Liam - Week 1

Date/Week: December 29; week 1 

My Total weight gain/loss: -19.4

His Stats: 7.06lbs (+8oz since 12/25); 20" (+1.5" since 12/22)

Milestones: First Doctor's Appointment on 12/30; Newborn Photo Shoot on 12/30

Developmental Progress: Liam has a pretty strong neck already. He's also getting better with his focus and following objects.

How do I feel about my body: I'm back in my regular clothes. My scar looks pretty good location-wise. I really would like to do some yoga because I really need a good stretch.

Sleep: He sleeps a lot during the day and in 1.5 to 2 hour spurts at night. Yesterday he slept most of the day and was up playing almost all night!

Energy level: I have quite a way to go to get back to 100% but I am fine with that thus far.

Exercise: walking around the house

Thoughts and Feelings? A bit overwhelmed. A lot in love. We both can't believe that Liam is here after all of these years of wanting to have children. 

What I am looking forward to: Looking at planning Liam's Christening for the end of February.

Introducing Liam..

Here are a few pictures from the last few days...

New Arrival

Liam Rórdán Klaus was born at 14:02 Bermuda time on Wednesday, December 22 and appears to be a happy & healthy boy. For those who like statistics, he was 6lbs 15.9oz and 18.5". 

Week 37

Date/Week: December 22; week 37 (C/S today!!!)

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs

Milestones: We're Full-Term I am pretty psyched that we have managed to make it to 37 weeks, are at home for the procedure and will be meeting the sprog today! We had our pre-op on Monday so today we just have to check in at 11am and surgery is scheduled for the afternoon. I am more than a little nervous and excited.

Physical Progress: Sproglet has dropped a lot. During the non-stress test on Monday we had the same midwife from last week and she was amazed at how much lower he was - a good 3-4 inches from last Wednesday. It made walking over the last few days interesting. 

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; braxton-hicks contractions (about 15 minutes apart); back pain; tight skin

How do I feel about my body: I personally feel pretty good. I indulged in waxing on Saturday and a pedicure, massage and reiki on Sunday. It was great and I felt wonderful afterwards. 

Food cravings/aversions: nothing this week - I am looking forward to cassava pie and other goodies though...

Sleep: I've been back to getting up every two hours. Surprisingly, I managed to get a relatively full night's sleep last night considering how nervous I was/am. I wonder how much sleep I'll get tonight...

Energy level: With my schedule cut back thanks to the holidays, it has been a good week for getting things done. I worked through to yesterday, Christmas shopping and wrapping s done and the house is ready for the season... nice!

Exercise: walking; stretching.

Baby Movement: He has been really active in the last week. He hates the sensors used for the non-stress test. He kept moving them. Still, it was fascinating to watch him move in relationship to his heart rate. His regular movements have continued to be somewhat uncomfortable as he moved down and stretched out. I have been paying a lot of attention to the movement though since it'll be over soon and I don't know if I will ever feel such sensations ever again.

Thoughts and Feelings? I've been pretty calm this week considering each day was getting us closer to today. I've had a few crazy moments but generally I've been ok. I didn't even have a panic attack during pre-op on Monday - or after pre-op! Last night I was a bit high strung. I am good at the moment and hope this continues through the day. IN any case, our lies change today and it is weird to realise that in everything we've been doing this morning.

What I am looking forward to: We're having a baby today!!!!!

Getting Ready...

Sunday was crazy. We went to church and then Aidan had to fix the water pump while I made goodies for Aidan's grandfather's open house. We thought we had some time to relax but I found out that my pedicure was actually scheduled 1.5 hours earlier than I had in my calendar. So I missed the open house... but the spa was great. It was the best (and cheapest) pedicure I've had. I then spent a few hours just relaxing - reading Hello magazine, eating finger sandwiches and drinking tea. I then had my mother-to-be massage with reiki and it was fabulous. You know what - it is the BEST way to prepare for delivery. I loved it!!!

Today was pre-op day. We went to the hospital at 8.30am and I started the morning with blood tests. I then went to a very busy maternity ward for a NST, followed by meetings with the anaestologist and the on call doctor. I also had to go and have an ECG since I have a heart murmur and then back to maternity to sign forms, etc. So after almost 3 hours, I was able to leave and got to see Aidan play at Fort Hamilton for last Skirling Ceremony of the Year. So now we wait... they won't tell me the time of the surgery until tomorrow evening! In the meantime, I need to drink lots of water and also have to take my asthma medicine in the interim. So we're on the downward slope... Looks like I will make full-term!

Interesting Day...

My OB appointment resulted in me being sent over to the hospital today for a non-stress test (NST) since my blood pressure was elevated. Boy, that was close because they almost kept me in there. My blood pressure was still up but the midwife told my doctor that she thought it was anxiety related and that since I'm back in on Monday morning for my pre-admission NST that I should be allowed to go home. Thank God, he agreed!

Aidan is upset at himself because he got stuck in 3 meetings, missed the OB appointment and believes my anxiety was partially due to him not being there. In any case, he was there for the NST which was more critical since that took place at the hospital. He's finding a replacement to play next Monday for a lunchtime performance he's scheduled to do since my next NST is earlier that morning and who knows whether they'll let me out next time...

As for the soon-to-be sprog, he's doing well. Heartrate and movement are excellent. He's measuring as full-term so everyone is pretty happy about that. He hated the monitors though for the NST - spent most of his time moving them around... 

I've booked my massage for Sunday! I think after today, I deserve it!

36 Weeks

Date/Week: December 15; week 36 (1 week (7 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: +1.5 (30 lbs total)

Milestones: Week 36!!!!! We've made it to 9 months!!! I can't tell you how overjoyed we are at this milestone. As I sat in our kitchen eating breakfast, I couldn't help but be so grateful to be at home and not overseas in a hospital! Talk about an amazing Christmas present ... and the rest of the present arrives in 7 days!

Physical Progress: I am very self conscious about my belly at the moment as it has gotten bigger (and a bit lower) this week. So yes, I am waddling in earnest... which some poeople I know have been calling cute (yeah, right ). What is funny is that I wore some nice black maternity under the belly jeans and had to wear a belly band because they kept falling down - my hips and butt haven't shared in this growth phase...

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; braxton-hicks contractions (about 25-30 minutes apart); tight skin

How do I feel about my body: I'm feeling good as we're on the home stretch. I will admit that I've been reading up on post-natal fitness and am looking forward to the mom and baby yoga classes in the new year (plus I will definitely do water aerobics again when I can)

Food cravings/aversions: strawberries and Elizabeth Shaw Mint Crisps

Sleep: I thought getting up every two hours was bad... until it turned into getting up every hour. I definitely took the weekend to play catch up on lost rest...

Energy level: I've been better than I thought I would be. It must be adrenaline related to the Christmas season. Either that or the knowledge that we'll be meeting our sprog soon!

Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.

Baby Movement: Am I bad for loving it when he sleeps??? He loves to move and as cute as it is to watch, I swear he's trying to get out via my right side. At night, Aidan gets him to settle down when he puts his hand on my stomach - I assume it's the warmth. I hope that is something that will continue when he is out. I will admit though that I will miss the movement somewhat - particularly the hiccups. Since I am not sure that I will ever experience this again, I've been trying to savor the moments - usually until it gets a bit too painful (thank goodness for sesame massage oil).

Thoughts and Feelings? I had a bit of a panic attack last night. As excited as I am for the most phenomenal Christmas present that I have ever received, it requires a hospital stay and needles. I had been trying to tell myself that I was concerned about not being home for Christmas. Well, that's the least of it - I know we'll celebrate Christmas whenever I get home. I am more concerned about getting in there and my blood pressure going up because I am freaked out and them not wanting to let me go anywhere until it goes down... that'll be an interesting wait. And yes, I don't want to be alone in the evening. Thinking about last year's surgery last week, Aidan was so integral to getting me through that night last Dec 9th into the morning of the 10th - and believe me, I was pretty high strung about getting out when the morning dawned. I am hoping and praying that next week will bring only a fraction of the anxiety I usually have since I'll be focused on the sprog... please let it be that way...

What I am looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery; Spa day on the Dec 19; Meeting our sprog next week.

Kinda Ready...

We're in countdown mode... 9 days to go until eviction day. I have to admit, I am feeling ready to be done with this phase of the journey. He's running out of room and it's starting to hurt somewhat when he moves about. It's mostly skin stretching hurting vs anything that would make me want to go to the Doctor. I will say that in addition to that, my back is a bit sore as well. I am so going to enjoy the massage on Sunday - if I make it that far!

After such a busy week, I spent a good part of the weekend resting. The meeting with our doula on Saturday morning went well and she's pretty excited that we're close to sproglet's arrival. I then got home and crashed for most of the afternoon - and it was good! I planned to trim the tree yesterday (and laundry, some baking and wrapping a few prezzies) but I napped on and off on the couch all day. And boy, was it nice! Unfortunately, that means I have all of that on my to-do list for this week but I also have Aidan to help (whereas yesterday he had 2 performances).

So in my mind, I'm kinda ready. Sure, there are a few things left to do but it would also be nice to be in and out of the hospital by next week vs during next week. In any case, 2 weeks from today, I should be back home.

Week 35

Date/Week: December 8; week 35 (2 weeks (14 days) to C/S)


Total weight gain/loss: +1.5 (total = 28.5)

Milestones: My doctor now refers to me as 'pre-term full-term' which is kinda nice. We had a lovely "Boring" appointment this morning and believe me, everyone in that room was relieved that we've made it this far. Next week is the mystical week 36 which will include pre-op. I need to find that gift certificate because I am so going to the spa on Dec 19th if I can to celebrate!!!

Physical Progress: Now that sproglet had moved down a bit, I can breathe easier. However, I do feel like I am sitting on the little guy and sometimes walking is quite comical. My belly seems to get bigger and bigger, which is good because I want sproglet to be at a good birth weight. Thankfully, I still haven't put on weight anywhere else (my face is a little fatter) so getting rid of the baby weight in the coming weeks should be pretty good!

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin

How do I feel about my body: I now look at my belly and focus on what's inside vs how I look - particularly since there is often an extra lump protruding (sproglet's butt).

Food cravings/aversions: none this week - how odd!

Sleep: I need more naps. I feel pretty good weekends because I get to nap so the getting up every 2 hours doesn't make a difference. It's a different story during the week though.

Energy level: It varies. I have more during the weekend but I know that is related to the napping!

Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.

Baby Movement: He loves Christmas music. He seems loves the more classic Christmas songs and classical but he does move to the more contemporary songs as well. He loves sticking his butt out - it was so funny when he did that at the OB's office today when the doctor was using the doppler on him. I wonder if he's going to be one of those kids who needs to touch you because now when we sleep, if Aidan has his hand on my stomach he moves under Aidan's hand and stays there. Yes, Aidan does make a game out of it sometimes and moves his hand around to make sproglet move more... my ribs often find this game quite irritating!

Thoughts and Feelings? I've been thinking a lot about last year's surgery that took place on Dec 9th. I was going through pre-op today and I have been thinking back to the nervousness of those appointments and then everything that happened on surgery day/night and through into Dec 10th when I was released and started my recovery at the hotel. I was calm on the outside and very nervous on the inside but Aidan was a star and had everything organized to the hilt, which made me feel even better. It's looking like it is going down a similar path and I am so grateful to have a doula to back-up Aidan.

What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating the Christmas tree; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Two more holiday parties; Watching some Christmas Movies; Spa day on the Dec 19.

Anniversary

Today marks two anniversaries for us. The first occurred on December 7th, 2001. Aidan and I had been officially dating for almost 3.5 months (unofficially for 10 months) and said I love you to each other for the first time. It is a moment that I remember fondly and treasure to this day.

The second happened last year. We flew out to Boston for my fibroid removal surgery, which took place on December 9th. It was a trip that saw us on our path to sproglet (I also count our IVF cycle in the Czech Republic as the action that set us on our path).

As we get closer to the c-section date, I find myself somewhat sentimental. These memories are  wonderful but carry so much more meaning for me at the moment. I find that I am grateful for this journey - even the crappy parts - because it has brought us to an amazing point in time where we will meet our son!

Week 34

Date/Week: December 1; week 34 (3 weeks (21 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: 

Milestones: It's December!!!!! Can you believe it! We've made it to December and sproglet is still on board! My goodness, this is amazing! And 3 weeks to go - who'd have thought with some of the discussions that took place during the summer. I am so amazed at this moment.

Physical Progress: I have to admit, I am so uncomfortable at the moment. I feel pretty crappy and moving is so awkward. I have also been freaking out with my belly pics because when I rotate the picture it stretches sideways. So my belly pics aren't as big in real life as they look on my computer... yeesh, not something I want to be freaking out over today...

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin

How do I feel about my body: Sometimes I look in the mirror and I am like "Who the h*ll is that???" My proportions are so out of wack - I'm amazed that I don't fall over when I stand up - it's all in my belly.

Food cravings/aversions: raspberries, chocolate (not supposed to have too much of that...) 

Sleep: Utter crap. Last night I was exhausted - went to sleep at 11pm and was up at 2am. Watched some Highlander until 3am and then slept until 6. And that was a good night!

Energy level: Even with relaxing days, my energy level is in the toilet! Still, I plug on with my to-do list.

Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.

Baby Movement: This child is trying to get out, I swear! He is always pushing out his butt or his feel. And watching my belly is too funny at times. We really need to record it before he arrives.

Thoughts and Feelings? I'm kinda freaked. He's almost here and i have no clue what to do with a newborn. Selfish thoughts: 1. I hope he arrives on Dec 21 because I was born on June 21 and my mom on March 21; 2. I want to be home for Christmas dinner and to see the Doctor Who Christmas Special

What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Many holiday parties and dinners.

St Andrew's Ball - Nov 27th

Uncomfortable

Yes, I am in the phase that I have read about but did not know how those words would translate for me. I've been feeling rather uncomfortable, wishing to be in another body, truly paying attention to the number of days that we have left. Between the lack of lung capacity and the tight skin on my belly (even with lotion and oil), I find it difficult to just get on with things normally. And then there is trying to find a comfortable position to sleep and recently, sit!

I keep telling myself that I shouldn't complain - even in my head. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful to be experiencing any of this. I just had to record for my remembrance in the future how I am feeling since it is changing how I get through my days and weeks currently. As I rub little feet back into my belly when sproglet stretches and sometimes makes my skin hurt, I sometimes find myself smiling even as I gasp in the shock of the semi-painful feeling.

Week 33

Date/Week: November 24; week 33 (4 weeks (28 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: +5 (+27 total)

Milestones: Mentally, reaching 33 weeks is lovely since I have been having fears for some reason that November would see the arrival of sproglet. Sure, I still have a few days to go until December starts but getting past 32 weeks has still been an excellent feeling. Outside of that, I may be dealing with my first UTI. Since I feel pretty cruddy, I am actually looking forward to hearing from my doctor soon. And I had real contractions last week... they were not pleasant! Hope I don't feel those again anytime soon.

Physical Progress: Sproglet is head down so he can be felt on my right side. I thought I had dropped a bit but I haven't (thank goodness). It is tough to breathe and I am waddling... not cool!

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; UTI

How do I feel about my body: I have the St. Andrews Ball to go to on Saturday and I think I will go with the shorter dress this year (a first). I am not feeling comfortable in my body anymore so we'll see how that translates to me dressing up this weekend.

Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving dark chocolate.

Sleep: Not really getting much... vivid dreams are back... my head is mush. Cut back on drinking water at night to stretch out bathroom breaks and may have the UTI partially due to that... it sucks!

Energy level: I seem to hit rock bottom this week and have kept digging. I plan to spend a good part of Sunday in bed thanks to this feeling.

Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga.

Baby Movement: Sproglet has the energy. We had an u/s (no pictures though) yesterday and we discovered that the lump that we've been watching move over the last week or so is his butt. And yes, it is his feet that keep poking out of my right side. He is definitely head down so the hiccups I've been feeling down there did give away his position. He's doing well and preparing for his appearance.

Thoughts and Feelings? There is so much to do in the next 4 weeks. Work is still hectic, volunteer stuff is happening and I can't get aay from this stuff yet. Perhaps being in the hospital for a few days after sproglet's birth will let me have a breather...

What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving dinner; Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.

November ICLW: I'm Thankful

Happy ICLW Everyone!

I do not know how good I will be this ICLW getting around as I have some major projects due at work and no energy at the moment. In any case, I would like to recognise US Thanksgiving - a holiday that we do not celebrate here but having US relatives, I do indulge in Thanksgiving dinner after a full day's work - and share what I am thankful for.

1. My husband - my best friend and dare I say, my soulmate. I am grateful to have him in my life, to share the journey with him and to discover all that is amazing and odd in the world with him.

2. My amazing family and friends who I may not call on as often as I sometimes think that I should but when I do, they are there to share in the highs and lows and just pick up where we left off.

3. My country may not have been the place that I believed that I wanted to live growing up but I do love it now. I am so sad with all that is wrong with it and I honestly work to make a difference.

4. My love of learning in my work and ultimately in the pursuit of other degrees. I am happiest when learning and in the new year, hope to get back on track with school.

5. Sproglet- We've waited a long time and will meet him in 31 days. Some days I am afraid to meet him and on others the time cannot go fast enough. While we know our lives will change when he comes, we are actually looking forward to the insanity of this new phase of life.

6. My Journal and Blog Buddies - I sometimes believe that I wouldn't be nearly as sane if it wasn't for this community. In most cases, I have never met you in person but you have meant as much to my life as my IRL friends. Thank you for your words, support and being there for me through times of feast and famine!


And now a question for you... WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Week 32

Date/Week: November 17; week 32 (5 weeks (35 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: 

Milestones: We've reached 32 weeks!!!!! You do not know how relieved we are to have made it to this date unscathed... I am grateful, excited and really aware that things can change in a moment! Anyhow, we got an email from the high-risk OB in Boston who had spoken to our OB here and she is excited that we've made it to this milestone as well. I have such an amazing team!

As for other milestones, we've organized the furniture in the nursery, put most of the items away and started to set up the other areas of the house (bathroom, our bedroom and our den). I've written the thank you cards for the shower and have started to send them out. I've registered at the hospital so hopefully my next visit to the Maternity ward will be pre-op. And I got a flu shot so sproglet (soon to be sprog) will be protected during the flu season).

Physical Progress: My belly is still getting bigger which is good because that means that sproglet is gaining weight. My boobs also seem to be changing again - guess they're getting ready to be put to work. 

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; some upper back pain; braxton-hicks contractions

How do I feel about my body: I had to wear a maternity evening gown last Saturday night and it took some psyching myself up before we headed out. While it was different, it looked ok and I was comfortable wearing it. The next Ball is on Nov 27th and I am trying to decide whether I will wear the gown again or a shorter dress. Other than that, I am finding my ever moving belly interesting!

Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving raspberries this week! 

Sleep: I'm still up every two hours and at about 5.30am I am pretty much up. I so wish I could attain this mystical state of being rested but I am starting to doubt that it exists...

Energy level: I have accepted the fact that with decreased lung capacity that my energy level is going to be awful!

Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga; Aidan-assisted stretching

Baby Movement: I have gotten to know sproglet's feet a little too well this week. He likes to push them out my right side and I've taken to ribbing them back in. He also likes to kick my ribs, which is not pleasant at all (thankfully, Aidan has been having some sympathy pains). If sproglet is moving a lot and Aidan puts his hand on my stomach, he will calm down and often just move whatever is under Aidan's hand.

Thoughts and Feelings? We're keenly aware that as of Monday we're truly in countdown mode (not that we're not already counting down). As we sort out the 'stuff' part of the house, we often find ourselves wondering out loud what will we be using and what will he like. We're curious to see what is going to happen next, but nervous about that next step all the same. We spoke to our priest about the christening and god parents on Sunday and it was odd to be talking about an event that involves a person that we haven't met yet. The other side of this is that we do need to finish preparing for the arrival - the hospital bag, reading the LLL book, etc...

What I am looking forward to: Harry Potter for date night on Nov 19; working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.