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.
28 November 2010
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?
17 November 2010
Week 32
Date/Week: November 17; week 32 (5 weeks (35 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: We've reached 32 weeks!!!!!
You do not know how relieved we are to have made it to this date unscathed... I am grateful, excited and really aware that things can change in a moment! Anyhow, we got an email from the high-risk OB in Boston who had spoken to our OB here and she is excited that we've made it to this milestone as well. I have such an amazing team!
As for other milestones, we've organized the furniture in the nursery, put most of the items away and started to set up the other areas of the house (bathroom, our bedroom and our den). I've written the thank you cards for the shower and have started to send them out. I've registered at the hospital so hopefully my next visit to the Maternity ward will be pre-op. And I got a flu shot so sproglet (soon to be sprog) will be protected during the flu season).
Physical Progress: My belly is still getting bigger which is good because that means that sproglet is gaining weight. My boobs also seem to be changing again - guess they're getting ready to be put to work.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; some upper back pain; braxton-hicks contractions
How do I feel about my body: I had to wear a maternity evening gown last Saturday night and it took some psyching myself up before we headed out. While it was different, it looked ok and I was comfortable wearing it. The next Ball is on Nov 27th and I am trying to decide whether I will wear the gown again or a shorter dress. Other than that, I am finding my ever moving belly interesting!
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving raspberries this week!
Sleep: I'm still up every two hours and at about 5.30am I am pretty much up. I so wish I could attain this mystical state of being rested but I am starting to doubt that it exists...
Energy level: I have accepted the fact that with decreased lung capacity that my energy level is going to be awful!
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga; Aidan-assisted stretching
Baby Movement: I have gotten to know sproglet's feet a little too well this week. He likes to push them out my right side and I've taken to ribbing them back in. He also likes to kick my ribs, which is not pleasant at all (thankfully, Aidan has been having some sympathy pains). If sproglet is moving a lot and Aidan puts his hand on my stomach, he will calm down and often just move whatever is under Aidan's hand.
Thoughts and Feelings? We're keenly aware that as of Monday we're truly in countdown mode (not that we're not already counting down). As we sort out the 'stuff' part of the house, we often find ourselves wondering out loud what will we be using and what will he like. We're curious to see what is going to happen next, but nervous about that next step all the same. We spoke to our priest about the christening and god parents on Sunday and it was odd to be talking about an event that involves a person that we haven't met yet. The other side of this is that we do need to finish preparing for the arrival - the hospital bag, reading the LLL book, etc...
What I am looking forward to: Harry Potter for date night on Nov 19; working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.
Total weight gain/loss:
Milestones: We've reached 32 weeks!!!!!
You do not know how relieved we are to have made it to this date unscathed... I am grateful, excited and really aware that things can change in a moment! Anyhow, we got an email from the high-risk OB in Boston who had spoken to our OB here and she is excited that we've made it to this milestone as well. I have such an amazing team!As for other milestones, we've organized the furniture in the nursery, put most of the items away and started to set up the other areas of the house (bathroom, our bedroom and our den). I've written the thank you cards for the shower and have started to send them out. I've registered at the hospital so hopefully my next visit to the Maternity ward will be pre-op. And I got a flu shot so sproglet (soon to be sprog) will be protected during the flu season).
Physical Progress: My belly is still getting bigger which is good because that means that sproglet is gaining weight. My boobs also seem to be changing again - guess they're getting ready to be put to work.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; some upper back pain; braxton-hicks contractions
How do I feel about my body: I had to wear a maternity evening gown last Saturday night and it took some psyching myself up before we headed out. While it was different, it looked ok and I was comfortable wearing it. The next Ball is on Nov 27th and I am trying to decide whether I will wear the gown again or a shorter dress. Other than that, I am finding my ever moving belly interesting!
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving raspberries this week!
Sleep: I'm still up every two hours and at about 5.30am I am pretty much up. I so wish I could attain this mystical state of being rested but I am starting to doubt that it exists...
Energy level: I have accepted the fact that with decreased lung capacity that my energy level is going to be awful!
Exercise: walking; prenatal yoga; Aidan-assisted stretching
Baby Movement: I have gotten to know sproglet's feet a little too well this week. He likes to push them out my right side and I've taken to ribbing them back in. He also likes to kick my ribs, which is not pleasant at all (thankfully, Aidan has been having some sympathy pains). If sproglet is moving a lot and Aidan puts his hand on my stomach, he will calm down and often just move whatever is under Aidan's hand.
Thoughts and Feelings? We're keenly aware that as of Monday we're truly in countdown mode (not that we're not already counting down). As we sort out the 'stuff' part of the house, we often find ourselves wondering out loud what will we be using and what will he like. We're curious to see what is going to happen next, but nervous about that next step all the same. We spoke to our priest about the christening and god parents on Sunday and it was odd to be talking about an event that involves a person that we haven't met yet. The other side of this is that we do need to finish preparing for the arrival - the hospital bag, reading the LLL book, etc...
What I am looking forward to: Harry Potter for date night on Nov 19; working towards milestone #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan; finish packing th hospital bag; meeting with our doula on Dec 11; St. Andrew's Ball on Nov 27; Panto on Dec 10.
10 November 2010
Week 31
Date/Week: November 10; week 31 (6 weeks (42 days) to C/S)
Total weight gain/loss: -.25 (total gained 21.75lbs)
Milestones: Our c-section date is now official! I also had to have 2 steroid shots - one on the 9th and the other today. So it looks like we're set for any eventuality. I also had a lovely baby shower on Nov 6th and I passed my oGTT!!! In non-baby related organization, we ordered our Christmas tree!
Physical Progress: We got the maternity pics and even though I think I looked pretty much like me my mom said that my face is fatter.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; today I got a stitch in my side that hurt like hell ; dry nose; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue
How do I feel about my body: I'm feeling tired a lot and have really started to take it easier in my work and activities. It is weird to do so much less but I guess it is preparation for other changes that are going to be taking place in the coming weeks. I really do miss my energy though...
Food cravings/aversions: I haven't really been craving anything this week. I can't do milk anymore...
Sleep: What's sleep????
Energy level: What's energy???
Exercise: walking - well, trying to go walking; prenatal yoga
Baby Movement: I constantly have extra lumps because sproglet seems to be stretching and exploring a lot. He seems to like to play 'poke daddy' when Aidan rests his hands on my belly.
Thoughts and Feelings? Going to the hospital over the last two days has been a little mind blowing - it's happening soon! I've now been in the 'admitting room twice and the next time I go should be for pre-op. I really need to get things in order...
What I am looking forward to: holiday events starting with a ball on Saturday night; working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan.
Total weight gain/loss: -.25 (total gained 21.75lbs)
Milestones: Our c-section date is now official! I also had to have 2 steroid shots - one on the 9th and the other today. So it looks like we're set for any eventuality. I also had a lovely baby shower on Nov 6th and I passed my oGTT!!! In non-baby related organization, we ordered our Christmas tree!
Physical Progress: We got the maternity pics and even though I think I looked pretty much like me my mom said that my face is fatter.
Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; today I got a stitch in my side that hurt like hell ; dry nose; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue
How do I feel about my body: I'm feeling tired a lot and have really started to take it easier in my work and activities. It is weird to do so much less but I guess it is preparation for other changes that are going to be taking place in the coming weeks. I really do miss my energy though...
Food cravings/aversions: I haven't really been craving anything this week. I can't do milk anymore...
Sleep: What's sleep????
Energy level: What's energy???
Exercise: walking - well, trying to go walking; prenatal yoga
Baby Movement: I constantly have extra lumps because sproglet seems to be stretching and exploring a lot. He seems to like to play 'poke daddy' when Aidan rests his hands on my belly.
Thoughts and Feelings? Going to the hospital over the last two days has been a little mind blowing - it's happening soon! I've now been in the 'admitting room twice and the next time I go should be for pre-op. I really need to get things in order...
What I am looking forward to: holiday events starting with a ball on Saturday night; working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; decorating for Christmas; finishing up the nursery; finalising my birth plan.
09 November 2010
Maternity Photos
I received the maternity photographs today. Still don't know what to do with the 4 prints... I haven't been able to find the type of frame I was thinking about for 4 5x7s. In any case, we're pretty happy with the photos. I'm now really looking forward to the newborn photo shoot. I know I've posted the link to the In Harmony Portraits website but I haven't posted the link to the blog, which is In A Delightful Way.
That said, here are our photos, here is the link to our photos and one photo that I really like:
That said, here are our photos, here is the link to our photos and one photo that I really like:
Week 30 Doctor's Appt
Today was doctor's appointment day. I now know why I don't like having the first appointment of the day - we always seem to get there before the office opens and then have to wait around for someone to get there. Added to that, I have more time to work myself up into a state. This morning we were 30 minutes early. Thankfully Aidan took me to get a newspaper and a donut for afterwards. By the time we got back to the office, someone had arrived and we read the newspaper in the waiting room until we were called.
It turned out to be our 'decision-making' appointment. We're officially delivering in Bermuda on December 22nd! Dec 29th isn't an option because the hospital isn't taking any elective surgeries that week since Dec 27 & 28 are holidays (observing Christmas and Boxing Days) and plus my doctor will be in the US with his family that week. I lost weight (only 1/4 lb) and my BP was ok but definitely higher than it was over the last 2 weeks of testing at home. I thought I was home free for 2 weeks until he said that I need to go to the hospital for the series of 2 steroid shots to mature sproglet's lungs, just to be safe in any situation. And to do that, I'd have to go over to the hospital... today and again tomorrow. So I got my appointment card for 2 weeks hence and we were off to the hospital.
The registration desks are located next to the emergency area of the hospital so it has a tendency to be pretty busy. We had to wait in line for me to check in - and no, the yoga breathing wasn't helping any! I had to have my paperwork processed twice because the first set had me going into emergency to be seen... I was not amused! The second set of documentation was correct so we quickly went up to the Maternity Ward, were buzzed in and taking to the admitting section of the ward. I received instruction on what they were going to do - a shot to my backside and I would need to come back for a 2nd shot the same time tomorrow. There was some confusion over the time (the ward clocks had not been shifted back to reflect daylight savings time) but it didn't stop the shot from being given. And boy, did that thing sting. Aidan said it was because I moved - well I'm sorry, I am not good with needles! She wanted to then take my blood pressure but we convinced her otherwise. Once she understood that I had an interesting case of white coat fever she said it was probably for the best since they would have kept me there until the levels were ok (like that would have happened).
So after tomorrow morning's shot, my next appointment is Nov 23rd and perhaps we'll then go weekly until 'Eviction Day'. Aidan and I are feeling a bit stunned - the countdown is for real. We have some significant stuff to sort out in the coming weeks. And silly us, we're actually contemplating holding our annual Open House on Dec 18th since... we'll see.
It turned out to be our 'decision-making' appointment. We're officially delivering in Bermuda on December 22nd! Dec 29th isn't an option because the hospital isn't taking any elective surgeries that week since Dec 27 & 28 are holidays (observing Christmas and Boxing Days) and plus my doctor will be in the US with his family that week. I lost weight (only 1/4 lb) and my BP was ok but definitely higher than it was over the last 2 weeks of testing at home. I thought I was home free for 2 weeks until he said that I need to go to the hospital for the series of 2 steroid shots to mature sproglet's lungs, just to be safe in any situation. And to do that, I'd have to go over to the hospital... today and again tomorrow. So I got my appointment card for 2 weeks hence and we were off to the hospital.
The registration desks are located next to the emergency area of the hospital so it has a tendency to be pretty busy. We had to wait in line for me to check in - and no, the yoga breathing wasn't helping any! I had to have my paperwork processed twice because the first set had me going into emergency to be seen... I was not amused! The second set of documentation was correct so we quickly went up to the Maternity Ward, were buzzed in and taking to the admitting section of the ward. I received instruction on what they were going to do - a shot to my backside and I would need to come back for a 2nd shot the same time tomorrow. There was some confusion over the time (the ward clocks had not been shifted back to reflect daylight savings time) but it didn't stop the shot from being given. And boy, did that thing sting. Aidan said it was because I moved - well I'm sorry, I am not good with needles! She wanted to then take my blood pressure but we convinced her otherwise. Once she understood that I had an interesting case of white coat fever she said it was probably for the best since they would have kept me there until the levels were ok (like that would have happened).
So after tomorrow morning's shot, my next appointment is Nov 23rd and perhaps we'll then go weekly until 'Eviction Day'. Aidan and I are feeling a bit stunned - the countdown is for real. We have some significant stuff to sort out in the coming weeks. And silly us, we're actually contemplating holding our annual Open House on Dec 18th since... we'll see.
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