The level 2 ultrasound went well today. Sproglet wasn't in a cooperative mood. While he would move his arms and legs alot he would not rotate to allow for a proper scan of his spine or heart. He moved a bit when they had me roll to my side and such but they didn't think that the imagaes would be good enough. I have to go back on Sept 13th for another scan - which I don't mind at all. It will be great to see him again! Anyhow, he's a bit of a contortionist. He had his legs up by his head and he was grabbing his feet. He was also sucking his thumb again...
Afterwards I went to my nephrologist's office for a BP check. It's been up and down since Sunday. I need a prescription renewal so hopefully she'll adjust it a bit. Granted, my OB may want to change it on Thursday. I just need to get both of them talking to the high-risk OB in Boston...
31 August 2010
The Tough Part...
Hitting 20 weeks has brought home the realisation home that a lot has to be done in preparation for sproglet's arrival. Sure, there's the physical stuff like a crib and diapers but there is also the budget. Last night was budget discussion night and it was tough. It meant talking about how we do things now - which has worked well - and how we need to do things considering schooling and the lot. It was a very difficult conversation for me because I had to admit to myself that I am not where I wanted to be with the arrival of sproglet. Way back when, when I was an idealistic newlywed in 2006, I wanted to be part-time when sproglet arrived. Follow on a few year years as my plans (and it seemed, my life) fell apart as I let the infertility journey get to me, and I am nowhere near that goal. In fact, I just took on a fulltime position recently to ensure my income is regular. Granted, part of this is thanks to the fire in February (we still need to renovate) but it is also as I look at childcare and schooling and wonder if being a consultant will allow us to meet the possible expenses.
Part of the discussion was how to deal with childcare. We're exploring hiring a nanny and sharing her with 1 or 2 other families. We'd provide the apartment (once renovated - Aidan has until January) so that would hopefully cut down on our 1/2 or 1/3 of the cost. It's a good plan if we can make it work...
In the end, we are in a good place still. We have enough in savings to deal with the renovation, pay for me to stay home 12 weeks if the new job makes me take unpaid leave and still have stuff left over. Still, I am not happy using savings (I'll get over it if I have to). We're going to work on new household and personal budgets including an account for sproglet and we're still going to fund our vacation account at the same level (we're going to need it).
I know the anxiety I felt last night was just due to dealing with a new stage of planning. It was also that my previous plans were not attainable. Still, I've done a lot this year to pull things back together. Sure, there is still a lot to do but my confidence is so much better than it was last year. Still, sometimes I look back on who I was and year for those days...
Part of the discussion was how to deal with childcare. We're exploring hiring a nanny and sharing her with 1 or 2 other families. We'd provide the apartment (once renovated - Aidan has until January) so that would hopefully cut down on our 1/2 or 1/3 of the cost. It's a good plan if we can make it work...
In the end, we are in a good place still. We have enough in savings to deal with the renovation, pay for me to stay home 12 weeks if the new job makes me take unpaid leave and still have stuff left over. Still, I am not happy using savings (I'll get over it if I have to). We're going to work on new household and personal budgets including an account for sproglet and we're still going to fund our vacation account at the same level (we're going to need it).
I know the anxiety I felt last night was just due to dealing with a new stage of planning. It was also that my previous plans were not attainable. Still, I've done a lot this year to pull things back together. Sure, there is still a lot to do but my confidence is so much better than it was last year. Still, sometimes I look back on who I was and year for those days...
27 August 2010
Life According to Retail Measurements...
Over the last few days I have been visiting various stores looking at their prices for potential registry additions. After visiting the second of 4stores that actually have registries on the Island, I came to verbilise what I have been seeing for years. The calendar year is majorly contracted when one looks at life according to the holidays and occassions that stores stock their shelves for.
I always notice this in the fall because they seem to change the displays and shelves so quickly. One store I visited today has just finished their 'Back to School' display and shelves. Schools are back in on Sept 7th so the displays will probably remain until the 17th or so. Then it'll be on to Hallowe'en. There's a decent shelf life for Hallowe'en thanks to the costume parties that many organisations hold for charitable and social purposes. On Nov 1st, the Hallowe'en stuff gets pushed to the side (50-75% off candy!) and last year they put out the artificial trees - undecorated but a sure sign that Christmas is around the corner. We don't have American Thanksgiving but sometimes we might get something fall related. Generally, they slowly put out the Christmas stuff - candy first, followed by decorations and gift sets - around the middle to end of November.
I went into a grocery store today and they were stocking shelves with Hallowe'en candy. Back to School isn't a big deal for them and I guess people start picking up packages of minature chocolate bars early. Due to this shelf stocking, I will now go to this grocery store's dollar store to see what Hallowe'en goodie bags that they've brought in. Last year I got minature plastic jack o' lanterns that I put small chocolates into for distribution in the office. These items sell out before September settles in so I look for the signs... sad, I know.
While from a retail perspective 2010 is on the way out, there are still some out of season bargains to be had. I love to see what Oriental Trading has to offer online - particularly for scrapbooking. I used to hold pretty regular scrapbooking parties that now only seem to take place during the fall for holiday cardmaking. I used to purchase supplies from them regularly but now I just shop their sales. I have just managed to get a few great deals on Christmas supplies. I think they'll probably be putting out their 2010 holiday supplies in the coming weeks but I have enough stuff to make a quite a few cards if I wish (not sure what I will do yet... need to see what the fall has for my schedule...). There are also some deals through places like QVC as they get ready for the seasonal transition.
I hope to enjoy the transition of retail occassions this year. It may be the last time for a long while that I even consider something as trivial as this (I only say trivial since I do not work in retail). To think of the years and years that this has transpired, like the changing of the seasons in nature. A wonder to behold and yet an indication of the passage of time.
I always notice this in the fall because they seem to change the displays and shelves so quickly. One store I visited today has just finished their 'Back to School' display and shelves. Schools are back in on Sept 7th so the displays will probably remain until the 17th or so. Then it'll be on to Hallowe'en. There's a decent shelf life for Hallowe'en thanks to the costume parties that many organisations hold for charitable and social purposes. On Nov 1st, the Hallowe'en stuff gets pushed to the side (50-75% off candy!) and last year they put out the artificial trees - undecorated but a sure sign that Christmas is around the corner. We don't have American Thanksgiving but sometimes we might get something fall related. Generally, they slowly put out the Christmas stuff - candy first, followed by decorations and gift sets - around the middle to end of November.
I went into a grocery store today and they were stocking shelves with Hallowe'en candy. Back to School isn't a big deal for them and I guess people start picking up packages of minature chocolate bars early. Due to this shelf stocking, I will now go to this grocery store's dollar store to see what Hallowe'en goodie bags that they've brought in. Last year I got minature plastic jack o' lanterns that I put small chocolates into for distribution in the office. These items sell out before September settles in so I look for the signs... sad, I know.
While from a retail perspective 2010 is on the way out, there are still some out of season bargains to be had. I love to see what Oriental Trading has to offer online - particularly for scrapbooking. I used to hold pretty regular scrapbooking parties that now only seem to take place during the fall for holiday cardmaking. I used to purchase supplies from them regularly but now I just shop their sales. I have just managed to get a few great deals on Christmas supplies. I think they'll probably be putting out their 2010 holiday supplies in the coming weeks but I have enough stuff to make a quite a few cards if I wish (not sure what I will do yet... need to see what the fall has for my schedule...). There are also some deals through places like QVC as they get ready for the seasonal transition.
I hope to enjoy the transition of retail occassions this year. It may be the last time for a long while that I even consider something as trivial as this (I only say trivial since I do not work in retail). To think of the years and years that this has transpired, like the changing of the seasons in nature. A wonder to behold and yet an indication of the passage of time.
25 August 2010
Week 20
Date/Week: August 25; week 20 (17 weeks to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: ?
Milestones: Half-baked!!! Sure, I am more than halfway there thanks to the scheduled c-section but it is an amazing milestone to reach for us!!!
Physical Progress: Even when I do abdominal exercises (elevators), my belly size doesn't change much anymore - I guess my baby belly is truly settled in!
Symptoms: some feet and leg cramps. Heartburn!!!
How do I feel about my body: I have my moments. I look and feel better in fitted clothing - I look huge in those maternity empire tops but then I put on a maternity t-shirt and look ok. Additionally, my belly has become a magnet for people to touch. I try to keep the look of horror off of my face. It is getting a bit easier to deal with but it is just the strangest thing for people to do to me!!!
Food cravings/aversions: Glazed donut; soup
Sleep: I am currently a single mom to 4 furbabies while Aidan is in Toronto. I am up at least three times every night to let someone in or out. I can't seem to do this in zombie mode so I suffer between 9.30 and 11.30am. I do feel better in the afternoon though. I can't wait to catch up on my sleep this weekend!
Energy level: I am parking and walking to and from work while Aidan is away and it is a hike (there are a lot of hills). In this humidity it drains me. However, I have quite a bit of energy at night so my to-do list is getting sorted beautifully.
Exercise: Walking and some pilates.
Baby Movement: He definitely likes to move!! He likes it when the cat purrs next to my stomach as well.
Thoughts and Feelings? I took inventory of all of the baby related stuff that we've purchased or have been given since 2007 last night. It was supposed to be in preparation for developing a shower registry. It did make me a little sad because I saw our journey towards sproglet in the corner of one room. Yes, knowing that sproglet is growing strong is a happy feeling but the infertility experience was not a good one and I am still working to put some aspects of my life back together.
Anyhow, we have a good cloth diaper stash and some nice g-pants, grobaby shells and bumgenius 3.0 diapers. I hope we'll do well cloth diapering. I need to wash everything but I'll wait until the fall to start doing that.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing sproglet again on August 31st and seeing my OB on Sept 2nd to book the new c/s date. I am also looking forward to the baby shower (whenever that happens) for the advice that will come with it. I think I want to capture the advice creatively - in a scrapbook or something. Oh - and I am looking forward to Christmas in 4 months!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Since the purchase of the Stokke Xplory, we've been watching youtube demonstrations on how to use it. My goodness, it is amazing. I am officially a Stokke geek - after Aidan, of course!
Total weight gain/loss: ?
Milestones: Half-baked!!! Sure, I am more than halfway there thanks to the scheduled c-section but it is an amazing milestone to reach for us!!!
Physical Progress: Even when I do abdominal exercises (elevators), my belly size doesn't change much anymore - I guess my baby belly is truly settled in!
Symptoms: some feet and leg cramps. Heartburn!!!
How do I feel about my body: I have my moments. I look and feel better in fitted clothing - I look huge in those maternity empire tops but then I put on a maternity t-shirt and look ok. Additionally, my belly has become a magnet for people to touch. I try to keep the look of horror off of my face. It is getting a bit easier to deal with but it is just the strangest thing for people to do to me!!!
Food cravings/aversions: Glazed donut; soup
Sleep: I am currently a single mom to 4 furbabies while Aidan is in Toronto. I am up at least three times every night to let someone in or out. I can't seem to do this in zombie mode so I suffer between 9.30 and 11.30am. I do feel better in the afternoon though. I can't wait to catch up on my sleep this weekend!
Energy level: I am parking and walking to and from work while Aidan is away and it is a hike (there are a lot of hills). In this humidity it drains me. However, I have quite a bit of energy at night so my to-do list is getting sorted beautifully.
Exercise: Walking and some pilates.
Baby Movement: He definitely likes to move!! He likes it when the cat purrs next to my stomach as well.
Thoughts and Feelings? I took inventory of all of the baby related stuff that we've purchased or have been given since 2007 last night. It was supposed to be in preparation for developing a shower registry. It did make me a little sad because I saw our journey towards sproglet in the corner of one room. Yes, knowing that sproglet is growing strong is a happy feeling but the infertility experience was not a good one and I am still working to put some aspects of my life back together.
Anyhow, we have a good cloth diaper stash and some nice g-pants, grobaby shells and bumgenius 3.0 diapers. I hope we'll do well cloth diapering. I need to wash everything but I'll wait until the fall to start doing that.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing sproglet again on August 31st and seeing my OB on Sept 2nd to book the new c/s date. I am also looking forward to the baby shower (whenever that happens) for the advice that will come with it. I think I want to capture the advice creatively - in a scrapbook or something. Oh - and I am looking forward to Christmas in 4 months!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Since the purchase of the Stokke Xplory, we've been watching youtube demonstrations on how to use it. My goodness, it is amazing. I am officially a Stokke geek - after Aidan, of course!
22 August 2010
Where did the week go?
Wow - the week has flown! Aidan just flew out to Toronto for business meetings for the week so I am home alone. Actually, I am the single mom of 4 furbabies!!! Ptomely is a little sick so I am in the process of boiling chicken and rice for him. I am also starting on making soups and stews for Dec/Jan to freeze so we won't have to worry about food once sproglet gets here.
We've started the search for a name. We've narrowed the first name down to two Gaelic names. We're having a bit of a problem with one. Since we intend to use 'Klaus' as the middle name, one name starts with a 'C' and the sound clashes a bit. We're considering a second name to go before 'Klaus' but nothing is resonating with me - and Aidan won't take my suggestion of the name 'Tiberius' seriously...
I have a week and 2 days before our level 2 scan and then on Sept 2 we'll find out what the c-section date will be. I'm excited and nervous. Time has flown and there is so much to do. Plus, we'll have to prepare for Christmas before the surgery - much like we did last year. Needless to say, I will be reviewing my 2010 Christmas purchases and my card list soon... and I think I need to throw in a few prenatal massages for good measure!
Other than that, Aidan is going to concentrate on renovating the apartment in the coming months. Having the apartment unrented really has made us realise the cushion it has provided. Sure, we're still doing ok (plus, I just went fulltime with my govt client in order to get mat leave and vacation in the new year) but it was nice to know that we had that extra income for emergencies. With the house pretty sorted for sproglet and the major items purchased, he can concentrate on the renovation while I do preparations here. I am so hopeful that the apartment will be rented in January.
We've started the search for a name. We've narrowed the first name down to two Gaelic names. We're having a bit of a problem with one. Since we intend to use 'Klaus' as the middle name, one name starts with a 'C' and the sound clashes a bit. We're considering a second name to go before 'Klaus' but nothing is resonating with me - and Aidan won't take my suggestion of the name 'Tiberius' seriously...
I have a week and 2 days before our level 2 scan and then on Sept 2 we'll find out what the c-section date will be. I'm excited and nervous. Time has flown and there is so much to do. Plus, we'll have to prepare for Christmas before the surgery - much like we did last year. Needless to say, I will be reviewing my 2010 Christmas purchases and my card list soon... and I think I need to throw in a few prenatal massages for good measure!
Other than that, Aidan is going to concentrate on renovating the apartment in the coming months. Having the apartment unrented really has made us realise the cushion it has provided. Sure, we're still doing ok (plus, I just went fulltime with my govt client in order to get mat leave and vacation in the new year) but it was nice to know that we had that extra income for emergencies. With the house pretty sorted for sproglet and the major items purchased, he can concentrate on the renovation while I do preparations here. I am so hopeful that the apartment will be rented in January.
18 August 2010
Week 19
Date/Week: August 18; week 19 (18 weeks to C/S at 37 weeks)
Total weight gain/loss: ?
Milestones: It's a Boy!!!!!
Physical Progress: I look pregnant and don't mind it anymore!!!
Symptoms: some feet and leg cramps. Not feeling too tired anymore.
How do I feel about my body: Good week! I guess I finally am comfortable with my pregnant look.
Food cravings/aversions: Italian food
Sleep: Horrible before the doctor's appointment an not optimal after the appointment - I miss my tempurpedic mattress and pillow (and my dogs snuggling in at night)
Energy level: The heat in Boston drained me a bit but the humidity was low. I am now going back to lower temperatures but higher humidity.. Thank God for A/C. Other than that, I probably need to do something about my allergies in the coming weeks because that takes my energy away too!
Exercise: Lots and Lots of walking in my Shape-Ups
Baby Movement: He's moving and his bones are getting ready to start some serious kicking and punching. I feel him quite a bit now since he is so active.
Thoughts and Feelings? We're on the downward slope to a 36 week arrival date. There is so much to do to prepare - plus so much to also do to try to keep my blood pressure down. I really don't want to be hospitalised during the last weeks so I need to see what I can do to stay on the 75% chance of not having pre-e.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing sproglet again on August 31st and seeing my OB on Sept 2nd to book the new c/s date. Plus it'll be good to see how he takes the high-risk doc's report and his new plan of action for me.
What am I reading / things I’m learning: This is from Aidan - The u/s was intriguing. They managed to get so many angles of sproglet by working over a very small area of skin. I was trying to figure out how the process worked scientifically as I was watching the screen. It was also cool to be able to see that sproglet was a boy on the screen before the u/s technical had even said a word about what we were looking at.
Total weight gain/loss: ?
Milestones: It's a Boy!!!!!
Physical Progress: I look pregnant and don't mind it anymore!!!
Symptoms: some feet and leg cramps. Not feeling too tired anymore.
How do I feel about my body: Good week! I guess I finally am comfortable with my pregnant look.
Food cravings/aversions: Italian food
Sleep: Horrible before the doctor's appointment an not optimal after the appointment - I miss my tempurpedic mattress and pillow (and my dogs snuggling in at night)
Energy level: The heat in Boston drained me a bit but the humidity was low. I am now going back to lower temperatures but higher humidity.. Thank God for A/C. Other than that, I probably need to do something about my allergies in the coming weeks because that takes my energy away too!
Exercise: Lots and Lots of walking in my Shape-Ups
Baby Movement: He's moving and his bones are getting ready to start some serious kicking and punching. I feel him quite a bit now since he is so active.
Thoughts and Feelings? We're on the downward slope to a 36 week arrival date. There is so much to do to prepare - plus so much to also do to try to keep my blood pressure down. I really don't want to be hospitalised during the last weeks so I need to see what I can do to stay on the 75% chance of not having pre-e.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing sproglet again on August 31st and seeing my OB on Sept 2nd to book the new c/s date. Plus it'll be good to see how he takes the high-risk doc's report and his new plan of action for me.
What am I reading / things I’m learning: This is from Aidan - The u/s was intriguing. They managed to get so many angles of sproglet by working over a very small area of skin. I was trying to figure out how the process worked scientifically as I was watching the screen. It was also cool to be able to see that sproglet was a boy on the screen before the u/s technical had even said a word about what we were looking at.
16 August 2010
Good High-Risk Consult
All went well at the doctor. I am definitely high-risk but I may not need to deliver overseas (YAY!!!). I will however have to deliver at 36 or 37 weeks so we're now looking at Dec 8-15. If it is Dec 8th, it'll be the day before I had my fibroid removal surgery last year. So we're having a 2010 baby.
I'll have to upload the us pictures but the baby is looking great! Still measuring ahead and we saw some thumb sucking action. Got a great scan of the feet - so cute. It was the longest scan I've had yet - and we still have the anatomy scan ahead of us on the 31st of August. And we found out what we're having..... A BOY!!!! No surprise really. We felt that t was a boy from the beginning and it is!
Other than that, I'll be seeing my doctor a lot when I get home. The doctor here is willing to consult with him and hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will be uneventful!
I'll have to upload the us pictures but the baby is looking great! Still measuring ahead and we saw some thumb sucking action. Got a great scan of the feet - so cute. It was the longest scan I've had yet - and we still have the anatomy scan ahead of us on the 31st of August. And we found out what we're having..... A BOY!!!! No surprise really. We felt that t was a boy from the beginning and it is!
Other than that, I'll be seeing my doctor a lot when I get home. The doctor here is willing to consult with him and hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will be uneventful!
13 August 2010
Possible Change of Plan... Again!
I am so sick of insurance companies! I called mine today because it included my updated schedule of coverage and I read that that would only cover 100% of high-risk services overseas if it is covered in the Canadian network. So I called to find out (i) whether my visit to Boston next Monday was covered 100% (because they approved the reason for me going to Boston) or 80% (since it was out of network) and (ii) why hadn't a case worker called me (they're supposed to call before I travel). I was not impressed to hear that they had no case opened for me because they had not received any paperwork - so where did my OB's office send my paperwork in June then!!!
It gets better! I can go to Boston for an 'assessment'. My OB's office needs to fax in the referral form on Monday and the case worker will call me on Aidan's cell while we're out there. They'll make the coverage determination as soon as they can (thank goodness). Now, if the doctor's assessment is that I need to deliver overseas, I will most likely have to go to Halifax, Nova Scotia! They may approve Boston if a strong case is made (i.e. I need to be there because of my kidney ailment, for example) at 80% but they said they would most likely request that I go to Nova Scotia and that will be covered 100%.
So needless to say, we are not amused! However, we are now more focused than ever to find out what it would take to ensure that we stay here and get through this pregnancy without complication. We're amending our questions to focus more on that since the overseas delivery questions are for another institution. Additionally, we need to explore further what would happen if we deliver in Bermuda and the baby has to be flown out (to Canada - I think it's Toronto in this case though).
So I am irritated but glad we found this out early. Lots of prayers are going to be made in the coming days and weeks because I really want to stay home...
It gets better! I can go to Boston for an 'assessment'. My OB's office needs to fax in the referral form on Monday and the case worker will call me on Aidan's cell while we're out there. They'll make the coverage determination as soon as they can (thank goodness). Now, if the doctor's assessment is that I need to deliver overseas, I will most likely have to go to Halifax, Nova Scotia! They may approve Boston if a strong case is made (i.e. I need to be there because of my kidney ailment, for example) at 80% but they said they would most likely request that I go to Nova Scotia and that will be covered 100%.
So needless to say, we are not amused! However, we are now more focused than ever to find out what it would take to ensure that we stay here and get through this pregnancy without complication. We're amending our questions to focus more on that since the overseas delivery questions are for another institution. Additionally, we need to explore further what would happen if we deliver in Bermuda and the baby has to be flown out (to Canada - I think it's Toronto in this case though).
So I am irritated but glad we found this out early. Lots of prayers are going to be made in the coming days and weeks because I really want to stay home...
12 August 2010
Week 18
Date/Week: August 12; week 18
Total weight gain/loss: will find out on Monday...
Milestones: Feeling movement more consistently!!!
Physical Progress: My belly is looking more like a pregnant belly and less like pudge. I look sorta pregnant in the morning and very pregnant at night. Unfortunately, I think I am going to have abdominal separation/diastasis recti - I'm going to have to work on fixing that when the pregnancy is over.
Symptoms: I hardly every have nausea anymore (yay!). I still get tired easily but my energy level is much better. I am leveraging this to get the house in order!
How do I feel about my body: I can thank the belly for helping me to get more comfortable with 'looking pregnant'. Strangely enough, wearing some maternity shirts do make me feel uncomfortable because they make me look bigger than I actually am (and I get the question "So are you due next month"). When I wear other shirts though, some people think I'mm small for where I am in the pregnancy. So either way, I'mm settling into the image of 'Pregnant Woman'. Plus, a bigger belly makes my boobs look smaller...
Food cravings/aversions: hummus and tomato on toast...
Sleep: I dream so much that sometimes I don't feel like I've had any sleep. I nap a lot on weekends and it's often after that when I feel rested
Energy level: More consistent but my allergies are dragging me down a bit.
Exercise: I've been sweating through housework this week and having a few walks. I am back to water aerobics during week 19
Baby Movement: Sproglet is dancing in there already. I think I'll be in trouble when the fluttering turns into punches and kicks!
Thoughts and Feelings? We meet with the high risk OB on Monday. We're going to try to find out what it will take to be able to stay here to deliver and then explore the other options. I have finally (mentally) let go of the thought of our annual September vacation... I'm still sad but if I end up in Boston I need as much vacation time under my belt as a contingency...
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender either in Boston or at our 2nd Tri Anatomy Scan on Aug 31
What am I reading / things I’m learning: I've been putting together my list of questions for the doctor for next week... I'm calmer because we're prepared!
Total weight gain/loss: will find out on Monday...
Milestones: Feeling movement more consistently!!!
Physical Progress: My belly is looking more like a pregnant belly and less like pudge. I look sorta pregnant in the morning and very pregnant at night. Unfortunately, I think I am going to have abdominal separation/diastasis recti - I'm going to have to work on fixing that when the pregnancy is over.
Symptoms: I hardly every have nausea anymore (yay!). I still get tired easily but my energy level is much better. I am leveraging this to get the house in order!
How do I feel about my body: I can thank the belly for helping me to get more comfortable with 'looking pregnant'. Strangely enough, wearing some maternity shirts do make me feel uncomfortable because they make me look bigger than I actually am (and I get the question "So are you due next month"). When I wear other shirts though, some people think I'mm small for where I am in the pregnancy. So either way, I'mm settling into the image of 'Pregnant Woman'. Plus, a bigger belly makes my boobs look smaller...
Food cravings/aversions: hummus and tomato on toast...
Sleep: I dream so much that sometimes I don't feel like I've had any sleep. I nap a lot on weekends and it's often after that when I feel rested
Energy level: More consistent but my allergies are dragging me down a bit.
Exercise: I've been sweating through housework this week and having a few walks. I am back to water aerobics during week 19
Baby Movement: Sproglet is dancing in there already. I think I'll be in trouble when the fluttering turns into punches and kicks!
Thoughts and Feelings? We meet with the high risk OB on Monday. We're going to try to find out what it will take to be able to stay here to deliver and then explore the other options. I have finally (mentally) let go of the thought of our annual September vacation... I'm still sad but if I end up in Boston I need as much vacation time under my belt as a contingency...
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender either in Boston or at our 2nd Tri Anatomy Scan on Aug 31
What am I reading / things I’m learning: I've been putting together my list of questions for the doctor for next week... I'm calmer because we're prepared!
09 August 2010
Sorting out the house 2.0
We had a weekend where we got a lot done. On Saturday we had the yard sale. We got rid of a few things and will probably have another yard sale this coming Saturday. Then I guess we'll donate or throw away whatever is left. Saturday was hot - so much for Tropical Storm Colin (the storm that never came...). I ended up sleeping for most of the afternoon and then Aidan took me out for a curry that evening.
Sunday was kitchen cupboard day. We only did half of the kitchen - organising was a pita once the cupboards were emptied and cleaned. I'm hoping to finish the rest tomorrow after work. We're sorting out the area under the stairs and my roll top desk tonight. Then I think Aidan has to clean off the clavichord and changing table (he has junk on it) and there are a few things in the office that need to be sorted and put away. I'm hoping to be able to do some patch painting before we fly - particularly since the furniture we purchased 2nd hand will be coming into our house starting on Saturday...
Granted, Aidan still needs to sort out the basement and then the renovations to the apartment still have to happen... we're going to have a busy fall! I think I'll start cooking up fall meals to freese (and clear out the freezer in the meantime) while Aidan is working on the apartment.
Sunday was kitchen cupboard day. We only did half of the kitchen - organising was a pita once the cupboards were emptied and cleaned. I'm hoping to finish the rest tomorrow after work. We're sorting out the area under the stairs and my roll top desk tonight. Then I think Aidan has to clean off the clavichord and changing table (he has junk on it) and there are a few things in the office that need to be sorted and put away. I'm hoping to be able to do some patch painting before we fly - particularly since the furniture we purchased 2nd hand will be coming into our house starting on Saturday...
Granted, Aidan still needs to sort out the basement and then the renovations to the apartment still have to happen... we're going to have a busy fall! I think I'll start cooking up fall meals to freese (and clear out the freezer in the meantime) while Aidan is working on the apartment.
04 August 2010
Apartment Hunting...
I started contacting potential short-term rental places in Boston, Brookline and Brighton yesterday. I can't believe that many places are booked already. The one place we had been looking at on Tremont Street has one room after Oct 18th so that's a possibility (approx $75 a day).
If I can make it to November before moving (fingers crossed and many prayers for this...) I have a few great options. I have found a place that is a 10 minute walk to the hospital that seems nice (approx $75 a day). My favorite place is on the Brookline/Brighton border and I'd be able to take the bus to the Hospital ($65 a day). The last one on my shortlist is in Back Bay on Beacon Street, a 10 minute walk from Hynes Convention Center and the largest of all of the apartments ($82 a night).
In any case, I'm still looking. I also need to update my list of questions for the doctor and the coordinator while we're out there. I would need to know what we will need to do to come back home if everything goes smoothly. I know we will have to do immigration paperwork both here and in the US but I don't know if the US would require us to stay for a particular period of time. Thankfully, most of these places can do a monthly rental until April (if needed).
If I can make it to November before moving (fingers crossed and many prayers for this...) I have a few great options. I have found a place that is a 10 minute walk to the hospital that seems nice (approx $75 a day). My favorite place is on the Brookline/Brighton border and I'd be able to take the bus to the Hospital ($65 a day). The last one on my shortlist is in Back Bay on Beacon Street, a 10 minute walk from Hynes Convention Center and the largest of all of the apartments ($82 a night).
In any case, I'm still looking. I also need to update my list of questions for the doctor and the coordinator while we're out there. I would need to know what we will need to do to come back home if everything goes smoothly. I know we will have to do immigration paperwork both here and in the US but I don't know if the US would require us to stay for a particular period of time. Thankfully, most of these places can do a monthly rental until April (if needed).
Week 17
Date/Week: August 4; week 17
Total weight gain/loss: 178 (+3 - or something like that...)
Milestones: We're in our 5th month (according to the Mayo Clinic book)!
Physical Progress: Definitely have a belly - maternity shirts fit but the pants are still a bit too big in the belly area though
Symptoms: not bad - just a little tired
How do I feel about my body: Not liking the boobs at all - they're too big and get in the way... just waiting for the belly to catch up (then it'll be better, right???)
Food cravings/aversions: buttermilk pancakes and cheerios
Sleep: Up and down. Still having fun trying to stay on my left side
Energy level: Pretty good but the heat and humidity are getting to me...
Exercise: swimming/water aerobics on Saturdays; walking; called a personal trainer friend to help me with the yoga and pilates
Baby Movement: Flutters are a but stronger
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been freaking out about moving to Boston in the Fall and my blood pressure. I hope I feel better about this after the doctor's visit in Boston.
What I am looking forward to: Our Boston appointment in 2 weeks and finding out the gender either in Boston or at our 2nd Tri Anatomy Scan on Aug 31
What am I reading / things I’m learning: I'm having the quad screen bloodtests next week so I've been reading about that. I've also had to learn about the viability date - at this point it is our next major milestone...
Total weight gain/loss: 178 (+3 - or something like that...)
Milestones: We're in our 5th month (according to the Mayo Clinic book)!
Physical Progress: Definitely have a belly - maternity shirts fit but the pants are still a bit too big in the belly area though
Symptoms: not bad - just a little tired
How do I feel about my body: Not liking the boobs at all - they're too big and get in the way... just waiting for the belly to catch up (then it'll be better, right???)
Food cravings/aversions: buttermilk pancakes and cheerios
Sleep: Up and down. Still having fun trying to stay on my left side
Energy level: Pretty good but the heat and humidity are getting to me...
Exercise: swimming/water aerobics on Saturdays; walking; called a personal trainer friend to help me with the yoga and pilates
Baby Movement: Flutters are a but stronger
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been freaking out about moving to Boston in the Fall and my blood pressure. I hope I feel better about this after the doctor's visit in Boston.
What I am looking forward to: Our Boston appointment in 2 weeks and finding out the gender either in Boston or at our 2nd Tri Anatomy Scan on Aug 31
What am I reading / things I’m learning: I'm having the quad screen bloodtests next week so I've been reading about that. I've also had to learn about the viability date - at this point it is our next major milestone...
03 August 2010
Monthly OB visit
Yesterday we had our monthly OB visit. Since we're off to Boston in less than 2 weeks we didn't have an ultrasound but we did get to hear sproglet's heartbeat on the doppler. We're scheduled for our 2nd tri anatomy scan on Aug 31, I have to go in for my quad screen blood test in the next week or so and our next OB visit will be Sept 2. We've pretty much decided not to do the amnio but we're leaving the ultimate decision to further discussion in Boston.
Well, my blood pressure was up again so my meds have been adjusted. The way things are going, I'm going to end up in Boston earlier than I expected. I have been looking at extended stay options and see a few that I like. I was a little down about the possibility of being in Boston earlier at first but I've calmed down about it. Fall is my favorite time of year out there after all. It would just suck not to have Aidan around all the time. I hope things go well so that I'm not out there until Nov or Dec...
Anyhow, I find I'm still living week to week -- milestone to milestone. I'm a bit too nervous to relax. It seems when I do I get cruddy news... granted, none of it had been horribly bad but it had the potential to be bad in the coming weeks. I just keep praying. I want to meet sproglet so badly!
Well, my blood pressure was up again so my meds have been adjusted. The way things are going, I'm going to end up in Boston earlier than I expected. I have been looking at extended stay options and see a few that I like. I was a little down about the possibility of being in Boston earlier at first but I've calmed down about it. Fall is my favorite time of year out there after all. It would just suck not to have Aidan around all the time. I hope things go well so that I'm not out there until Nov or Dec...
Anyhow, I find I'm still living week to week -- milestone to milestone. I'm a bit too nervous to relax. It seems when I do I get cruddy news... granted, none of it had been horribly bad but it had the potential to be bad in the coming weeks. I just keep praying. I want to meet sproglet so badly!
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