Yesterday morning I had the oGTT at the hospital. We got in around 8.30am and the lab was packed - and many of the people were there to do glucose tests (I was the only pg person though). The whole thing was simple enough. I drank the orange drink that almost made me gag and then sat reading my kindle until I was called for the blood test. I am hopeful that everything will be ok... I so do not want to have to sit in that waiting room for a longer period of time.
The Maternity photo shoot was fun. After work I went and had my make-up done and then I went for some sushi for dinner (all cooked items). Aidan picked me up and we went to the studio. He wore a black shirt, pants and shoes and I was in black leggings and bandeau bra. She first took photos of me wrapped in one of my black bellydancing veils that is lined with red sequins. It was pretty comfortable as the poses were not too difficult. Then Aidan joined me and we did various shots using a stool, etc. Then Aidan wrapped me in his plaid and we did pictures with that. Finally, they had me wear 2 of my pashminas that we had picked up in Florence a few years ago. My top was wrapped in gold and my bottom in blue. I was the only one in thiose pictures.
We'll go through the photos with the photographer next Tuesday or Thursday and will have decide what we want to order - and I'll probably purchase the digital prints to make a photo book later. We also booked the newborn photo shoot for Dec 29th (if all goes well for a Dec 22nd delivery). The photographer's site is here (you may want to turn off the music).
29 October 2010
26 October 2010
Week 29
Date/Week: October 27; week 29 (8 weeks (56 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: +3 (+22 lbs total)
Milestones: [B] Set-up the local shower registries. I also ha my milestone #2 treat - an afternoon at the spa. The reiki was amazing. I have a feeling that I'll be doing the massage/reiki for milestone #4. Finally, it appears we have a c-section date - December 22nd. Now we can focus on working towards that goal - plus we get to order our Christmas Tree now that we have a date!
Physical Progress: I'm still 'neat' even as the belly gets larger...
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area ; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; leakage from the bbs and even more the regions below (I swear, I should buy stock in pantiliners...)
How do I feel about my body: I go back and forth between being in awe over the movements that I am feeling and frustration over my physical limitations and the pain. I often wonder what normal feels like. I also wonder if I will forget what it feels like to have someone moving inside of you.
Food cravings/aversions: cheese and crackers
Sleep: between being kicked, having the white cat sleeping on me and running to the loo many times a night, I miss what it feels like to have a proper night's sleep. I would love to sleep in and actually sleep and feel rested at the end of it.
Energy level: I have energy for maybe 1/2 of the day. If I don't rest, I feel like I am falling apart. Weekends are tough because I am used to just going and going until everything is done and at the moment I can't do that.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; highland dancing I'm not jumping - really!); walking
Baby Movement: In addition to the kicking, he is also moving about and pushing his body parts out all over the place. Sometimes it startles me and sometimes it even tickles. When I am at work it is weird to feel so much movement while I am sitting still. Aidan is enjoying feeling the movement.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm happy to have a c-section date but I am a little disappointed that I'll probably be in the hospital for Christmas. Aidan and I have discussed it and we know we'll make the best of it. Ultimately, it is the best Christmas present that anyone could have given us and we're just grateful to be experiencing this at such an amazing time of the year. And yes, the Christmas Season kicks off in our house after Guy Fawkes (Nov 5th) this year - and I plan to enjoy every second of it!
What I am looking forward to: doing the maternity shots with Aidan on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; 4 holiday events between Nov 13 and Dec 9th (I have 3 dresses and they all look pretty good thus far); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15)!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Reading about the oGTT since I have to take it on Oct 28th. I need to learn how to do the front wrap cross carry (fwcc) for my Didymos woven wrap and how to tie the knot on the rebozo.
Total weight gain/loss: +3 (+22 lbs total)
Milestones: [B] Set-up the local shower registries. I also ha my milestone #2 treat - an afternoon at the spa. The reiki was amazing. I have a feeling that I'll be doing the massage/reiki for milestone #4. Finally, it appears we have a c-section date - December 22nd. Now we can focus on working towards that goal - plus we get to order our Christmas Tree now that we have a date!
Physical Progress: I'm still 'neat' even as the belly gets larger...
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area ; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; leakage from the bbs and even more the regions below (I swear, I should buy stock in pantiliners...)
How do I feel about my body: I go back and forth between being in awe over the movements that I am feeling and frustration over my physical limitations and the pain. I often wonder what normal feels like. I also wonder if I will forget what it feels like to have someone moving inside of you.
Food cravings/aversions: cheese and crackers
Sleep: between being kicked, having the white cat sleeping on me and running to the loo many times a night, I miss what it feels like to have a proper night's sleep. I would love to sleep in and actually sleep and feel rested at the end of it.
Energy level: I have energy for maybe 1/2 of the day. If I don't rest, I feel like I am falling apart. Weekends are tough because I am used to just going and going until everything is done and at the moment I can't do that.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; highland dancing I'm not jumping - really!); walking
Baby Movement: In addition to the kicking, he is also moving about and pushing his body parts out all over the place. Sometimes it startles me and sometimes it even tickles. When I am at work it is weird to feel so much movement while I am sitting still. Aidan is enjoying feeling the movement.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm happy to have a c-section date but I am a little disappointed that I'll probably be in the hospital for Christmas. Aidan and I have discussed it and we know we'll make the best of it. Ultimately, it is the best Christmas present that anyone could have given us and we're just grateful to be experiencing this at such an amazing time of the year. And yes, the Christmas Season kicks off in our house after Guy Fawkes (Nov 5th) this year - and I plan to enjoy every second of it!
What I am looking forward to: doing the maternity shots with Aidan on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; 4 holiday events between Nov 13 and Dec 9th (I have 3 dresses and they all look pretty good thus far); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15)!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Reading about the oGTT since I have to take it on Oct 28th. I need to learn how to do the front wrap cross carry (fwcc) for my Didymos woven wrap and how to tie the knot on the rebozo.
Looks Like We Have A Date...
Doctor's appointment was good. It looks like I'll be having the c-section on December 22 at 37 weeks (he wanted to push me to full-term, which I expected he would do). December 29th is option #2 but he thinks he may be off Island for that date. He's consulting with my pediatrician and the high-risk OB in Boston and I will most likely end up receiving steroids for lung development in the lead up to that date. In any case, it looks like I'll be delivering at home but I may not be home for Christmas).
25 October 2010
A Yo-Yo Type of Weekend
I meant to post this weekend but it has been nuts. The good thing is that I was able to visit many blogs this weekend. It was great fun getting to know new blogs and visiting other favorites! Saturday was going to be crazy since we were going to be helping at the fair for the girl guides. I went in for my wash/treatment/blow dry/flat iron at 8am and then got Hallowe'en candy before we headed to the fair. It was busy, as usual and I didn't even get to visit any stalls - I basically worked the entire time I was there. We did see Aidan's urologist there and he was so overjoyed when Aidan told him and then he saw me. He asked for a birth announcement because he said Aidan is like one of his kids (Aidan grew up with his kids). We said definitely.
In the afternoon, I went with my mom and my friend who is hosting the shower on Nov 6the to put together the local registry. It's so different from the US. They give you a shopping cart and you have to walk around and put what you'd like in the cart - then they put it aside and your guests come in and purchase something and take it with them. This is why you can only set it up two weeks before hand.Added to this, there's no one there to answer any questions. I found the experience somewhat disappointing... I couldn't believe the prices, the selection wasn't great for what was needed and we couldn't get any help. We decided to head to another store to see if we could find what this sotre didn't carry. The next store was even worse... they had so many things in storage for other ladies showers that I was told to come back on Tuesday. So tomorrow I'll go there during lunchtime. My mom and my friend showed me what they'd like for me to include in that registry but they were visably disappointed that we couldn't do anything. Oh well...
After going back to the fair and finishing up there we headed home in the evening to enjoy pizza and a few episodes of the last season of Bones. We unfortunately got a call later in the evening that Aidan's brother was taken to the hospital - it appears to have been a combination of heat exhaustion (he was out on a boat all day), dehydration and the seasickness meds he was on. We sort of lost interest in tv and spent a lot of time on line looking up drug interactions, etc. By midnight we heard that the hospital would be keeping him overnight so we had a restless night's sleep.
We were up early in the morning - had to get ready to have Aidan's family over for breakfast (we forgot to prepare the night before with all of the excitement). We then went to head out for church but the battery on the car was dead... bummer. Aidan soon discovered tht our newish maintenance free battery required maintenance (water). He called the church to say we were stuck and he couldn't sing for the morning mass and I started breakfast while he fiddled with the car. Everyone came over at the expected time (save SIL who went to the hospital) and literally inhaled breakfast. We had cinnamon rolls, fried eggs, back bacon, low sodium bacon, french toast (using italian bread), regular toast with butter and english preserves, pineapple juice, apple juice, and fresh strawberries, blueberries and rasberries. It was lovely to have everyone there and not as much work as when they come for dinner! In fact, the kitchen was clean and the dishes in the dishwasher before they left! We also took the vist as the opportunity to give Aidan's dad an angel for 2010 for his collection.
I then headed to the spa for my Milestone #2 treat. I had booked a 1 hour mother-to-be massage followed by 1/2 hour of reiki. I had a gift certificate for a pedicure that I was allowed to use towards the massage so I paid the difference and a gratuity ahead of time. I was taken to the locker room where I had a quick shower before putting on my robe an slippers and heading out to the lounge. The lounge was lovely - it overlooked the pool and the South Shore. It was an amazing view. I sat on one of the lounge chairs while flipping through Vogue (the fall fashions aren't that bad this year...). I was then called into the therapy room. The massage was lovely. She concentrated a lot on the knots in my shoulders and neck (no surprise there). Sproglet was going crazy during this part of the session. The reiki was the best part. I ended up falling asleep and even sproglet calmed down. I so didn't want to get up afterwards! I then went back to the lounge, had water and tea sandwiches while I enjoyed an issue of Vanity Fair and then reluctantly headed home.
We visited BIL at the hospital before dinner. He was bored out of his mind. He is scheduled for an MRI today and will hopefully be released thereafter. We kept him and SIL company for a while. The hospital sucks here because the visiting hours (particularly for spouses) end at 8pm - which means he had a very long night alone. I get to look forward to that in the Maternity ward.....
We had an early night because we were shattered. I had the weirdest thing to deal with before bed though - an ingrown eyelash. Aidan tried to get it out with tweesers but I couldn't stay still. Then I remembered what a make-up artist did with me for a fashon show I did way back when... I had Aidan put ambesol on my lash line with a q-tip. He was actually able to get the lash out with a needle (I shudder to think of what would have happened if I moved). It worked and didn't hurt a bit!
I realised at 6.30 this morning that there were emails I hadn't sent over the weekend so I was doing that before breakfast. Still, I've had a productive morning. I've caught up on just about everything. I've also made an appointment with my acupuncturist on friday since the siatica has been (literally) a pita - particularly down the back of my right thigh. And, of course, I see my OB tomorrow.... fingers crossed for a c/s date!
In the afternoon, I went with my mom and my friend who is hosting the shower on Nov 6the to put together the local registry. It's so different from the US. They give you a shopping cart and you have to walk around and put what you'd like in the cart - then they put it aside and your guests come in and purchase something and take it with them. This is why you can only set it up two weeks before hand.Added to this, there's no one there to answer any questions. I found the experience somewhat disappointing... I couldn't believe the prices, the selection wasn't great for what was needed and we couldn't get any help. We decided to head to another store to see if we could find what this sotre didn't carry. The next store was even worse... they had so many things in storage for other ladies showers that I was told to come back on Tuesday. So tomorrow I'll go there during lunchtime. My mom and my friend showed me what they'd like for me to include in that registry but they were visably disappointed that we couldn't do anything. Oh well...
After going back to the fair and finishing up there we headed home in the evening to enjoy pizza and a few episodes of the last season of Bones. We unfortunately got a call later in the evening that Aidan's brother was taken to the hospital - it appears to have been a combination of heat exhaustion (he was out on a boat all day), dehydration and the seasickness meds he was on. We sort of lost interest in tv and spent a lot of time on line looking up drug interactions, etc. By midnight we heard that the hospital would be keeping him overnight so we had a restless night's sleep.
We were up early in the morning - had to get ready to have Aidan's family over for breakfast (we forgot to prepare the night before with all of the excitement). We then went to head out for church but the battery on the car was dead... bummer. Aidan soon discovered tht our newish maintenance free battery required maintenance (water). He called the church to say we were stuck and he couldn't sing for the morning mass and I started breakfast while he fiddled with the car. Everyone came over at the expected time (save SIL who went to the hospital) and literally inhaled breakfast. We had cinnamon rolls, fried eggs, back bacon, low sodium bacon, french toast (using italian bread), regular toast with butter and english preserves, pineapple juice, apple juice, and fresh strawberries, blueberries and rasberries. It was lovely to have everyone there and not as much work as when they come for dinner! In fact, the kitchen was clean and the dishes in the dishwasher before they left! We also took the vist as the opportunity to give Aidan's dad an angel for 2010 for his collection.
I then headed to the spa for my Milestone #2 treat. I had booked a 1 hour mother-to-be massage followed by 1/2 hour of reiki. I had a gift certificate for a pedicure that I was allowed to use towards the massage so I paid the difference and a gratuity ahead of time. I was taken to the locker room where I had a quick shower before putting on my robe an slippers and heading out to the lounge. The lounge was lovely - it overlooked the pool and the South Shore. It was an amazing view. I sat on one of the lounge chairs while flipping through Vogue (the fall fashions aren't that bad this year...). I was then called into the therapy room. The massage was lovely. She concentrated a lot on the knots in my shoulders and neck (no surprise there). Sproglet was going crazy during this part of the session. The reiki was the best part. I ended up falling asleep and even sproglet calmed down. I so didn't want to get up afterwards! I then went back to the lounge, had water and tea sandwiches while I enjoyed an issue of Vanity Fair and then reluctantly headed home.
We visited BIL at the hospital before dinner. He was bored out of his mind. He is scheduled for an MRI today and will hopefully be released thereafter. We kept him and SIL company for a while. The hospital sucks here because the visiting hours (particularly for spouses) end at 8pm - which means he had a very long night alone. I get to look forward to that in the Maternity ward.....
We had an early night because we were shattered. I had the weirdest thing to deal with before bed though - an ingrown eyelash. Aidan tried to get it out with tweesers but I couldn't stay still. Then I remembered what a make-up artist did with me for a fashon show I did way back when... I had Aidan put ambesol on my lash line with a q-tip. He was actually able to get the lash out with a needle (I shudder to think of what would have happened if I moved). It worked and didn't hurt a bit!
I realised at 6.30 this morning that there were emails I hadn't sent over the weekend so I was doing that before breakfast. Still, I've had a productive morning. I've caught up on just about everything. I've also made an appointment with my acupuncturist on friday since the siatica has been (literally) a pita - particularly down the back of my right thigh. And, of course, I see my OB tomorrow.... fingers crossed for a c/s date!
21 October 2010
October ICLW - ABCs of ME (Revised)
I've been awful with ICLW recently - I blame lack of energy and concentration. I am really going to try and make a better effort this month because I truly love ICLW and getting to know some amazing people! So lets kick it off with a revised ABCs of Me.
A- Artemis - my white cat who basically rules the house. She has taken to sleeping on or near to my stomach at night which sproglet seems to love (it's the purring). Also Aidan, my DH (love him!!!)
B - Bermuda - that's where I was born and was raised. I lived abroad for 7 years and I came to appreciate the Island more because of that. Also, Bronwyn - my tri-colour cavalier king charles spaniel.
C - Czech Republic - I truly believe that I would not be pg today if we did not go there last year for our (failed) IVF cycle. It set the ball rolling for me to have my fibroids removed, etc.
D - Dancing - I am a certified highland dancing teacher. Unfortunately, I have been banned from dancing since June.
E - Ego - If I ever had one, the whole IF thing trounced it. Unfortunately, my confidence went along with it... working on building that aspect back up.
F - Fibroids- I had 10 removed via a robotic laprascopic myomectomy last December. It appears they were a major cause of our IF.
G - Google - Over the last 3 years, I have done way too many searches, which wer probably directly correlated to my mood swings!
H - Happy - I never thought that I would have to work at being happy. I can honestly say that I am thankful for the smallest things give me the feeling of happiness since I know what the bottom of the barrel feels liks.
I - Ireland - one of my favorite places to visit. Plus, Aidan has citizenship (and we'll have to put in the paperwork for sproglet once he is born).
J - Job - over the last three years my job has changed dramatically. I now aim to work at a job that I enjoy. That was my goal out of college but it appears that I lost my way over the years.
K - Kindle - I love mine. I love lying in bed and reading comfortably. Sure, I still love my regular books but I believe there is room for both in my life!
L - Love - I've learned more about love through our IF journey than I had in the last 20-odd years of dating, etc. I am truly blessed!
M - Marisa - my name, and yes, I do like it even through people often pronounce it incorrectly (it is Ma-re-sa, not Ma-riss-sa). Also, Matthias, my black cat.
N - New York - I spent a lot of time there as a child since my grandparents lived there. It is now one of my favorite places to visit, particularly since I love Broadway (but I will admit, I love Boston even more...).
O - Overwhelmed - I have felt this way many times in the last few years. Being pg has been a new dimension to being overwhelmed thanks to fear, knowing too much, needing to prepare and wondering what the future will bring.
P - Prolactin - The other reason for our IF, this time on DH's side. We still haven't figured this out but have not focused on it for a while. Perhaps the urologist will be visited in the new year to get this sorted out before it gets any worse. Also, Ptolemy, our ruby cavalier king charles spaniel (he thinks he's a cat).
Q - Quick - I want to say we were quick to do something about our IF but now that I have a frame of reference from our IF support group, we probably could have been quicker (and more focused) on demanding treatment.
R - Running - In preparation for our IVF cycle, we ran to get into better shape. We eventually did a 1/2 marathon - we sucked but it was great to accomplish it together.
S - Sproglet - We're going to meet him in about 8 weeks, at which point, he becomes a sprog.
T - Tea - My favorite is Earl Grey. I like green and white teas as well but I will be honest, I got into them because of TTC (Earl Grey is way better in my estimation!)
U - Undo - While I truly do believe that I wouldn't change anything that has happened in my life because it has made me who I am today, if pressed there are some events that I would love to undo because of the fact that I can see that those were the points where I started to lose myself.
V - Vienna - I have been there twice and I can't wait to go again. One of these days, I'll make it to their Christmas Market!
W - Walking - I really enjoy it and hope to get back into it next year.
X - Xavier - Ptolemy's middle name (to round them out, Artemis' middle name is Penelope, Matthias' is Barnabas and Bronwyn's is Anastacia)
Y - Yawn - I do that a lot nowadays. I so wish I could have a decent night's sleep - perhaps that will happen next June if I play my cards right...
Z - Zodiac - I was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer. That makes for an interesting personality!
A- Artemis - my white cat who basically rules the house. She has taken to sleeping on or near to my stomach at night which sproglet seems to love (it's the purring). Also Aidan, my DH (love him!!!)
B - Bermuda - that's where I was born and was raised. I lived abroad for 7 years and I came to appreciate the Island more because of that. Also, Bronwyn - my tri-colour cavalier king charles spaniel.
C - Czech Republic - I truly believe that I would not be pg today if we did not go there last year for our (failed) IVF cycle. It set the ball rolling for me to have my fibroids removed, etc.
D - Dancing - I am a certified highland dancing teacher. Unfortunately, I have been banned from dancing since June.
E - Ego - If I ever had one, the whole IF thing trounced it. Unfortunately, my confidence went along with it... working on building that aspect back up.
F - Fibroids- I had 10 removed via a robotic laprascopic myomectomy last December. It appears they were a major cause of our IF.
G - Google - Over the last 3 years, I have done way too many searches, which wer probably directly correlated to my mood swings!
H - Happy - I never thought that I would have to work at being happy. I can honestly say that I am thankful for the smallest things give me the feeling of happiness since I know what the bottom of the barrel feels liks.
I - Ireland - one of my favorite places to visit. Plus, Aidan has citizenship (and we'll have to put in the paperwork for sproglet once he is born).
J - Job - over the last three years my job has changed dramatically. I now aim to work at a job that I enjoy. That was my goal out of college but it appears that I lost my way over the years.
K - Kindle - I love mine. I love lying in bed and reading comfortably. Sure, I still love my regular books but I believe there is room for both in my life!
L - Love - I've learned more about love through our IF journey than I had in the last 20-odd years of dating, etc. I am truly blessed!
M - Marisa - my name, and yes, I do like it even through people often pronounce it incorrectly (it is Ma-re-sa, not Ma-riss-sa). Also, Matthias, my black cat.
N - New York - I spent a lot of time there as a child since my grandparents lived there. It is now one of my favorite places to visit, particularly since I love Broadway (but I will admit, I love Boston even more...).
O - Overwhelmed - I have felt this way many times in the last few years. Being pg has been a new dimension to being overwhelmed thanks to fear, knowing too much, needing to prepare and wondering what the future will bring.
P - Prolactin - The other reason for our IF, this time on DH's side. We still haven't figured this out but have not focused on it for a while. Perhaps the urologist will be visited in the new year to get this sorted out before it gets any worse. Also, Ptolemy, our ruby cavalier king charles spaniel (he thinks he's a cat).
Q - Quick - I want to say we were quick to do something about our IF but now that I have a frame of reference from our IF support group, we probably could have been quicker (and more focused) on demanding treatment.
R - Running - In preparation for our IVF cycle, we ran to get into better shape. We eventually did a 1/2 marathon - we sucked but it was great to accomplish it together.
S - Sproglet - We're going to meet him in about 8 weeks, at which point, he becomes a sprog.
T - Tea - My favorite is Earl Grey. I like green and white teas as well but I will be honest, I got into them because of TTC (Earl Grey is way better in my estimation!)
U - Undo - While I truly do believe that I wouldn't change anything that has happened in my life because it has made me who I am today, if pressed there are some events that I would love to undo because of the fact that I can see that those were the points where I started to lose myself.
V - Vienna - I have been there twice and I can't wait to go again. One of these days, I'll make it to their Christmas Market!
W - Walking - I really enjoy it and hope to get back into it next year.
X - Xavier - Ptolemy's middle name (to round them out, Artemis' middle name is Penelope, Matthias' is Barnabas and Bronwyn's is Anastacia)
Y - Yawn - I do that a lot nowadays. I so wish I could have a decent night's sleep - perhaps that will happen next June if I play my cards right...
Z - Zodiac - I was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer. That makes for an interesting personality!
20 October 2010
Week 28
Date/Week: October 20; week 28 (9 weeks (63 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: Milestones #2
We're one step closer to being able to deliver on Island. As of this week the hospital would be willing to deliver us. We're not sure if our OB is on the same page (he may want 32 weeks) but we'll find out when we see him on Tuesday morning. In any case, we're pretty psyched about reaching this goal!
We've attended a class that covered c-sections and the subsequent recovery and also met with our post-partum doula. I've also had a baby shower at work that showed me that I still really have no clue what I need in the house for a baby...
Physical Progress: The kicking and sleeping patterns are more consistent and at times body parts are starting to stick out - Aidan and I spent a bit of time over the weekend trying to identify which body part was protruding but couldn't agree on what it was.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea (it's back!)
How do I feel about my body:Looking at myself in the mirror before I get dresses, it is kind of weird to see how my belly fits into my frame. It's all rather neat and it makes sense when I think about how I move in yoga class. As for the boobage, I notice in the morning that they have leaked overnight now. I guess we're getting prepared for their new purpose...
Food cravings/aversions: Portuguese donuts
Sleep: the weather has changed so it is more comfortable. The quality of my sleep still sucks though.
Energy level: I've been fighting a cold so I've felt like death warmed over...
Exercise: prenatal yoga; walking
Baby Movement: The kick counting is a bit better. His kicks and rolls are more definite. Aidan can feel them now and says it really makes everything seem more real.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm calmer than I was last week. Sure, we need to sort out the whole diaper changing station situation but other than that most things are ready - I even have some decent nursing nightgowns (Belabumbum - they're really lovely). I really would like to have a c/s date though because it is the ultimate goal for us to focus on. Still, as Aidan says, we have to take things day by day and week by week and we've been doing pretty well doing that too.
What I am looking forward to: setting up the shower registry on Oct 23 (or so) with my friend, my mom and my MIL; massage and reiki at 2pm on October 24; possibility of sorting out the c/s date on Oct 26; doing the maternity shots on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; possibly wearing some dressy maternity gowns to some holiday events that are coming up (it remains to e seen how excited I'll be about these gowns); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17)!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Started reading 'Happiest Baby on the Block'; Learned how to tie a Moby Wrap
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: Milestones #2
We're one step closer to being able to deliver on Island. As of this week the hospital would be willing to deliver us. We're not sure if our OB is on the same page (he may want 32 weeks) but we'll find out when we see him on Tuesday morning. In any case, we're pretty psyched about reaching this goal!We've attended a class that covered c-sections and the subsequent recovery and also met with our post-partum doula. I've also had a baby shower at work that showed me that I still really have no clue what I need in the house for a baby...
Physical Progress: The kicking and sleeping patterns are more consistent and at times body parts are starting to stick out - Aidan and I spent a bit of time over the weekend trying to identify which body part was protruding but couldn't agree on what it was.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea (it's back!)
How do I feel about my body:Looking at myself in the mirror before I get dresses, it is kind of weird to see how my belly fits into my frame. It's all rather neat and it makes sense when I think about how I move in yoga class. As for the boobage, I notice in the morning that they have leaked overnight now. I guess we're getting prepared for their new purpose...
Food cravings/aversions: Portuguese donuts
Sleep: the weather has changed so it is more comfortable. The quality of my sleep still sucks though.
Energy level: I've been fighting a cold so I've felt like death warmed over...
Exercise: prenatal yoga; walking
Baby Movement: The kick counting is a bit better. His kicks and rolls are more definite. Aidan can feel them now and says it really makes everything seem more real.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm calmer than I was last week. Sure, we need to sort out the whole diaper changing station situation but other than that most things are ready - I even have some decent nursing nightgowns (Belabumbum - they're really lovely). I really would like to have a c/s date though because it is the ultimate goal for us to focus on. Still, as Aidan says, we have to take things day by day and week by week and we've been doing pretty well doing that too.
What I am looking forward to: setting up the shower registry on Oct 23 (or so) with my friend, my mom and my MIL; massage and reiki at 2pm on October 24; possibility of sorting out the c/s date on Oct 26; doing the maternity shots on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; possibly wearing some dressy maternity gowns to some holiday events that are coming up (it remains to e seen how excited I'll be about these gowns); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17)!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Started reading 'Happiest Baby on the Block'; Learned how to tie a Moby Wrap
17 October 2010
Plans with our Doula
The meeting today was good. We felt a bit more normal than yesterday. We've known our doula for a year as she is also the leader for the infertility support group that we're a part of. She's also a mom via IVF and in addition to the certs she has to be a doula and to lead the infertility support group, she is also a lactation consultant and she cloth diapers and an advocate for babywearing. All in all, he's a perfect match for us!
We had to do paperwork first and discuss how we're going to deal with the hospital part. We discussed having her there for the birth to support Aidan when I am in the recovery room and he thinks it's a good idea. We'll see what we have to do to have her listed as our birth doula with the hospital to have her there at that point. We also discussed aromatherapy for me while in the hospital to help with my anxiety (essential oil on a handkerchief) along with acupressure - again, great idea!
As for coming home, the discussion was useful. We need to have a plan for te first few days with the animals and how to introduce them to the baby. We've been familiarizing them with the baby stuff but we do need a plan for when the baby comes home. We then discussed breastfeeding holds that'll be good with my incision - it was an extension of the discussion at the session yesterday.
The piece that will take the most work is the changing table. Once we move it into place, we need to set it up to work for me with the incision. This may mean having to cover the edge that would come in contact with my belly if I had to reach. Also, I'd have to set up the drawers to make diapers more accessible. Related to that, we'd need to have diapers set up and ready to go to make life easier. She thinks the gdiapers are clever but likes the bumgenius the best out of the three types we have because there isn't any prep involved. She adores the newborn gdiapers though. We also need to sort out were to put the wet bag and hamper (forgot about that) for the room.
The bath arrangements (puj tub for kitchen or bathroom sink) was seen as good for the early weeks. We then discussed parents and how we're going to deal with the first month. Finally, we played around with the baby carriers and wraps before signing the paperwork. So hopefully, we'll get together again mid-November to go over the nursery and then we're set for December! She'll probably spend time with us 3 days a week for a few hours each time. It will definitely be more than enough since it will be the holiday season and we'll have both sets of parents coming by to help as well.
We had to do paperwork first and discuss how we're going to deal with the hospital part. We discussed having her there for the birth to support Aidan when I am in the recovery room and he thinks it's a good idea. We'll see what we have to do to have her listed as our birth doula with the hospital to have her there at that point. We also discussed aromatherapy for me while in the hospital to help with my anxiety (essential oil on a handkerchief) along with acupressure - again, great idea!
As for coming home, the discussion was useful. We need to have a plan for te first few days with the animals and how to introduce them to the baby. We've been familiarizing them with the baby stuff but we do need a plan for when the baby comes home. We then discussed breastfeeding holds that'll be good with my incision - it was an extension of the discussion at the session yesterday.
The piece that will take the most work is the changing table. Once we move it into place, we need to set it up to work for me with the incision. This may mean having to cover the edge that would come in contact with my belly if I had to reach. Also, I'd have to set up the drawers to make diapers more accessible. Related to that, we'd need to have diapers set up and ready to go to make life easier. She thinks the gdiapers are clever but likes the bumgenius the best out of the three types we have because there isn't any prep involved. She adores the newborn gdiapers though. We also need to sort out were to put the wet bag and hamper (forgot about that) for the room.
The bath arrangements (puj tub for kitchen or bathroom sink) was seen as good for the early weeks. We then discussed parents and how we're going to deal with the first month. Finally, we played around with the baby carriers and wraps before signing the paperwork. So hopefully, we'll get together again mid-November to go over the nursery and then we're set for December! She'll probably spend time with us 3 days a week for a few hours each time. It will definitely be more than enough since it will be the holiday season and we'll have both sets of parents coming by to help as well.
What happens once the classes are over???
Yesterday we went to the final baby prep class before sproglet graces up with his presence. Same as the other class, we only had to attend 1/2 of the programme since we aren't doing the labour then delivery part. The group had therefore been together for 6 hours last Saturday to do all of that. After we did introductions (there was another couple having a scheduled c-section in the class as well) we were split up for an exercise. It became very apparent to Aidan and me that we didn't feel nearly as prepared as 3/4 of the people in the class to even participate in the discussions. Part of it was due to the fact that we really haven't been reading up on things like pain meds, etc since I know I'm having a spinal but the depth of some of the discussions was quite impressive. We knew early on that we were in for a day!
That first exercise was on pain medications and then induction was covered in detail. Then came the c-section portion. The facilitator covered both scheduled and emergency c-sections and it was thorough and very useful. Both of us agreed at the end that it was exactly what we needed to feel more prepared for what we will be dealing with. After that, while most of the couples watched a birth DVD, we and 2 other couples met with a birth doula to go over post-c-section recovery and recognising labour signs. This piece was also excellent and probably more beneficial for the husbands because they seemed to realise that their role was going to be so critical when baby comes home. I also got advice on my birth plan. I do not need the delivery section because they do not have any options related to stitches, the spinal etc - thankfully, all of the things in the section that I wanted are standard. I can do the birth plan for post birth but there are some areas that are hospital policy and we therefore don't have a choice (i.e. we can't cut the cord in the OR; I can't nurse immediately after the birth because the recovery room is not just maternity, Aidan can only be there from 8a - 8p and the baby will be in the nursery overnight (except of feedings or requests from me to have him brought to me) since I will be bedridden with the catheter still in). Other than that, there are a few things that I can request. My hope is that it will be a very positive experience and that we're out of there in 3 days!
The rest of the afternoon was what happens when you go home. The facilitator covered parenting and relationship issues, crying, post-partum depression and life with baby. It was again, a lot of information. The relationship section caught a lot of the couples off guard. Many thought that having a baby made the relationship stronger but the stats indicated the opposite. There was therefore a great section on gains and losses to our relationship once baby comes and then discussion on how to continue to work on our relationships.
We went home a little overwhelmed. Aidan said that the class indicated to him how little he hows about what he is going to do when sproglet comes home. We both agreed that it seems that whenever we learn about something, we find out that there are 5 other things that we also need to figure out. We know that eventually we'll manage but it is kind of scary when you know that your child will be here in about 2 months max! Added to all of this, Aidan is now able to feel Sproglets kicks consistently from the outside. He said that it makes it seem even more real due to that.
So our countdown is on because we're done with all of the prep classes. We still have books to read, going to have to practice babywearing with my cabbage patch kid and need to finish packing the suitcase and looad it in the car (just in case). Oh boy... we're getting closer!
That first exercise was on pain medications and then induction was covered in detail. Then came the c-section portion. The facilitator covered both scheduled and emergency c-sections and it was thorough and very useful. Both of us agreed at the end that it was exactly what we needed to feel more prepared for what we will be dealing with. After that, while most of the couples watched a birth DVD, we and 2 other couples met with a birth doula to go over post-c-section recovery and recognising labour signs. This piece was also excellent and probably more beneficial for the husbands because they seemed to realise that their role was going to be so critical when baby comes home. I also got advice on my birth plan. I do not need the delivery section because they do not have any options related to stitches, the spinal etc - thankfully, all of the things in the section that I wanted are standard. I can do the birth plan for post birth but there are some areas that are hospital policy and we therefore don't have a choice (i.e. we can't cut the cord in the OR; I can't nurse immediately after the birth because the recovery room is not just maternity, Aidan can only be there from 8a - 8p and the baby will be in the nursery overnight (except of feedings or requests from me to have him brought to me) since I will be bedridden with the catheter still in). Other than that, there are a few things that I can request. My hope is that it will be a very positive experience and that we're out of there in 3 days!
The rest of the afternoon was what happens when you go home. The facilitator covered parenting and relationship issues, crying, post-partum depression and life with baby. It was again, a lot of information. The relationship section caught a lot of the couples off guard. Many thought that having a baby made the relationship stronger but the stats indicated the opposite. There was therefore a great section on gains and losses to our relationship once baby comes and then discussion on how to continue to work on our relationships.
We went home a little overwhelmed. Aidan said that the class indicated to him how little he hows about what he is going to do when sproglet comes home. We both agreed that it seems that whenever we learn about something, we find out that there are 5 other things that we also need to figure out. We know that eventually we'll manage but it is kind of scary when you know that your child will be here in about 2 months max! Added to all of this, Aidan is now able to feel Sproglets kicks consistently from the outside. He said that it makes it seem even more real due to that.
So our countdown is on because we're done with all of the prep classes. We still have books to read, going to have to practice babywearing with my cabbage patch kid and need to finish packing the suitcase and looad it in the car (just in case). Oh boy... we're getting closer!
13 October 2010
Week 27
Date/Week: October 13; week 27 (9 weeks (63 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: -1.25lbs
Milestones: We're in the third trimester!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, it is a wonderful milestone to achieve and to still be at home. I am so very grateful and thankful to have made it to this point.
We've also taken the maternity ward tour - that certainly makes it feel more real to see the place where we're going to meet our son face to face!
Physical Progress: I think I had my first experience of sciatica on Saturday - it scared the crap out of me.
Symptoms: feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica
How do I feel about my body: I've been trying to find a sequined top for my maternity shots and it has made me really self-conscious about my boobs - they're huge compared to my frame. One size fits all does not fit them... I got a L/XL and it fits like a bandeau across my boobs and a regular tube top on the sides and from behind - very odd looking. I got upset (hormones) and started rethinking how to pull this off in 2 weeks...
Food cravings/aversions: dried apricots
Sleep: Crappy and sweaty
Energy level: Up and down - looking forward to yoga tonight because I need an energy boost.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking
Baby Movement: I have a boogying baby!!! At church on Sunday he would go crazy when the sining was taking place and then calm during the speaking parts. I'm still not enjoying the kick counts but he is kicking - averaging 60 kicks in an hour.
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been freaking out this past week. Between hospital anxiety and early delivery anxiety - and then overseas delivery anxiety (decreasing) and not being home for Christmas anxiety (I'm such a baby) - my brain has been working overtime. I am trying to stay calm, get through each day (and each week). I am praying hard that we don't meet sproglet until December!
What I am looking forward to: Theatre tonight to celebrate making it to the 3rd trimester; Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - still need to book October 24; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live); working towards milestone #3!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Babywearing will be a great resource; the private room in the maternity ward is available on a first come, first served basis upon request (we are so requesting it when we get to the hospital on eviction day).
Total weight gain/loss: -1.25lbs
Milestones: We're in the third trimester!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, it is a wonderful milestone to achieve and to still be at home. I am so very grateful and thankful to have made it to this point.
We've also taken the maternity ward tour - that certainly makes it feel more real to see the place where we're going to meet our son face to face!
Physical Progress: I think I had my first experience of sciatica on Saturday - it scared the crap out of me.
Symptoms: feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica
How do I feel about my body: I've been trying to find a sequined top for my maternity shots and it has made me really self-conscious about my boobs - they're huge compared to my frame. One size fits all does not fit them... I got a L/XL and it fits like a bandeau across my boobs and a regular tube top on the sides and from behind - very odd looking. I got upset (hormones) and started rethinking how to pull this off in 2 weeks...
Food cravings/aversions: dried apricots
Sleep: Crappy and sweaty
Energy level: Up and down - looking forward to yoga tonight because I need an energy boost.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking
Baby Movement: I have a boogying baby!!! At church on Sunday he would go crazy when the sining was taking place and then calm during the speaking parts. I'm still not enjoying the kick counts but he is kicking - averaging 60 kicks in an hour.
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been freaking out this past week. Between hospital anxiety and early delivery anxiety - and then overseas delivery anxiety (decreasing) and not being home for Christmas anxiety (I'm such a baby) - my brain has been working overtime. I am trying to stay calm, get through each day (and each week). I am praying hard that we don't meet sproglet until December!
What I am looking forward to: Theatre tonight to celebrate making it to the 3rd trimester; Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - still need to book October 24; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live); working towards milestone #3!!!
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Babywearing will be a great resource; the private room in the maternity ward is available on a first come, first served basis upon request (we are so requesting it when we get to the hospital on eviction day).
And the outfit that he'll wear home...
11 October 2010
Anxiety, Part II
I went to work today much calmer - it could have been the pumpkin spice pie last night or the oatmeal this morning. Either way, I was focused on my 3 milestones - 28 weeks in 9 days; 32 weeks in 1 month and 7 days and 36 weeks in 2 months and 5 days (granted, that date will change when I get the c/s date). I was feeling really good when I sat down at my desk. Then I received the shocking news - my co-worker's daughter, who is 32 weeks, water broke last night and she was going to have to deliver today.
Everyone who knew was worried. At 3pm they performed a c-section. So far mommy and baby are fine. The baby is over 4 lbs and so far is doing well. We all breathed a sigh of relief. Then my brain started moving at a million miles an hour. I will admit that a donut was used to keep me calm.
When Aidan picked me up after work I told him the news. I could see his brain working behind his eyes - 32 weeks is 5 weeks away for us. We want to get to that date because our doctor would be more 'comfortable' if we had to deliver here. Still,I desperately want to make it into December and Aidan agrees totally. We're visualizing a December delivery - we see ourselves holding sproglet in our home with Christmas Decorations - we're creating our reality and are going to make it come true (Sproglet, are you listening - cool out until December sweetheart!).
Everyone who knew was worried. At 3pm they performed a c-section. So far mommy and baby are fine. The baby is over 4 lbs and so far is doing well. We all breathed a sigh of relief. Then my brain started moving at a million miles an hour. I will admit that a donut was used to keep me calm.
When Aidan picked me up after work I told him the news. I could see his brain working behind his eyes - 32 weeks is 5 weeks away for us. We want to get to that date because our doctor would be more 'comfortable' if we had to deliver here. Still,I desperately want to make it into December and Aidan agrees totally. We're visualizing a December delivery - we see ourselves holding sproglet in our home with Christmas Decorations - we're creating our reality and are going to make it come true (Sproglet, are you listening - cool out until December sweetheart!).
10 October 2010
Anxiety
Yesterday was one of those days that had its good points and not-so-good points. I guess in the end it was a good day overall if you remove the panic attack that occurred in the midst of it.
The morning was fine. I went looking for a sequined top for my maternity photos while Aidan was at a meeting. I had no luck purchasing anything though. The store that had what I wanted was supposed to open at 10am but at 10.15 the shop girl and I were still waiting outside and I had to leave to get Aidan from his meeting. We then had a 'bringing baby home' session. It was a Q&A format and was pretty interesting. Key takeaways were that our husbands/partners need to be gatekeepers, ensuring that we can bond with our babies in the first days and weeks and that babywearing is very beneficial for getting things done and keeping baby content.
After the session we went to a fair and saw a few friends there. We also had to do some errands. During this time I was trying to psyche myself up because we had a tour of the hospital scheduled for the afternoon. We got to the hospital a little early and joined a groups of about 9 other couples. The beginning of the tour was how a woman in labour would be transported at night to the Maternity Ward. I was fine for that part but began to feel a little panicky when we entered the ward. We first visited the rooms that you're in after the birth. They're definitely hospital rooms - nothing like the room that I had in Boston last December. I believe I'll have a semi-private room as per my insurance an they're pretty tiny. I guess it doesn't matter since husbands can only be there from 8a-8p and grandparents from 12n-2p and 4p-8p. In any case, it would make my goal to get out of there... after a 4-5 day stay after a c-section. We then visited the room where all of the supplies are kept. If we deliver there, they provide the diapers, baby onesies and pjs, etc. They also provide new moms with a baby bathing demonstration in this location. They also showed us the rooms that they use for ladies being induced or if you're being monitored for pre-e. I had to sit down in that part of the tour because I was definitely feeling panicked - it is definitely being in the hospital in those rooms.
They then took us to labour and delivery. I was trying like mad to calm myself down when they showed us the room where you're checked before being given a labour room. It would also be the room where I would be checked 2 days before the scheduled c/s - this scenario would be followed by calling the maternity ward the next day for the time that surgery would take place and then showing up 2 hours before surgery on your c/s date. We then went into a L&D room. I would have to admit that the L&D room looks less like a hospital room than the other rooms. It is very tiny and therefore only one family member is allowed in there - along with the required L&D personnel. I was feeling a bit more comfortable during this part of the tour but two of the ladies were feeling faint and ha to have some water.
The final part of the tour was outside of the nurseries. Babies generally room-in with the mom. They have two nurseries there - a NICU and nursery for premies and those whose moms had c-sections (in certain situations). Apparently, in the first case, the mom would pump and the baby received the breast milk via tube (good!). In the other case, the baby goes to the mom for feeding. We were told that the hospital prefers to send the still pg moms overseas if they are under threat of delivering before week 28. Babies delivered 35 weeks and under would often end up between the 2 nurseries. Babies 36 weeks are pretty much seen as full-term pre-term.
By the end of the tour I had a bit of a headache. We got home and I ate something but was feeling pretty crappy - plus my head was filled with way too many thoughts about the hospital (and other hospitals overseas). I took a nap but still couldn't calm down. Aidan took my bp and it was elevated. I worked on calming down and once I got it down to a normal range I took it easy for the evening (watched 'Cats' 'and then a few episodes of 'House'). I didn't sleep well because I then dreamed about the hospital.
I know my anxiety isn't that abnormal. I'll bet that many ladies start getting towards the end of pregnancy and realise that the baby has to come out that the process to do so is scary. For some that may be L&D, for some it's surgery and for me it's the hospital stay in general (and the needles... particularly the IV). I'm also paranoid about - and I don't have a date, mind you) that we will be stuck in the hospital over Christmas. In any case, I really need to keep this anxiety in check somehow because I don't want it to have an adverse affect on us getting to deliver at home. I have therefore decided that to handle this, I need to be happy that I now know the procedure to deliver at the hospital, but to not spend time thinking about it until it's time to go.. There are enough other things to deal with in the coming 9.5 weeks... I need to focus on those things instead!
The morning was fine. I went looking for a sequined top for my maternity photos while Aidan was at a meeting. I had no luck purchasing anything though. The store that had what I wanted was supposed to open at 10am but at 10.15 the shop girl and I were still waiting outside and I had to leave to get Aidan from his meeting. We then had a 'bringing baby home' session. It was a Q&A format and was pretty interesting. Key takeaways were that our husbands/partners need to be gatekeepers, ensuring that we can bond with our babies in the first days and weeks and that babywearing is very beneficial for getting things done and keeping baby content.
After the session we went to a fair and saw a few friends there. We also had to do some errands. During this time I was trying to psyche myself up because we had a tour of the hospital scheduled for the afternoon. We got to the hospital a little early and joined a groups of about 9 other couples. The beginning of the tour was how a woman in labour would be transported at night to the Maternity Ward. I was fine for that part but began to feel a little panicky when we entered the ward. We first visited the rooms that you're in after the birth. They're definitely hospital rooms - nothing like the room that I had in Boston last December. I believe I'll have a semi-private room as per my insurance an they're pretty tiny. I guess it doesn't matter since husbands can only be there from 8a-8p and grandparents from 12n-2p and 4p-8p. In any case, it would make my goal to get out of there... after a 4-5 day stay after a c-section. We then visited the room where all of the supplies are kept. If we deliver there, they provide the diapers, baby onesies and pjs, etc. They also provide new moms with a baby bathing demonstration in this location. They also showed us the rooms that they use for ladies being induced or if you're being monitored for pre-e. I had to sit down in that part of the tour because I was definitely feeling panicked - it is definitely being in the hospital in those rooms.
They then took us to labour and delivery. I was trying like mad to calm myself down when they showed us the room where you're checked before being given a labour room. It would also be the room where I would be checked 2 days before the scheduled c/s - this scenario would be followed by calling the maternity ward the next day for the time that surgery would take place and then showing up 2 hours before surgery on your c/s date. We then went into a L&D room. I would have to admit that the L&D room looks less like a hospital room than the other rooms. It is very tiny and therefore only one family member is allowed in there - along with the required L&D personnel. I was feeling a bit more comfortable during this part of the tour but two of the ladies were feeling faint and ha to have some water.
The final part of the tour was outside of the nurseries. Babies generally room-in with the mom. They have two nurseries there - a NICU and nursery for premies and those whose moms had c-sections (in certain situations). Apparently, in the first case, the mom would pump and the baby received the breast milk via tube (good!). In the other case, the baby goes to the mom for feeding. We were told that the hospital prefers to send the still pg moms overseas if they are under threat of delivering before week 28. Babies delivered 35 weeks and under would often end up between the 2 nurseries. Babies 36 weeks are pretty much seen as full-term pre-term.
By the end of the tour I had a bit of a headache. We got home and I ate something but was feeling pretty crappy - plus my head was filled with way too many thoughts about the hospital (and other hospitals overseas). I took a nap but still couldn't calm down. Aidan took my bp and it was elevated. I worked on calming down and once I got it down to a normal range I took it easy for the evening (watched 'Cats' 'and then a few episodes of 'House'). I didn't sleep well because I then dreamed about the hospital.
I know my anxiety isn't that abnormal. I'll bet that many ladies start getting towards the end of pregnancy and realise that the baby has to come out that the process to do so is scary. For some that may be L&D, for some it's surgery and for me it's the hospital stay in general (and the needles... particularly the IV). I'm also paranoid about - and I don't have a date, mind you) that we will be stuck in the hospital over Christmas. In any case, I really need to keep this anxiety in check somehow because I don't want it to have an adverse affect on us getting to deliver at home. I have therefore decided that to handle this, I need to be happy that I now know the procedure to deliver at the hospital, but to not spend time thinking about it until it's time to go.. There are enough other things to deal with in the coming 9.5 weeks... I need to focus on those things instead!
09 October 2010
Waxing While Pregnant
It definitely isn't as pedestrian as driving while pregnant and not nearly as exciting as sex while pregnant but I'm finding waxing to be quite interesting.
I get waxed regularly and very early on in this pregnancy I decided that I would continue getting waxed. The reality has been that my nervousness has reduced my monthly waxing appointments to once per trimester - basically, when I can't put it off anymore. I generally get an eyebrow wax, followed by underarms, a brazilian and then 1/2 leg. Each time, I have been surprised that it hasn't hurt as much as I think that it would. It could be the wax or it could be my beautician (she's amazing). Either way, I am glad it has been positive thus far.
My eyebrows are still the worst - I think it is the proximity to my eyes. My underarms are getting better but I have also noticed recently that the hair under my arms is finer (years of waxing plus deodorant that helps to do that, perhaps). The brazilians have been the biggest surprise. It doesn't hurt any more when the hair is removed but it is sore longer afterwards - I attribute that to the increased blood flow in the area. I put on antiseptic cream when I get home and I'm usually fine within a day. My legs have been less sensitive than usual - to the point where I really don't feel it when she takes off the wax. Pretty cool!
So my next waxing session is in a month. It may be my last before sproglet's arrival. I would like to perhaps do one more in December before the c-section since I know I won't be waxed again until 2-3 months later... we'll see if I have that option.
I get waxed regularly and very early on in this pregnancy I decided that I would continue getting waxed. The reality has been that my nervousness has reduced my monthly waxing appointments to once per trimester - basically, when I can't put it off anymore. I generally get an eyebrow wax, followed by underarms, a brazilian and then 1/2 leg. Each time, I have been surprised that it hasn't hurt as much as I think that it would. It could be the wax or it could be my beautician (she's amazing). Either way, I am glad it has been positive thus far.
My eyebrows are still the worst - I think it is the proximity to my eyes. My underarms are getting better but I have also noticed recently that the hair under my arms is finer (years of waxing plus deodorant that helps to do that, perhaps). The brazilians have been the biggest surprise. It doesn't hurt any more when the hair is removed but it is sore longer afterwards - I attribute that to the increased blood flow in the area. I put on antiseptic cream when I get home and I'm usually fine within a day. My legs have been less sensitive than usual - to the point where I really don't feel it when she takes off the wax. Pretty cool!
So my next waxing session is in a month. It may be my last before sproglet's arrival. I would like to perhaps do one more in December before the c-section since I know I won't be waxed again until 2-3 months later... we'll see if I have that option.
06 October 2010
Week 26
Date/Week: October 6; week 26 (11 weeks (77 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: +2.25 lbs
Milestones: I think we've found a pediatrician - just need to fill out all of the paperwork; the crib has been put together; I've started putting together email addresses to give to one of my friends for the shower; have to do kick counting going forward
Physical Progress: I have a proper belly! And with the belly, the boobs are finally in proportion. It's all pretty cool!
Symptoms: leg and feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn
How do I feel about my body: Another good week. I'm enjoying some of my fall/winter turtlenecks with jeans - I feel that I look better than in the maternity shorts.
Food cravings/aversions: apple cake; vegetarian croquettes
Sleep: Still having really wild dreams. I'm going to the bathroom every 2 hours or so.
Energy level: It's been pretty good in the last week but I am still slowing down walking-wise.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking
Baby Movement: He's still moving a lot. My first kick count session was interesting. He did the required 10 kicks in less than 3minutes 30 seconds. In an hour he had done about 63 kicks. Kick counting is pretty tedious so I need to start integrating other activities while I do it (I have a feeling that I'll say the same about pumping in a few months...)
Thoughts and Feelings? I go back and forth between feeling ready for this pregnancy to be over and wanting more time to prepare for the next step. I am not 'loving' being pregnant but that is probably more of an anxiety thing and less physically based. I've spent a little time thinking about whether I would do this again and in that case would I enjoy it more since I would know the drill. I really don't know. In any case, I am going to really try to enjoy the rest of this trimester (a week to go!) and as much of the 3rd trimester as possible (sure, I say that now - we'll see what I'm saying in a month!!!)
What I am looking forward to: Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - need to book October 24; starting to make the nursery look like we're going to have someone living in there; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live)
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Still reading 'The Baby Book' and planning to read the LLL book next. We have the LLL meeting about bring baby home on Saturday so that should flesh out what I've been reading in 'The Baby Book'. We also have the hospital tour on Saturday... that should freak me out adequately (thank goodness we're going to the SPCA Fair in between the two sessions)
Total weight gain/loss: +2.25 lbs
Milestones: I think we've found a pediatrician - just need to fill out all of the paperwork; the crib has been put together; I've started putting together email addresses to give to one of my friends for the shower; have to do kick counting going forward
Physical Progress: I have a proper belly! And with the belly, the boobs are finally in proportion. It's all pretty cool!
Symptoms: leg and feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn
How do I feel about my body: Another good week. I'm enjoying some of my fall/winter turtlenecks with jeans - I feel that I look better than in the maternity shorts.
Food cravings/aversions: apple cake; vegetarian croquettes
Sleep: Still having really wild dreams. I'm going to the bathroom every 2 hours or so.
Energy level: It's been pretty good in the last week but I am still slowing down walking-wise.
Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking
Baby Movement: He's still moving a lot. My first kick count session was interesting. He did the required 10 kicks in less than 3minutes 30 seconds. In an hour he had done about 63 kicks. Kick counting is pretty tedious so I need to start integrating other activities while I do it (I have a feeling that I'll say the same about pumping in a few months...)
Thoughts and Feelings? I go back and forth between feeling ready for this pregnancy to be over and wanting more time to prepare for the next step. I am not 'loving' being pregnant but that is probably more of an anxiety thing and less physically based. I've spent a little time thinking about whether I would do this again and in that case would I enjoy it more since I would know the drill. I really don't know. In any case, I am going to really try to enjoy the rest of this trimester (a week to go!) and as much of the 3rd trimester as possible (sure, I say that now - we'll see what I'm saying in a month!!!)
What I am looking forward to: Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - need to book October 24; starting to make the nursery look like we're going to have someone living in there; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live)
What am I reading / things I’m learning: Still reading 'The Baby Book' and planning to read the LLL book next. We have the LLL meeting about bring baby home on Saturday so that should flesh out what I've been reading in 'The Baby Book'. We also have the hospital tour on Saturday... that should freak me out adequately (thank goodness we're going to the SPCA Fair in between the two sessions)
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