weight go down.
THE GOOD NEWS is that I have a very healthy and beautiful breast-fed child who is thriving and growing and continually impressing and amazing me. I focus on that for now and hope the rest will fall into place when I can handle it! I hope that time comes sooner rather than later!
Speaking of my sweet child, here are more pictures and a video for the clammoring masses out there. Okay, so I don't think there are more than two or three of you since no one leaves me messages, but you few are very important people!
ENJOY!
I want to SLEEP not go move my body around and sweat, necessitating a very rare and precious SHOWER! As it is I have to schedule those, to be sure the kids are being watched and that big sis is supervised and little sis is kept alive by someone.
So I am not ready to really start to exercise. I WILL start walking. It is rough because it is in the 100s here lately. And my heel spurs are back (had them for a while after Elena was born too). HOWEVER, I hate that I am breastfeeding and not losing weight and it is because I have not reigned in my eating yet.
I eat too much of the bad foods. I don't eat massive quantities, but I do make bad choices. Sometimes I make faster choices because I don't want to spend precious time in the kitchen.
For some reason I am having a hard time deciding to really make the changes I need to make to my food. I have done this countless times before and NEVER found it so hard to really commit to change like I am now. I guess it is because with so many other things to worry about, I don't want to add to the list. I imagine it has something to do with not wanting to invest in planning and executing and possibly failing when it is easier to just be.
Easy is not usually good and that is what I am settling for these days!
So my ass will not shrink any time soon. I do weigh around what I did pre-Emilia, but of course I don't look like I did and I am and probably will continue to stagnate until I sign on to make the serious changes needed to see my weight go down.
THE GOOD NEWS is that I have a very healthy and beautiful breast-fed child who is thriving and growing and continually impressing and amazing me. I focus on that for now and hope the rest will fall into place when I can handle it! I hope that time comes sooner rather than later!
Speaking of my sweet child, here are more pictures and a video for the clammoring masses out there. Okay, so I don't think there are more than two or three of you since no one leaves me messages, but you few are very important people!
ENJOY!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
2.5 Months and Counting!
I say it OFTEN but time flies these days!
My girl is getting so big and I am enjoying ALMOST every minute of it!!! ;)
I have so many pictures to post but here are just a few of the very latest from the last week!
ENJOY!
My favorite:
Making faces:
Being STRONG!
Being DRAWN (by her Elena...self portrait, including Emilia):
Excited:
and chillin' with big sis:
Quick Video for those of you still here! :)
My girl is getting so big and I am enjoying ALMOST every minute of it!!! ;)
I have so many pictures to post but here are just a few of the very latest from the last week!
ENJOY!
My favorite:
Making faces:
Being STRONG!
Being DRAWN (by her Elena...self portrait, including Emilia):
Excited:
and chillin' with big sis:
Quick Video for those of you still here! :)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Post Op
So it has been almost seven weeks since my emergency C-section and life is pretty good from where I sit. It was the hardest week of my life I think (that week of delivery) but my daughter is a blessing I wouldn't trade her for the world.
Having said that, knowing I would have to endure another C section was news I did not take well when it was given, but due to the obvious gravity of the situation, I sucked up the tears quickly. Within 15 minutes, I was getting my spinal. In another five minutes, I was prepped and waiting for the OB to show up.
Having had a previous C, I know how fast things go. Once everyone was in place, the baby appears within minutes. Minutes came and went however, and I felt lots of tugging and heard the doctor voices become more hushed. I found out later how grave the situation really was.
My insides were bad. I had adhesions and bad bad scarring from the last C that made it impossible for them to re-cut. Lots of efforts were made, but they abandoned it in order to expedite the delivery. The scarring was so bad that my fallopian tubes and my bladder were glued to my uterus via this excess tissue. I ended up needing to get a new incision on the vertical and while they were cutting, the old scar on the horizontal ruptured. So I lost a ton of blood.
Once inside of me, they saw that the placenta was falling off my uterus, which is why the baby had bad readings while I was on the monitors (prompting the decision for surgery). Despite this complication, the baby was fine and has no noticeable issues due to lack of blood/oxygen while in the uterus.
I should be EXTREMELY thankful. And I most certainly am! My baby had a rough go of coming into the world but seems fine and is healthy, smart and beautiful!
The problem that saddens me is that the OB who did the surgery, the one they called in to assist due to its complexity and the midwife who was assisting, all agree on the fact that I should not get pregnant again.
This is very depressing news to me on so many levels. I don't even know if I would have had more (even though I know I wanted more), but being told not to get pregnant is not something that I enjoyed hearing. They showed me graphs and used very vivid language in explaining things. They were quite detailed. Hearing the issues I might have, the complexity of future surgeries, the difficulty of recovery and the risks to the child made it clear that they are right, but it is STILL hard to grasp.
I feel young and thinking my child bearing years have come to an end makes me feel old. It makes me feel like a huge part of my life and what I love are no more. I have a new life now. It's a different one.
They first told me immediately after surgery. Then while I was in the hospital recovering for a week, I heard it a number of times more. Then at my follow up appointments, I heard it yet again from the OB one week and the midwife the next week. They both immediately brought up birth control methods and made suggestions. The midwife had me leave with a follow up appointment made to deal with birth control insertion AND gave me strict orders to AVOID SEX until after things are fixed. Until I am fixed. :(
I don't feel ready to make a decision. I felt like they told me which methods they felt were best and I just nodded. I don't know the first thing about these things really because "long term" birth control was never part of my plan.
I feel numb still. I have tried for weeks to come to grips with this news and feel selfish sometimes for mourning so much.
I have two beautiful girls and some people are never blessed with a single child. Some people struggle for years to finally enjoy a pregnancy and birth, oftentimes only after seeking help from science. I have two gorgeous children and I should feel blessed. I do feel blessed, but I cannot help but feel sad for the children I won't have. Sad for the siblings I cannot give my children.
I am also quite Sad for myself. I won't experience pregnancy again. I won't ever again experience the great firsts I have started to enjoy with Emilia.
I won't ever get to be surprised by a plus sign on the pregnancy test. I wont ever again get to tell my husband the good news! Thinking that if I do get pregnant, it will somehow be "bad" news just doesn't compute to me. This is what they have told me, however. Becoming pregnant is BAD. Bad for my health and potentially bad for any child.
I could not struggle with getting pregnant because I know I would have to have that child. So I do have to figure out what to do to avoid getting pregnant.
It is sad, but it also doesn't sit well with me as a Catholic.
There is a lot more thinking that has to be done on this subject, so I am putting off the appointment so that I can do more research and rethink things some. I want to feel good about whatever I do and right now I don't feel ready or able to deal with any of it.
I love my girl and I am glad to have her. I love her sister too. My girls are special and make me a better person. Looking at them makes me happy and always reminds me that although my body seems to have many issues that make having a baby the old fashioned way impossible, it did a good job incubating! Thank God for that much!
Having said that, knowing I would have to endure another C section was news I did not take well when it was given, but due to the obvious gravity of the situation, I sucked up the tears quickly. Within 15 minutes, I was getting my spinal. In another five minutes, I was prepped and waiting for the OB to show up.
Having had a previous C, I know how fast things go. Once everyone was in place, the baby appears within minutes. Minutes came and went however, and I felt lots of tugging and heard the doctor voices become more hushed. I found out later how grave the situation really was.
My insides were bad. I had adhesions and bad bad scarring from the last C that made it impossible for them to re-cut. Lots of efforts were made, but they abandoned it in order to expedite the delivery. The scarring was so bad that my fallopian tubes and my bladder were glued to my uterus via this excess tissue. I ended up needing to get a new incision on the vertical and while they were cutting, the old scar on the horizontal ruptured. So I lost a ton of blood.
Once inside of me, they saw that the placenta was falling off my uterus, which is why the baby had bad readings while I was on the monitors (prompting the decision for surgery). Despite this complication, the baby was fine and has no noticeable issues due to lack of blood/oxygen while in the uterus.
I should be EXTREMELY thankful. And I most certainly am! My baby had a rough go of coming into the world but seems fine and is healthy, smart and beautiful!
The problem that saddens me is that the OB who did the surgery, the one they called in to assist due to its complexity and the midwife who was assisting, all agree on the fact that I should not get pregnant again.
This is very depressing news to me on so many levels. I don't even know if I would have had more (even though I know I wanted more), but being told not to get pregnant is not something that I enjoyed hearing. They showed me graphs and used very vivid language in explaining things. They were quite detailed. Hearing the issues I might have, the complexity of future surgeries, the difficulty of recovery and the risks to the child made it clear that they are right, but it is STILL hard to grasp.
I feel young and thinking my child bearing years have come to an end makes me feel old. It makes me feel like a huge part of my life and what I love are no more. I have a new life now. It's a different one.
They first told me immediately after surgery. Then while I was in the hospital recovering for a week, I heard it a number of times more. Then at my follow up appointments, I heard it yet again from the OB one week and the midwife the next week. They both immediately brought up birth control methods and made suggestions. The midwife had me leave with a follow up appointment made to deal with birth control insertion AND gave me strict orders to AVOID SEX until after things are fixed. Until I am fixed. :(
I don't feel ready to make a decision. I felt like they told me which methods they felt were best and I just nodded. I don't know the first thing about these things really because "long term" birth control was never part of my plan.
I feel numb still. I have tried for weeks to come to grips with this news and feel selfish sometimes for mourning so much.
I have two beautiful girls and some people are never blessed with a single child. Some people struggle for years to finally enjoy a pregnancy and birth, oftentimes only after seeking help from science. I have two gorgeous children and I should feel blessed. I do feel blessed, but I cannot help but feel sad for the children I won't have. Sad for the siblings I cannot give my children.
I am also quite Sad for myself. I won't experience pregnancy again. I won't ever again experience the great firsts I have started to enjoy with Emilia.
I won't ever get to be surprised by a plus sign on the pregnancy test. I wont ever again get to tell my husband the good news! Thinking that if I do get pregnant, it will somehow be "bad" news just doesn't compute to me. This is what they have told me, however. Becoming pregnant is BAD. Bad for my health and potentially bad for any child.
I could not struggle with getting pregnant because I know I would have to have that child. So I do have to figure out what to do to avoid getting pregnant.
It is sad, but it also doesn't sit well with me as a Catholic.
There is a lot more thinking that has to be done on this subject, so I am putting off the appointment so that I can do more research and rethink things some. I want to feel good about whatever I do and right now I don't feel ready or able to deal with any of it.
I love my girl and I am glad to have her. I love her sister too. My girls are special and make me a better person. Looking at them makes me happy and always reminds me that although my body seems to have many issues that make having a baby the old fashioned way impossible, it did a good job incubating! Thank God for that much!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
One Month and counting!!
Time passes quickly when you live in a vacuum!
Emilia turns a month old this week!
I have a couple of pictures to share with you that are from this week and today. She has started to smile and that has really made things entertaining. She is a joy--although still thinks midnight to 5 a.m. is "morning". That complicates things as far as getting decent sleep is concerned, but she is still a treasure!
ENJOY!
Emilia turns a month old this week!
I have a couple of pictures to share with you that are from this week and today. She has started to smile and that has really made things entertaining. She is a joy--although still thinks midnight to 5 a.m. is "morning". That complicates things as far as getting decent sleep is concerned, but she is still a treasure!
ENJOY!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Emilia Andrea Gracia: Photos from first week
These are all cell phone images we captured during week one at home. Excuse mess and mismatched clothes and no makeup having faces! :)
I know it looks like all she does is sleep but its quite the opposite. She cries a *LOT* and eats even more. She is ALWAYS hungry it seems. This is a mixed blessing. I am dropping weight like no one's business, but breast feeding can be quite painful with an eater like this (who also refuses to latch well)!
So there is no such thing as a free lunch! I am paying dearly for this weight loss! (Pain, lack of sleep, rinse & repeat.) I can not think of another diet that is too much easier. No pain no gain, right?
;)
More pics to come once I get my camera ones online and re-sized!
Have a great day!
I know it looks like all she does is sleep but its quite the opposite. She cries a *LOT* and eats even more. She is ALWAYS hungry it seems. This is a mixed blessing. I am dropping weight like no one's business, but breast feeding can be quite painful with an eater like this (who also refuses to latch well)!
So there is no such thing as a free lunch! I am paying dearly for this weight loss! (Pain, lack of sleep, rinse & repeat.) I can not think of another diet that is too much easier. No pain no gain, right?
;)
More pics to come once I get my camera ones online and re-sized!
Have a great day!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Our New Baby is Home!
We went into the hospital last Monday night and only came home last night! A WHOLE WEEK we were there! :(
Our daughter, Emilia Andrea Gracia, was born at 9:17pm on March 30th. She was 8lbs 9ozs and is 20 inches long.
She is something else! Came out screaming and with her eyes open taking everything in! We got to spend a LOT of time with her immediately and she was very quiet and her eyes were looking us over and looking at anyone who handled her. So insane to watch an infant be that alert!
She was born via emergency C section and the section was not without complications. It took a long time and I ended up needing blood replenished afterward. It was a rough go for sure! Thankfully I had all the complications and aftershocks and she was flawless. Not even jaundiced! Healthy little angel!
Pictures will come shortly!!!
Our daughter, Emilia Andrea Gracia, was born at 9:17pm on March 30th. She was 8lbs 9ozs and is 20 inches long.
She is something else! Came out screaming and with her eyes open taking everything in! We got to spend a LOT of time with her immediately and she was very quiet and her eyes were looking us over and looking at anyone who handled her. So insane to watch an infant be that alert!
She was born via emergency C section and the section was not without complications. It took a long time and I ended up needing blood replenished afterward. It was a rough go for sure! Thankfully I had all the complications and aftershocks and she was flawless. Not even jaundiced! Healthy little angel!
Pictures will come shortly!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I'm DUE today!!!
I have had contractions off and on but NOTHING near what it should be if labor was impending.
This morning I did have some bloody show though (gross I know) but that damn near had me in tears. It is the beginning of the end and I see a light at the end of the tunnel. FINALLY.
I didnt have this with ELena, so we will see what the day brings.
Off to shower, get dressed, go to church, then go for a long walk and hope for the best! WISH ME LUCK and please pray that things progress sooner rather than later! :)
More updates to come. And watch this space for pictures as soon as she is delivered!
This morning I did have some bloody show though (gross I know) but that damn near had me in tears. It is the beginning of the end and I see a light at the end of the tunnel. FINALLY.
I didnt have this with ELena, so we will see what the day brings.
Off to shower, get dressed, go to church, then go for a long walk and hope for the best! WISH ME LUCK and please pray that things progress sooner rather than later! :)
More updates to come. And watch this space for pictures as soon as she is delivered!
Monday, March 23, 2009
39 week appointment
:(
NO CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm still 2cm, still thick, and still my cervix is high. Anyone surprised? Me neither.
The midwife couldn't even strip my membranes because they are TOO HIGH for her short fingers. :)
It has been an emotional day for me and I cannot explain why completely. Part of me is sad I am not going early. Part of me is worried about the VBAC not being able to happen. Part of me is scared about labor and even the baby coming home. I just got hit with a flood of emotions in my appointment and couldn't stop crying! :) THankfully I was with my favorite midwife who was very reassuring and sweet about it all.
It turns out she is on call today, Wednesday then again this weekend. I had the dates wrong!! Then next week i have my 40th week appointment on Monday but I HOPE I DON'T MAKE IT THAT FAR!!!! *fingers xed*
One good thing that happened is that I got to see the little one since the midwife couldn't find her heartbeat. This girl wouldn't stay still!!!! She finally saw her on the u/s then was able to find her heartbeat. Oh my goodness, this girl is so active. she has been bouncing around ALLLLLL morning and my tummy is hurting. wish she'd take a nap or something!
Weird how she feels sooooooooooooo low like she is about to pop out but she ISN'T yet.
I started early labor ON MY due date last time and I am guessing its the same this time. With any luck this weekend I start my early labor *fingers xed* since my due date is Sunday!!!!!!
She said whatever I do don't lay off the EPO. Apparently it is better to keep it up than not to, so I am taking it. Hope along with me that things move by this weekend. I would rather not go past my due date and I would also rather NOT be delivered by one of the other midwives.
Glad I got my good cry in. I feel a little better. Hopefully, I can start doing the positive visualization. I need to be in a better state of mind! SOON!!
Keep me in your prayers! :)
NO CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm still 2cm, still thick, and still my cervix is high. Anyone surprised? Me neither.
The midwife couldn't even strip my membranes because they are TOO HIGH for her short fingers. :)
It has been an emotional day for me and I cannot explain why completely. Part of me is sad I am not going early. Part of me is worried about the VBAC not being able to happen. Part of me is scared about labor and even the baby coming home. I just got hit with a flood of emotions in my appointment and couldn't stop crying! :) THankfully I was with my favorite midwife who was very reassuring and sweet about it all.
It turns out she is on call today, Wednesday then again this weekend. I had the dates wrong!! Then next week i have my 40th week appointment on Monday but I HOPE I DON'T MAKE IT THAT FAR!!!! *fingers xed*
One good thing that happened is that I got to see the little one since the midwife couldn't find her heartbeat. This girl wouldn't stay still!!!! She finally saw her on the u/s then was able to find her heartbeat. Oh my goodness, this girl is so active. she has been bouncing around ALLLLLL morning and my tummy is hurting. wish she'd take a nap or something!
Weird how she feels sooooooooooooo low like she is about to pop out but she ISN'T yet.
I started early labor ON MY due date last time and I am guessing its the same this time. With any luck this weekend I start my early labor *fingers xed* since my due date is Sunday!!!!!!
She said whatever I do don't lay off the EPO. Apparently it is better to keep it up than not to, so I am taking it. Hope along with me that things move by this weekend. I would rather not go past my due date and I would also rather NOT be delivered by one of the other midwives.
Glad I got my good cry in. I feel a little better. Hopefully, I can start doing the positive visualization. I need to be in a better state of mind! SOON!!
Keep me in your prayers! :)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Bringing it on....
Or so I hope. Trying everything in the book (almost)!
Turns out my midwife is on call sat/Sunday, then next week on Wednesday and Friday. My due date is that weekend after Friday. I hope I go on one of those days!!! I really am hoping to get her, but if I don't go this weekend, I see her on Monday for my regular 39 week appt. At that point I will talk to her about having her possibly come in for me whenever it is that I go. That would relieve me from a lot of stress!!!
I am also wondering if this kid is going to take her time like her sister did. I didn't start early labor with Elena until my DUE DATE! If that is the case, this girl could leave me hanging another 10 days! :(
I don't want her out so much because I am ready to evict her. I actually feel fairly good all things considered. I just want to get the midwife I want. Not having her expand any more would be ideal as well. I'm actually surprised at how good I feel.
My ligaments are expanded beyond capacity and I feel huge, but I am sleeping decently (considering) and have been in more pain at different points throughout the pregnancy. The end is supposed to the be worst, but I am doing okay so far! YES walking hurts and YES I feel like my belly might sink between my legs at any given moment, but that is par for the course, no? There is a living, squirming, large little monkey growing in there!
Will be keeping this updated as things develop...or don't! :( PRAY FOR ME!!!
Picture of me yesterday.
More pics on my other blog.
:)
Turns out my midwife is on call sat/Sunday, then next week on Wednesday and Friday. My due date is that weekend after Friday. I hope I go on one of those days!!! I really am hoping to get her, but if I don't go this weekend, I see her on Monday for my regular 39 week appt. At that point I will talk to her about having her possibly come in for me whenever it is that I go. That would relieve me from a lot of stress!!!
I am also wondering if this kid is going to take her time like her sister did. I didn't start early labor with Elena until my DUE DATE! If that is the case, this girl could leave me hanging another 10 days! :(
I don't want her out so much because I am ready to evict her. I actually feel fairly good all things considered. I just want to get the midwife I want. Not having her expand any more would be ideal as well. I'm actually surprised at how good I feel.
My ligaments are expanded beyond capacity and I feel huge, but I am sleeping decently (considering) and have been in more pain at different points throughout the pregnancy. The end is supposed to the be worst, but I am doing okay so far! YES walking hurts and YES I feel like my belly might sink between my legs at any given moment, but that is par for the course, no? There is a living, squirming, large little monkey growing in there!
Will be keeping this updated as things develop...or don't! :( PRAY FOR ME!!!
Picture of me yesterday.
More pics on my other blog.
:)
Monday, March 16, 2009
14 days left...or less?
38 week appointment was today. It was a mix of emotions, but mostly good!
First they did an ultrasound which was had me excited and frightened. They estimate the baby's weight (on a static formula they plug my baby's info into) to be at 9 lbs 10 oz. I know this isn't true just based on the fact that the formula is flawed and didn't hold true for my last child. I do not deny that this is a large baby. I know I have those! But I don't think this kid is nearly 10 lbs with two more weeks to go!
(Image above not my child ;) but still cute!)
HOWEVER, I did see my child on the ultrasound and it was such an uplifting, happy moment. I don't remember feeling so moved before in previous ultrasounds of TWO kids! This child looks adorable and I cannot wait to see what she really looks like. What was so precious is that you saw her cheeks moving in utero as she was sucking on her fingers. you saw her eyes open and close and you saw her head move and her hands move as she adjusted herself. It was so surreal and beautiful. Her cheeks look so sweet and pinchable! Really chubby and cute!
I know that two of the three midwives are more clinical and one is worried about my baby's weight so I was a little worried about what they would say when they saw the information of the U/s at my regular appointment later that morning. It turns out I saw the MUCH more laid back midwife, who I really want to be the lady in the room with me when I deliver. She was wonderful and also believes the ultrasound is wrong based on her very firm probing of my belly. OUCH! She said it feels VERY long and thin (like her sister is) and that she expects her to probably weigh what Elena weighed. She also said even if it was right, based on my daughter's body type, our sizes, etc, she doesn't think it will be a problem. PLUS this kid's head is slightly smaller than her sister's was, which is more good news.
We are doing Evening Primrose Oil and today was my first vaginal check. She said I'm almost at 2 centimeters dilated and that if I go this coming weekend or the following weekend, SHE IS ON CALL! :) LOL I hope my child cooperates!!!!
I don't know who works during the week, but I certainly hope we have a chance at her being the person who comes in to help deliver this baby!
I gained one pound, which is weird since my last appointment was only five days ago, but with only two weeks to go and no weight gained in almost three months, I cannot complain.
I am really getting anxious and hope we don't have long to wait! I am ready for things to go down this weekend. I need a couple of days to relax after all the stress of the past few days, including today (see post on other blog tomorrow). After a few rest up days, I am ready to rock and roll! :)
BRING IT BABY!!!
I, however, have a feeling this kid is nice and cozy where she is. Looking at her face, you would think she was big and strong enough to come out YESTERDAY, but she's coming in her time. Maybe she's a procrastinator like her mommy (and her sister--who was three days late)!
LET US HOPE NOT!
:)
First they did an ultrasound which was had me excited and frightened. They estimate the baby's weight (on a static formula they plug my baby's info into) to be at 9 lbs 10 oz. I know this isn't true just based on the fact that the formula is flawed and didn't hold true for my last child. I do not deny that this is a large baby. I know I have those! But I don't think this kid is nearly 10 lbs with two more weeks to go!
(Image above not my child ;) but still cute!)
HOWEVER, I did see my child on the ultrasound and it was such an uplifting, happy moment. I don't remember feeling so moved before in previous ultrasounds of TWO kids! This child looks adorable and I cannot wait to see what she really looks like. What was so precious is that you saw her cheeks moving in utero as she was sucking on her fingers. you saw her eyes open and close and you saw her head move and her hands move as she adjusted herself. It was so surreal and beautiful. Her cheeks look so sweet and pinchable! Really chubby and cute!
I know that two of the three midwives are more clinical and one is worried about my baby's weight so I was a little worried about what they would say when they saw the information of the U/s at my regular appointment later that morning. It turns out I saw the MUCH more laid back midwife, who I really want to be the lady in the room with me when I deliver. She was wonderful and also believes the ultrasound is wrong based on her very firm probing of my belly. OUCH! She said it feels VERY long and thin (like her sister is) and that she expects her to probably weigh what Elena weighed. She also said even if it was right, based on my daughter's body type, our sizes, etc, she doesn't think it will be a problem. PLUS this kid's head is slightly smaller than her sister's was, which is more good news.
We are doing Evening Primrose Oil and today was my first vaginal check. She said I'm almost at 2 centimeters dilated and that if I go this coming weekend or the following weekend, SHE IS ON CALL! :) LOL I hope my child cooperates!!!!
I don't know who works during the week, but I certainly hope we have a chance at her being the person who comes in to help deliver this baby!
I gained one pound, which is weird since my last appointment was only five days ago, but with only two weeks to go and no weight gained in almost three months, I cannot complain.
I am really getting anxious and hope we don't have long to wait! I am ready for things to go down this weekend. I need a couple of days to relax after all the stress of the past few days, including today (see post on other blog tomorrow). After a few rest up days, I am ready to rock and roll! :)
BRING IT BABY!!!
I, however, have a feeling this kid is nice and cozy where she is. Looking at her face, you would think she was big and strong enough to come out YESTERDAY, but she's coming in her time. Maybe she's a procrastinator like her mommy (and her sister--who was three days late)!
LET US HOPE NOT!
:)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
37 week appointment Today!
WOOHOO no weight gain!
Measuring full term. (You are thinking "Duh!" if you saw my pictures! lol)
Have an upcoming appointment for Monday for an ultrasound where we will get a weight on the baby and they might stimulate things (stripping membranes I think).
17 days left until I'm due!
That is all! :)
Measuring full term. (You are thinking "Duh!" if you saw my pictures! lol)
Have an upcoming appointment for Monday for an ultrasound where we will get a weight on the baby and they might stimulate things (stripping membranes I think).
17 days left until I'm due!
That is all! :)
Monday, March 9, 2009
37 weeks
I hit that marker yesterday. I have an appointment Thursday and then the following week I get to see my baby again! I cannot wait to see her again! :)
In the meantime, I think my driving days are over for now. I have been feeling just too large and vulnerable so I have been arranging for rides most places. I think I may still drive here or there for a few things, but mostly I opt to avoid driving. Don't want to push my luck.
We are almost ready! I still need a few things but most are things you don't need on day one, so we can acquire a few things here and there as we go. I also received some gifts from friends who are out of town. I am opening them later this week in a little virtual shower we are having. Cannot wait to see what the little one got! :)
Nothing else huge going on here. I am just adjusting to the idea of the end and hoping for the best when we go to a family of three to four! As it approaches, it seems that one is getting harder and harder to deal with so the idea of two seems more and more daunting. :( I know its doable. I mean I don't have a choice at this point. LOL However, it is still a scary prospect!
In the meantime, I think my driving days are over for now. I have been feeling just too large and vulnerable so I have been arranging for rides most places. I think I may still drive here or there for a few things, but mostly I opt to avoid driving. Don't want to push my luck.
We are almost ready! I still need a few things but most are things you don't need on day one, so we can acquire a few things here and there as we go. I also received some gifts from friends who are out of town. I am opening them later this week in a little virtual shower we are having. Cannot wait to see what the little one got! :)
Nothing else huge going on here. I am just adjusting to the idea of the end and hoping for the best when we go to a family of three to four! As it approaches, it seems that one is getting harder and harder to deal with so the idea of two seems more and more daunting. :( I know its doable. I mean I don't have a choice at this point. LOL However, it is still a scary prospect!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
36.5 Weeks :) THE END IS Near!!!!
So I had my appointment today and it went well. I asked a ton of questions and I finally feel like the end is near!! Because of the pain I have been experiencing and sleeplessness, I found out I can take Tylenol pm which I didn't know. I am happy to hear it and HOPING it helps because not sleeping before getting an infant is the worst! :(
The midwife also said that she wants me to start evening primrose oil to help prep the cervix and get it softened and ready to go. This stimulates labor to some degree....so I'm starting that tomorrow when I am able to go buy some.
I am measuring full term now. I figured this because I knew my belly had grown. It has felt bigger and I have felt less mobile and more uncomfortable (putting it lightly). For the past few weeks I've been measuring 38 weeks and holding there for a while. So growth was bound to happen!
I also gained one pound, but all in all I cant complain because it has been over two months of NO weight gain so I can live with one pound! Especially at this point in the pregnancy when weight gain is usually rampant!
Yesterday I met with a girlfriend who took some pregnancy pictures for me since I cannot afford to go pay for maternity shots right now. She did a good job and now I have some keep sakes of my belly...which is huge. Don't freak, but it is a large round tummy!
Here are some of the shots:
I'm hoping to hold steady where I am for a while because I'm not sure how much more girth I can stand!
Keep me in your thoughts and thanks for looking! :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
** Almost MARCH!!! **
And what does that mean? It is almost FOUR WEEKS until this baby is due! :)
UPDATES:
My newest favorite thing: Any beverage from Sonic. Why? Because the ice is so delish there. It isn't really hard like regular ice so its easy to crunch and suck on and enjoy! Not sure why but that is REALLY hitting the spot these days! The ice from home just pales in comparison!
Elena had a corn dog from there the other day and I had a bite and LIKED IT! I have never liked corn dog in my LIFE. *That* is a very weird turn of events!
Another tid bit: I wasn't planning on it, but I ended up registering at Babies R Us for this upcoming baby's arrival. I am not having a baby shower, but people kept asking me if I was registered somewhere so I thought it wouldn't hurt to create a small registry. It is under my name and Josue's so it shouldn't be too hard to find (San Antonio, TX).
If you feel the desire to, feel free to purchase something off of it, if not, then just send money! ;) LOL Just kidding. Look out for a birth announcement to come in just ONE MONTH!!!
Since I didn't do a baby shower, I may have a get together if I feel up to it sometime after the baby arrives. That really depends on how the baby arrives, how I feel, how our place looks, etc. :) LOTS OF things up in the air at this point.
ALSO: I have been looking into pre-kindergarten schools for Elena. I am just frustrated because apparently I am way way behind schedule with this! Most had their registrations back in JANUARY! :( So I'm the slacker mom. I am on two waiting lists in town and I'm still looking. Trying to find something that works and that is affordable and that seems stimulating for her. I just think it will be important for her to have her space and time away from me and the baby, especially early on.
We will try to do one or two days a week at the Spanish Immersion program as well for summer. She has been going there over a year now and doing quite well! She has learned so much! If all else fails, we'll keep here there for her PreK year.
And if you read my other blog, you know about Elena's dental situation. :( It is a whole other kink I wasn't expecting that will hopefully be resolved soon.
There is actually more to tell but this is getting long, so I will be back soon with more!
Have a happy and safe Wednesday! :)
UPDATES:
My newest favorite thing: Any beverage from Sonic. Why? Because the ice is so delish there. It isn't really hard like regular ice so its easy to crunch and suck on and enjoy! Not sure why but that is REALLY hitting the spot these days! The ice from home just pales in comparison!
Elena had a corn dog from there the other day and I had a bite and LIKED IT! I have never liked corn dog in my LIFE. *That* is a very weird turn of events!
Another tid bit: I wasn't planning on it, but I ended up registering at Babies R Us for this upcoming baby's arrival. I am not having a baby shower, but people kept asking me if I was registered somewhere so I thought it wouldn't hurt to create a small registry. It is under my name and Josue's so it shouldn't be too hard to find (San Antonio, TX).
If you feel the desire to, feel free to purchase something off of it, if not, then just send money! ;) LOL Just kidding. Look out for a birth announcement to come in just ONE MONTH!!!
Since I didn't do a baby shower, I may have a get together if I feel up to it sometime after the baby arrives. That really depends on how the baby arrives, how I feel, how our place looks, etc. :) LOTS OF things up in the air at this point.
ALSO: I have been looking into pre-kindergarten schools for Elena. I am just frustrated because apparently I am way way behind schedule with this! Most had their registrations back in JANUARY! :( So I'm the slacker mom. I am on two waiting lists in town and I'm still looking. Trying to find something that works and that is affordable and that seems stimulating for her. I just think it will be important for her to have her space and time away from me and the baby, especially early on.
We will try to do one or two days a week at the Spanish Immersion program as well for summer. She has been going there over a year now and doing quite well! She has learned so much! If all else fails, we'll keep here there for her PreK year.
And if you read my other blog, you know about Elena's dental situation. :( It is a whole other kink I wasn't expecting that will hopefully be resolved soon.
There is actually more to tell but this is getting long, so I will be back soon with more!
Have a happy and safe Wednesday! :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thirty Five weeks Minus two days! :)
Only five more weeks to go! This is happening quickly!!!!
We had the 34 week appointment earlier this week and it was pretty uneventful. Pee in a cup, get measured, weighed, poked at a bit, groped and listen to the heartbeat. The baby sounds good and is not as huge as they were expecting.
The midwife can feel around my belly and tell where different body parts are. The baby is head down and apparently low down ready to rock n roll!:) We have five weeks yet to go, so she can still change her mind about her position, but i hope she doesn't!
It was another visit without a weight gain too! THIS IS AMAZING! In my first pregnancy I gained ALL MY WEIGHT in the last three months or so. This time, I haven't gained anything yet in this time period! Funny how different things can be! I haven't gained in two months thus far and with one to go, I am hopeful that the weight gain will be minimized. So far its 30lbs and that is less than last go round and while not ideal, DEFINITELY good! :)
I am going to the hospital website in a few to preregister since apparently I was supposed to do that by now. I didn't think of it for some reason and so I need to get that done ASAP. Packing a bag might be a good thing to do soon too. I should make a list of things to do so that i stop forgetting them!
Pregnancy really does suck out your brain. I was a forgetful person before my pregnancies, but it seems to worsen during pregnancies.
I'll post another picture soon!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hospital Tour
We finally were able to make it for a hospital tour night before last. It was interesting and really made me realize how CLOSE this is becoming. VERY SOON we'll have our family expanded by one.
The tour included a look at Labor & Delivery rooms and the rooms you stay in after the work is done. The L&D rooms were awesome. Really big and nice. The rooms you spend MOST of your time in were tiny though! I guess it doesn't matter really since I won't be there long.
However, for a measly $300 dollars extra, per night, I could stay in a VIP room. These rooms are much nicer. They are roomier, include fridges and a living area separate from the rest area. Both areas have flat-screen televisions as well. However, this extra money is not covered by insurance, so it has to come out of OUR pockets. I cannot imagine paying that extra money. If I had a fairy god mother, I'd request the upgrade! :)
Our favorite stop was the nursery! ADORABLE little children were in there. They were very small and just looked so sweet. Elena was oohing and ahhing over them too and says she's ready for her sister to come. I know her heart is in the right place, but we'll see how she really reacts once it all sets in and she's stuck with a sibling that is loud and time consuming.
All in all the tour was informative and helped me realize how close we are to this new reality. TIME TO PANIC! :)
I am very excited to meet my little one, but I'm going to miss carrying her around, even though it is tiring and painful at times. I will also remember fondly the time before the baby joined the mix--our times as a threesome.
I feel quite unready and I am trying to get ready in the next two or so weeks. I am still taking inventory of what we have and what we need and when we have to acquire the things we need in order to spread out the costs involved.
Slowly but surely, things will come together though, I am sure!
;)
The tour included a look at Labor & Delivery rooms and the rooms you stay in after the work is done. The L&D rooms were awesome. Really big and nice. The rooms you spend MOST of your time in were tiny though! I guess it doesn't matter really since I won't be there long.
However, for a measly $300 dollars extra, per night, I could stay in a VIP room. These rooms are much nicer. They are roomier, include fridges and a living area separate from the rest area. Both areas have flat-screen televisions as well. However, this extra money is not covered by insurance, so it has to come out of OUR pockets. I cannot imagine paying that extra money. If I had a fairy god mother, I'd request the upgrade! :)
Our favorite stop was the nursery! ADORABLE little children were in there. They were very small and just looked so sweet. Elena was oohing and ahhing over them too and says she's ready for her sister to come. I know her heart is in the right place, but we'll see how she really reacts once it all sets in and she's stuck with a sibling that is loud and time consuming.
All in all the tour was informative and helped me realize how close we are to this new reality. TIME TO PANIC! :)
I am very excited to meet my little one, but I'm going to miss carrying her around, even though it is tiring and painful at times. I will also remember fondly the time before the baby joined the mix--our times as a threesome.
I feel quite unready and I am trying to get ready in the next two or so weeks. I am still taking inventory of what we have and what we need and when we have to acquire the things we need in order to spread out the costs involved.
Slowly but surely, things will come together though, I am sure!
;)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
TWO MONTHS TO GO AND COUNTING!!!!
Holy moly! It is already February and I am due in less than eight weeks! :)
I had an appointment yesterday--my 32 week appointment. It went well. The midwife measured me and we talked some and heard the heartbeat. These are mostly routine visits where not a lot happens. The biggest issue is seeing scale and what it has to say. ALWAYS so much stress in that part of the visit! :)
It has been good news for me thus far, however. I have been holding steady for over a month now, with no weight gain. This is harder to do toward the end, because the babies gain 1/3 of their entire weight in the last trimester and the blood supply grows as well. All of this equals WEIGHT gain for mama. I am hoping the last few visits aren't too bad, however. I want to be able to keep this trend going of no weight gain, but its not very likely!
I have had a little relief from my SPD with the chiro visits and by following all the "rules" for keeping your legs together and sitting correctly, etc. It isn't easy to do it and remember it all the time, but I do see that its making a difference and making my last few weeks more tolerable. ANY bit of relief is huge!
Given that most babies weigh 3.75 pounds during this week and are about 16.7 inches long, my guess is that my "little" pumpkin is a big bigger. I've consistently been running big and she was estimated at 28 weeks to weigh a pound more than average, so I'm guessing she's closer to five pounds by now.
This makes sense since they say that they gain about a third of their weight in the last 8 weeks. Given that my daughter was over nine pounds at birth, I fully expect this child to be around the same weight. They say that second babies run larger, so this child may outweigh my last by an ounce or two. That is my guess anyway! :)
Elena was 9lbs 6oz at birth and 21 1/2 inches long. Want to take a guess as to the weight and height on this second child?
This could be interesting! :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
31 weeks and one day! :)
Time is flying!
I had to post again because today I am wearing a tight shirt. I was desperate and there was so little available at target that was NOT winter! HELLO! It is Texas and we have had some WARM weather off and on with the "chillier" temperatures. I only have winter maternity clothes!
Here I am today:
I went to the chiropractor this weekend and it seems to have helped ever so slightly. I notice that the pain isn't as bad early in the morning. I left feeling fine but in about 30 minutes I was back to where I was before the appointment. So its taken the edge off, but this is really still difficult to deal with. I am doing okay otherwise!
This week my big girl has her birthday festivities! I'm excited that she's bigger and stronger and happy and almost FOUR YEARS OLD! It should be an exciting week if I can manage to keep my house clean! :) That is a serious struggle since I'm moving much slower and NOT bending over anymore! ;) LOL
Thank God for my little helper! She's closer to the ground and really has been a big help during the pregnancy, especially now as I'm getting slower and bigger. Thank goodness for my munchkin!
I had to post again because today I am wearing a tight shirt. I was desperate and there was so little available at target that was NOT winter! HELLO! It is Texas and we have had some WARM weather off and on with the "chillier" temperatures. I only have winter maternity clothes!
Here I am today:
I went to the chiropractor this weekend and it seems to have helped ever so slightly. I notice that the pain isn't as bad early in the morning. I left feeling fine but in about 30 minutes I was back to where I was before the appointment. So its taken the edge off, but this is really still difficult to deal with. I am doing okay otherwise!
This week my big girl has her birthday festivities! I'm excited that she's bigger and stronger and happy and almost FOUR YEARS OLD! It should be an exciting week if I can manage to keep my house clean! :) That is a serious struggle since I'm moving much slower and NOT bending over anymore! ;) LOL
Thank God for my little helper! She's closer to the ground and really has been a big help during the pregnancy, especially now as I'm getting slower and bigger. Thank goodness for my munchkin!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
OB Consult and 30 week appt.
I am 30 weeks as of this past weekend. This means I am actually closer to 31 weeks today than I was yesterday! :) Things are chugging along nicely! Here is a picture taken yesterday.
Today we went in to meet the OB who would be performing my Csection, should the need for one arise. He was VERY optimistic about me VBAC'ing which made my day!!!
He said that he doesn't go by u/s weight like my previous group did. He uses head size to determine whether they recommend a Csection. He said even with 98 percentile, other factors play into things and that overall, I looked like a strong candidate!
He was the OB I was planning on using if I didn't go with the midwives, and it turns out he is the OB they use for their c-sections. He was a little creepy looking online in the photo I saw, but in person he was a really sweet man! He talked to us forever and was funny and nice and I enjoyed him very much! I felt comfortable and that really made me happy because I'd like to know whoever gives me a Csection should I need to have one. Last time I met the doctor AT the operation and that was NO FUN!
The doctor was able to feel the baby in my uterus because she was pressing up against the front and he heard the heartbeat immediately which he said sounded strong and healthy.
He also said that they don't use stirrups and are open to different birthing positions which is helpful given the SPD I have developed.
I'm really getting excited about meeting this little girl. The pregnancy has been so different, it just makes me curious to meet her and see what she is really like--physically and otherwise!!!
Today we went in to meet the OB who would be performing my Csection, should the need for one arise. He was VERY optimistic about me VBAC'ing which made my day!!!
He said that he doesn't go by u/s weight like my previous group did. He uses head size to determine whether they recommend a Csection. He said even with 98 percentile, other factors play into things and that overall, I looked like a strong candidate!
He was the OB I was planning on using if I didn't go with the midwives, and it turns out he is the OB they use for their c-sections. He was a little creepy looking online in the photo I saw, but in person he was a really sweet man! He talked to us forever and was funny and nice and I enjoyed him very much! I felt comfortable and that really made me happy because I'd like to know whoever gives me a Csection should I need to have one. Last time I met the doctor AT the operation and that was NO FUN!
The doctor was able to feel the baby in my uterus because she was pressing up against the front and he heard the heartbeat immediately which he said sounded strong and healthy.
He also said that they don't use stirrups and are open to different birthing positions which is helpful given the SPD I have developed.
I'm really getting excited about meeting this little girl. The pregnancy has been so different, it just makes me curious to meet her and see what she is really like--physically and otherwise!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
On keeping my legs together...
There has been an interesting development in my pregnancy. I have had some "normal" pains here and there and I didn't think TOO much of it until they got to be worse. I had some days where I wanted to cry. This is all in the last week or so that things have escalated.
It isn't too bad really. The worse part is that sitting hurts, standing hurts and walking hurts. Pretty much all daily movements like putting pants on, getting in and out of the car, going up stairs, etc HURT--sometimes quite badly. No biggie, right?
Obviously, I am trying to make light of my suffering. This really is a pain in the ass and quite upsetting. I have been researching and learned that the pain has a name and can be long lasting, even into post partum. It is called SPD or SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DYSFUNCTION.
It is caused by pregnancy and the hormones which are released at too large of a quantity, too soon, in some moms. Having multiple pregnancies increases your chances of having it. But it seems quite random as a lot of first time moms seem to be stricken with it. Some people don't have it set in until delivery and then it lasts a few weeks or months. Some people get it early in pregnancy and it gets worse as things progress. For some lucky few, it starts late in pregnancy and disappears after birth. I hope I am one of those individuals!!!
There are a number of interesting articles and explanations (and forums) online discussing the issue. Most say there are therapies available for treatment but I don't know what I'll be covered to have just yet or what my midwives will recommend. I did call my chiro (which i pay out of pocket for) only to find out that she isn't certified or trained to treat in what I need. I am going to see her this weekend for a referral to someone else. I just don't now how much I can afford to pay out of pocket for treatment!
It gets worse as the baby gains weight, so there is some fun in store for me yet! Sometimes it can make delivery more difficult since your range of motion in your hips is compromised quite a bit. For now, I get in and out of my car with my legs together and move in bed the same way. I sit to get dressed and do not ever balance on one leg (as you would while standing and putting pants on). I go slowly up and down stairs and have lots of clicking sounds in my hips. I think its these bones/ligaments moving around in my pelvis.
Last night, while falling asleep, I coughed and heard 3 distinct popping sounds out of my hip/pelvic area. VERY WEIRD.
I am going to call the midwives in a bit to see what they recommend. I would talk to them at my next appointment Thursday, but Thursday I see an OB for my consult in case I have a C-section. I will hopefully get in to see the midwives the same day just for a quick discussion of this latest exciting development! :)
It isn't too bad really. The worse part is that sitting hurts, standing hurts and walking hurts. Pretty much all daily movements like putting pants on, getting in and out of the car, going up stairs, etc HURT--sometimes quite badly. No biggie, right?
Obviously, I am trying to make light of my suffering. This really is a pain in the ass and quite upsetting. I have been researching and learned that the pain has a name and can be long lasting, even into post partum. It is called SPD or SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DYSFUNCTION.
It is caused by pregnancy and the hormones which are released at too large of a quantity, too soon, in some moms. Having multiple pregnancies increases your chances of having it. But it seems quite random as a lot of first time moms seem to be stricken with it. Some people don't have it set in until delivery and then it lasts a few weeks or months. Some people get it early in pregnancy and it gets worse as things progress. For some lucky few, it starts late in pregnancy and disappears after birth. I hope I am one of those individuals!!!
There are a number of interesting articles and explanations (and forums) online discussing the issue. Most say there are therapies available for treatment but I don't know what I'll be covered to have just yet or what my midwives will recommend. I did call my chiro (which i pay out of pocket for) only to find out that she isn't certified or trained to treat in what I need. I am going to see her this weekend for a referral to someone else. I just don't now how much I can afford to pay out of pocket for treatment!
It gets worse as the baby gains weight, so there is some fun in store for me yet! Sometimes it can make delivery more difficult since your range of motion in your hips is compromised quite a bit. For now, I get in and out of my car with my legs together and move in bed the same way. I sit to get dressed and do not ever balance on one leg (as you would while standing and putting pants on). I go slowly up and down stairs and have lots of clicking sounds in my hips. I think its these bones/ligaments moving around in my pelvis.
Last night, while falling asleep, I coughed and heard 3 distinct popping sounds out of my hip/pelvic area. VERY WEIRD.
I am going to call the midwives in a bit to see what they recommend. I would talk to them at my next appointment Thursday, but Thursday I see an OB for my consult in case I have a C-section. I will hopefully get in to see the midwives the same day just for a quick discussion of this latest exciting development! :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Can I get a WHOOP WHOOOP!!!????
Just got the call. I do NOT have gestational diabetes. My blood results were in normal ranges. I just have a macrosomic child (i.e. large baby). My mom had larger than normal (8-9+ pound range) babies, and I guess so do I! Doesn't help that my husband is a TALL dude and we have TALL babies. We already know this one is a tall one too based on the last ultrasound.
We wont take a peek at the baby again until week 37 or 38, but it is safe to say she'll stay on the large side. I'm going to be on my best behavior foodwise just because at this point, the baby is sucking nutrients out of my body at fast/massive rates because of the growth she is undergoing. To avoid low blood sugar spells (dizziness) and other issues, I want to be sure I'm eating healthily.
Right now her bones are hardening and she's working on building her lungs and other vital organs for birth. This is an exciting time in the womb!
It is exciting outside too since we have a lot to prepare for!
Only ten weeks left as of this weekend! :)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
FAILURE!! :(
So-- I failed the one hour gestational diabetes test I took last week :( I found out on Monday. It was already past five thirty so I thought I was safe. But then the phone rang. The nurse apologized and told me I failed and needed to come in soon (this week) for the three hour test.
Today, I went in for that test. First, I tried to get out of it, but they were pretty adamant that if for whatever reason I was NOT diabetic, they need it in my paperwork. This makes a difference when it comes to my trying to VBAC. So I went ahead and went through with it.
I had to be there at 8:45 a.m. to get my orders and head to the lab at the hospital (where my midwives are). Before nine, I had my blood drawn and by nine I was drinking my gross sweet orange drink and by 9:05 I was done. I was there getting my blood drawn for the next three hours. I read some, wrote some, and slept some. Unfortunately, I had a headache the whole time, so it wasn't the best time ever.
When it was all done, I was ready to drink, because I was unable to drink even water since last night! :( That is a long time for a preggie to go without water! Being without water caused some problems with my veins, but it all ended well.
That is...until tomorrow. I get the results then and I can only hope its good news! If I do have GD it will mean quite a lot to the remainder of my pregnancy. I won't go into it now, but I will if the need arise. I'm hoping to not have to worry about it at all. HOPEFULLY by tomorrow I will get my results either way! For the one hour test, they only call if you fail. I am not sure how it works for the GD test as no one mentioned it and I didn't think to ask! I may call them myself to find out in the morning so I know what to expect!
Today, I went in for that test. First, I tried to get out of it, but they were pretty adamant that if for whatever reason I was NOT diabetic, they need it in my paperwork. This makes a difference when it comes to my trying to VBAC. So I went ahead and went through with it.
I had to be there at 8:45 a.m. to get my orders and head to the lab at the hospital (where my midwives are). Before nine, I had my blood drawn and by nine I was drinking my gross sweet orange drink and by 9:05 I was done. I was there getting my blood drawn for the next three hours. I read some, wrote some, and slept some. Unfortunately, I had a headache the whole time, so it wasn't the best time ever.
When it was all done, I was ready to drink, because I was unable to drink even water since last night! :( That is a long time for a preggie to go without water! Being without water caused some problems with my veins, but it all ended well.
That is...until tomorrow. I get the results then and I can only hope its good news! If I do have GD it will mean quite a lot to the remainder of my pregnancy. I won't go into it now, but I will if the need arise. I'm hoping to not have to worry about it at all. HOPEFULLY by tomorrow I will get my results either way! For the one hour test, they only call if you fail. I am not sure how it works for the GD test as no one mentioned it and I didn't think to ask! I may call them myself to find out in the morning so I know what to expect!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
28 week appointment
It was a big one. had a u/s, glucose test and regular appointment.
From now on I will be returning every two weeks. In two I go back for my c-section consult with the ob they work with (I see midwives) and he'll do my regular appointment.
As of right now, I'm officially:
So when I got there I went, peed in a cup then drank my delicious orange glucose drink that burns my throat and then left to another floor for my ultrasound. I went back for my regular appointment time, but they were running late due to a delivery so I went back up and had my blood drawn, then I returned to the regular appointment.
THE BEST NEWS EVER is that I only gained ONE POUND!!!!! Happy happy day!
The baby IS running big. She's 3lbs and 7oz...apparently, on the larger size for her age. She is running in the 90th percentile and measuring in 30 week range. So there you go. Another biggun coming!!
The midwife was sweet and said she really thinks that it is fine and that she isn't so huge that we should start thinking about NOT having a vbac. So we'll see. She also said that the baby looks LONG (probably why I feel every movement) and has really long legs (not unlike her sister)!
Thankfully, the baby looked good. We got one profile shot and she looks the same as it did two months ago. She has the same profile as my daughter so we have another daddy clone on the way.
It was a nice appointment overall and I'm really pleased with things. I FORGOT TO ASK my questions, however, even though I had them written on a piece of paper in my purse. BABYBRAIN strikes again! I forgot LAST MONTH too and the question I have that is the biggest one is about hospital tours! I have been unable to find the info online thus far. I'm gonna call the docs next week to see if they can give me more info so I can find out when we can do it. It is getting too close to put it off another few weeks since I don't know how easy/hard they are to book or how often they do them. Since this is a new state, new hospital, etc, I realy want to scope things out.
They said I will hear about the glucose test by Monday/Tuesday IF I failed. If I don't hear, that means all is well. So here we go!!! I am hoping not to have my phone ringing come Monday! :)
From now on I will be returning every two weeks. In two I go back for my c-section consult with the ob they work with (I see midwives) and he'll do my regular appointment.
As of right now, I'm officially:
So when I got there I went, peed in a cup then drank my delicious orange glucose drink that burns my throat and then left to another floor for my ultrasound. I went back for my regular appointment time, but they were running late due to a delivery so I went back up and had my blood drawn, then I returned to the regular appointment.
THE BEST NEWS EVER is that I only gained ONE POUND!!!!! Happy happy day!
The baby IS running big. She's 3lbs and 7oz...apparently, on the larger size for her age. She is running in the 90th percentile and measuring in 30 week range. So there you go. Another biggun coming!!
The midwife was sweet and said she really thinks that it is fine and that she isn't so huge that we should start thinking about NOT having a vbac. So we'll see. She also said that the baby looks LONG (probably why I feel every movement) and has really long legs (not unlike her sister)!
Thankfully, the baby looked good. We got one profile shot and she looks the same as it did two months ago. She has the same profile as my daughter so we have another daddy clone on the way.
It was a nice appointment overall and I'm really pleased with things. I FORGOT TO ASK my questions, however, even though I had them written on a piece of paper in my purse. BABYBRAIN strikes again! I forgot LAST MONTH too and the question I have that is the biggest one is about hospital tours! I have been unable to find the info online thus far. I'm gonna call the docs next week to see if they can give me more info so I can find out when we can do it. It is getting too close to put it off another few weeks since I don't know how easy/hard they are to book or how often they do them. Since this is a new state, new hospital, etc, I realy want to scope things out.
They said I will hear about the glucose test by Monday/Tuesday IF I failed. If I don't hear, that means all is well. So here we go!!! I am hoping not to have my phone ringing come Monday! :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Some C-Section Talk
As delivery of this child grows nearer, I am starting to wonder about what my fate will end up being. Will I be able to VBAC as I am hoping, or will I be facing a repeat C-section?
We are proceeding in hopes of a vaginal delivery since I'm not sure that this will be my last child and I would hate to undergo major abdominal surgery two or three times if it can be helped.
Two months after my c-section, almost four years ago (in three weeks), I had to undergo a (traditional incision) gall bladder removal. That was two major surgeries in weeks of each other in one year. I was not happy about so much recovery time and I hope that I won't have to go through it all again after this pregnancy ends.
I was reading a few things online and ran across some interesting articles. This one is about the c-section rates in Canada, which are lower than they are here in the U.S. According to the article, first time moms are having C-sections for convenience or because they are fearful of delivery. Don't most people know that our bodies were MADE to do this?
The rates are even higher if you have had a C-section before. Apparently, most moms who have C-sections opt to have repeat Cs or are required to since fewer and fewer doctors are willing to take on the "risks" involved in VBACs. This article discusses how lightly the surgery is taken by doctors and moms. It seems that many are eager to see their children earlier rather than later and avoid the last week or two of pregnancy, which are infamously long, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Doctors are often willing to accommodate these requests, or would like earlier surgeries to keep their own schedules balanced.
I just don't know how something so major and dangerous has become so common and misunderstood. Many first-time-moms are unaware of the risks of a C-section.
Here is a final great blog entry that does a good job examining the issue from several different angles. I found it interesting and enjoyed how it connected to so many other informative pieces!
ENJOY!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year update!
Time is FLYING!
I don't even believe the last post I made was after my last apppointment!? And I have another one in just one short week? It is my 28 week appointment, so I am just about 7 months along!
Looks a bit like this inside now:
The baby is supposedly 2.25lbs and about 14.5 inches long. This one feels really big and really strong! :) In only one week we get another peek at her and we'll get a better idea of her size.
This is what they call the home stretch I believe. It is really going quickly and we are closer to the end that I would have imagined. I just keep thinking we have all the time in the world, but we don't! I have quite a lot to get done before too much more time passes. The crib is in storage and there are lots of boxes to go through of old baby things. Hopefully lots of it is usable and it needs to be sorted and washed and put away.
I also have a few things I need to purchase before this next little one joins us. Our old intercom system crapped out, so a new one is needed. And I'd like to get a two-seater stroller. Not the regular kind where it holds two kids and its huge, but the kind where the big kid sits on the back part in this little pull down area. That way its not a huge bulky stroller, and we don't have to use if if Elena isn't up to it. I have a feeling with a baby getting a free ride, she'll want one too. Just in case, I think buying one of these would be wise.
Not sure if I'll be having a baby shower. I don't really know enough PEOPLE! :) LOL MY girlfriend wants to throw me one, but a party might be better than an actual proper baby shower (traditional one) since I don't have enough girls to invite really! :) I only know a few people I'd want there and that wouldn't make for very exciting festivities I think.
Happy New Year! Only three more months til I meet my new edition to the familia! :)
I don't even believe the last post I made was after my last apppointment!? And I have another one in just one short week? It is my 28 week appointment, so I am just about 7 months along!
Looks a bit like this inside now:
The baby is supposedly 2.25lbs and about 14.5 inches long. This one feels really big and really strong! :) In only one week we get another peek at her and we'll get a better idea of her size.
This is what they call the home stretch I believe. It is really going quickly and we are closer to the end that I would have imagined. I just keep thinking we have all the time in the world, but we don't! I have quite a lot to get done before too much more time passes. The crib is in storage and there are lots of boxes to go through of old baby things. Hopefully lots of it is usable and it needs to be sorted and washed and put away.
I also have a few things I need to purchase before this next little one joins us. Our old intercom system crapped out, so a new one is needed. And I'd like to get a two-seater stroller. Not the regular kind where it holds two kids and its huge, but the kind where the big kid sits on the back part in this little pull down area. That way its not a huge bulky stroller, and we don't have to use if if Elena isn't up to it. I have a feeling with a baby getting a free ride, she'll want one too. Just in case, I think buying one of these would be wise.
Not sure if I'll be having a baby shower. I don't really know enough PEOPLE! :) LOL MY girlfriend wants to throw me one, but a party might be better than an actual proper baby shower (traditional one) since I don't have enough girls to invite really! :) I only know a few people I'd want there and that wouldn't make for very exciting festivities I think.
Happy New Year! Only three more months til I meet my new edition to the familia! :)
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