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.
17 October 2010
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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