We're in countdown mode... 9 days to go until eviction day. I have to admit, I am feeling ready to be done with this phase of the journey. He's running out of room and it's starting to hurt somewhat when he moves about. It's mostly skin stretching hurting vs anything that would make me want to go to the Doctor. I will say that in addition to that, my back is a bit sore as well. I am so going to enjoy the massage on Sunday - if I make it that far!
After such a busy week, I spent a good part of the weekend resting. The meeting with our doula on Saturday morning went well and she's pretty excited that we're close to sproglet's arrival. I then got home and crashed for most of the afternoon - and it was good! I planned to trim the tree yesterday (and laundry, some baking and wrapping a few prezzies) but I napped on and off on the couch all day. And boy, was it nice! Unfortunately, that means I have all of that on my to-do list for this week but I also have Aidan to help (whereas yesterday he had 2 performances).
So in my mind, I'm kinda ready. Sure, there are a few things left to do but it would also be nice to be in and out of the hospital by next week vs during next week. In any case, 2 weeks from today, I should be back home.
13 December 2010
08 December 2010
Week 35
Date/Week: December 8; week 35 (2 weeks (14 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: +1.5 (total = 28.5)
Milestones: My doctor now refers to me as 'pre-term full-term' which is kinda nice. We had a lovely "Boring" appointment this morning and believe me, everyone in that room was relieved that we've made it this far. Next week is the mystical week 36 which will include pre-op. I need to find that gift certificate because I am so going to the spa on Dec 19th if I can to celebrate!!!
Physical Progress: Now that sproglet had moved down a bit, I can breathe easier. However, I do feel like I am sitting on the little guy and sometimes walking is quite comical. My belly seems to get bigger and bigger, which is good because I want sproglet to be at a good birth weight. Thankfully, I still haven't put on weight anywhere else (my face is a little fatter) so getting rid of the baby weight in the coming weeks should be pretty good!
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin
How do I feel about my body: I now look at my belly and focus on what's inside vs how I look - particularly since there is often an extra lump protruding (sproglet's butt).
Food cravings/aversions: none this week - how odd!
Sleep: I need more naps. I feel pretty good weekends because I get to nap so the getting up every 2 hours doesn't make a difference. It's a different story during the week though.
Energy level: It varies. I have more during the weekend but I know that is related to the napping!
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.
Baby Movement: He loves Christmas music. He seems loves the more classic Christmas songs and classical but he does move to the more contemporary songs as well. He loves sticking his butt out - it was so funny when he did that at the OB's office today when the doctor was using the doppler on him. I wonder if he's going to be one of those kids who needs to touch you because now when we sleep, if Aidan has his hand on my stomach he moves under Aidan's hand and stays there. Yes, Aidan does make a game out of it sometimes and moves his hand around to make sproglet move more... my ribs often find this game quite irritating!
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been thinking a lot about last year's surgery that took place on Dec 9th. I was going through pre-op today and I have been thinking back to the nervousness of those appointments and then everything that happened on surgery day/night and through into Dec 10th when I was released and started my recovery at the hotel. I was calm on the outside and very nervous on the inside but Aidan was a star and had everything organized to the hilt, which made me feel even better. It's looking like it is going down a similar path and I am so grateful to have a doula to back-up Aidan.
What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating the Christmas tree; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Two more holiday parties; Watching some Christmas Movies; Spa day on the Dec 19.
Total weight gain/loss: +1.5 (total = 28.5)
Milestones: My doctor now refers to me as 'pre-term full-term' which is kinda nice. We had a lovely "Boring" appointment this morning and believe me, everyone in that room was relieved that we've made it this far. Next week is the mystical week 36 which will include pre-op. I need to find that gift certificate because I am so going to the spa on Dec 19th if I can to celebrate!!!
Physical Progress: Now that sproglet had moved down a bit, I can breathe easier. However, I do feel like I am sitting on the little guy and sometimes walking is quite comical. My belly seems to get bigger and bigger, which is good because I want sproglet to be at a good birth weight. Thankfully, I still haven't put on weight anywhere else (my face is a little fatter) so getting rid of the baby weight in the coming weeks should be pretty good!
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin
How do I feel about my body: I now look at my belly and focus on what's inside vs how I look - particularly since there is often an extra lump protruding (sproglet's butt).
Food cravings/aversions: none this week - how odd!
Sleep: I need more naps. I feel pretty good weekends because I get to nap so the getting up every 2 hours doesn't make a difference. It's a different story during the week though.
Energy level: It varies. I have more during the weekend but I know that is related to the napping!
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.
Baby Movement: He loves Christmas music. He seems loves the more classic Christmas songs and classical but he does move to the more contemporary songs as well. He loves sticking his butt out - it was so funny when he did that at the OB's office today when the doctor was using the doppler on him. I wonder if he's going to be one of those kids who needs to touch you because now when we sleep, if Aidan has his hand on my stomach he moves under Aidan's hand and stays there. Yes, Aidan does make a game out of it sometimes and moves his hand around to make sproglet move more... my ribs often find this game quite irritating!
Thoughts and Feelings? I've been thinking a lot about last year's surgery that took place on Dec 9th. I was going through pre-op today and I have been thinking back to the nervousness of those appointments and then everything that happened on surgery day/night and through into Dec 10th when I was released and started my recovery at the hotel. I was calm on the outside and very nervous on the inside but Aidan was a star and had everything organized to the hilt, which made me feel even better. It's looking like it is going down a similar path and I am so grateful to have a doula to back-up Aidan.
What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating the Christmas tree; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Two more holiday parties; Watching some Christmas Movies; Spa day on the Dec 19.
07 December 2010
Anniversary
Today marks two anniversaries for us. The first occurred on December 7th, 2001. Aidan and I had been officially dating for almost 3.5 months (unofficially for 10 months) and said I love you to each other for the first time. It is a moment that I remember fondly and treasure to this day.
The second happened last year. We flew out to Boston for my fibroid removal surgery, which took place on December 9th. It was a trip that saw us on our path to sproglet (I also count our IVF cycle in the Czech Republic as the action that set us on our path).
As we get closer to the c-section date, I find myself somewhat sentimental. These memories are wonderful but carry so much more meaning for me at the moment. I find that I am grateful for this journey - even the crappy parts - because it has brought us to an amazing point in time where we will meet our son!
The second happened last year. We flew out to Boston for my fibroid removal surgery, which took place on December 9th. It was a trip that saw us on our path to sproglet (I also count our IVF cycle in the Czech Republic as the action that set us on our path).
As we get closer to the c-section date, I find myself somewhat sentimental. These memories are wonderful but carry so much more meaning for me at the moment. I find that I am grateful for this journey - even the crappy parts - because it has brought us to an amazing point in time where we will meet our son!
01 December 2010
Week 34
Date/Week: December 1; week 34 (3 weeks (21 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: It's December!!!!! Can you believe it! We've made it to December and sproglet is still on board! My goodness, this is amazing! And 3 weeks to go - who'd have thought with some of the discussions that took place during the summer. I am so amazed at this moment.
Physical Progress: I have to admit, I am so uncomfortable at the moment. I feel pretty crappy and moving is so awkward. I have also been freaking out with my belly pics because when I rotate the picture it stretches sideways. So my belly pics aren't as big in real life as they look on my computer... yeesh, not something I want to be freaking out over today...
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin
How do I feel about my body: Sometimes I look in the mirror and I am like "Who the h*ll is that???" My proportions are so out of wack - I'm amazed that I don't fall over when I stand up - it's all in my belly.
Food cravings/aversions: raspberries, chocolate (not supposed to have too much of that...)
Sleep: Utter crap. Last night I was exhausted - went to sleep at 11pm and was up at 2am. Watched some Highlander until 3am and then slept until 6. And that was a good night!
Energy level: Even with relaxing days, my energy level is in the toilet! Still, I plug on with my to-do list.
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.
Baby Movement: This child is trying to get out, I swear! He is always pushing out his butt or his feel. And watching my belly is too funny at times. We really need to record it before he arrives.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm kinda freaked. He's almost here and i have no clue what to do with a newborn. Selfish thoughts: 1. I hope he arrives on Dec 21 because I was born on June 21 and my mom on March 21; 2. I want to be home for Christmas dinner and to see the Doctor Who Christmas Special
What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Many holiday parties and dinners.
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: It's December!!!!! Can you believe it! We've made it to December and sproglet is still on board! My goodness, this is amazing! And 3 weeks to go - who'd have thought with some of the discussions that took place during the summer. I am so amazed at this moment.
Physical Progress: I have to admit, I am so uncomfortable at the moment. I feel pretty crappy and moving is so awkward. I have also been freaking out with my belly pics because when I rotate the picture it stretches sideways. So my belly pics aren't as big in real life as they look on my computer... yeesh, not something I want to be freaking out over today...
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; tight skin
How do I feel about my body: Sometimes I look in the mirror and I am like "Who the h*ll is that???" My proportions are so out of wack - I'm amazed that I don't fall over when I stand up - it's all in my belly.
Food cravings/aversions: raspberries, chocolate (not supposed to have too much of that...)
Sleep: Utter crap. Last night I was exhausted - went to sleep at 11pm and was up at 2am. Watched some Highlander until 3am and then slept until 6. And that was a good night!
Energy level: Even with relaxing days, my energy level is in the toilet! Still, I plug on with my to-do list.
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga, stretching.
Baby Movement: This child is trying to get out, I swear! He is always pushing out his butt or his feel. And watching my belly is too funny at times. We really need to record it before he arrives.
Thoughts and Feelings? I'm kinda freaked. He's almost here and i have no clue what to do with a newborn. Selfish thoughts: 1. I hope he arrives on Dec 21 because I was born on June 21 and my mom on March 21; 2. I want to be home for Christmas dinner and to see the Doctor Who Christmas Special
What I am looking forward to: Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finish packing the hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; Panto on Dec 10; Many holiday parties and dinners.
St Andrew's Ball - Nov 27th
28 November 2010
Uncomfortable
Yes, I am in the phase that I have read about but did not know how those words would translate for me. I've been feeling rather uncomfortable, wishing to be in another body, truly paying attention to the number of days that we have left. Between the lack of lung capacity and the tight skin on my belly (even with lotion and oil), I find it difficult to just get on with things normally. And then there is trying to find a comfortable position to sleep and recently, sit!
I keep telling myself that I shouldn't complain - even in my head. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful to be experiencing any of this. I just had to record for my remembrance in the future how I am feeling since it is changing how I get through my days and weeks currently. As I rub little feet back into my belly when sproglet stretches and sometimes makes my skin hurt, I sometimes find myself smiling even as I gasp in the shock of the semi-painful feeling.
I keep telling myself that I shouldn't complain - even in my head. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful to be experiencing any of this. I just had to record for my remembrance in the future how I am feeling since it is changing how I get through my days and weeks currently. As I rub little feet back into my belly when sproglet stretches and sometimes makes my skin hurt, I sometimes find myself smiling even as I gasp in the shock of the semi-painful feeling.
24 November 2010
Week 33
Date/Week: November 24; week 33 (4 weeks (28 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: +5 (+27 total)
Milestones: Mentally, reaching 33 weeks is lovely since I have been having fears for some reason that November would see the arrival of sproglet. Sure, I still have a few days to go until December starts but getting past 32 weeks has still been an excellent feeling. Outside of that, I may be dealing with my first UTI. Since I feel pretty cruddy, I am actually looking forward to hearing from my doctor soon. And I had real contractions last week... they were not pleasant! Hope I don't feel those again anytime soon.
Physical Progress: Sproglet is head down so he can be felt on my right side. I thought I had dropped a bit but I haven't (thank goodness). It is tough to breathe and I am waddling... not cool!
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; UTI
How do I feel about my body: I have the St. Andrews Ball to go to on Saturday and I think I will go with the shorter dress this year (a first). I am not feeling comfortable in my body anymore so we'll see how that translates to me dressing up this weekend.
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving dark chocolate.
Sleep: Not really getting much... vivid dreams are back... my head is mush. Cut back on drinking water at night to stretch out bathroom breaks and may have the UTI partially due to that... it sucks!
Energy level: I seem to hit rock bottom this week and have kept digging. I plan to spend a good part of Sunday in bed thanks to this feeling.
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga.
Baby Movement: Sproglet has the energy. We had an u/s (no pictures though) yesterday and we discovered that the lump that we've been watching move over the last week or so is his butt. And yes, it is his feet that keep poking out of my right side. He is definitely head down so the hiccups I've been feeling down there did give away his position. He's doing well and preparing for his appearance.
Thoughts and Feelings? There is so much to do in the next 4 weeks. Work is still hectic, volunteer stuff is happening and I can't get aay from this stuff yet. Perhaps being in the hospital for a few days after sproglet's birth will let me have a breather...
What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving dinner; Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.
Total weight gain/loss: +5 (+27 total)
Milestones: Mentally, reaching 33 weeks is lovely since I have been having fears for some reason that November would see the arrival of sproglet. Sure, I still have a few days to go until December starts but getting past 32 weeks has still been an excellent feeling. Outside of that, I may be dealing with my first UTI. Since I feel pretty cruddy, I am actually looking forward to hearing from my doctor soon. And I had real contractions last week... they were not pleasant! Hope I don't feel those again anytime soon.
Physical Progress: Sproglet is head down so he can be felt on my right side. I thought I had dropped a bit but I haven't (thank goodness). It is tough to breathe and I am waddling... not cool!
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; nose bleeds; heartburn; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; braxton-hicks contractions; UTI
How do I feel about my body: I have the St. Andrews Ball to go to on Saturday and I think I will go with the shorter dress this year (a first). I am not feeling comfortable in my body anymore so we'll see how that translates to me dressing up this weekend.
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving dark chocolate.
Sleep: Not really getting much... vivid dreams are back... my head is mush. Cut back on drinking water at night to stretch out bathroom breaks and may have the UTI partially due to that... it sucks!
Energy level: I seem to hit rock bottom this week and have kept digging. I plan to spend a good part of Sunday in bed thanks to this feeling.
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga.
Baby Movement: Sproglet has the energy. We had an u/s (no pictures though) yesterday and we discovered that the lump that we've been watching move over the last week or so is his butt. And yes, it is his feet that keep poking out of my right side. He is definitely head down so the hiccups I've been feeling down there did give away his position. He's doing well and preparing for his appearance.
Thoughts and Feelings? There is so much to do in the next 4 weeks. Work is still hectic, volunteer stuff is happening and I can't get aay from this stuff yet. Perhaps being in the hospital for a few days after sproglet's birth will let me have a breather...
What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving dinner; Working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.
21 November 2010
November ICLW: I'm Thankful
Happy ICLW Everyone!
I do not know how good I will be this ICLW getting around as I have some major projects due at work and no energy at the moment. In any case, I would like to recognise US Thanksgiving - a holiday that we do not celebrate here but having US relatives, I do indulge in Thanksgiving dinner after a full day's work - and share what I am thankful for.
1. My husband - my best friend and dare I say, my soulmate. I am grateful to have him in my life, to share the journey with him and to discover all that is amazing and odd in the world with him.
2. My amazing family and friends who I may not call on as often as I sometimes think that I should but when I do, they are there to share in the highs and lows and just pick up where we left off.
3. My country may not have been the place that I believed that I wanted to live growing up but I do love it now. I am so sad with all that is wrong with it and I honestly work to make a difference.
4. My love of learning in my work and ultimately in the pursuit of other degrees. I am happiest when learning and in the new year, hope to get back on track with school.
5. Sproglet- We've waited a long time and will meet him in 31 days. Some days I am afraid to meet him and on others the time cannot go fast enough. While we know our lives will change when he comes, we are actually looking forward to the insanity of this new phase of life.
6. My Journal and Blog Buddies - I sometimes believe that I wouldn't be nearly as sane if it wasn't for this community. In most cases, I have never met you in person but you have meant as much to my life as my IRL friends. Thank you for your words, support and being there for me through times of feast and famine!
And now a question for you... WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
I do not know how good I will be this ICLW getting around as I have some major projects due at work and no energy at the moment. In any case, I would like to recognise US Thanksgiving - a holiday that we do not celebrate here but having US relatives, I do indulge in Thanksgiving dinner after a full day's work - and share what I am thankful for.
1. My husband - my best friend and dare I say, my soulmate. I am grateful to have him in my life, to share the journey with him and to discover all that is amazing and odd in the world with him.
2. My amazing family and friends who I may not call on as often as I sometimes think that I should but when I do, they are there to share in the highs and lows and just pick up where we left off.
3. My country may not have been the place that I believed that I wanted to live growing up but I do love it now. I am so sad with all that is wrong with it and I honestly work to make a difference.
4. My love of learning in my work and ultimately in the pursuit of other degrees. I am happiest when learning and in the new year, hope to get back on track with school.
5. Sproglet- We've waited a long time and will meet him in 31 days. Some days I am afraid to meet him and on others the time cannot go fast enough. While we know our lives will change when he comes, we are actually looking forward to the insanity of this new phase of life.
6. My Journal and Blog Buddies - I sometimes believe that I wouldn't be nearly as sane if it wasn't for this community. In most cases, I have never met you in person but you have meant as much to my life as my IRL friends. Thank you for your words, support and being there for me through times of feast and famine!
And now a question for you... WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
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