Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Well, I Did It...
Soooo... I bought a breast pump.
After much thought and research, I ended up going with the Avent Isis Manual one. I think in the hospital, I'm going to try out their electric one if my milk comes in while I'm there. And then when I come home, I'll use the Avent to sort of test the waters of giving the baby something other than formula. If I'm not weirded out by it and it seems to be going well, I might go back and rent the electric pump from the hospital... but I thought I'd start with the smallest investment.
Plus, this one gets GREAT reviews, even from people who also love the fancy electric Medela pump. So... we'll see! I don't at all expect to be able to exclusively use breastmilk. I'm sure the baby will get formula in the hospital (I have no plans to keep the nurses from feeding Too formula in the nursery) and that will automatically mess with supply... plus, pumping in general isn't exactly the best/easiest way to maintain enough of a milk supply to feed a baby breastmilk exclusively. (I'm on a message board where the majority of moms are/were breastfeeders so I've inadvertently absorbed quite a bit of knowledge on the subject over the past three years)
But it's not something I WANT to do 100% of the time... I just wanted to give it a try... you know, since it's there and all. ;) And ummm yeah... Have you ever priced formula? That's one expense I'd like to cut down on this time around. Sheesh.
After much thought and research, I ended up going with the Avent Isis Manual one. I think in the hospital, I'm going to try out their electric one if my milk comes in while I'm there. And then when I come home, I'll use the Avent to sort of test the waters of giving the baby something other than formula. If I'm not weirded out by it and it seems to be going well, I might go back and rent the electric pump from the hospital... but I thought I'd start with the smallest investment.
Plus, this one gets GREAT reviews, even from people who also love the fancy electric Medela pump. So... we'll see! I don't at all expect to be able to exclusively use breastmilk. I'm sure the baby will get formula in the hospital (I have no plans to keep the nurses from feeding Too formula in the nursery) and that will automatically mess with supply... plus, pumping in general isn't exactly the best/easiest way to maintain enough of a milk supply to feed a baby breastmilk exclusively. (I'm on a message board where the majority of moms are/were breastfeeders so I've inadvertently absorbed quite a bit of knowledge on the subject over the past three years)
But it's not something I WANT to do 100% of the time... I just wanted to give it a try... you know, since it's there and all. ;) And ummm yeah... Have you ever priced formula? That's one expense I'd like to cut down on this time around. Sheesh.
Wrong Direction...
Ugh. I have LOST three pounds.
Ordinarily, this would be a welcome thing and cause for a happy dance or two; but OB's generally frown upon weight loss of any kind. I was really just hoping to not GAIN anything from my last appointment.
It's not any mystery WHY I lost it... I've been throwing up 2-3 times a day (sometimes more) for the last two weeks. Of course, as I did when I was pregnant with Ben, I'll mention it to my doctor. But I know there is nothing she can do about it. It's just me and my silly short waist and squished stomach. :( My last OB tried two different prescriptions... one an anti-nausea med and another that was supposed to make the food move more quickly out of my stomach. Neither did anything. :(
Yes, I eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three big ones, but a meal literally has to be like four bites for me to not throw most of it up later. And liquids? Gah. If I drink more than half a (small) glass at a time, IT all comes back too. It's really quite a sad existence right now.
I've already started making a mental list of foods/drinks I miss and things I want to eat as soon as this baby comes out. I will say that after I had Benjamin, I never lost my appreciation for being able to eat a full meal again. Not for the entire almost-three years. I don't know how gastric bypass patients do it.
The good thing is that I know the baby is getting what it needs. My body gives everything to Too first and then distributes whatever is leftover to me. But that means I'm getting super shortchanged. I hope the prenatal vitamins and the calcium are helping fill in the gap, otherwise, my bones are going to be like swiss cheese in ten years.
The things we do for our kids... ;) Sheesh.
Ordinarily, this would be a welcome thing and cause for a happy dance or two; but OB's generally frown upon weight loss of any kind. I was really just hoping to not GAIN anything from my last appointment.
It's not any mystery WHY I lost it... I've been throwing up 2-3 times a day (sometimes more) for the last two weeks. Of course, as I did when I was pregnant with Ben, I'll mention it to my doctor. But I know there is nothing she can do about it. It's just me and my silly short waist and squished stomach. :( My last OB tried two different prescriptions... one an anti-nausea med and another that was supposed to make the food move more quickly out of my stomach. Neither did anything. :(
Yes, I eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three big ones, but a meal literally has to be like four bites for me to not throw most of it up later. And liquids? Gah. If I drink more than half a (small) glass at a time, IT all comes back too. It's really quite a sad existence right now.
I've already started making a mental list of foods/drinks I miss and things I want to eat as soon as this baby comes out. I will say that after I had Benjamin, I never lost my appreciation for being able to eat a full meal again. Not for the entire almost-three years. I don't know how gastric bypass patients do it.
The good thing is that I know the baby is getting what it needs. My body gives everything to Too first and then distributes whatever is leftover to me. But that means I'm getting super shortchanged. I hope the prenatal vitamins and the calcium are helping fill in the gap, otherwise, my bones are going to be like swiss cheese in ten years.
The things we do for our kids... ;) Sheesh.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Want to Play a Game?
The winner is ...
Claire!
Not that Becky, who knocked out Claire's competition, Olivia, is BIASED or anything. ;)
Okay... next up, boys!
Claire!
Not that Becky, who knocked out Claire's competition, Olivia, is BIASED or anything. ;)
Okay... next up, boys!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Too at 28 Weeks...
A couple of profiles... the first one looks a lot like Benjamin's.
Foot! Bam! Right to the bladder!
Foot! Bam! Right to the bladder!
28-Week Ultrasound...
As we knew, the placenta is well out of the way, but it was nice to hear my favorite ultrasound tech confirm it.
We briefly got a glimpse of Too and I learned what this hard thing in my side is that hurts like heck.
THE HEAD.
Too is transverse, which means, he/she is laying ACROSS my stomach. If you are imagining that this might be uncomfortable, you are right. So much makes sense now... the left side is the head, the right side that keeps pushing into my ribs is a BUTT. If I saw the screen correctly, the feet are sort of dangling within kicking distance of my bladder... she had the probe down there when I SAW a foot anyway. JOY! After measuring the amniotic fluid, the tech assured me there is still plenty of time, room and water for the baby to move. Needless to say, I will be googling techniques for how to get a baby to turn head down. Aside from the c-section risk, there is the little matter of this giant head protruding painfully into my side.
OH... and Too? Already three pounds and measuring 30 weeks. You guys, I am SCARED. Three pounds?! Already? Ben was 6 pounds 15 ounces at 40 WEEKS!!! This one still has 12 more weeks of growing to do. She told me this one definitely could be a bit bigger than Ben. Guess it's a good thing I bought a backup take-home outfit! Here's hoping Too caps off the weight gain at only seven pounds something... because eight pounds of baby?? NOT coming out of me the natural way... at least, I HOPE not. Oy.
We got a few pics, but they aren't very good. I think they were kind of busy today, so she didn't take the time to do any cool 3D shots or anything. I'll scan a few later and post them... just profiles and shots of my child's GINORMOUS head.
Three pounds... three pounds... (shaking head...)
We briefly got a glimpse of Too and I learned what this hard thing in my side is that hurts like heck.
THE HEAD.
Too is transverse, which means, he/she is laying ACROSS my stomach. If you are imagining that this might be uncomfortable, you are right. So much makes sense now... the left side is the head, the right side that keeps pushing into my ribs is a BUTT. If I saw the screen correctly, the feet are sort of dangling within kicking distance of my bladder... she had the probe down there when I SAW a foot anyway. JOY! After measuring the amniotic fluid, the tech assured me there is still plenty of time, room and water for the baby to move. Needless to say, I will be googling techniques for how to get a baby to turn head down. Aside from the c-section risk, there is the little matter of this giant head protruding painfully into my side.
OH... and Too? Already three pounds and measuring 30 weeks. You guys, I am SCARED. Three pounds?! Already? Ben was 6 pounds 15 ounces at 40 WEEKS!!! This one still has 12 more weeks of growing to do. She told me this one definitely could be a bit bigger than Ben. Guess it's a good thing I bought a backup take-home outfit! Here's hoping Too caps off the weight gain at only seven pounds something... because eight pounds of baby?? NOT coming out of me the natural way... at least, I HOPE not. Oy.
We got a few pics, but they aren't very good. I think they were kind of busy today, so she didn't take the time to do any cool 3D shots or anything. I'll scan a few later and post them... just profiles and shots of my child's GINORMOUS head.
Three pounds... three pounds... (shaking head...)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Pregnant in America
This documentary looks interesting. I'd love to see it...
I've gotta say though, I can't imagine not wanting to give birth in a hospital WITH a doctor... (and an epidural). ;) But again, the documentary looks interesting and I'd love to hear some of the different points of view and things they learned while making it.
I've gotta say though, I can't imagine not wanting to give birth in a hospital WITH a doctor... (and an epidural). ;) But again, the documentary looks interesting and I'd love to hear some of the different points of view and things they learned while making it.
28-Week Belly Pic...
Are we there yet? (yawn)
Didn't gain any weight this week.
Still puking...
More tired than in recent weeks...
Stupid stupid heartburn... apples/applejuice make it better sometimes, but not always. Same with the Tums and Zantac.
But... Happy, active, kicking baby in there! :)
Here's what things are looking like from the inside these days. It's easy to see why I can't eat anything... and sheesh... look at my poor, squished bladder!
Didn't gain any weight this week.
Still puking...
More tired than in recent weeks...
Stupid stupid heartburn... apples/applejuice make it better sometimes, but not always. Same with the Tums and Zantac.
But... Happy, active, kicking baby in there! :)
Here's what things are looking like from the inside these days. It's easy to see why I can't eat anything... and sheesh... look at my poor, squished bladder!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Just Curious...
Not Much To Tell...
Quiet in Too-land lately. I've started feeling this weird almost vibrating movement down in the lower right corner of my abdomen. I had that with Benjamin too, so I'm taking it as a good sign Too's head is where it should be. I have no idea what causes movement that feel like vibrating, but I do know I only felt it after Ben was facing the right direction...
I drank a coffee this morning and now I am sitting here trying desperately to keep it down. I'm fairly sure I'm not going to be successful, but I wanted to at least finish my post first. ;) So yeah, the puking is still going strong. I don't get sick in the morning anymore, but several times during the day, especially if I eat a full meal. Hence, why I am sure I have nearly seen the last of the weight gain that is not directly related to the baby putting on pounds! Sigh... I miss eating... I like eating... a lot.
Lots coming up next week! I have an ultrasound on Monday to check out the placenta that I already know is in the right place. So I'm just looking forward to seeing little Too again! He or she should be a couple pounds by now and starting to get chubby, so the pictures should be pretty decent. Though the placenta thing was a little scary, I'm loving these bonus ultrasounds! After this one, I have another one at 31 weeks. (the elective 3D one.) Woohoo! :) I can't wait to see if Too is starting to resemble big brother even more and what they are projecting as far as size. I'd be ecstatic if the size turned out to be similar to what Benjamin was... partially because delivery will be easier and partially because I've been buying clothes based on Too being the same size as Ben was. Hope that doesn't come back to bite me!
I also have my glucose test on Wednesday. Not so much looking forward to THAT, but at least it'll be an hour I'll get to just sit back and relax with a good book or magazine. ;) I try to make the best of these things... ;)
I drank a coffee this morning and now I am sitting here trying desperately to keep it down. I'm fairly sure I'm not going to be successful, but I wanted to at least finish my post first. ;) So yeah, the puking is still going strong. I don't get sick in the morning anymore, but several times during the day, especially if I eat a full meal. Hence, why I am sure I have nearly seen the last of the weight gain that is not directly related to the baby putting on pounds! Sigh... I miss eating... I like eating... a lot.
Lots coming up next week! I have an ultrasound on Monday to check out the placenta that I already know is in the right place. So I'm just looking forward to seeing little Too again! He or she should be a couple pounds by now and starting to get chubby, so the pictures should be pretty decent. Though the placenta thing was a little scary, I'm loving these bonus ultrasounds! After this one, I have another one at 31 weeks. (the elective 3D one.) Woohoo! :) I can't wait to see if Too is starting to resemble big brother even more and what they are projecting as far as size. I'd be ecstatic if the size turned out to be similar to what Benjamin was... partially because delivery will be easier and partially because I've been buying clothes based on Too being the same size as Ben was. Hope that doesn't come back to bite me!
I also have my glucose test on Wednesday. Not so much looking forward to THAT, but at least it'll be an hour I'll get to just sit back and relax with a good book or magazine. ;) I try to make the best of these things... ;)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tiny...
I bought a box of newborn size Pampers Swaddlers today... aaaaaaa! So tiny! :)
OW!
Too frequents a position that involves shoving a rather pointy protrusion (I'm guessing an elbow?) into the left side of my abdomen. It seriously HURTS. When I push there, or lean over, it feels like I have a giant bruise!
Another not-as-painful development lately is that Too is big enough that when he/she pushes up into my ribcage, I can also feel the other end pushing into my bladder
There is one other position that, when my bladder is full, renders me unable to walk upright until I either find a bathroom or Too moves. That one always catches me off guard... Yowza.
Another not-as-painful development lately is that Too is big enough that when he/she pushes up into my ribcage, I can also feel the other end pushing into my bladder
There is one other position that, when my bladder is full, renders me unable to walk upright until I either find a bathroom or Too moves. That one always catches me off guard... Yowza.
So Much Time to Go and Yet, So Little...
I am starting to get that "I'm going to be pregnant" forever feeling... Yeah, this movie is DRAGGING. But then, when I scroll through my pregnancy blog archives with Ben, it doesn't seem long at all. It just seems like it's taking years to get to 30 weeks... and then I can can only imagine how weeks 30-40 are going to feel. Oh wait, I KNOW how they are going to feel.
S-L-O-W.
It helps that I have a few things to distract me. Benjamin, for instance. ;) But also, I have his birthday party to plan, and my own birthday is coming up, as is Tom's, our anniversary, my brother's birthday, and Easter. (umm yeah, busy time) And then May will be here and we'll be in full-on countdown mode!
Deep down, I know I should be REALLY appreciating this relative calm before the storm. We're all sleeping well, and we won't be once Too comes, that's for sure. And on top of the exhaustion, I'm going to be a wreck of hormones for awhile, I'll basically have my period for six long weeks and my boobs are going to leak and my clothes aren't going to fit right away and Tom and I are going to snap at each other because neither one of us will be sleeping... I KNOW all this. I REMEMBER it all like it was yesterday. But I still want the next 12 weeks to hurry up and pass.
I guess the grass IS always greener, huh?
S-L-O-W.
It helps that I have a few things to distract me. Benjamin, for instance. ;) But also, I have his birthday party to plan, and my own birthday is coming up, as is Tom's, our anniversary, my brother's birthday, and Easter. (umm yeah, busy time) And then May will be here and we'll be in full-on countdown mode!
Deep down, I know I should be REALLY appreciating this relative calm before the storm. We're all sleeping well, and we won't be once Too comes, that's for sure. And on top of the exhaustion, I'm going to be a wreck of hormones for awhile, I'll basically have my period for six long weeks and my boobs are going to leak and my clothes aren't going to fit right away and Tom and I are going to snap at each other because neither one of us will be sleeping... I KNOW all this. I REMEMBER it all like it was yesterday. But I still want the next 12 weeks to hurry up and pass.
I guess the grass IS always greener, huh?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Apple Juice Works Too...
A box of Juicy Juice apple juice next to my bed at night works 100 times better than Tums and doesn't make me gag. Though I'm mildly concerned about the long-term effect on my teeth, being able to sleep almost all night with no heartburn seems worth the small risk of a potential cavity or two. ;)
Yay!
Yay!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Third Trimester!
I was reminded by Claire that I'm in the third trimester now... I hadn't even realized! But I double checked and sure 'nuff... 27 weeks marks the beginning of the final stretch!
Copied and pasted (with my editorial comments) ;) from Dr. Spock.com (a.k.a. the first google search that came up when I typed "when does the third trimester start?"
"The third trimester is usually considered to start at 27 weeks gestation. You are getting down to the wire and preparing for the new addition to your family. You may be feeling many different emotions during this time. You may be very excited to meet your new son or daughter. You may be worried about whether your baby will be healthy. You also may be apprehensive about labor and delivery. (ACTUALLY NOT SO MUCH. LABOR AND DELIVERY MEANS AN END TO THE ACID REFLUX!!) In addition to these changing emotions, physical changes continue in the third trimester:
You will continue to feel fetal activity. You may now feel distinct parts of the baby moving. You may notice a rolling across your abdomen as the baby shifts his position. (HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES! WEEE!!)
You may need to urinate often, just as you did during your first trimester. As the baby grows larger, there's less room in your abdominal cavity for your bladder. You may also lose urine when you sneeze or cough. This is called stress urinary incontinence or SUI and is common in the last trimester. (WHAT DOES IT SAY THAT I'VE BEEN PEEING MYSELF FOR MONTHS NOW?)
You may notice it is harder to catch your breath. As the baby grows larger, expanding towards your rib cage, there's less room for your lungs to move when you breathe. (I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE MY LUNGS ARE BEING KEPT RIGHT NOW, FRANKLY)
You may notice that you are more fatigued at the end of the day, just as you were during the first trimester. (DEFINITELY WANTING TO NAP MORE THESE DAYS... NOT THAT I EVER GET TO!)
Your belly button may go from an innie to an outtie. (IT'S KIND OF HALFWAY RIGHT NOW. BUT WHEN I COUGH OR SNEEZE, IT POPS OUT LIKE A PARTY BLOWER.)
You may have Braxton-Hicks contractions. (CHECK)
Your breasts may begin to leak colostrum, the first milk, which is yellowish in color. (CHECKITY CHECK! FUN!)
You may notice that the whitish vaginal discharge increases and becomes thicker. (NO COMMENT, THAT'D BE TMI, THANKS!)
You may continue to be constipated. (AGAIN, NO COMMENT)
You might continue to experience heartburn. (REALLY? I HADN'T NOTICED...)
You may continue to become dizzy or faint. (NEVER HAD THIS ONE! WOOHOO!)
You may continue to have nasal congestion. (I WAS DOING FINE UNTIL I CAUGHT THIS STUPID COLD, THANKS)
You might have a backache from carrying the extra weight of your baby. (NAH... THAT'S ACTUALLY ONE PROBLEM I DON'T GET... KNOCK ON ANYTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE WOOD)
You may have leg and feet cramps. (I HAVEN'T GOTTEN THOSE SEIZING MIDDLE-OF-THE-NIGHT LEG CRAMPS YET... BUT THOSE ARE FUN! CAN'T WAIT!)
If you have varicose veins or hemorrhoids, they may become worse. (NEITHER, THANK GOODNESS!)
You may have swelling in your face, hands, ankles, and feet. (NOT THIS ONE, EITHER!)
You may suffer from insomnia. (WELL, IF THE REFLUX WOULD GO AWAY, I'D SLEEP GREAT!)
As the pregnancy comes to an end, you may have a burst of energy and find yourself buying and preparing things for the baby at a fever pitch-commonly known as nesting. (THE NURSERY IS FINISHED, TIME TO ALPHABETIZE MY PANTRY AND CLEAN THINGS WITH Q-TIPS!!!)
Towards the end of the pregnancy, your cervix may begin to thin out, which is known as effacement. It also may start to open, which is called dilation. (NO CLUE?)
You may feel more vaginal pressure. (OH MY GOODESS, WHEN I COUGH? IT FEELS LIKE THE BABY IS GOING TO FLY OUT...)
While the third trimester can be one of the more uncomfortable periods of pregnancy, it is also one of the most exciting. If you are getting frustrated with your aches and pains, as well as the changes in your shape, keep in mind that you are accomplishing an amazing feat--you are growing a whole person inside of your body. Try to keep a good attitude and recognize that the discomfort is temporary. (IT'S MY MANTRA) You are almost there. Your little one will come out to meet you soon!"
Copied and pasted (with my editorial comments) ;) from Dr. Spock.com (a.k.a. the first google search that came up when I typed "when does the third trimester start?"
"The third trimester is usually considered to start at 27 weeks gestation. You are getting down to the wire and preparing for the new addition to your family. You may be feeling many different emotions during this time. You may be very excited to meet your new son or daughter. You may be worried about whether your baby will be healthy. You also may be apprehensive about labor and delivery. (ACTUALLY NOT SO MUCH. LABOR AND DELIVERY MEANS AN END TO THE ACID REFLUX!!) In addition to these changing emotions, physical changes continue in the third trimester:
You will continue to feel fetal activity. You may now feel distinct parts of the baby moving. You may notice a rolling across your abdomen as the baby shifts his position. (HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES! WEEE!!)
You may need to urinate often, just as you did during your first trimester. As the baby grows larger, there's less room in your abdominal cavity for your bladder. You may also lose urine when you sneeze or cough. This is called stress urinary incontinence or SUI and is common in the last trimester. (WHAT DOES IT SAY THAT I'VE BEEN PEEING MYSELF FOR MONTHS NOW?)
You may notice it is harder to catch your breath. As the baby grows larger, expanding towards your rib cage, there's less room for your lungs to move when you breathe. (I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE MY LUNGS ARE BEING KEPT RIGHT NOW, FRANKLY)
You may notice that you are more fatigued at the end of the day, just as you were during the first trimester. (DEFINITELY WANTING TO NAP MORE THESE DAYS... NOT THAT I EVER GET TO!)
Your belly button may go from an innie to an outtie. (IT'S KIND OF HALFWAY RIGHT NOW. BUT WHEN I COUGH OR SNEEZE, IT POPS OUT LIKE A PARTY BLOWER.)
You may have Braxton-Hicks contractions. (CHECK)
Your breasts may begin to leak colostrum, the first milk, which is yellowish in color. (CHECKITY CHECK! FUN!)
You may notice that the whitish vaginal discharge increases and becomes thicker. (NO COMMENT, THAT'D BE TMI, THANKS!)
You may continue to be constipated. (AGAIN, NO COMMENT)
You might continue to experience heartburn. (REALLY? I HADN'T NOTICED...)
You may continue to become dizzy or faint. (NEVER HAD THIS ONE! WOOHOO!)
You may continue to have nasal congestion. (I WAS DOING FINE UNTIL I CAUGHT THIS STUPID COLD, THANKS)
You might have a backache from carrying the extra weight of your baby. (NAH... THAT'S ACTUALLY ONE PROBLEM I DON'T GET... KNOCK ON ANYTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE WOOD)
You may have leg and feet cramps. (I HAVEN'T GOTTEN THOSE SEIZING MIDDLE-OF-THE-NIGHT LEG CRAMPS YET... BUT THOSE ARE FUN! CAN'T WAIT!)
If you have varicose veins or hemorrhoids, they may become worse. (NEITHER, THANK GOODNESS!)
You may have swelling in your face, hands, ankles, and feet. (NOT THIS ONE, EITHER!)
You may suffer from insomnia. (WELL, IF THE REFLUX WOULD GO AWAY, I'D SLEEP GREAT!)
As the pregnancy comes to an end, you may have a burst of energy and find yourself buying and preparing things for the baby at a fever pitch-commonly known as nesting. (THE NURSERY IS FINISHED, TIME TO ALPHABETIZE MY PANTRY AND CLEAN THINGS WITH Q-TIPS!!!)
Towards the end of the pregnancy, your cervix may begin to thin out, which is known as effacement. It also may start to open, which is called dilation. (NO CLUE?)
You may feel more vaginal pressure. (OH MY GOODESS, WHEN I COUGH? IT FEELS LIKE THE BABY IS GOING TO FLY OUT...)
While the third trimester can be one of the more uncomfortable periods of pregnancy, it is also one of the most exciting. If you are getting frustrated with your aches and pains, as well as the changes in your shape, keep in mind that you are accomplishing an amazing feat--you are growing a whole person inside of your body. Try to keep a good attitude and recognize that the discomfort is temporary. (IT'S MY MANTRA) You are almost there. Your little one will come out to meet you soon!"
Saturday, February 17, 2007
27 Weeks... 27 Centimeters... 27 Pounds...
Belly measured right on at 27cm. at Thursday's appointment... weight continues to correspond to how many weeks pregnant I am, which I think is just weird.
An Apple a Day...
Last night I was in reflux misery... I have a pretty bad cough right now and I think it's making things worse, it seems to keep bringing the acid back up and that's just not fun.
So by 1:30a.m. when I had already maxed out on the Tums, I went downstairs and ate a quarter of another apple. (Still Granny Smith, which I'm finding I actually don't mind!) After that, I slept straight through with no problems!!
I'm sold! And as much as I dislike apples, they taste better than the Tums, that's for sure!
So by 1:30a.m. when I had already maxed out on the Tums, I went downstairs and ate a quarter of another apple. (Still Granny Smith, which I'm finding I actually don't mind!) After that, I slept straight through with no problems!!
I'm sold! And as much as I dislike apples, they taste better than the Tums, that's for sure!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Cure?
I read a post on my expecting club board that eating apples can help with acid reflux. I HATE apples.
However, I hate acid reflux more, so I am willing to give it a try.
I just downed half a granny smith. I'll keep you posted.
On a side note, I can't find anything elsewhere on the internet that supports this... what I DID find is that apple cider vinegar mixed with water is a popular home remedy for acid reflux, as is a glass of water with baking soda mixed in. (you have no idea how many times I have been suffering and stared longingly at the box of baking soda in the pantry thinking eating it straight just might be the answer to my problems... either that or it would turn me into a human volcano... )
AND... pineapple is also apparently a home remedy. I LOVE pineapple. However, that's what i had for breakfast this morning and I am still plagued by the acid this afternoon. So... not so sure about that one.
However, I hate acid reflux more, so I am willing to give it a try.
I just downed half a granny smith. I'll keep you posted.
On a side note, I can't find anything elsewhere on the internet that supports this... what I DID find is that apple cider vinegar mixed with water is a popular home remedy for acid reflux, as is a glass of water with baking soda mixed in. (you have no idea how many times I have been suffering and stared longingly at the box of baking soda in the pantry thinking eating it straight just might be the answer to my problems... either that or it would turn me into a human volcano... )
AND... pineapple is also apparently a home remedy. I LOVE pineapple. However, that's what i had for breakfast this morning and I am still plagued by the acid this afternoon. So... not so sure about that one.
Today in Too-land...
Tom got to feel Too's bottom/knee/elbow? (SOME pushy body part) last night. Too was on a crazy thumping/bumping rampage on one side of my stomach and it was to the point where I could actually touch said mystery part and push it back in and then Too would bounce back and we'd do it again. TOO fun! ;)
All four of the mysterious overnight weight gain pounds that appeared are now gone this morning. Why couldn't they have been gone yesterday?! Still, I do think I need to get a little more active, especially since carrying Benjamin around isn't an exercise option anymore at this point and because I'm not exactly "running" up and down the stairs a hundred times a day. It's more like, I try to pick a floor and stay there long as possible, preferably with my feet up. Heheheh... so yeah, as soon as the weather warms up, I'm going to start taking walks through the neighborhood. This will force Ben to be in the stroller, which he hates, otherwise, I won't walk beacuse we'll have to stop every two feet to look at leaves, water meters, grass, dirt, bird poop... yes, it's charming and adorable, but not while you're trying to actually make progress and get more than a block from the house.
All four of the mysterious overnight weight gain pounds that appeared are now gone this morning. Why couldn't they have been gone yesterday?! Still, I do think I need to get a little more active, especially since carrying Benjamin around isn't an exercise option anymore at this point and because I'm not exactly "running" up and down the stairs a hundred times a day. It's more like, I try to pick a floor and stay there long as possible, preferably with my feet up. Heheheh... so yeah, as soon as the weather warms up, I'm going to start taking walks through the neighborhood. This will force Ben to be in the stroller, which he hates, otherwise, I won't walk beacuse we'll have to stop every two feet to look at leaves, water meters, grass, dirt, bird poop... yes, it's charming and adorable, but not while you're trying to actually make progress and get more than a block from the house.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Dr.'s Appointment...
Routine OB appointment today. Normal blood pressure still! Woohoo! (but which probably means no induction for me this time... boo!!) And in the weight department, I gained WAYYYYYY more than I wanted to this month. I knew this in advance because it literally happened overnight. I had been weighing myself at home every day, got up two days ago and was four pounds heavier than I had been the previous day. I'm eating less than I was when I WASN'T pregnant, so I'm thinking I'm holding onto fluid for some reason. My doctor was in too much of a hurry to hear that long-winded explanation , but I did love her response to my weight lament, "Eh, it happens!" So, it's all good. ;)
I asked her if Too was head down, and she said she was pretty sure she felt the head down low, but that, of course, it could still move... so it's too early to know if he/she will STAY like that. Blah blah blahhhh...
I got my lab form to go take the orange soda test. YUMMERS. Gotta love any test where they force a pregnant woman to FAST and then down something that is sickeningly sweet all in one fell swoop. If that's not a recipe for puking, I don't know what it is. I managed to keep it down with Benjamin though, so here's hoping I can do it again. I'm just praying I pass and don't have to do the three-hour-tour. No reason why I shouldn't, so I'm not really concerned about it... but you just never know!
I also got my ultrasound requisition, so we'll be getting another glimpse at Too in the next week or so! So exciting! I only had the one ultrasound with Ben (and then the one I paid for), so it's really neat this time to keep getting to see how Too is growing. :)
And now I've been bumped to an every three week appointment schedule for the next two visits, and then every two weeks until 36 weeks... and then??? Then I'm in the homestretch and it's once a week until Too makes his or her debut!
When I got home? A big box was on the porch from my good friends at Gymboree. Inside, eight adorable little outfits for Too. :) EEEEeeee!!! Despite the fact that I feel like death warmed over (stupid cold) I took the time to hang them all up in the closet. Then I had to open the door a few times to look at them again and again. Yes, I realize I need help.
I asked her if Too was head down, and she said she was pretty sure she felt the head down low, but that, of course, it could still move... so it's too early to know if he/she will STAY like that. Blah blah blahhhh...
I got my lab form to go take the orange soda test. YUMMERS. Gotta love any test where they force a pregnant woman to FAST and then down something that is sickeningly sweet all in one fell swoop. If that's not a recipe for puking, I don't know what it is. I managed to keep it down with Benjamin though, so here's hoping I can do it again. I'm just praying I pass and don't have to do the three-hour-tour. No reason why I shouldn't, so I'm not really concerned about it... but you just never know!
I also got my ultrasound requisition, so we'll be getting another glimpse at Too in the next week or so! So exciting! I only had the one ultrasound with Ben (and then the one I paid for), so it's really neat this time to keep getting to see how Too is growing. :)
And now I've been bumped to an every three week appointment schedule for the next two visits, and then every two weeks until 36 weeks... and then??? Then I'm in the homestretch and it's once a week until Too makes his or her debut!
When I got home? A big box was on the porch from my good friends at Gymboree. Inside, eight adorable little outfits for Too. :) EEEEeeee!!! Despite the fact that I feel like death warmed over (stupid cold) I took the time to hang them all up in the closet. Then I had to open the door a few times to look at them again and again. Yes, I realize I need help.
Am I Crazy?
... or did my ticker move up a picture overnight?
Yay for progress! Look! I've reached the point where the baby is all squished into the box! Woohoo!
Yay for progress! Look! I've reached the point where the baby is all squished into the box! Woohoo!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I Still Think Too is Going to Be a Calmer Kiddo...
Despite earlier thoughts to the contrary, I still say Too is going to be a 180 from its brother, energy-wise.
The movements really are different and fewer... I actually jiggle my belly sometimes just to make sure all is well! Right now, as I type this, I'm getting these soft little pushes in my upper abdomen... if you've ever had a cat that liked to "knead" you, that's what it feels like. It's so gentle and quiet!
With Ben, I swore he was trying to bust out a la "Alien" by this point... his movements were always hard, quick and packed a LOT of punch. (come watch him on the move these days and you can imagine what the third trimester must have been like for me)
Anyway, it's just different this time. But I DO keep having mini panic attacks of "I haven't felt the baby all afternoon!!" Sheesh. If it's not one thing, it's another. ;)
The movements really are different and fewer... I actually jiggle my belly sometimes just to make sure all is well! Right now, as I type this, I'm getting these soft little pushes in my upper abdomen... if you've ever had a cat that liked to "knead" you, that's what it feels like. It's so gentle and quiet!
With Ben, I swore he was trying to bust out a la "Alien" by this point... his movements were always hard, quick and packed a LOT of punch. (come watch him on the move these days and you can imagine what the third trimester must have been like for me)
Anyway, it's just different this time. But I DO keep having mini panic attacks of "I haven't felt the baby all afternoon!!" Sheesh. If it's not one thing, it's another. ;)
SOOOOO Big...
The belly. It is feeling huge.
During pregnancy is the only time I think I would like to change my height. It'd be nice to be one of those tall, stretched-out people with plenty of room in the waist area for a baby to grow and move around.
I just feel so heavy right now. I had to rest twice yesterday while carrying laundry up two flights of stairs... I CAN'T pick up Benjamin anymore except to lift him into a shopping cart/carseat/chair. (and even that is REALLY hard)
I also had to admit last night that I couldn't get up off the kitchen floor without help after sitting down to dig in a cabinet for a pot. I'm usually very self sufficient and hate having help with anything... but I'm at the point where I really need it sometimes. Frankly, I think I'm only a few short weeks away from even needing help rolling over in bed.
During pregnancy is the only time I think I would like to change my height. It'd be nice to be one of those tall, stretched-out people with plenty of room in the waist area for a baby to grow and move around.
I just feel so heavy right now. I had to rest twice yesterday while carrying laundry up two flights of stairs... I CAN'T pick up Benjamin anymore except to lift him into a shopping cart/carseat/chair. (and even that is REALLY hard)
I also had to admit last night that I couldn't get up off the kitchen floor without help after sitting down to dig in a cabinet for a pot. I'm usually very self sufficient and hate having help with anything... but I'm at the point where I really need it sometimes. Frankly, I think I'm only a few short weeks away from even needing help rolling over in bed.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Attention Pregs: You're ALL Gonna Want to Steal This Idea When Your Babies Come....
Monday, February 12, 2007
Pushy Little Too...
I have given up trying to figure out if Too is hanging out head down or feet down these days. All I am getting is pushing, lots and lots of pushing. Sometimes it's under my ribcage, other times it's almost all the way down in my pelvis.
I have seen nary a body part since the first time I was able to i.d. Too's head several weeks ago. No clue if the pushing I feel is feet, knees, fists or elbows. I'll find out soon enough though! I have another ultrasound late next week sometime.
Hoping to see Too in blast-off position so that's one less thing I have to worry about in the coming weeks... though I do realize it's still early enough that he/she can move. Time is running out though... most babies are head down by 30 weeks if they are going to be... hear that, Too? ONE MONTH, baby. ONE MONTH. ;) If you're not there already, now's the time to be thinking about how you are going to get there.
I have seen nary a body part since the first time I was able to i.d. Too's head several weeks ago. No clue if the pushing I feel is feet, knees, fists or elbows. I'll find out soon enough though! I have another ultrasound late next week sometime.
Hoping to see Too in blast-off position so that's one less thing I have to worry about in the coming weeks... though I do realize it's still early enough that he/she can move. Time is running out though... most babies are head down by 30 weeks if they are going to be... hear that, Too? ONE MONTH, baby. ONE MONTH. ;) If you're not there already, now's the time to be thinking about how you are going to get there.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Yesterday...
... in case you didn't gather from my letter to myself, yesterday was a really BAD day in pregnancy-land. The truly annoying thing is that it was completely my own fault.
We went out to breakfast at this little restaurant near our house and I had coffee. I KNOW I can only drink certain coffee (DD, Starbucks and Panera... apparently those kinds are lower acid)... but I risked it anyway. And lo, it brought on an entire day of nonstop acid freakin' reflux that even two doses of the $20/bottle Zantac couldn't touch.
Even up through 5:30 this morning, I was popping Tums every hour and half in a vain attempt to make it go away. The whole thing culminated in a grand ol' pukefest around 8 this morning. I STILL haven't had anything to eat or drink other than the iced tea that initiated the pukefest, but at least the reflux has subsided.
DUMB DUMB DUMB STUPID DUMB.
Lesson learned. No more crappy diner coffee for me! Actually, the very idea of coffee of any kind makes me cringe a little right now. It's like a reverse Pavlovian thing or something. :(
We went out to breakfast at this little restaurant near our house and I had coffee. I KNOW I can only drink certain coffee (DD, Starbucks and Panera... apparently those kinds are lower acid)... but I risked it anyway. And lo, it brought on an entire day of nonstop acid freakin' reflux that even two doses of the $20/bottle Zantac couldn't touch.
Even up through 5:30 this morning, I was popping Tums every hour and half in a vain attempt to make it go away. The whole thing culminated in a grand ol' pukefest around 8 this morning. I STILL haven't had anything to eat or drink other than the iced tea that initiated the pukefest, but at least the reflux has subsided.
DUMB DUMB DUMB STUPID DUMB.
Lesson learned. No more crappy diner coffee for me! Actually, the very idea of coffee of any kind makes me cringe a little right now. It's like a reverse Pavlovian thing or something. :(
Saturday, February 10, 2007
A Letter to Myself to Read Two Years from Now...
Dear Self,
Hey! How's life with an almost five-year-old and an almost two-year-old? HAHAHAHAHA!!! You never get to sit down do you? By the way, did you ever tell anyone if that second one was a boy or a girl or did you go with the gender neutral name idea? ;)
Anyway, so enough chit chat. Let's get down to my reason for writing you this letter.
I know you have reached that point where you are probably all hyped up at the idea of getting pregnant again. Yeah, you're getting sleep. You're in a groove. You're wearing cute clothes again. And you're seeing newborns everywhere and thinking you might just want another one.
But here's the thing. You have forgotten things. BIG things. And I'm not even talking about labor pain or the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn. I'll be back to remind you of those things in a few months. But when it comes to pregnancy, your brain is swiss cheese too.
Take this acid reflux, for instance. In your memory, it probably "wasn't THAT bad", was it? Well, let me just tell you, today, like most days is a BAD BAD day. I have had it this morning since I woke up. No amount of Zantac, Tums or milk seems to be making it go away. It hurts, it burns, it's probably eating holes in my esophagus as I write this. I want to throw up but, for once, I can't.
I don't have many other complaints at the moment... just the usual discomforts... but, I'll admit, I can deal with those. But this stupid acid reflux right now is truly enough to make me reconsider doing all this again. Just something to keep in mind while you are eyeing up those cute newborns at the mall or holding that brand-new, yummy smelling baby that belongs to someone else.
Sincerely,
You, two years ago
p.s. Did your oldest ever get over the Star Wars obsession or did you have to get him help for that? SHEESH.
Hey! How's life with an almost five-year-old and an almost two-year-old? HAHAHAHAHA!!! You never get to sit down do you? By the way, did you ever tell anyone if that second one was a boy or a girl or did you go with the gender neutral name idea? ;)
Anyway, so enough chit chat. Let's get down to my reason for writing you this letter.
I know you have reached that point where you are probably all hyped up at the idea of getting pregnant again. Yeah, you're getting sleep. You're in a groove. You're wearing cute clothes again. And you're seeing newborns everywhere and thinking you might just want another one.
But here's the thing. You have forgotten things. BIG things. And I'm not even talking about labor pain or the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn. I'll be back to remind you of those things in a few months. But when it comes to pregnancy, your brain is swiss cheese too.
Take this acid reflux, for instance. In your memory, it probably "wasn't THAT bad", was it? Well, let me just tell you, today, like most days is a BAD BAD day. I have had it this morning since I woke up. No amount of Zantac, Tums or milk seems to be making it go away. It hurts, it burns, it's probably eating holes in my esophagus as I write this. I want to throw up but, for once, I can't.
I don't have many other complaints at the moment... just the usual discomforts... but, I'll admit, I can deal with those. But this stupid acid reflux right now is truly enough to make me reconsider doing all this again. Just something to keep in mind while you are eyeing up those cute newborns at the mall or holding that brand-new, yummy smelling baby that belongs to someone else.
Sincerely,
You, two years ago
p.s. Did your oldest ever get over the Star Wars obsession or did you have to get him help for that? SHEESH.
Belly Pic - 26 Weeks...
With belly panel exposure to try to capture maximum largebellyosity.
Weeeee!!! 14 weeks to go!
Weeeee!!! 14 weeks to go!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Pregnancies Side By Side...
I knew my weight gain this pregnancy was following a similar pattern to the one with Ben... but I had no idea it was THIS similar.
While cleaning out my endtable this evening, I came across my calendars from 2003-2004 where, for whatever reason, around month 5 of my pregnancy, I started writing down my weight every. single. day. Hey, I never said I wasn't a little o.c.d.
Weight gain with Ben at this exact point? 26 pounds (151) -- total weight gain at 39 weeks, 6 days... 35 pounds
Weight gain with Too? 26 pounds (138 -- yay for crazy post-partum weight loss last time that left me down a few extra!)
I have always heard this whole pre-programmed weight gain thing to be true... and really, it MUST be preprogrammed because I am SO much more active this time (chasing a toddler will do that to you), eating less and eating better foods. With Ben, I sat behind a desk for 39 weeks, ate lunch out almost every day, not to mention snacked on all the junk that was always laying around the office.
So yeah, strange. But interesting. So I'm pretty confident I'll only gain enother 9-10 pounds or so before this is all said and done. Now, the question is, will it come off at fast/easily as it did last time? Any second-timers who've already been there have thoughts on this?
While cleaning out my endtable this evening, I came across my calendars from 2003-2004 where, for whatever reason, around month 5 of my pregnancy, I started writing down my weight every. single. day. Hey, I never said I wasn't a little o.c.d.
Weight gain with Ben at this exact point? 26 pounds (151) -- total weight gain at 39 weeks, 6 days... 35 pounds
Weight gain with Too? 26 pounds (138 -- yay for crazy post-partum weight loss last time that left me down a few extra!)
I have always heard this whole pre-programmed weight gain thing to be true... and really, it MUST be preprogrammed because I am SO much more active this time (chasing a toddler will do that to you), eating less and eating better foods. With Ben, I sat behind a desk for 39 weeks, ate lunch out almost every day, not to mention snacked on all the junk that was always laying around the office.
So yeah, strange. But interesting. So I'm pretty confident I'll only gain enother 9-10 pounds or so before this is all said and done. Now, the question is, will it come off at fast/easily as it did last time? Any second-timers who've already been there have thoughts on this?
Next in Line...
My neighbor Jill is having her c-section in ten days. Several thoughts on this:
1) It seems like ten minutes ago I found out she was pregnant. Wow, that FLEW by. (I was pregnant too at the time, but it was with m/c #2... so I keep thinking had that one stuck, I'd be ready to blow too in about a month!! Weird!)
2) I had forgotten how big the baby/stomach gets at full-term, especially on someone who is about 5'2". Poor girl looks like she's about to pop. I feel huge already but I really and truly had blocked out just how much hugER I was going to get. (Jill is ALL belly though, she looks great) I, on the other hand, will continue to suffer from "round face". Bleh.
3) She doesn't know what the baby is! Fun! Also, her potential boy name is one of my absolute favorites that got vetoed by Tom: Liam. (sigh) I hope she uses it if it's a boy! Gosh I love that name... it'd be nice to be able to call *someone* Liam since I'll never get to use it for any of my own kids. Girl name? Chloe Jane. Though Chloe was never on my list (a friend used it for her dog and so I'm a little jaded) I heart that name too. I especially love Jane. How did Jane not make it onto my girl list?!!!
4) Of the neighborhood water-drinkers. I'm next. Shoot. It's bearing down on me and suddenly the mommy amnesia is lifting... Oh right! Childbirth HURTS! I remember now!
1) It seems like ten minutes ago I found out she was pregnant. Wow, that FLEW by. (I was pregnant too at the time, but it was with m/c #2... so I keep thinking had that one stuck, I'd be ready to blow too in about a month!! Weird!)
2) I had forgotten how big the baby/stomach gets at full-term, especially on someone who is about 5'2". Poor girl looks like she's about to pop. I feel huge already but I really and truly had blocked out just how much hugER I was going to get. (Jill is ALL belly though, she looks great) I, on the other hand, will continue to suffer from "round face". Bleh.
3) She doesn't know what the baby is! Fun! Also, her potential boy name is one of my absolute favorites that got vetoed by Tom: Liam. (sigh) I hope she uses it if it's a boy! Gosh I love that name... it'd be nice to be able to call *someone* Liam since I'll never get to use it for any of my own kids. Girl name? Chloe Jane. Though Chloe was never on my list (a friend used it for her dog and so I'm a little jaded) I heart that name too. I especially love Jane. How did Jane not make it onto my girl list?!!!
4) Of the neighborhood water-drinkers. I'm next. Shoot. It's bearing down on me and suddenly the mommy amnesia is lifting... Oh right! Childbirth HURTS! I remember now!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Milk on the Brain...
I was doing some reading about pumping last night on KellyMom. I can honestly say I have NO earthly idea what I am getting into or how long it will last. I mean, I was seriously a milk FOUNTAIN last time and can't fathom how filling a few 4-ounce bottles several times a day would be a problem. But apparently it's harder than I think it is.
What I also want to know is how to keep the St. Joe's lactation nazis OUT of my hospital room (seriously, they have an evil reputation... ask any of my friends who delivered there and breastfed). The problem is I think I will want/need to pump at least SOME in the hospital, both so the baby can have it and so I can forego the whole painful "strap the girls down with a sports bra" situation. I wonder if I can do that without involving the LN's? And then I think I'm sure I'm going to totally sabatoge the whole pumping thing from the beginning because I don't plan on telling the L&D nurses that Too can't have formula in the nursery...
Don't mind me, just thinking outloud here. You see, what started out as just a whim to try and eliminate some discomfort has turned into me entertaining the idea of actually trying to give the baby the milk for at least a little while. I mean, it's there... why not?
What I also want to know is how to keep the St. Joe's lactation nazis OUT of my hospital room (seriously, they have an evil reputation... ask any of my friends who delivered there and breastfed). The problem is I think I will want/need to pump at least SOME in the hospital, both so the baby can have it and so I can forego the whole painful "strap the girls down with a sports bra" situation. I wonder if I can do that without involving the LN's? And then I think I'm sure I'm going to totally sabatoge the whole pumping thing from the beginning because I don't plan on telling the L&D nurses that Too can't have formula in the nursery...
Don't mind me, just thinking outloud here. You see, what started out as just a whim to try and eliminate some discomfort has turned into me entertaining the idea of actually trying to give the baby the milk for at least a little while. I mean, it's there... why not?
100 Days!
100 days to go! Woohoo! :D
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
That Makes Two People...
So the hygenist at my dentist's office now knows what I'm having. She also knows the name. Apparently, all it takes to give me loose lips is a good teeth cleaning. ;)
At first I lied and told her we didn't know. But then somehow she turned the conversation to names and I told her our two names... and then, (and I really have no idea how...but I could swear she drugged me... maybe the grape flavored latex gloves have truth serum in them), I heard myself admitting that we DID know and then telling her.
The only problem here is that some of our good family friends go to the same dentist. I just hope they don't have any appointments there in the next three months because I don't trust hygenist lady to remember that she's not supposed to share the information.
:X Loose lips sink ships!
At first I lied and told her we didn't know. But then somehow she turned the conversation to names and I told her our two names... and then, (and I really have no idea how...but I could swear she drugged me... maybe the grape flavored latex gloves have truth serum in them), I heard myself admitting that we DID know and then telling her.
The only problem here is that some of our good family friends go to the same dentist. I just hope they don't have any appointments there in the next three months because I don't trust hygenist lady to remember that she's not supposed to share the information.
:X Loose lips sink ships!
Genetically Programmed Pregnancy?
I was chatting with my Nana the other night about pregnancy. She had four kids... (three were boys and 10+pounds, God bless her) Thankfully, I didn't inherit her propensity for large babies, Ben was a compact 6 pounds, 15 ounces. But it seems I am reliving her pregnancies, side-effect wise. I always wondered where some of this stuff came from... yeah, every pregnancy is different, but my pregnancies have been almost NOTHING like my mother's... (except for the fact that they result in babies) and that's usually who you look to when you wonder where female-type stuff came from.
But talking with my grandmother revealed that she suffered from the same acid reflux (that made her puke every morning) during all four pregnancies as well as the "pregnancy bulemia" (as I call it) as they got into the last trimester. It makes sense when I think about it. I'm built almost exactly like her with the same very short waist. (which is why babies have no room and start taking over the stomach region pretty quickly).
Anyway, it was interesting... she is the FIRST person I have ever talked too, pregnant friends included, who had all the same stuff I did/do during pregnancy. No one else I've talked to (even my last OB!!) understood what I meant when I describe what happens to me as I approach the third trimester. All I can say is, I eat normally... I hit a certain point, the food doesn't move, it must be returned. It's not so much nausea as it is that the food just doesn't make it all the way down. :(
Actually, that particular fun side effect got started last night. So I guess I can kiss yummy full meals goodbye. From now on, it's liquids and teeny tiny portions for me. Oh well... small price to pay for a big reward at the end.
I was having a mini anxiety attack two nights ago because the baby was sitting so high I couldn't catch my breath. Tom was watching all this and asking me how I go through all of this and still come out the other side wanting to do it again... my answer? It's only temporary. Yeah, I'm not always comfortable, but in the end, this time is such a blip on the radar as far as my life goes... Honestly? I don't really "enjoy" pregnancy the way some people do... there are parts of it I like and will miss when it's over: feeling the baby move and watching my belly grow and whatnot... that's all truly amazing and miraculous and I'm thankful for every minute of it. But mostly it's a means to an end. A really, really cute end. :)
But talking with my grandmother revealed that she suffered from the same acid reflux (that made her puke every morning) during all four pregnancies as well as the "pregnancy bulemia" (as I call it) as they got into the last trimester. It makes sense when I think about it. I'm built almost exactly like her with the same very short waist. (which is why babies have no room and start taking over the stomach region pretty quickly).
Anyway, it was interesting... she is the FIRST person I have ever talked too, pregnant friends included, who had all the same stuff I did/do during pregnancy. No one else I've talked to (even my last OB!!) understood what I meant when I describe what happens to me as I approach the third trimester. All I can say is, I eat normally... I hit a certain point, the food doesn't move, it must be returned. It's not so much nausea as it is that the food just doesn't make it all the way down. :(
Actually, that particular fun side effect got started last night. So I guess I can kiss yummy full meals goodbye. From now on, it's liquids and teeny tiny portions for me. Oh well... small price to pay for a big reward at the end.
I was having a mini anxiety attack two nights ago because the baby was sitting so high I couldn't catch my breath. Tom was watching all this and asking me how I go through all of this and still come out the other side wanting to do it again... my answer? It's only temporary. Yeah, I'm not always comfortable, but in the end, this time is such a blip on the radar as far as my life goes... Honestly? I don't really "enjoy" pregnancy the way some people do... there are parts of it I like and will miss when it's over: feeling the baby move and watching my belly grow and whatnot... that's all truly amazing and miraculous and I'm thankful for every minute of it. But mostly it's a means to an end. A really, really cute end. :)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Not That it Matters Now...
But... I'm curious. How do you all feel about the name Sebastian? Impressions? Good? Bad? Neutral?
It's one of the many names that landed on the cutting room floor thanks to my over zealous, veto-happy husband. I have liked that name ever since I saw The Neverending Story (over and over and over) when I was little. (actually, I think in the movie they called the character 'Bastian... but close enough)
Maybe it *is* too much for a little boy with parents who don't really seem like the type to take the "slightly different" name thing to the brink... (trust me, Too's potential names are not insanely popular, but they are still pretty conservative as far as names go) but I still love it. A mom on the message board I read used it for her son who was born recently. I keep seeing it in her signature and am reminded how much I like it. Maybe I'll dredge it up in a few years for Three's baby name list. (where it will promptly get vetoed again) Then again, it would present quite the challenge if we hung letters on the wall again next time...
It's one of the many names that landed on the cutting room floor thanks to my over zealous, veto-happy husband. I have liked that name ever since I saw The Neverending Story (over and over and over) when I was little. (actually, I think in the movie they called the character 'Bastian... but close enough)
Maybe it *is* too much for a little boy with parents who don't really seem like the type to take the "slightly different" name thing to the brink... (trust me, Too's potential names are not insanely popular, but they are still pretty conservative as far as names go) but I still love it. A mom on the message board I read used it for her son who was born recently. I keep seeing it in her signature and am reminded how much I like it. Maybe I'll dredge it up in a few years for Three's baby name list. (where it will promptly get vetoed again) Then again, it would present quite the challenge if we hung letters on the wall again next time...
I Guess It's a Milestone...
I'm getting ready to send back my rental doppler... . I tested the waters by putting it in its box in the closet about a week ago. I haven't used it at all. (hadn't really used it too much in the last month or so, actually) Too is moving so frequently now that I just haven't needed the reassurance.
I'm sure it was around this point last time that I sent back the one I rented with Benjamin. It was so much more a sanity-saver this time around though... there were a handful of times in the beginning where I'd wake up in the middle of the night, sure something was wrong either because I felt "something" or I felt "nothing". I'd pull the doppler out, squirt the lotion on my tummy and search frantically for the little 'woosh woosh woosh' of the heartbeat. Once I found it, I could breathe a huge sigh of relief and know that, at least for that day, things were okay. :) I know it sounds neurotic, and maybe it is... but it helped SO much.
I think I'll record one more little Too heartbeat before I send it back. (I only saved the one from 8 weeks) :)
I'm sure it was around this point last time that I sent back the one I rented with Benjamin. It was so much more a sanity-saver this time around though... there were a handful of times in the beginning where I'd wake up in the middle of the night, sure something was wrong either because I felt "something" or I felt "nothing". I'd pull the doppler out, squirt the lotion on my tummy and search frantically for the little 'woosh woosh woosh' of the heartbeat. Once I found it, I could breathe a huge sigh of relief and know that, at least for that day, things were okay. :) I know it sounds neurotic, and maybe it is... but it helped SO much.
I think I'll record one more little Too heartbeat before I send it back. (I only saved the one from 8 weeks) :)
Monday, February 05, 2007
I Am Not Ashamed to Admit I Have a Problem...
I bought Too two new outfits today while I was at Target. My weakness for tiny pieces of clothing has gotten increasingly worse. At least I have NO idea where my credit card is and am limited to only what I have in the checking account. Also, at least it was Target and not Gymboree. Whew. ;)
Yum.
Peaches + Banana + Low acid orange juice + ice = smoothie goodness.
Too liked it too, as was evidenced by all the kicking after said smoothie crossed the placenta. ;)
Too liked it too, as was evidenced by all the kicking after said smoothie crossed the placenta. ;)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
I Love it When...
I sneeze and pee myself.
Good times.
Good times.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
25 Weeks...
I had Braxton Hicks ALL evening yesterday... I finally decided I should probably stop running up and down the stairs and perhaps just rest with my feet up for awhile. I know BH aren't real contractions nor are they doing anything harmful, but when your entire abdomen keeps suddenly getting as tight as a drum for thirty seconds at a time, it starts to get a little uncomfortable. I fell asleep pretty quickly, so I must have needed it.
Today's Too goals...work on the babybook/scrapbook a little while Tom plays with Benjamin this afternoon and maybe get Ben's box of newborn - three-month clothes down out of the attic to see what/if anything is useable and what will go in the Ebay pile.
(don't go all smartipants on me now because I said that...a lot of Ben's newborn stuff was gender neutral... a lot of white, yellow and green onesies and newborn gowns and whatnot... so I'm not divulging anything by telling you I want to go through them) :P
Today's Too goals...work on the babybook/scrapbook a little while Tom plays with Benjamin this afternoon and maybe get Ben's box of newborn - three-month clothes down out of the attic to see what/if anything is useable and what will go in the Ebay pile.
(don't go all smartipants on me now because I said that...a lot of Ben's newborn stuff was gender neutral... a lot of white, yellow and green onesies and newborn gowns and whatnot... so I'm not divulging anything by telling you I want to go through them) :P
Friday, February 02, 2007
This Week, in Too-land
1) I have gotten SO used to calling this baby Too, that it will undoubtedly be an actual nickname when he/she is born. I am amused. I have only used the baby's actual name a handful of times... Too seems to flow more naturally. But no, I haven't considered changing the actual name to Too. ;)
2) The nursery is FINISHED except for a crib mattress and some knick knacks to put on the shelves I hung last night. :) Tom found me standing in the hallway before bed last night just staring into it saying, "Look! There will be TWO kids... one in here and one in there... TWO kids... look we have TWO bedroom!! Two bedrooms for TWO kids!!" Yeah, I'm losing it.
3) I started working on Too's baby book last night. I'm so very determined not to fall into the second-child syndrome thing with that. Too WILL have a completed baby book and, as long as I can keep my act together, a pregnancy book and first-year book full of JUST pictures of TOO. (of course there will be pictures of Ben meeting Too in the hospital and whatnot... but the majority of the pages will be devoted to just the baby... every child deserves that.) I realize those of you with multiple children alrady are reading this and shaking your heads, thinking, "Just wait... you'll see" and I don't mean to be throwing out one of those annoying, "I will never do x with MY kids" statements (hate that hate that hate that... but it's a whole other post)... but I HAVE to try. I might not get everything done i want to, but I can at the very least make the effort to take tons of pics of Too alone.
4) Definitely less movement these days as it gets more and more crowded in there. When there IS movement though, my stomach moves ALL over the place. So freaky. I want to try to capture this on video.
5) Tom and I were talking last night about how nice it will be to be PREPARED for what we are in for this time. Also how nice it will be to not obsess over milestones and whether this or that is normal. I'll document them all (see #3), but I'm not going to start googling autism if we don't hear full sentences by age two. ;)
6) 15 weeks to go! :D But I'd take a Mother's Day birthday... that would be SO cool, not to mention shave a week or two off that due date. ;) We'd just like to avoid the uncles' May birthdays. Hopefully that will work out.
7) Still puking. But you knew that.
2) The nursery is FINISHED except for a crib mattress and some knick knacks to put on the shelves I hung last night. :) Tom found me standing in the hallway before bed last night just staring into it saying, "Look! There will be TWO kids... one in here and one in there... TWO kids... look we have TWO bedroom!! Two bedrooms for TWO kids!!" Yeah, I'm losing it.
3) I started working on Too's baby book last night. I'm so very determined not to fall into the second-child syndrome thing with that. Too WILL have a completed baby book and, as long as I can keep my act together, a pregnancy book and first-year book full of JUST pictures of TOO. (of course there will be pictures of Ben meeting Too in the hospital and whatnot... but the majority of the pages will be devoted to just the baby... every child deserves that.) I realize those of you with multiple children alrady are reading this and shaking your heads, thinking, "Just wait... you'll see" and I don't mean to be throwing out one of those annoying, "I will never do x with MY kids" statements (hate that hate that hate that... but it's a whole other post)... but I HAVE to try. I might not get everything done i want to, but I can at the very least make the effort to take tons of pics of Too alone.
4) Definitely less movement these days as it gets more and more crowded in there. When there IS movement though, my stomach moves ALL over the place. So freaky. I want to try to capture this on video.
5) Tom and I were talking last night about how nice it will be to be PREPARED for what we are in for this time. Also how nice it will be to not obsess over milestones and whether this or that is normal. I'll document them all (see #3), but I'm not going to start googling autism if we don't hear full sentences by age two. ;)
6) 15 weeks to go! :D But I'd take a Mother's Day birthday... that would be SO cool, not to mention shave a week or two off that due date. ;) We'd just like to avoid the uncles' May birthdays. Hopefully that will work out.
7) Still puking. But you knew that.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Maybe.
Re: the second picture.
Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't.
Maybe I'll do it again. Muahahaha...
Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't.
Maybe I'll do it again. Muahahaha...