Well, perhaps my Dad was right... perhaps getting pregnant was a good thing for my sister... She has been a different person the past couple months. We went *years* barely talking, as she was engulfed in the wonderful drug scene and I had no desire to talk to an addict - if I could even reach her. Now she calls me "just to chat" or because she's bored... that would never happen before.
She's also found a new understanding and appreciation of money - she even paid us back for the $15 of gas we put in her car the day she started her job as a pizza-delivery girl (she wasn't sure how/when she was getting paid and gas is kind of essential for that job). JB and I gave her a gift card to Wal-Mart for her birthday (I figured that way she could either get some maternity clothes, food, or treat herself... her decision). Well, she called us last night to thank us for the wonderful present (I don't think she's ever received a gift card for a present and was very excited about it!) and to say how she's been feeling guilty because we always get her stuff, but she hasn't/can't get us anything. So I told her how much it means that she's been so very different these past few months and that's the best gift she could ever give us.
The poor girl though... she got the morning-sickness bug! In fact, she had to go to the doctor to get Diclectin as her throwing-up was affecting work - which she cannot afford to miss. Expensive stuff! She's feeling a lot better now that she's on it. I've known women who have taken it and their children are fine.
Hmmm... I should eat some breakfast and get ready to head into town. I have to go for my second NST this morning and then head up to my doctor's office. Before that I want to stop at Wal-Mart, as I need AAA batteries and I want the new Reba Duets CD... I don't buy CD's often, but I've recently re-fallen in love with Reba's music.
September 19, 2007
September 18, 2007
The pregnancy ticker lied!
"...done squirming around in here" my behind! I have never felt Baby Bee so active as I have in the past week - and especially today. Stretching and pushing... there is no more room! He is a strong little bee...
September 17, 2007
39 Weeks, 3 days... only days to go!
Oh, how much can change in a week! Anyways... I went to my prenatal appointment on the 13th (Thurs) and for the second week in a row my blood pressure was a little on the high side and, to make matters worse, I had protien in my *sample*. These two symptoms together can signal the onset of preeclampsia/toxemia/pregnancy induced hypertension (yes, three terms that mean the exact same thing... lovely). So, I got sent for a non-stress test (NST) at the hospital immediately following my appointment. Apparently my NST was picture-perfect and Baby Bee is very happy in his environment. I was very glad to hear this.
I had to go back to my doctor today for a follow-up appointment. Again, my blood pressure was higher than he would like so, as he had mused upon during my last appointment, he decided that he didn't want to risk and complications and thus I am being induced on Saturday! So, if the induction takes, I will be a Mommy sometime on Saturday (I don't want this piece of information posted on Facebook at this time). Before I am induced, I have to go for another NST Wednesday morning and then go see my doctor immediately afterwards. Then, Saturday I have to call the prenatal unit at 6:00am and show up at 7:30am. After that, it will be a waiting game... induction doesn't always take the first time, so Baby Bee may not arrive until Sunday. Either way, it's looking like his grand entrance into this world is less than a week away. My first thought when the induction was scheduled... man, do I ever have a lot to get done before then! The catch... I'm supposed to be on bed-rest. *sigh*
The good news... if this is the way Baby Bee arrives, then I will be able to visit with Nej with no problems. She will either be arriving on Thursday night or Friday morning (which means we can go see Resident Evil: Extinction Friday night) and leaving Saturday. As I will be gone early Saturday morning, she will likely head up to the "City of Champions" and do a little shopping before flying home. Now, if Baby Bee decides to arrive early... all bets are off! :D
Hmmm... Prison Break Season 3 premieres in an hour... I should go have a bath (I have a cold and am absolutely miserable as I can't take any drugs). Chat you girls (and guy?) later.
I had to go back to my doctor today for a follow-up appointment. Again, my blood pressure was higher than he would like so, as he had mused upon during my last appointment, he decided that he didn't want to risk and complications and thus I am being induced on Saturday! So, if the induction takes, I will be a Mommy sometime on Saturday (I don't want this piece of information posted on Facebook at this time). Before I am induced, I have to go for another NST Wednesday morning and then go see my doctor immediately afterwards. Then, Saturday I have to call the prenatal unit at 6:00am and show up at 7:30am. After that, it will be a waiting game... induction doesn't always take the first time, so Baby Bee may not arrive until Sunday. Either way, it's looking like his grand entrance into this world is less than a week away. My first thought when the induction was scheduled... man, do I ever have a lot to get done before then! The catch... I'm supposed to be on bed-rest. *sigh*
The good news... if this is the way Baby Bee arrives, then I will be able to visit with Nej with no problems. She will either be arriving on Thursday night or Friday morning (which means we can go see Resident Evil: Extinction Friday night) and leaving Saturday. As I will be gone early Saturday morning, she will likely head up to the "City of Champions" and do a little shopping before flying home. Now, if Baby Bee decides to arrive early... all bets are off! :D
Hmmm... Prison Break Season 3 premieres in an hour... I should go have a bath (I have a cold and am absolutely miserable as I can't take any drugs). Chat you girls (and guy?) later.
September 16, 2007
Non-pregnancy post:
I am very sad to say that one of my favorite authors has passed away after a battle with Amyloidosis. May he rest in peace:
James Oliver Rigney, Jr. - aka. Robert Jordan
[October 17, 1948 - September 16, 2007]
September 09, 2007
False labor pains... goody!
Yup, yesterday I was suffering from some false labor pains... now doesn't that sound like fun?! JB and I were napping (I asked him to snuggle with me while I napped and he slept more than I did!) but I woke up with some *interesting* pains - nothing too strong, but definitely not the normal "Baby Bee is pushing on my insides" type feelings. So, I went and had a bath... I figured I was in there for maybe 20 minutes, but nope - it was closer to 40 minutes! I felt like crap for most of the remainder of the day, but at least I didn't have anything more planned than lying on the couch watching UFC-75 Champion vs. Champion.
The car seat is installed! It's funny... they say there should be very little side-to-side movement - well, that sucker isn't going anywhere! In fact, if I need the base out of the van, JB will have to get it out for me - he definitely installed it tightly. I'm going to stop by St. John's Ambulance sometime this week to have it checked, as they do it for free, but I'm sure it is fine. I am glad that our set came with two bases, as I should be able to just leave that one base in the van until Baby Bee out-grows the car seat entirely.
Today I am in the process of organizing Baby Bee's room. I've done most of the laundry, but until today it was just added to a growing pile of things to be put away. I need to organize all the little ointments and lotions I've received and/or bought... things like that. This way, I will hopefully be able to find things when I actually need them - such as after he makes his entrance into the world (which, I suppose, I hope will be sooner rather than later).
A lot of people are asking - "do you want baby out yet?" Well, I'm undecided on the matter and I think that's because I'm a first-time-mom and have some anxiety relating to what life will be like after baby arrives. So, I will admit that life (especially sleeping and trying to get off the couch) will be much more comfortable when Baby Bee is "out", but I'm still not sure if I'm ready for that to happen... in fact, I'm not sure if I'll ever be 100% ready for that to happen. When Baby Bee makes his (or her) grand entrance into the world, we will figure out how things work then!
Thanks to you girls who gave me your opinions regarding my maternity photos - I placed my order. I'm very excited to have Baby Bee's newborn session as I squirreled away a little extra money so I can get some announcement cards made! :)
The car seat is installed! It's funny... they say there should be very little side-to-side movement - well, that sucker isn't going anywhere! In fact, if I need the base out of the van, JB will have to get it out for me - he definitely installed it tightly. I'm going to stop by St. John's Ambulance sometime this week to have it checked, as they do it for free, but I'm sure it is fine. I am glad that our set came with two bases, as I should be able to just leave that one base in the van until Baby Bee out-grows the car seat entirely.
Today I am in the process of organizing Baby Bee's room. I've done most of the laundry, but until today it was just added to a growing pile of things to be put away. I need to organize all the little ointments and lotions I've received and/or bought... things like that. This way, I will hopefully be able to find things when I actually need them - such as after he makes his entrance into the world (which, I suppose, I hope will be sooner rather than later).
A lot of people are asking - "do you want baby out yet?" Well, I'm undecided on the matter and I think that's because I'm a first-time-mom and have some anxiety relating to what life will be like after baby arrives. So, I will admit that life (especially sleeping and trying to get off the couch) will be much more comfortable when Baby Bee is "out", but I'm still not sure if I'm ready for that to happen... in fact, I'm not sure if I'll ever be 100% ready for that to happen. When Baby Bee makes his (or her) grand entrance into the world, we will figure out how things work then!
Thanks to you girls who gave me your opinions regarding my maternity photos - I placed my order. I'm very excited to have Baby Bee's newborn session as I squirreled away a little extra money so I can get some announcement cards made! :)
September 04, 2007
First work-day with no work!
Yup, today is my first work-day where I don't have to get up for work... in fact, I'd probably still be sleeping but my hubby sent me a text message that woke me up! It was time anyways... I suppose...
Well, after a very non-productive weekend I should probably attempt to get some stuff done around the house today. A few good things would be:
Well, after a very non-productive weekend I should probably attempt to get some stuff done around the house today. A few good things would be:
- 1. Get the car seat installed
- 2. Do a load of towels (I have one musty smelling towel that needs dealing with)
- 3. Clean off the kitchen table
- 4. Find my ROE from a previous employer
If I get those four things done today, I would be quite happy. In an attempt to ration my gas, I'm not planning on heading into the big City today as I have to go in on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! (Wed = ultrasound & pedicure; Thurs = doc appt; Fri = Mom's Group)
Oh... and this is what JB and I have decided... I am not *allowed* to go into labor on the following days:
- - Today or tomorrow (4th/5th) - JB is out of town and said he'd be quite upset if I went into labor before his days off!
- - 6th - JB has a firearms course in the evening & I have my TOPS 25th Anniversary Open House.
- - 7th - I have a PartyLite show to go to in the evening!
So, the earliest I am *allowed* to go into labor is Sept 8th... though even that would be inconvenient, as it's UFC that night! LOL... aren't we silly. No worries - the hospital bag is packed an in the van. Speaking of the van... I have one more task on my to-do list for today: I have to call around and get prices/availability on remote starters for the van... nearly forgot!
Edit: Hmmm... this is the second time I've used either the bullets or bulleted numbers and once again they didn't show and I had to edit the post with my own numbers/bullets. It does put them in a nice list though.
September 01, 2007
First day of the next year...
...otherwise known as the first official day of my maternity leave! Yup, I am now unemployed for the next 52 weeks - my scheduled date of return to my job is Tuesday, September 2, 2008 (after the long weekend). So, what did I do to mark this momentous occasion? Here's a brief run-down of my day:
- - Crawled out of bed sometime around 10:30am (it's Saturday, I slept as long as I could!).
- - Applied for EI online, as there is a two-week waiting period so they recommend you do the application online first... discovered I need to find my ROE from my previous employer before my current employer's ROE arrives in the mail.
- - Made a printed list of what TV channels I currently have on the downstairs TV - we only have one digital receiver, so we get certain channels downstairs that we don't upstairs; decided which channels we currently subscribe to have to be replaces and with what.
- - Reconciled our banking - I had an extra $25.10 that was unaccounted for... math error somewhere that I didn't catch.
- - Watched 2 episodes of The Simpsons (re-runs of course).
- - Decided it was about time I used our BBQ all by myself for the first time - my parents gave us the BBQ around 2.5 years ago as a combination grad/house-warming present. This is the first time I've actually used it... I usually make JB BBQ for us.
- - Started my Stargate SG1 viewing marathon - I am watching the entire series in order from Season 1, Episode 1 through the end of Season 10... though I don't own Season 9 or 10 yet. I'm not sure how far I'll get with this before Baby Bee is born, but I have a full year to get through it all! Today's viewing (thus far) only consisted of the pilot episode (approx. 2 hrs long)... it was good - picked up where the cheesy 80's/90's movie left off but with much better graphics and actors.
- - Looked through my maternity photo gallery.
- - Did 1 load of dishes... and by that I mean I loaded the dishwasher - it's running now.
- - Made this list!
Yup... that's my day in a nutshell. It was pretty relaxing, though oddly productive. I'm off to have a nice, relaxing bath now before watching as many episodes of SG1 as I can before JB calls me to pick him up... I should get through 2 episodes, depending how long I soak for.
So, I am now on maternity leave. It was very odd to me to pack up/clean out my desk knowing that I wasn't starting a new job this coming week - I've always started either a new job or returned to school when leaving one place of employment... but not this time. Kind of odd... but nice.
I have pics of my friend's (BK & JK) new baby girl... Brinlee Rae. However, I haven't downloaded them onto the computer yet, so you'll have to wait! She's a cutie... and sleeps way more than a "normal" baby... I asked JK if I can have one like that?! ;)
My goal for tomorrow... get the car seat installed. Then when I'm in town this week I can stop by St. John's Ambulance and they will check to make sure it's installed properly, free of charge. Other events this week: ultrasound @ 10:30am Wednesday; pedicure @ 1:00pm Wednesday; prenatal doctor appointment @ 3:45pm Thursday; my TOPS chapter's 25th anniversary open house @ 6:30pm Thursday; baby shower for JK Friday am; sister-in-law's PJ-themed PartyLite show @ 7:00pm Friday. Hmmm... when I write it out like that, I'm looking at a pretty busy week. Other than those key events, I plan on napping a lot (sleeping in every day - except Wednesday) and hopefully getting *some* housework done.
Big hugs to C-Dub, as this is her final week as an unmarried lady! I cannot wait to see pics and hear all about the fabulous day! I'll be thinking about you...
August 29, 2007
Sneak Peak!
Ashley put a sneak peak of my maternity session up on her blog! I love it... can't wait to see the rest!
August 27, 2007
Stress = bad
Had a really stressful afternoon at work... and thus left early. I'm pretty sure my blood pressure spiked, as I felt like I was going to pass out (after I managed to stop crying... discretely of course). I really wish managers would find out the facts before unilaterally attempting to re-assign work. I'm sorry, but do you remember that this is the Monday of my last week of work... I'm not taking over anyone else's projects... I am finishing the ones I have. Frick.
August 26, 2007
36 weeks, 2 days... plus or minus!
Well, what to say today? I finally got a good night's sleep... and by good night's sleep I mean I was able to sleep in as long as I wanted today. The quality of my sleep hasn't increased any - I now sleep in 1.5 to 2.5 hour spurts. The plus side is that right now I either roll over to my other side or I go to the bathroom before switching sleeping-sides, and then I go back to sleep. After Baby Bee is born, I will actually have to be somewhat awake when it's feeding time. I really do not think that a person gets any good, REM sleep when waking up every 1.5 to 2.5 hours... hence the perpetual exhaustion that I am now experiencing in preparation for after Baby Bee makes an arrival into this world!
I had my professional maternity pictures done yesterday by Ashley Skjaveland. She was so much fun and obviously loves her job! It will be up to 2 weeks before the proofs are available (probably sooner) and then I will have 1 week to decide what I want to order - the proofs will be online, so depending how I feel about them I may get some of your opinions before placing my order. Ashley takes as much time as is needed with each individual client - I had heard this from the friends who recommended her. By the time she set-up, did the photo shoot, and cleaned up Ashley was here for 3-3.5 hours! I have to give her a call when Baby Bee arrives, as the session fee is for both a "Maternity" and an "Infant" session with her! Very excited for Baby Bee's session...
I only have 5 more days of work! I'm excited to be done - as it means I will be able to sleep more - but I'm also a little nervous... all I've known for the past 9 years is the kind of life I have now: I went straight from high school to university where we either were in school or had co-op with no breaks, then I went straight into working full-time. This is going to be a huge life change... not just the arrival of Baby Bee, but the absence from the "working world" for the next year. It worries me a little... I know I'll be able to keep myself busy with being a Mom, parenting/baby-play groups, getting in shape, etc... but what if I still go a little crazy with the complete change in life-style. I guess I'm most worried about the time between when I finish work and when Baby Bee arrives...
I have one last ultrasound on September 5, providing Baby Bee doesn't make a really early entrance. Other than that, just weekly doctor appointments - except for this week, as my doctor said that he doesn't need to see me until after the ultrasound. I'm all done with prenatal classes (yippee!) and have our bag(s) packed for the hospital - just need to add batteries and the camera.
Well, I'm leaking... I need to deal with that, as it's bugging me (just a fun perk to being pregnant - though I'm sure it will be worse when I'm breastfeeding)! Baby Bee has the hiccups again... go figure! :)
I had my professional maternity pictures done yesterday by Ashley Skjaveland. She was so much fun and obviously loves her job! It will be up to 2 weeks before the proofs are available (probably sooner) and then I will have 1 week to decide what I want to order - the proofs will be online, so depending how I feel about them I may get some of your opinions before placing my order. Ashley takes as much time as is needed with each individual client - I had heard this from the friends who recommended her. By the time she set-up, did the photo shoot, and cleaned up Ashley was here for 3-3.5 hours! I have to give her a call when Baby Bee arrives, as the session fee is for both a "Maternity" and an "Infant" session with her! Very excited for Baby Bee's session...
I only have 5 more days of work! I'm excited to be done - as it means I will be able to sleep more - but I'm also a little nervous... all I've known for the past 9 years is the kind of life I have now: I went straight from high school to university where we either were in school or had co-op with no breaks, then I went straight into working full-time. This is going to be a huge life change... not just the arrival of Baby Bee, but the absence from the "working world" for the next year. It worries me a little... I know I'll be able to keep myself busy with being a Mom, parenting/baby-play groups, getting in shape, etc... but what if I still go a little crazy with the complete change in life-style. I guess I'm most worried about the time between when I finish work and when Baby Bee arrives...
I have one last ultrasound on September 5, providing Baby Bee doesn't make a really early entrance. Other than that, just weekly doctor appointments - except for this week, as my doctor said that he doesn't need to see me until after the ultrasound. I'm all done with prenatal classes (yippee!) and have our bag(s) packed for the hospital - just need to add batteries and the camera.
Well, I'm leaking... I need to deal with that, as it's bugging me (just a fun perk to being pregnant - though I'm sure it will be worse when I'm breastfeeding)! Baby Bee has the hiccups again... go figure! :)
August 19, 2007
35 weeks, 2 days:
A whole two days since my last post... I thought I'd try not to wait an entire week this time! I had part 2 of my prenatal class yesterday - it was good, though I am glad to be done with all the prenatal classes. Yesterday's class covered breastfeeding (all morning!), planning your "birth day", and post-natal care/concerns.
I really hope that Baby Bee and I are both able to breastfeed and can do so successfully - they say that is the best nutrition for a newborn and the best head-start you can give your child. Now, one thing I do know is that if/when I am breastfeeding I will not whip out my boob with no regards of who is in the room with me! My sister-in-law has no shame... she just whips those things out without any warning... it's quite shocking! Not for me... I will be discrete and make sure all is covered up - unless it's just me in my home with my baby and hubby. I need to find a cute "breastfeeding cape" to pack in my diaper bag - I think I saw one at Babies R Us, though it may have been at a really cute store in town called Baby Pops.
The biggest thing about creating a birth plan... expect the unexpected and be flexible. I may envision my labor going one way, but stuff happens... I may not get what I want. The most important thing is that at the end we have a healthy Mom and a healthy Baby. As for the post-natal care/concerns... I realized that I really need to dig out the instruction book for the car seat and read it. There is a course at St. John's Ambulance that I may register for (depending on the cost) that is all about car seats and their proper use and installation.
~ ~ ~
Family update:
My dad called me yesterday while we were out at our prenatal class. Once home, and after working up the courage to do so, I called home (JB thought I was going to hang up the phone... apparently I seemed a little tense). Mum answered... she is in full denial mode. We made happy, idle chit-chat and actually talked for close to half an hour. Then I chatted with dad (how was work... looking forward to your trip... etc.) for 10 minutes. Mum and Dad left today for their trip to BC where they are looking to potentially buy a house and move. They'll be back in just over a week, at which time I'll go over for a BBQ (JB too, if he's home).
JB and I talked afterwards, and he suspects that Mum may realize she crossed a line this time - which is why she never called here since the trouble started. I don't know. What I do know is that a little space might do our family good... and where they are looking would be a really great place to visit, no matter what time of year... and it's not too far of a drive. They deserve a chance at a real and a happy retirement - if this is going to make them happy, I say good for them!
We talked about my baby sister a bit too... which is funny because she called me not more than 10 minutes after I got off the phone with Mum and Dad. She went for her first ultrasound on Friday and is around the 10 week mark (due-date = mid-March). If Mum doesn't move right away, then sis wants her to go with her to some prenatal classes. Other than that, it sounds as if little sis is doing okay - she has a roommate, got a better paying job than waitressing, and Mum & Dad found her a car (it would have come out of her inheritance, which is under Mum & Dad's control until she is clean for 2-years, signed off on by a doctor). So, things are going okay for her right now. Mum told the little sis that she can't baby her anymore because she is going to have her own baby and thus needs to stand on her own two feet. When the sis called me, she told me she was bored and asked if I'd go to Aqua Aerobics with her. It turns out I can't go this week, but I will go with her next Tuesday... though I'm going to try and get together with her this Wednesday as well.
Hmmm... I think that's enough babbling for now. I'm in the middle of doing laundry for the work-week (it's fun wearing the exact same clothes every week!) and then I think I'll finish packing my hospital bag(s). Chat you later...
I really hope that Baby Bee and I are both able to breastfeed and can do so successfully - they say that is the best nutrition for a newborn and the best head-start you can give your child. Now, one thing I do know is that if/when I am breastfeeding I will not whip out my boob with no regards of who is in the room with me! My sister-in-law has no shame... she just whips those things out without any warning... it's quite shocking! Not for me... I will be discrete and make sure all is covered up - unless it's just me in my home with my baby and hubby. I need to find a cute "breastfeeding cape" to pack in my diaper bag - I think I saw one at Babies R Us, though it may have been at a really cute store in town called Baby Pops.
The biggest thing about creating a birth plan... expect the unexpected and be flexible. I may envision my labor going one way, but stuff happens... I may not get what I want. The most important thing is that at the end we have a healthy Mom and a healthy Baby. As for the post-natal care/concerns... I realized that I really need to dig out the instruction book for the car seat and read it. There is a course at St. John's Ambulance that I may register for (depending on the cost) that is all about car seats and their proper use and installation.
~ ~ ~
Family update:
My dad called me yesterday while we were out at our prenatal class. Once home, and after working up the courage to do so, I called home (JB thought I was going to hang up the phone... apparently I seemed a little tense). Mum answered... she is in full denial mode. We made happy, idle chit-chat and actually talked for close to half an hour. Then I chatted with dad (how was work... looking forward to your trip... etc.) for 10 minutes. Mum and Dad left today for their trip to BC where they are looking to potentially buy a house and move. They'll be back in just over a week, at which time I'll go over for a BBQ (JB too, if he's home).
JB and I talked afterwards, and he suspects that Mum may realize she crossed a line this time - which is why she never called here since the trouble started. I don't know. What I do know is that a little space might do our family good... and where they are looking would be a really great place to visit, no matter what time of year... and it's not too far of a drive. They deserve a chance at a real and a happy retirement - if this is going to make them happy, I say good for them!
We talked about my baby sister a bit too... which is funny because she called me not more than 10 minutes after I got off the phone with Mum and Dad. She went for her first ultrasound on Friday and is around the 10 week mark (due-date = mid-March). If Mum doesn't move right away, then sis wants her to go with her to some prenatal classes. Other than that, it sounds as if little sis is doing okay - she has a roommate, got a better paying job than waitressing, and Mum & Dad found her a car (it would have come out of her inheritance, which is under Mum & Dad's control until she is clean for 2-years, signed off on by a doctor). So, things are going okay for her right now. Mum told the little sis that she can't baby her anymore because she is going to have her own baby and thus needs to stand on her own two feet. When the sis called me, she told me she was bored and asked if I'd go to Aqua Aerobics with her. It turns out I can't go this week, but I will go with her next Tuesday... though I'm going to try and get together with her this Wednesday as well.
Hmmm... I think that's enough babbling for now. I'm in the middle of doing laundry for the work-week (it's fun wearing the exact same clothes every week!) and then I think I'll finish packing my hospital bag(s). Chat you later...
August 17, 2007
Oops... has it been a week again?
Week 35 update:
So, last Saturday I had two big events - part 1 of my 2-part prenatal class and my baby shower. First, the class...
...The prenatal class was pretty good, though in combination with the shower it made for a really long day. The instructor used to be a nurse on the maternity ward for years and now teaches prenatal classes full time. I've talked to some people who think the class is a waste of time, but both JB and I got a lot out of it. The part I found most helpful was talking about positions during labor and breathing exercises, etc. We will be talking more about the subject at Part 2, but we did touch on birth-plans and how you really need to have an idea of your preferences (ie: drugs vs. no drugs) before you check-in to the hospital. I found a lot of the things she had to say were quite affirming and really made me think that maybe I can go through labor the way I want, and not feel pressured by the medical staff. Part 2 of this particular course is tomorrow - we will be covering breastfeeding, birth plans, and postpartum care and concerns.
Next, the shower...
...Two of my close friends out here organized a baby shower for me. I wanted to have my shower before the baby is born because there are too many unknowns when it comes to having one afterwards - what if I feel completely overwhelmed as a new mother for longer than expected, for example (you never know), and really do not want to deal with a large group of people. The shower went really well, I think! There were 12 - 15 people there (some friends, some of JB's family, and 3 of my cousins)... I think my family was feeling a little out-numbered {as a side note, I did discover that the news about my little sister has made it's way into the extended family}. We played a couple games - one was to pick out JB from a group of baby pictures (took me 6 tries with only 11 pictures on the wall!) and the other was a diaper game where 5 chocolate bars were ground up/melted and each put on a diaper... you then had to correctly identify the chocolate bars. My mother-in-law thought that was gross, but everyone else got a kick out of it! I was so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. We got a whole bunch of stuff... in fact, I really need to do my thank-you cards (hopefully this weekend)! It was great (and I got to take home a Costco-sized bucket of cream puffs, as the girls forgot to put them out with the rest of the food!).
Okay, what next? Well, last night we went to our "Better Beginnings" class at the hospital. This prenatal class (3 hours long) is mandatory for everyone who is planning on giving birth at the hospital. The instructor worked as a maternity ward nurse at the hospital for years before "retiring" and now teaches this class 3 times per week. She is hilarious! At one point she was describing the awful pads that the hospital supplies for you to wear after baby is born and how you have to wear three of them... she had all the class (the men especially) laughing uncontrollably (she made JB cry!). But, she also really knows her stuff and I was very happy to find that nothing she said contradicted the prenatal class from Saturday. Part of this class was to complete all the paperwork for the hospital - this way, when in labor, you simply walk up to the maternity unit and do not have to fill out any paperwork (because that's not something you want to be doing while having contractions!) - and another part was a tour of the maternity unit. I really enjoyed the class up until the point when we went for the tour... then my emotions took over and I started to feel really overwhelmed. I seriously thought I was going to cry when we were in the "laboring room". But, then again, I am a bit emotional even without pregnancy hormones stacked on top of that!
Okay... what's next when it comes to this pregnancy... well, as mentioned earlier, tomorrow is Part 2 of the prenatal class, then on Thursday I go for my next prenatal appointment. Next Saturday (Aug 25) I'm getting professional pregnancy portraits done. And sometime during Week #37 (last week of August) I'm supposed to be going for another (more than likely last... though I thought that with the last one) ultrasound.
Well, I need to run. I have a meeting at 2pm and I have a bit of work to get done before. Then I might head home, as I have not been feeling well today... exhausted, achy, and a whole lot of being kicked from the inside!
So, last Saturday I had two big events - part 1 of my 2-part prenatal class and my baby shower. First, the class...
...The prenatal class was pretty good, though in combination with the shower it made for a really long day. The instructor used to be a nurse on the maternity ward for years and now teaches prenatal classes full time. I've talked to some people who think the class is a waste of time, but both JB and I got a lot out of it. The part I found most helpful was talking about positions during labor and breathing exercises, etc. We will be talking more about the subject at Part 2, but we did touch on birth-plans and how you really need to have an idea of your preferences (ie: drugs vs. no drugs) before you check-in to the hospital. I found a lot of the things she had to say were quite affirming and really made me think that maybe I can go through labor the way I want, and not feel pressured by the medical staff. Part 2 of this particular course is tomorrow - we will be covering breastfeeding, birth plans, and postpartum care and concerns.
Next, the shower...
...Two of my close friends out here organized a baby shower for me. I wanted to have my shower before the baby is born because there are too many unknowns when it comes to having one afterwards - what if I feel completely overwhelmed as a new mother for longer than expected, for example (you never know), and really do not want to deal with a large group of people. The shower went really well, I think! There were 12 - 15 people there (some friends, some of JB's family, and 3 of my cousins)... I think my family was feeling a little out-numbered {as a side note, I did discover that the news about my little sister has made it's way into the extended family}. We played a couple games - one was to pick out JB from a group of baby pictures (took me 6 tries with only 11 pictures on the wall!) and the other was a diaper game where 5 chocolate bars were ground up/melted and each put on a diaper... you then had to correctly identify the chocolate bars. My mother-in-law thought that was gross, but everyone else got a kick out of it! I was so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. We got a whole bunch of stuff... in fact, I really need to do my thank-you cards (hopefully this weekend)! It was great (and I got to take home a Costco-sized bucket of cream puffs, as the girls forgot to put them out with the rest of the food!).
Okay, what next? Well, last night we went to our "Better Beginnings" class at the hospital. This prenatal class (3 hours long) is mandatory for everyone who is planning on giving birth at the hospital. The instructor worked as a maternity ward nurse at the hospital for years before "retiring" and now teaches this class 3 times per week. She is hilarious! At one point she was describing the awful pads that the hospital supplies for you to wear after baby is born and how you have to wear three of them... she had all the class (the men especially) laughing uncontrollably (she made JB cry!). But, she also really knows her stuff and I was very happy to find that nothing she said contradicted the prenatal class from Saturday. Part of this class was to complete all the paperwork for the hospital - this way, when in labor, you simply walk up to the maternity unit and do not have to fill out any paperwork (because that's not something you want to be doing while having contractions!) - and another part was a tour of the maternity unit. I really enjoyed the class up until the point when we went for the tour... then my emotions took over and I started to feel really overwhelmed. I seriously thought I was going to cry when we were in the "laboring room". But, then again, I am a bit emotional even without pregnancy hormones stacked on top of that!
Okay... what's next when it comes to this pregnancy... well, as mentioned earlier, tomorrow is Part 2 of the prenatal class, then on Thursday I go for my next prenatal appointment. Next Saturday (Aug 25) I'm getting professional pregnancy portraits done. And sometime during Week #37 (last week of August) I'm supposed to be going for another (more than likely last... though I thought that with the last one) ultrasound.
Well, I need to run. I have a meeting at 2pm and I have a bit of work to get done before. Then I might head home, as I have not been feeling well today... exhausted, achy, and a whole lot of being kicked from the inside!
August 10, 2007
Prenatal update...
Well, I had my prenatal visit yesterday (appointment #8 I think) and all is well in the world of Baby Bee. He is turned (head down) and apparently his head is quite low - my doctor said this is good for two reasons... 1) It means baby can fit when making his entrance into the world, and 2) It may signal that baby will make said entrance sooner rather than later.
The doctor answered a bunch of my questions about epidurals and although he's made it quite clear that he thinks there's no reason not to have an epidural, he also isn't pressuring me. I can make my decision when I go into labor and I can try to go medication-free first and then ask for one (as long as I don't wait too long)... it is up to me (and JB also said the decision is mine, though he sides with my doctor). So, I really don't know for sure what my plan will be. I do know that I do not want narcotic medications - these are the ones that have side-effects for Mom and make Baby dopey after birth. Perhaps I will learn more tomorrow at Part 1 (of 2) of my prenatal class.
The one thing I did learn yesterday (besides the fact that I've basically gained 30 lbs!!! Though I don't think I "look" like I've gained 30 lbs) is that Baby Bee is around/over 6lbs, which is big for this stage... thus Wednesday's ultrasound will not be my last. My doctor will schedule an ultrasound for Week 37 (approx. 3 weeks from now) to see how big Baby Bee is then. If he's looking to get "too big", then I may be induced early from what I understand.
I learned an important lesson today. Although I don't believe I'm "waddling" when I walk (apparently once baby turns and moves downward, pregnant ladies tend to waddle), I cannot walk near as quickly as I normally do. I was walking in the mall and I had to cut my pace to about 1/4 my normal speed... walking too quickly is very uncomfortable and also results in serious cramps. I don't know if it's because of how Baby Bee is positioned or what it is... but man, I'm going to be a slow-walker (not a spilly-talker) for the next little while.
Another pregnancy development... My sciatic pain is all but disappeared. JB thinks that getting the van has been the thing that's made the biggest difference where that is concerned - with the van I literally slide in and out of my seat without really changing height; with my car, I was plopping or falling down into it (landing hard sometimes) and then having to climb back out. I don't know if it's 100% due to the van, but I am so happy not to have that daily pain right now!
Tomorrow is a pregnancy-filled day! From 10am to 3:30pm I have Part 1 of my prenatal class (Part 2 is next Saturday). Then, my baby shower is at 7:00pm! I'm looking forward to the shower... I think it will be a smallish group, but it will be fun. I'm not sure what my friends who are organizing it are scheming... they have been keeping me in the dark! I do believe one of the games involves me blindfolded. :D
Well, enough rambling for now. I need to find my husband... I seem to have lost him and I was hoping to go to the movies tonight. Chat you all later...
The doctor answered a bunch of my questions about epidurals and although he's made it quite clear that he thinks there's no reason not to have an epidural, he also isn't pressuring me. I can make my decision when I go into labor and I can try to go medication-free first and then ask for one (as long as I don't wait too long)... it is up to me (and JB also said the decision is mine, though he sides with my doctor). So, I really don't know for sure what my plan will be. I do know that I do not want narcotic medications - these are the ones that have side-effects for Mom and make Baby dopey after birth. Perhaps I will learn more tomorrow at Part 1 (of 2) of my prenatal class.
The one thing I did learn yesterday (besides the fact that I've basically gained 30 lbs!!! Though I don't think I "look" like I've gained 30 lbs) is that Baby Bee is around/over 6lbs, which is big for this stage... thus Wednesday's ultrasound will not be my last. My doctor will schedule an ultrasound for Week 37 (approx. 3 weeks from now) to see how big Baby Bee is then. If he's looking to get "too big", then I may be induced early from what I understand.
I learned an important lesson today. Although I don't believe I'm "waddling" when I walk (apparently once baby turns and moves downward, pregnant ladies tend to waddle), I cannot walk near as quickly as I normally do. I was walking in the mall and I had to cut my pace to about 1/4 my normal speed... walking too quickly is very uncomfortable and also results in serious cramps. I don't know if it's because of how Baby Bee is positioned or what it is... but man, I'm going to be a slow-walker (not a spilly-talker) for the next little while.
Another pregnancy development... My sciatic pain is all but disappeared. JB thinks that getting the van has been the thing that's made the biggest difference where that is concerned - with the van I literally slide in and out of my seat without really changing height; with my car, I was plopping or falling down into it (landing hard sometimes) and then having to climb back out. I don't know if it's 100% due to the van, but I am so happy not to have that daily pain right now!
Tomorrow is a pregnancy-filled day! From 10am to 3:30pm I have Part 1 of my prenatal class (Part 2 is next Saturday). Then, my baby shower is at 7:00pm! I'm looking forward to the shower... I think it will be a smallish group, but it will be fun. I'm not sure what my friends who are organizing it are scheming... they have been keeping me in the dark! I do believe one of the games involves me blindfolded. :D
Well, enough rambling for now. I need to find my husband... I seem to have lost him and I was hoping to go to the movies tonight. Chat you all later...
August 08, 2007
33 weeks, 5 days:
I'm feeling mostly-okay this week. I fell victim to a heat rash on my belly which was quite annoying and extremely itchy for a while. Now the itch seems to be gone, but the little bumps are still present... hopefully they go away soon (I'm having professional pregnancy photos taken on either August 18 or 25, so they had better be gone by then!).
I am suffering from a bit of insomnia these days... which is making me really quite tired during the day (ie: now!). It seems that no matter how tired I am, I can't fall asleep until after midnight. On top of that, I suspect Baby Bee may have turned (head-down) as I'm feeling him in different part of me now - one not so good thing is that I think he enjoys giving me a swift kick to the stomach during the night because I've woken up a couple times now where I've gone from a deep sleep to nearly throwing up! Let me tell you... the first time that happened (which was the worst), it was not a pleasant surprise!
Hmmm... other than that, things are pretty good. I still don't have a *huge* belly, but wow... is it ever difficult to move in ways that I definitely took for granted before. Some simple actions are not so simple any more! I have an ultrasound today, so I will try to post later on tonight (if all else fails, I will post when I should be sleeping but am unable to fall asleep!).
I am feeling a little stressed at work this week - there are a lot of people on vacation in my one department, which means some extra work has landed on my desk (with short deadlines). I'm trying to wrap things up, not take on new projects. Bah!
The last thing I will mention is that I am sad for my friend JK. She went for an ultrasound yesterday (she's due on Sept 3) and her baby is breach. The specialist gave her three options and said she had to be back in on Friday with her decision - leave things as is, hope for the baby to turn, and undergo an emergency c-section if the baby doesn't turn; go to Edm or Cal to see a specialist who attempts to turn baby - only a 50% success rate; or schedule a c-section. I think she's going with the third option (schedule a c-section). My only concern is that her first daughter was born 3 weeks early... this c-section won't be scheduled until week 39 or 40 (baby is already over 7lbs, so is a good healthy size now)... what if this baby is early too - then she'll undergo the stress of the emergency c-section anyways. If her baby doesn't turn in time, things will be really hard for her after because you are basically not allowed to lift anything heavier than your newborn... her 2.5 year-old daughter will not understand why Mommy can't pick her up - she's already being a "terrible two" combined with the growing realization that she's not going to be an only child for much longer. Poor JK... this is going to be difficult unless that baby can manage to turn on time...
Edit: "About 4.75lbs" (see ticker above) my behind! According to today's ultrasound, Baby Bee is around the 6.00lbs mark. Here's what the doctor said: "That's a good size baby already, but you're a big girl - you can handle it." Oh my... there's still 6 weeks, plus or minus, for the little squirt to grow! Other news from the ultrasound - Baby Bee is head down (hip hip hooray!) and he is surrounded by lots of fluid, both of which are good things. The only thing that made me pause was the doctor asking the tech to measure the size of the chambers of Baby Bee's heart. But, there's no point stressing over it - I have a doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon, and I made sure to tell the ultrasound tech so that my results make it over there in time.
I am suffering from a bit of insomnia these days... which is making me really quite tired during the day (ie: now!). It seems that no matter how tired I am, I can't fall asleep until after midnight. On top of that, I suspect Baby Bee may have turned (head-down) as I'm feeling him in different part of me now - one not so good thing is that I think he enjoys giving me a swift kick to the stomach during the night because I've woken up a couple times now where I've gone from a deep sleep to nearly throwing up! Let me tell you... the first time that happened (which was the worst), it was not a pleasant surprise!
Hmmm... other than that, things are pretty good. I still don't have a *huge* belly, but wow... is it ever difficult to move in ways that I definitely took for granted before. Some simple actions are not so simple any more! I have an ultrasound today, so I will try to post later on tonight (if all else fails, I will post when I should be sleeping but am unable to fall asleep!).
I am feeling a little stressed at work this week - there are a lot of people on vacation in my one department, which means some extra work has landed on my desk (with short deadlines). I'm trying to wrap things up, not take on new projects. Bah!
The last thing I will mention is that I am sad for my friend JK. She went for an ultrasound yesterday (she's due on Sept 3) and her baby is breach. The specialist gave her three options and said she had to be back in on Friday with her decision - leave things as is, hope for the baby to turn, and undergo an emergency c-section if the baby doesn't turn; go to Edm or Cal to see a specialist who attempts to turn baby - only a 50% success rate; or schedule a c-section. I think she's going with the third option (schedule a c-section). My only concern is that her first daughter was born 3 weeks early... this c-section won't be scheduled until week 39 or 40 (baby is already over 7lbs, so is a good healthy size now)... what if this baby is early too - then she'll undergo the stress of the emergency c-section anyways. If her baby doesn't turn in time, things will be really hard for her after because you are basically not allowed to lift anything heavier than your newborn... her 2.5 year-old daughter will not understand why Mommy can't pick her up - she's already being a "terrible two" combined with the growing realization that she's not going to be an only child for much longer. Poor JK... this is going to be difficult unless that baby can manage to turn on time...
Edit: "About 4.75lbs" (see ticker above) my behind! According to today's ultrasound, Baby Bee is around the 6.00lbs mark. Here's what the doctor said: "That's a good size baby already, but you're a big girl - you can handle it." Oh my... there's still 6 weeks, plus or minus, for the little squirt to grow! Other news from the ultrasound - Baby Bee is head down (hip hip hooray!) and he is surrounded by lots of fluid, both of which are good things. The only thing that made me pause was the doctor asking the tech to measure the size of the chambers of Baby Bee's heart. But, there's no point stressing over it - I have a doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon, and I made sure to tell the ultrasound tech so that my results make it over there in time.
August 02, 2007
Blasted hormones!
Wow... am I ever in a cranky mood today! First off, I took the wrong way to work this morning (I'm attempting to conserve fuel consumption and am trying to see which of my two routes is actually longer, distance-wise). Then I got "voluntold" at my one department's weekly meeting (I'm part of two departments at work, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm being pulled apart... but overall I'm quite happy) that I have to work on a project that I didn't have on my to-do list until this morning - I am trying to keep organized and extra work at a minimum due to the fact that I only have 4 weeks & 1.5 days of work left (but who's counting). After that I was trying to track down answers to why our new mortgage payment hasn't come out yet, when it said it was coming out on August 1st. Then, after all those annoyances, I discovered that my expenses - which were submitted correctly and on time - will not be deposited tomorrow like they should be. (Okay, the only reason that last one annoys me is because I may be *slightly* hormonal right now and my morning was full of annoyances... but still!) Can I go home now?
~ ~ ~
Okey dokey... pregnancy update... Well, let's see - it is now Week 32, Day 6 of my pregnancy and I am into the home stretch (literally) now. My belly has been super-itchy the past few days and JB keeps bugging me that I'm growing new stretch-marks, which I think I am! I'm still not overly "huge", but that's okay. It is definitely a challenge to bend over if I need to pick up something I dropped, getting in/out of bed, and even rolling over in bed! JB gets to laugh at me quite often... but he's still a very supporting, loving husband - it's just in his nature to pick on me.
I might get professional maternity pictures done... I got info from a co-worker about a photographer who does amazing work - I'm just not sure if I'll be able to fit into her schedule. So far the one day she had an opening that she mentioned is one of the days my prenatal class is on and I can't reschedule that. This weekend I'm getting a manicure done to help my hands get a little nicer - if I do manage to get booked in with her, she recommends having "nice hands" as some of her shots involve close-ups. As she is an actual photographer, the prices are a little higher than going to Superstore or Wal-Mart, but I've seen her work and it is beautiful... I just don't know if I'll be beautiful in the maternity session - I'm sure Baby Bee will be gorgeous in the infant session.
I'm attempting to get my "hospital bag" packed and a "birth plan" created. However, both of those things make the idea of Baby Bee's arrival a little too *real*. I know that sounds dumb... stuff wise, we are ready for him to arrive... mentally, I am apparently not quite ready. In a little over 6 weeks (perhaps sooner, you never know) my life, and JB's too, will be changing forever. We've been preparing for this change - getting the necessary baby stuff, re-financing, getting the van, etc. - but it still seems "not quite real" to me. Packing that bag and actually sitting down and really thinking about labor makes the imminent change in our lives that much more concrete. I don't know how else to explain how I'm feeling.
I have one more (most likely the last) ultrasound scheduled for August 8th - my doctor likes to do a late-pregnancy one to make sure there's nothing wrong and get an idea of how big baby is compared to how big Mommy is. Besides that, I'm now on a 2-week schedule for prenatal appointments (next = August 9) until Week 36, after which appointments become weekly.
Hmmm... lunch is over... must quit chatting now!
~ ~ ~
Okey dokey... pregnancy update... Well, let's see - it is now Week 32, Day 6 of my pregnancy and I am into the home stretch (literally) now. My belly has been super-itchy the past few days and JB keeps bugging me that I'm growing new stretch-marks, which I think I am! I'm still not overly "huge", but that's okay. It is definitely a challenge to bend over if I need to pick up something I dropped, getting in/out of bed, and even rolling over in bed! JB gets to laugh at me quite often... but he's still a very supporting, loving husband - it's just in his nature to pick on me.
I might get professional maternity pictures done... I got info from a co-worker about a photographer who does amazing work - I'm just not sure if I'll be able to fit into her schedule. So far the one day she had an opening that she mentioned is one of the days my prenatal class is on and I can't reschedule that. This weekend I'm getting a manicure done to help my hands get a little nicer - if I do manage to get booked in with her, she recommends having "nice hands" as some of her shots involve close-ups. As she is an actual photographer, the prices are a little higher than going to Superstore or Wal-Mart, but I've seen her work and it is beautiful... I just don't know if I'll be beautiful in the maternity session - I'm sure Baby Bee will be gorgeous in the infant session.
I'm attempting to get my "hospital bag" packed and a "birth plan" created. However, both of those things make the idea of Baby Bee's arrival a little too *real*. I know that sounds dumb... stuff wise, we are ready for him to arrive... mentally, I am apparently not quite ready. In a little over 6 weeks (perhaps sooner, you never know) my life, and JB's too, will be changing forever. We've been preparing for this change - getting the necessary baby stuff, re-financing, getting the van, etc. - but it still seems "not quite real" to me. Packing that bag and actually sitting down and really thinking about labor makes the imminent change in our lives that much more concrete. I don't know how else to explain how I'm feeling.
I have one more (most likely the last) ultrasound scheduled for August 8th - my doctor likes to do a late-pregnancy one to make sure there's nothing wrong and get an idea of how big baby is compared to how big Mommy is. Besides that, I'm now on a 2-week schedule for prenatal appointments (next = August 9) until Week 36, after which appointments become weekly.
Hmmm... lunch is over... must quit chatting now!
July 29, 2007
July 24, 2007
*sigh*
Well, although it does not excuse in any way the mean, spiteful, and quite possibly unforgiveable things my mother said to me, I may have just found out why she was "set off" so easily.
*sigh*
My sister is two months pregnant.
*sigh*
My sister is two months pregnant.
July 21, 2007
The biggest baby-purchase:
Our new-to-us mini-van...
- 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited (ie: top model, fully loaded)
- Black exterior (looks kind of blue-ish in the pic)
- Tan, leather interior
- Lots of little features I'm discovering!
- 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited (ie: top model, fully loaded)
- Black exterior (looks kind of blue-ish in the pic)
- Tan, leather interior
- Lots of little features I'm discovering!
July 20, 2007
Situation update:
The current situation between me and my mother has gone from bad to worse than I could ever have imagined. She was not impressed that I talked to my Dad about the situation. The things she has said to me are more hateful and mean than I could have possibly thought up.
I feel like throwing up. I don't think I'll be staying at work for much longer, but I just thought I'd send a quick update.
Edit: I'm home now. I think I'll take a nap and then maybe head back into town later on to get my copy of HP#7 (I deserve something to make me happy today). Here's the latest from my Mum that has left me feeling nauseaus and more hurt than I thought I could ever feel:
"You are very disrespectful to your parents. And let me tell you this: What goes around, comes around and you will get yours when your family grows up and treats you the same way as you treat us. If you do not respect your parents, which you don't, then your children will not respect you. I sincerely hope that your children do not invite you to any of their weddings and act like spoiled brats when their parents extend a kind gesture in the form of a wedding dance.
You have a lot of emotional growing up to do. I would suggest that you find your biological mother and father and then perhaps you will stop blaming me for all your emotional hang ups. You began to disrespect me when you met [best friend] and her family and from that moment on you never stopped. Your respect level has remained at about 14 yrs old.
Don't bother Dad with your teenage level e-mails complaining about me. I thought you would be grown up enough to write something interesting when he's working in extreme conditions with a lot of stress related issues on a rig that doesn't want to drill because of inexperienced men and technology that is not well tested. But then I forgot--life is all about YOU isn't it?
Stuff it, [NB].
Mum"
I feel like throwing up. I don't think I'll be staying at work for much longer, but I just thought I'd send a quick update.
Edit: I'm home now. I think I'll take a nap and then maybe head back into town later on to get my copy of HP#7 (I deserve something to make me happy today). Here's the latest from my Mum that has left me feeling nauseaus and more hurt than I thought I could ever feel:
"You are very disrespectful to your parents. And let me tell you this: What goes around, comes around and you will get yours when your family grows up and treats you the same way as you treat us. If you do not respect your parents, which you don't, then your children will not respect you. I sincerely hope that your children do not invite you to any of their weddings and act like spoiled brats when their parents extend a kind gesture in the form of a wedding dance.
You have a lot of emotional growing up to do. I would suggest that you find your biological mother and father and then perhaps you will stop blaming me for all your emotional hang ups. You began to disrespect me when you met [best friend] and her family and from that moment on you never stopped. Your respect level has remained at about 14 yrs old.
Don't bother Dad with your teenage level e-mails complaining about me. I thought you would be grown up enough to write something interesting when he's working in extreme conditions with a lot of stress related issues on a rig that doesn't want to drill because of inexperienced men and technology that is not well tested. But then I forgot--life is all about YOU isn't it?
Stuff it, [NB].
Mum"
July 19, 2007
World War 3: Mother vs. Daughter
So, I'm in a bit of a foul mood today, and have been since yesterday. But first, let's start with the positive...
I believe I had mentioned that we were in the process of re-financing our mortgage to consolidate high interest loans / credit cards and have everything on one payment. Well, that process is complete! My name is now on the mortgage and the land title (I wasn't before) and thus I officially own half our land and half our mortgage... I think one of those is a good thing. ;) All our loans are getting paid out - I'm mailing some of the more obscure ones today. And... drum roll please... we may be going vehicle shopping tomorrow! We've had our eye on a mini-van in Edmonton for a couple weeks now, but couldn't do anything until our finances got sorted out. Well, they are 95% sorted out and we don't want to lose that van, as it is exactly what we are looking for with a lot less mileage than we were expecting to be able to afford. It's a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited - the "limited" is the key... that is the top of the line when it comes to Ford mini-vans and includes things like power doors, leather seats, etc. There are very few available in the province that fall into our price range. We knew we'd be getting an early 2000's model and were expecting 120,000 - 150,000 km's... this one only has 79,000 km's! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that JB can get the day off tomorrow and that the van is still on the lot.
Okay, that was a happy blurb. Now for the not-so-happy portion of my rant...
It seems I've managed to instigate WW3... mind you, it seems like it was only a matter of time before this happened. I don't remember if I ever told you girls (and guy if Matt is reading) about the *fun* I experienced with my Mum when planning our wedding reception. The long and short of that story is that my Mum hosted her wedding reception - JB and I were told that's how the reception was going to be run, and she didn't care what we did with his family (and we were told this in no uncertain terms). So, knowing that story, you may have some insight into what my mother is like... I love her, but some days she is very trying. Anyways, back to WW3...
Mum and I were having a nice little chat yesterday evening until I mentioned that she should keep the evening of August 11th open. "Why?" she asked, "Is that your baby shower?" When I said, yes, she proceeded to tell me that was not good because she only likes and has been to baby showers after the baby is born so that people can see the baby and pass the baby around. She also said, and I quote, "I know it's not something people like to think about, but what if something happens to baby?" to which I replied that I would return the gifts (I was getting pretty upset at this point). We finished our conversation, but she called back 5 minutes later to tell me that she would host a shower after baby is born and that all I would have to do is show up with baby... and that I should think about it.
This morning she sent me an email that I was expecting but at the bottom was tacked on, "I do hope you reconsider the date of your baby shower." At this point, I was quite upset as I am honestly tired of her trying to run events in my life without any consideration of what I might want or without any consideration of anyone else involved in the event besides herself. So, I probably shouldn't have emailed back due to the high emotions involved, but I did. Here's how the short sequence of emails went:
Me: "Seeing as how I know you will likely be as persistent with this as you were with our wedding reception, you can host a baby shower with [our] family members after Baby is born. I will leave the planning up to you, but I ask that you check with me about the date before-hand to see how I'm feeling. I will still be having a shower in August with my friends and JB's family."
Mum: "OK, forget it. Don't bother sending me an invitation. We will not be coming, and I will not be hosting a shower for you either. I've already given you a gift, so there's not point attending. You are very rude."
Me: "I apologize if I came across as rude but I know from experience that this will not get dropped until you get the shower to happen after the Baby is born. I do appreciate very much the fact that you were willing to host a shower at your house and take care of the planning. I just know from talking to other new mom's that things can be very overwhelming during the months after Baby arrives and that is perhaps the biggest reason that I had planned on having the shower before hand, as many people do. If you still would like to host a shower in late September/early October, that would be very nice and I will help however I can. However, if you don't want to host one, that is okay as well - it is entirely up to you. Again, I apologize if the tone of my email was not as friendly as it should have been - it was not intended to come across that way."
Mum: "I will not be hosting a shower for you regardless of the date. Do as you wish."
*sigh* And that's where things sit as of now. I'm still having the baby shower, as planned, on August 11th, but the guest list will be cut down and will be people that I want to be there (not my entire extended family). I am so tired of trying to constantly please my Mum, as there really is no winning there. I'm going to keep my distance and let her cool down. I emailed my Dad in Saudi to let him know what's going on and share my side of the story with him, so that he doesn't only get Mum's version.
I probably was rude in that first email, but quite honestly, I'm not entirely sad about this entire situation. Yes, dealing with my mother for the next while will be very stressful (she tends to hold grudges and bring up things you did years ago as ammo), but she cannot continue to think that she is going to run every major event in my life.
I don't want the shower after Baby Bee is born because I don't know how overwhelmed by everything I'll be feeling. I've talked with some recent new moms who had planned on having a shower after baby was born, only to change her mind because of all the turmoil and change that accompanies becoming a new mother. But, my Mum doesn't care what your reasons are if you don't have the same opinion she does. That is a lesson I learned many years ago.
I don't know what I expect you guys to say, I just needed to vent. The past day and a half has been very, very stressful. I think I'm going to bed now... I need a good night's sleep.
I believe I had mentioned that we were in the process of re-financing our mortgage to consolidate high interest loans / credit cards and have everything on one payment. Well, that process is complete! My name is now on the mortgage and the land title (I wasn't before) and thus I officially own half our land and half our mortgage... I think one of those is a good thing. ;) All our loans are getting paid out - I'm mailing some of the more obscure ones today. And... drum roll please... we may be going vehicle shopping tomorrow! We've had our eye on a mini-van in Edmonton for a couple weeks now, but couldn't do anything until our finances got sorted out. Well, they are 95% sorted out and we don't want to lose that van, as it is exactly what we are looking for with a lot less mileage than we were expecting to be able to afford. It's a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited - the "limited" is the key... that is the top of the line when it comes to Ford mini-vans and includes things like power doors, leather seats, etc. There are very few available in the province that fall into our price range. We knew we'd be getting an early 2000's model and were expecting 120,000 - 150,000 km's... this one only has 79,000 km's! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that JB can get the day off tomorrow and that the van is still on the lot.
Okay, that was a happy blurb. Now for the not-so-happy portion of my rant...
It seems I've managed to instigate WW3... mind you, it seems like it was only a matter of time before this happened. I don't remember if I ever told you girls (and guy if Matt is reading) about the *fun* I experienced with my Mum when planning our wedding reception. The long and short of that story is that my Mum hosted her wedding reception - JB and I were told that's how the reception was going to be run, and she didn't care what we did with his family (and we were told this in no uncertain terms). So, knowing that story, you may have some insight into what my mother is like... I love her, but some days she is very trying. Anyways, back to WW3...
Mum and I were having a nice little chat yesterday evening until I mentioned that she should keep the evening of August 11th open. "Why?" she asked, "Is that your baby shower?" When I said, yes, she proceeded to tell me that was not good because she only likes and has been to baby showers after the baby is born so that people can see the baby and pass the baby around. She also said, and I quote, "I know it's not something people like to think about, but what if something happens to baby?" to which I replied that I would return the gifts (I was getting pretty upset at this point). We finished our conversation, but she called back 5 minutes later to tell me that she would host a shower after baby is born and that all I would have to do is show up with baby... and that I should think about it.
This morning she sent me an email that I was expecting but at the bottom was tacked on, "I do hope you reconsider the date of your baby shower." At this point, I was quite upset as I am honestly tired of her trying to run events in my life without any consideration of what I might want or without any consideration of anyone else involved in the event besides herself. So, I probably shouldn't have emailed back due to the high emotions involved, but I did. Here's how the short sequence of emails went:
Me: "Seeing as how I know you will likely be as persistent with this as you were with our wedding reception, you can host a baby shower with [our] family members after Baby is born. I will leave the planning up to you, but I ask that you check with me about the date before-hand to see how I'm feeling. I will still be having a shower in August with my friends and JB's family."
Mum: "OK, forget it. Don't bother sending me an invitation. We will not be coming, and I will not be hosting a shower for you either. I've already given you a gift, so there's not point attending. You are very rude."
Me: "I apologize if I came across as rude but I know from experience that this will not get dropped until you get the shower to happen after the Baby is born. I do appreciate very much the fact that you were willing to host a shower at your house and take care of the planning. I just know from talking to other new mom's that things can be very overwhelming during the months after Baby arrives and that is perhaps the biggest reason that I had planned on having the shower before hand, as many people do. If you still would like to host a shower in late September/early October, that would be very nice and I will help however I can. However, if you don't want to host one, that is okay as well - it is entirely up to you. Again, I apologize if the tone of my email was not as friendly as it should have been - it was not intended to come across that way."
Mum: "I will not be hosting a shower for you regardless of the date. Do as you wish."
*sigh* And that's where things sit as of now. I'm still having the baby shower, as planned, on August 11th, but the guest list will be cut down and will be people that I want to be there (not my entire extended family). I am so tired of trying to constantly please my Mum, as there really is no winning there. I'm going to keep my distance and let her cool down. I emailed my Dad in Saudi to let him know what's going on and share my side of the story with him, so that he doesn't only get Mum's version.
I probably was rude in that first email, but quite honestly, I'm not entirely sad about this entire situation. Yes, dealing with my mother for the next while will be very stressful (she tends to hold grudges and bring up things you did years ago as ammo), but she cannot continue to think that she is going to run every major event in my life.
I don't want the shower after Baby Bee is born because I don't know how overwhelmed by everything I'll be feeling. I've talked with some recent new moms who had planned on having a shower after baby was born, only to change her mind because of all the turmoil and change that accompanies becoming a new mother. But, my Mum doesn't care what your reasons are if you don't have the same opinion she does. That is a lesson I learned many years ago.
I don't know what I expect you guys to say, I just needed to vent. The past day and a half has been very, very stressful. I think I'm going to bed now... I need a good night's sleep.
July 15, 2007
30 weeks, 2 days... less than 10 weeks to go!
Alrighty then... what shall I tell you? My last prenatal appointment went well - based on the heart rate, my doctor agrees with the 3D ultrasound in saying Baby Bee is a boy! But, we will still have two names picked out... just in case. I'm now on the two-week rotation for prenatal appointments until week 36, after which time the appointments become weekly. Around week 36 I may be going for another ultrasound to see how big Baby Bee's head is and whether or not he has turned (head-down).
I feel my sciatic pain every day, but the strength of that pain varies. Most days it is tolerable. Today is a little worse, as two days ago I twisted kind of funny when getting up from a chair and I knew then that I inflamed the pain. :'( But, oh well... that is my life right now.
This heat is killing me! I've been doing everything I can think of to cool off the house - it's a little better today after purchasing one very large fan for the main floor. JB also bought me a really nice air mattress (inflates and deflates itself) so that I can permanently move into the basement, as I cannot sleep upstairs in this weather. Yesterday I was trying to clean my bedroom and I'd work for 20 minutes and then go hide downstairs for 20 minutes... not very productive, and yet I still managed to over-exert myself and feel like crap today! This heat is not very nice to me this year.
Our finances are coming into order here this week and today I had a "bite" when it comes to selling my car - it wouldn't surprise me if the guy that called to see it calls back to buy it. I feel like things are coming together nicely - I'm even managing to get the house clean a little at a time! The next two months is filled with prenatal appointments, prenatal classes, and my baby shower (Aug 11)... the time will fly.
I can feel Baby Bee move more strongly now - feeling his hiccups is the funniest sensation! JB can definitely feel him moving (he puts his hand on my belly and can feel the kicks). Things are going well... I did wake up in the middle of the night not too long ago thinking I was going to "lose my lunch"... but I managed to contain it. Not pleasant! I still don't feel like I look as large as other women around the same due-date as myself (though heaven knows I've gained enough weight)... but who knows - perhaps I'll balloon in the next two months!
I feel my sciatic pain every day, but the strength of that pain varies. Most days it is tolerable. Today is a little worse, as two days ago I twisted kind of funny when getting up from a chair and I knew then that I inflamed the pain. :'( But, oh well... that is my life right now.
This heat is killing me! I've been doing everything I can think of to cool off the house - it's a little better today after purchasing one very large fan for the main floor. JB also bought me a really nice air mattress (inflates and deflates itself) so that I can permanently move into the basement, as I cannot sleep upstairs in this weather. Yesterday I was trying to clean my bedroom and I'd work for 20 minutes and then go hide downstairs for 20 minutes... not very productive, and yet I still managed to over-exert myself and feel like crap today! This heat is not very nice to me this year.
Our finances are coming into order here this week and today I had a "bite" when it comes to selling my car - it wouldn't surprise me if the guy that called to see it calls back to buy it. I feel like things are coming together nicely - I'm even managing to get the house clean a little at a time! The next two months is filled with prenatal appointments, prenatal classes, and my baby shower (Aug 11)... the time will fly.
I can feel Baby Bee move more strongly now - feeling his hiccups is the funniest sensation! JB can definitely feel him moving (he puts his hand on my belly and can feel the kicks). Things are going well... I did wake up in the middle of the night not too long ago thinking I was going to "lose my lunch"... but I managed to contain it. Not pleasant! I still don't feel like I look as large as other women around the same due-date as myself (though heaven knows I've gained enough weight)... but who knows - perhaps I'll balloon in the next two months!
July 12, 2007
Sorry...
...but I'm annoyed at the whole world and over-heating (perhaps the two are linked). I'll post an update in a day or two. Perhaps tomorrow if I'm feeling better, seeing as how tomorrow is 30 weeks - seems like it should be a milestone somehow... it does signify the single digit weekly countdown. Anyways... chat you later.
July 03, 2007
New Template:
Well, I've found a new template and it is up and running (mostly). It will take a while to get links back, as this template is one of the "new blogger templates" and thus isn't edited the same as the old ones. The one thing I'm not sure about is whether I'll be able to put my ticker on the blog somewhere... although it would be a little more colorful than the template, I will try to get it attached.
Edit: Well, I got my ticker - and I customized it so that it matches this new template a little better. I'm one happy blogger right now! :)
Edit: Well, I got my ticker - and I customized it so that it matches this new template a little better. I'm one happy blogger right now! :)
Template
This template is temporary until I find a new baby-themed one I like. Stay tuned for futher developments...
July 02, 2007
June 30, 2007
28 wks, 1 day: Prego-Pics!
Okay, I managed to get a couple half-decent pics (though in two of them I don't look as pregnant as in other - never to be posted - pics):
June 27, 2007
Too funny!
I was having a bath tonight (trying to relax my back muscles - I went for a massage in hopes of it helping my sciatic nerve issues) and watching my belly. Well, at one point, Baby Bee kicked or rolled so hard that I could see the left side of my belly shift! It was pretty funny to watch...
What the hell?!
I was checking everyone's blogs this morning, including my own as I check for comments, and my post from last night isn't showing. What the fricking hell?!
I'm not sure if I've posted it here or not... but, I've been suffering from some back pain. Not my usual pregnancy-back pain, but rather it seems I did something to my tailbone early last week and I'm still suffering. I've been to my chiropractor twice. I don't want to go to my doctor becasue he's already given me the strongest drugs he's willing to give for pregnancy back pain (Tylenol 3) and thus would want to take me off work for a few days (I've already done that and as such can't afford any more missed days this pay period). So, I'm suffering. It was feeling better last night, but now it's hurting again - I get pain shooting from my tailbone down my left butt-cheek and leg... especially when walking (when the left leg moves) or if I have to lift my left leg (think... putting lotion on my sunburnt shin). *sigh* So, here I am... a prego-cripple. :'(
Edit: Oh sure... now it shows once I put a new post up, thus making me look like I'm imagining things again... bah!
I'm not sure if I've posted it here or not... but, I've been suffering from some back pain. Not my usual pregnancy-back pain, but rather it seems I did something to my tailbone early last week and I'm still suffering. I've been to my chiropractor twice. I don't want to go to my doctor becasue he's already given me the strongest drugs he's willing to give for pregnancy back pain (Tylenol 3) and thus would want to take me off work for a few days (I've already done that and as such can't afford any more missed days this pay period). So, I'm suffering. It was feeling better last night, but now it's hurting again - I get pain shooting from my tailbone down my left butt-cheek and leg... especially when walking (when the left leg moves) or if I have to lift my left leg (think... putting lotion on my sunburnt shin). *sigh* So, here I am... a prego-cripple. :'(
Edit: Oh sure... now it shows once I put a new post up, thus making me look like I'm imagining things again... bah!
June 26, 2007
You'd think I'd learn...
...not to watch shows like TLC's "A Baby Story" when I'm 38 weeks pregnant! *sigh* And yet, nearly every time I'm home during the day because I'm not feeling well, I watch it. As if the notion of labor doesn't scare me enough at this point... I watch a show that features screaming women in horrible pain during labor. I'm a nut.
I looked at the ticker at the top of this blog... less than 90 days/3 months... I'm not ready for this. Supplies wise (diapers, wipes, etc.), Baby Bee could arrive today if he wanted; birth wise, I'm just feeling a little apprehensive at this point in time. I've been feeling this way for a little while now... I really wish I could turn my brain off!
My first experiment with my sewing machine was a little aggravating. The curtains for Baby Bee's room are done, but the stitching leaves a bit to be desired - it's as if the lower tension was too loose, but there is nowhere on my machine to adjust lower tension. We're thinking that how thin the material I used is could also have played a part. So, I got frustrated and made JB finish the last little part of the project. But, I haven't give up completely... my next little project is going to be a little blanket - not a huge blanket, more of a receiving blanket (because you can never have too many of those).
If that goes well, I'm going to try something a little more complicated - a baby sleep sack. I wanted to buy a Halo Sleep Sack, but I'm not putting anything on my credit card right now and there is no where in Alberta to buy them in-store. So, I bought some really cute (Winnie the Pooh, of course) fleece today and will try my hand at making one. If it goes well, I'll make one for my friend's baby-to-be as part of her gift.
I really need the cleaning-fairy to show up at my house. The "nesting syndrome" you hear about with pregnant women definitely hasn't hit me yet... it had better hit soon... my house is in some serious need of cleaning! I want to clean it, but I'm lazy and there are more fun things to do...
Oh... here's an interesting pregnancy perk... I'm leaking. Yup, you read that right... on occasion (and sometimes at in-opportune times *blush*) I'm leaking. I honestly thought that this only occurred after birth when you're breastfeeding. But, I've learned that when you're pregnant you leak a fluid called colostrum - which is to lubricate things and generally get you ready for breastfeeding. Thus far, not a huge inconvenience... just something else for JB to laugh at me about! ;) I have removed one of my bras from my wardrobe, as it isn't thick enough to absorb anything if I do happen to leak at work... I'm really, really trying to avoid that!
I looked at the ticker at the top of this blog... less than 90 days/3 months... I'm not ready for this. Supplies wise (diapers, wipes, etc.), Baby Bee could arrive today if he wanted; birth wise, I'm just feeling a little apprehensive at this point in time. I've been feeling this way for a little while now... I really wish I could turn my brain off!
My first experiment with my sewing machine was a little aggravating. The curtains for Baby Bee's room are done, but the stitching leaves a bit to be desired - it's as if the lower tension was too loose, but there is nowhere on my machine to adjust lower tension. We're thinking that how thin the material I used is could also have played a part. So, I got frustrated and made JB finish the last little part of the project. But, I haven't give up completely... my next little project is going to be a little blanket - not a huge blanket, more of a receiving blanket (because you can never have too many of those).
If that goes well, I'm going to try something a little more complicated - a baby sleep sack. I wanted to buy a Halo Sleep Sack, but I'm not putting anything on my credit card right now and there is no where in Alberta to buy them in-store. So, I bought some really cute (Winnie the Pooh, of course) fleece today and will try my hand at making one. If it goes well, I'll make one for my friend's baby-to-be as part of her gift.
I really need the cleaning-fairy to show up at my house. The "nesting syndrome" you hear about with pregnant women definitely hasn't hit me yet... it had better hit soon... my house is in some serious need of cleaning! I want to clean it, but I'm lazy and there are more fun things to do...
Oh... here's an interesting pregnancy perk... I'm leaking. Yup, you read that right... on occasion (and sometimes at in-opportune times *blush*) I'm leaking. I honestly thought that this only occurred after birth when you're breastfeeding. But, I've learned that when you're pregnant you leak a fluid called colostrum - which is to lubricate things and generally get you ready for breastfeeding. Thus far, not a huge inconvenience... just something else for JB to laugh at me about! ;) I have removed one of my bras from my wardrobe, as it isn't thick enough to absorb anything if I do happen to leak at work... I'm really, really trying to avoid that!
June 19, 2007
It's a boy...
... Tee hee... most likely anyways! The technician at the 3D ultrasound is very sure Baby Bee is a boy (and it looked pretty obvious on the pic she showed us), which agrees with the technician at ultrasound #2 (see the July 5 post). We will still have two sets of names picked out... but now I can buy cute little boy clothes! And, if they are wrong, we will have some gender-neutral clothes that I have already purchased.
I'll be honest... I was hoping for a girl a little bit. JB was wanting a little daughter, and I think that's largely because he sees how his best friend is with his daughter and JB really envies that. So, after ultrasound #2 I was feeling a little disappointed for a few days (which, as I've read, is normal for most people to have a preference one way or the other). But, now I'm very excited! I'm glad we found out what we're having so that both of us have/had time to deal with any feelings of disappointment and can now focus on our little Baby Bee and how much fun it will be to have a little boy... and how much fun JB will have teaching that little boy to pick on his Mommy! :p Although I was hoping for a little girl, I got thinking... my original "plans" for a family was to have two children - one boy, one girl - with the boy older (in my mind, the big brother will protect the little sister... I know that doesn't always happen, but that's my little fantasy)... so, my "family plan" is one step closer to coming true! :D
The 3D ultrasound was really neat - I liked it a lot. We didn't get the clearest images because Baby Bee was snuggled right up into my placenta... must have been comfy! Apparently you get better images if there is a gap between the placenta and the baby. But, we couldn't get him to move. Part way through the tech gave me a lolly pop (mmm... sugar) and got me to move around in hopes that Baby Bee would move. Nope... no luck. All that resulted in was being assaulted from the inside out! I'm not sure if he did or didn't like that lemon lolly pop, but man were there some violent kicks after that! One even knocked the tech's device off my belly and then I had a fit of giggles!
I think the web-hosting is just for a couple of our still pics, and not the video. I'll post a link when I have it (I still haven't emailed them what pics to post). Although it was expensive, I'm glad we went... especially since we got to find out, with a fair degree of certainty, that Baby Bee is a boy!
On another note, JB and I spent a couple hours at the bank yesterday morning. It seemed to go pretty well, seeing as how we both have pretty good salaries and we (well, JB anyways) have some investments. Now we are waiting to find out the market-value of our house... if it's high enough we will be able to do the re-financing that we want to do and get everything in on payment with one low interest rate. If we can get a little extra, we are going to build the fence (yes, our fence is falling apart... who doesn't use treated lumber these days!) and the gravel parking pad where, eventually, the garage will go. Although the meeting seemed to go well... I still hate dealing with finances!
My bladder woke me up this morning at 4:15am and I couldn't get back to sleep... hence the early morning post. On the up side... I now have no excuse not to go swimming this morning. I've been wanting to go swimming at least twice a week for quite a while now, but the only time I can fit it in is in the morning before work. So, getting into that routine has been difficult (this will be swim #1 this am)! Hopefully I'll be able to get into a routine... I need to get some exercise and swimming is really good when pregnant (I've been gaining a lot of weight and I'm worried I could exceed what my doctor hopes I'll gain).
Well... I should go get everything together and head off to the pool. Chat you all later...
June 15, 2007
My how time flies...
26 weeks... wow! I can't believe how time flies!
For C-Dub... I believe today is the last day of my second-trimester. As of tomorrow, I'm officially in the home-stretch (aka: third-trimester)! Tomorrow is the 3D ultrasound - I really hope Baby Bee cooperates and we get some good images; I also hope s/he lets us know if it's a boy or girl.
I've been a little (okay, not so little) ball of stress lately... I'll post on my other blog as to the reason. Because of the stress, my heartburn/acid reflux has been really nasty recently. Gross! I am feeling better today though. I want to go swimming 2 to 3 times per week, but the only times I can go would be before work... and I can't drag my butt out of bed in the mornings... bah humbug! I'm going to make another attempt at getting to the pool next week - I think if I were to get into some sort of routine, I wouldn't have as much trouble getting up to go swimming in the morning. But, getting into that routine is the problem.
Pregnancy-related events coming up for me include:
- 3D Ultrasound - June 16
- Prenatal Appointment #6 - July 10
- "Late" Prenatal Class (1 of 2) - July 28
- "Late" Prenatal Class (2 of 2) - August 11 (daytime)
- Friends & Family Baby Shower - August 11 (evening)
- "Better Beginnings" Class at the Hospital - August 16
Lots of stuff is coming up. I need to get on top of my baby registry before August or I'll hear about it from my cousins! I'm registering at Babies R Us, as I despise Wal-Mart registries. I'm not a big fan of registries, but I guess they are helpful to those who want to get you something (whether it be for a wedding, baby shower, etc.) and don't want to get a gift card but want you to like what you're getting... hmmm... I think I'm babbling!
JB and I are heading to the bank on Monday to look into a home-equity type loan to consolidate some bills at a lower interest. We need to get our finances organized before I stop working... but I really do not enjoy dealing with money, especially when I'm stressed, and especially because I feel so bad that I have my student line-of-credit that JB will basically be paying for as I don't plan on working full-time after Baby Bee is born. *sigh* Money makes the world go round, right?
For C-Dub... I believe today is the last day of my second-trimester. As of tomorrow, I'm officially in the home-stretch (aka: third-trimester)! Tomorrow is the 3D ultrasound - I really hope Baby Bee cooperates and we get some good images; I also hope s/he lets us know if it's a boy or girl.
I've been a little (okay, not so little) ball of stress lately... I'll post on my other blog as to the reason. Because of the stress, my heartburn/acid reflux has been really nasty recently. Gross! I am feeling better today though. I want to go swimming 2 to 3 times per week, but the only times I can go would be before work... and I can't drag my butt out of bed in the mornings... bah humbug! I'm going to make another attempt at getting to the pool next week - I think if I were to get into some sort of routine, I wouldn't have as much trouble getting up to go swimming in the morning. But, getting into that routine is the problem.
Pregnancy-related events coming up for me include:
- 3D Ultrasound - June 16
- Prenatal Appointment #6 - July 10
- "Late" Prenatal Class (1 of 2) - July 28
- "Late" Prenatal Class (2 of 2) - August 11 (daytime)
- Friends & Family Baby Shower - August 11 (evening)
- "Better Beginnings" Class at the Hospital - August 16
Lots of stuff is coming up. I need to get on top of my baby registry before August or I'll hear about it from my cousins! I'm registering at Babies R Us, as I despise Wal-Mart registries. I'm not a big fan of registries, but I guess they are helpful to those who want to get you something (whether it be for a wedding, baby shower, etc.) and don't want to get a gift card but want you to like what you're getting... hmmm... I think I'm babbling!
JB and I are heading to the bank on Monday to look into a home-equity type loan to consolidate some bills at a lower interest. We need to get our finances organized before I stop working... but I really do not enjoy dealing with money, especially when I'm stressed, and especially because I feel so bad that I have my student line-of-credit that JB will basically be paying for as I don't plan on working full-time after Baby Bee is born. *sigh* Money makes the world go round, right?
June 05, 2007
Update - 24 weeks, 4 days:
I guess I should post some kind of update, seeing as how I haven't actually written anything since May 10th! So, here goes...
Well, first of all, C-dub asked if my belly is getting in the way and if I'm having trouble bending. Thus far, my belly isn't really getting in the way - as I am a "larger" woman, I'm not showing as much as a smaller woman does. Thus, my belly isn't all that big... though it is definately bigger than it used to be. I got JB to take some pics, but I am not a "cute pregnant lady" so I'm not posting them. Perhaps I'll like the next set of pics better (when I have more of a preggo-belly) and will post them... but no promises. As for bending over... yes, that is more difficult! Apparently things got rearranged inside of me and bending over is definately more challenging than it used to be. Getting in and out of bed can also be interesting.
I went for my second ultrasound on May 31... seeing as how Baby Bee was squirming too much during the April 17th one and the technician couldn't measure everything. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow, so I'll find out if everything is a-okay. The one thing I did learn is that apparently my right kidney isn't where it's supposed to be - it is lower and twisted. The technician and doctor (yes, the doctor on staff came in to take a look... he was a mean old man who has very poor bedside manner and is very rough with the ultrasound device... how would he like it if I poked and prodded him when his bladder was full?!) at the ultrasound didn't say much, so I will see what my regular doctor says tomorrow.
Baby Bee made the ultrasound technologist laugh, as s/he was folded in half and apparently had the hiccups! One thing I notice is that during ultrasounds I can feel things with the baby that normally I can't yet. I don't know if it's because you don't have anything better to do than to pay attention to your body for the hour or if it's because of the way the technician is pushing on things... either way... it's neat. I could feel the hiccups and that is a funny sensation! I don't think I'll be able to really feel something like that normally for a week or so, as that's what happened after the first ultrasound.
Now, in terms of whether Baby Bee is a boy or a girl... we don't know. I asked the ultrasound technician if they could tell and they said "I think it's a ... " (emphasis on the long, drawn-out, unsure "think"). However, partway through the ultrasound, the technician accidentally referred to the baby as the opposite gender. Thus, JB and I decided that we do not know if Baby Bee is a boy or a girl. And, we aren't telling people what the ultrasound technologist said. We will wait until our 3D ultrasound on June 16 and see what that shows.
Enough about the ultrasound! The other thing I will find out tomorrow is the results of my GDS test (gestational diabetes screen). That test wasn't nearly as bad as my friend had made it out to be - you have to drink this really sweet, slightly carbonated, orange drink within 5 minutes and then you have to sit in the lab for 1 hour before they take your blood. The drink wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, but then again I have a really bad sweet tooth and my prego-friend cannot stand things that are too sweet right now.
So, things are going okay. I'm still tired all the time. Other than that, I get pretty bad back pain at times and headaches/migraines are a pretty regular occurance. But, I'm surviving and I know that there are women that go through a lot worse than I have thus far. So, we shall see...
Well, first of all, C-dub asked if my belly is getting in the way and if I'm having trouble bending. Thus far, my belly isn't really getting in the way - as I am a "larger" woman, I'm not showing as much as a smaller woman does. Thus, my belly isn't all that big... though it is definately bigger than it used to be. I got JB to take some pics, but I am not a "cute pregnant lady" so I'm not posting them. Perhaps I'll like the next set of pics better (when I have more of a preggo-belly) and will post them... but no promises. As for bending over... yes, that is more difficult! Apparently things got rearranged inside of me and bending over is definately more challenging than it used to be. Getting in and out of bed can also be interesting.
I went for my second ultrasound on May 31... seeing as how Baby Bee was squirming too much during the April 17th one and the technician couldn't measure everything. I will be seeing my doctor tomorrow, so I'll find out if everything is a-okay. The one thing I did learn is that apparently my right kidney isn't where it's supposed to be - it is lower and twisted. The technician and doctor (yes, the doctor on staff came in to take a look... he was a mean old man who has very poor bedside manner and is very rough with the ultrasound device... how would he like it if I poked and prodded him when his bladder was full?!) at the ultrasound didn't say much, so I will see what my regular doctor says tomorrow.
Baby Bee made the ultrasound technologist laugh, as s/he was folded in half and apparently had the hiccups! One thing I notice is that during ultrasounds I can feel things with the baby that normally I can't yet. I don't know if it's because you don't have anything better to do than to pay attention to your body for the hour or if it's because of the way the technician is pushing on things... either way... it's neat. I could feel the hiccups and that is a funny sensation! I don't think I'll be able to really feel something like that normally for a week or so, as that's what happened after the first ultrasound.
Now, in terms of whether Baby Bee is a boy or a girl... we don't know. I asked the ultrasound technician if they could tell and they said "I think it's a ... " (emphasis on the long, drawn-out, unsure "think"). However, partway through the ultrasound, the technician accidentally referred to the baby as the opposite gender. Thus, JB and I decided that we do not know if Baby Bee is a boy or a girl. And, we aren't telling people what the ultrasound technologist said. We will wait until our 3D ultrasound on June 16 and see what that shows.
Enough about the ultrasound! The other thing I will find out tomorrow is the results of my GDS test (gestational diabetes screen). That test wasn't nearly as bad as my friend had made it out to be - you have to drink this really sweet, slightly carbonated, orange drink within 5 minutes and then you have to sit in the lab for 1 hour before they take your blood. The drink wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, but then again I have a really bad sweet tooth and my prego-friend cannot stand things that are too sweet right now.
So, things are going okay. I'm still tired all the time. Other than that, I get pretty bad back pain at times and headaches/migraines are a pretty regular occurance. But, I'm surviving and I know that there are women that go through a lot worse than I have thus far. So, we shall see...
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May 22, 2007
May 10, 2007
Comments & My 'Free Fall' Writing Sample:
Firstly, contrary to what the little bar at the top of my blog says right now, Baby Bee does not keep me up or wake me up at night... yet! According to my doctor and the ultrasound tech, s/he sure does wiggle though!
In my earlier post I forgot to mention that my lower back / hip pain seems to be getting worse for the time being. It is still most painful when I'm lying down (ie: trying to sleep) and transitioning from being upright to lying down. However, today I was in moderate pain sitting at my desk. As this was the first time I've had pain while sitting/standing, I hope I just twisted wrong and that part will go away. I don't expect the lying down pain to go away any time soon. :'(
So, my writing sample... At the women's conference I attended a session on "Creative Journaling" and during that session we did a "free fall" writing exercise. We were given 7 minutes in which we had to write continuously about anything that came to mind. We had 30 seconds to muse and then start writing, but after that our pens basically did not leave the paper. There was music for a source of inspiration if needed. As I seem to have a one-track mind lately (focused on the pregnancy) inspiration wasn't required. Here's what I came up with...
~ ~ ~
Baby Bee. My little honeybee. So tiny and fragile. So full of hopes and dreams and untainted by the world around. I want the world that you see to be one filled with love and hope and joy and promise. I fear that when you open your beautiful eyes for the first time you will not see the love and beauty that I wish for you. I fear you will see a world filled with selfishness, hatred, pettiness, crime, war, fear, and death. You will be changed. You won't be the 'perfect' untouched being in my womb. You will be tainted by the world. Will you see past the hatred and the fear? Will the crime and war give you sleepless nights?
Or will you see the beauty that exists within nature and the hearts of your parents? In this dark world a rose still blooms. You are my rose. You are the beauty in my world. You help me see past the fear and hatred. Beyond the war and death. Beyond the ugliness to a world of such beauty and love that it brings tears to my eyes. I love you, Baby Bee and I hope you love me too.
Why I can't I feel you move within me yet? It is time, so they say. I thought I felt you once and I was so amazed that my very breath seemed to catch in my throat. But I have not felt you since. Perhaps you are there moving and I just cannot recognize that it is you. It is the rose that parts the clouds on a rainy day. It is my love. It is my Baby Bee. The world isn't all dark.
In my earlier post I forgot to mention that my lower back / hip pain seems to be getting worse for the time being. It is still most painful when I'm lying down (ie: trying to sleep) and transitioning from being upright to lying down. However, today I was in moderate pain sitting at my desk. As this was the first time I've had pain while sitting/standing, I hope I just twisted wrong and that part will go away. I don't expect the lying down pain to go away any time soon. :'(
So, my writing sample... At the women's conference I attended a session on "Creative Journaling" and during that session we did a "free fall" writing exercise. We were given 7 minutes in which we had to write continuously about anything that came to mind. We had 30 seconds to muse and then start writing, but after that our pens basically did not leave the paper. There was music for a source of inspiration if needed. As I seem to have a one-track mind lately (focused on the pregnancy) inspiration wasn't required. Here's what I came up with...
~ ~ ~
Baby Bee. My little honeybee. So tiny and fragile. So full of hopes and dreams and untainted by the world around. I want the world that you see to be one filled with love and hope and joy and promise. I fear that when you open your beautiful eyes for the first time you will not see the love and beauty that I wish for you. I fear you will see a world filled with selfishness, hatred, pettiness, crime, war, fear, and death. You will be changed. You won't be the 'perfect' untouched being in my womb. You will be tainted by the world. Will you see past the hatred and the fear? Will the crime and war give you sleepless nights?
Or will you see the beauty that exists within nature and the hearts of your parents? In this dark world a rose still blooms. You are my rose. You are the beauty in my world. You help me see past the fear and hatred. Beyond the war and death. Beyond the ugliness to a world of such beauty and love that it brings tears to my eyes. I love you, Baby Bee and I hope you love me too.
Why I can't I feel you move within me yet? It is time, so they say. I thought I felt you once and I was so amazed that my very breath seemed to catch in my throat. But I have not felt you since. Perhaps you are there moving and I just cannot recognize that it is you. It is the rose that parts the clouds on a rainy day. It is my love. It is my Baby Bee. The world isn't all dark.
My favorite lullaby...
Return To Pooh Corner
by Kenny Loggins
~ ~ ~
Christopher Robin and I walked along
Under branches lit up by the moon
Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore
As our days disappeared all too soon
But I've wandered much further today than I should
And I can't seem to find my way back to the Wood
~ ~ ~
So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You'd be surprised
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh
~ ~ ~
Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do
Got a honey jar stuck on his nose
He came to me asking help and advice
And from here no one knows where he goes
So I sent him to ask of the Owl if he's there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear
~ ~ ~
It's hard to explain how a few precious things
Seem to follow throughout all our lives
After all's said and done I was watching my son
Sleeping there with my bear by his side
So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going
I swear that the old bear whispered "Boy welcome home"
~ ~ ~
Believe me if you can
I've finally come back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
What do you know
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin
Back to the ways of Christopher Robin
Back to the days of Pooh
I love my hubby!
Yup... my hubby put me in a super-happy mood yesterday... the best I've been in since I became pregnant. How did he manage such a feat, you might wonder? Well, wonder no more for I am about to share the news...
This weekend is both my birthday and Mother's Day. Well, I found something that I want to do that would mean more to me than any present possibly could... I want to go for a 3-D/4-D Ultrasound! There is a clinic called UC Baby that has offices across Canada, including Alberta. It is a bit pricy, but when I saw it I knew that I wanted to go. So, as my combined birthday and Mother's Day present, JB and I have an appointment booked for the "Complete 4-D Package" on June 16!!! I am so excited! A co-worker of mine and his wife just went to the same clinic we're going to and they are really happy with the service. Part of the package I'm getting has optional web-hosting for 2-months (no extra charge) so I will definately get that.
So... that is one more chance to try and find out what gender Baby Bee is. Another chance comes on May 31 when I have to go for a second routine ultrasound. Baby Bee was so active and non-cooperative during the first ultrasound that the technician couldn't get all the standard measurements and checks that they normall perform. So, we have to get another one to just make sure everything is in the right places! My doctor said not to worry, as it is just a routine thing... my baby is just too active! Goody!
I did a little bit of writing when I was at the Women's Conference last weekend and one piece was about/to our baby. Perhaps I'll track it down and post it sometime this weekend. One person in that particular class had suggested that it become my first scrapbook page if I do a baby scrapbook (which I more than likely will!).
This weekend is both my birthday and Mother's Day. Well, I found something that I want to do that would mean more to me than any present possibly could... I want to go for a 3-D/4-D Ultrasound! There is a clinic called UC Baby that has offices across Canada, including Alberta. It is a bit pricy, but when I saw it I knew that I wanted to go. So, as my combined birthday and Mother's Day present, JB and I have an appointment booked for the "Complete 4-D Package" on June 16!!! I am so excited! A co-worker of mine and his wife just went to the same clinic we're going to and they are really happy with the service. Part of the package I'm getting has optional web-hosting for 2-months (no extra charge) so I will definately get that.
So... that is one more chance to try and find out what gender Baby Bee is. Another chance comes on May 31 when I have to go for a second routine ultrasound. Baby Bee was so active and non-cooperative during the first ultrasound that the technician couldn't get all the standard measurements and checks that they normall perform. So, we have to get another one to just make sure everything is in the right places! My doctor said not to worry, as it is just a routine thing... my baby is just too active! Goody!
I did a little bit of writing when I was at the Women's Conference last weekend and one piece was about/to our baby. Perhaps I'll track it down and post it sometime this weekend. One person in that particular class had suggested that it become my first scrapbook page if I do a baby scrapbook (which I more than likely will!).
May 07, 2007
20 weeks, 3 (or 5) days:
I am now technically past the half-way point in my pregnancy, as I am in the 21st week (20 weeks, 3 or 5 days). As a note, the discrepancy in the "days" when counting is the difference between the doctor's guess (due: Sept 21) and the ultrasound (due: Sept 18). However, I don't see it as being half-way through quite yet. For one, counting what week you're in begins at the day of your last "cycle", not at the date of conception (approximately 2 weeks difference). And then, you don't actually figure out that you're pregnant until after your next cycle is late. Thus, for at least a month of "being pregnant" you don't actually know that you're pregnant. So, I think week 24 is a more accurate description of the mid-way point of a woman's pregnancy. Plus, from what I've heard, the last month or so can really drag on once you get into that "uncomfortable stage" thereby making the last little bit feel a lot longer than the early stages of pregnancy! :D
I'm feeling pretty good these days. A little low on energy and sleep, but I think that's our body's way of preparing us for motherhood! I cannot sleep in for the life of me... my bladder wakes me up like clockwork (either around 7am or, if I'm lucky, 8am) - this morning that was a good thing, as I had set my alarm for 7:45am instead of 6:45am... my internal bladder-powered alarm woke me up at 7:05am! My pregnant friend ended up in the hospital yesterday because of a bad flu that is going around the city - both she and her 2-year old daughter were very ill. Thus, I will be staying away from that house for a few days! After being put on IV to re-hydrate her, she is doing much better today.
I'm not sure if I've been feeling the baby kick. I thought I was, but now I'm not so sure. I guess things should develop into more regular kicking of my insides over the next few weeks. I have my next prenatal appointment on Wednesday, so as long as the heartbeat is still strong and the baby is moving (the last doctor was laughing while trying to hear my baby's heartbeat due to so much "swimming" around) then I will feel at peace for now.
I was at a women's conference this past weekend and I discovered that there are certain yoga positions that do not agree with me right now - these include child's pose and anything that involves lying on my back on a hard floor! I'm not showing much, but bending over is definately becoming more challenging! The lying on my back thing affects me at home too (ie: when trying to watch TV in bed)... I have to prop my legs up, otherwise I have severe discomfort/pain in my lower back and hip areas. But, that's life right now!
I love our baby room! Perhaps tonight I'll take some pictures and post them on here. I just love sitting in there on my glider-rocker listening to music or reading.
Edit (1:55pm): Oops... the above post should read "20 days, 3 (or 6) days"! I can't count!
I'm feeling pretty good these days. A little low on energy and sleep, but I think that's our body's way of preparing us for motherhood! I cannot sleep in for the life of me... my bladder wakes me up like clockwork (either around 7am or, if I'm lucky, 8am) - this morning that was a good thing, as I had set my alarm for 7:45am instead of 6:45am... my internal bladder-powered alarm woke me up at 7:05am! My pregnant friend ended up in the hospital yesterday because of a bad flu that is going around the city - both she and her 2-year old daughter were very ill. Thus, I will be staying away from that house for a few days! After being put on IV to re-hydrate her, she is doing much better today.
I'm not sure if I've been feeling the baby kick. I thought I was, but now I'm not so sure. I guess things should develop into more regular kicking of my insides over the next few weeks. I have my next prenatal appointment on Wednesday, so as long as the heartbeat is still strong and the baby is moving (the last doctor was laughing while trying to hear my baby's heartbeat due to so much "swimming" around) then I will feel at peace for now.
I was at a women's conference this past weekend and I discovered that there are certain yoga positions that do not agree with me right now - these include child's pose and anything that involves lying on my back on a hard floor! I'm not showing much, but bending over is definately becoming more challenging! The lying on my back thing affects me at home too (ie: when trying to watch TV in bed)... I have to prop my legs up, otherwise I have severe discomfort/pain in my lower back and hip areas. But, that's life right now!
I love our baby room! Perhaps tonight I'll take some pictures and post them on here. I just love sitting in there on my glider-rocker listening to music or reading.
Edit (1:55pm): Oops... the above post should read "20 days, 3 (or 6) days"! I can't count!
April 23, 2007
Good Monday to you all!
I was a bad, bad girl this weekend! I gave into a serious craving for sushi. According to literature, pregnant women are supposed to avoid all raw animal protein. However, I believe it is because there is a risk of the mother getting sick from improperly handled/prepared food and not a direct risk to the baby. Technically, a mom-to-be isn't supposed to eat under-cooked meat or soft egg yolks either. However, I still eat my steak medium-rare and I despise over-cooked eggs! This is not a craving I plan on succumbing to on a regular basis... but oh my did it ever taste delicious!
There is so much information out there on what you should and shouldn't do when you're pregnant... what you should and shouldn't eat... what you should and shouldn't drink... Way too much information! And, quite often, there is contradictory information. Thankfully my doctor has the mentality that "pregnancy is a condition, not a disease" and as such is pretty laid back and tells me when things I read are crap. He was quite adamant that there is to be no skydiving or bungee-jumping! :D
I went and got myself run-down last week which resulted in me picking up a nasty cold bug in the later portions of the week (ie: just in time for the weekend). I had back-to-back deadlines that caused a decent amount of stress as well as very early mornings at work. Once I finished them and the work-adrenalin stopped, the cold set in way too quickly. I left at lunch on Friday and crawled into bed. I spent a lot of time sleeping this past weekend and attempting any and all home remedies that we could think of! The best I came up with was Vicks Vapor Rub, Breathe Right Nasal Strips, and a Vaporizer (hot-water humidifier) complete with liquid Vicks to add to it. I can sort of breathe today, but I get really stuffed up at night still and have a hard time sleeping (last night was my best sleep in 3 nights). A hot shower in the morning gets me through a good portion of the day.
Although I was incredibly under-the-weather this weekend, I actually managed to get one big job done! I've been suffering from a lack of work-appropriate clothing lately, but was given a garbage bag full of maternity clothing a few months ago. So, this weekend... before going shopping... I cleared my closed and drawers of clothes I cannot wear anymore and hung up / put away all the maternity clothes I have at this point. I had stuff in there I didn't know about! Now, even though my closet is emptier, I know that I can wear everything in it. That makes me happy.
One final thought for this Monday... apparently I am now starting to "look pregnant"! This too makes me feel happy as I am no longer just looking like I'm retaining water or eating too many snacks. I've had a few different people (including my hubby) tell me that I'm beginning to look like a preggie! :D
There is so much information out there on what you should and shouldn't do when you're pregnant... what you should and shouldn't eat... what you should and shouldn't drink... Way too much information! And, quite often, there is contradictory information. Thankfully my doctor has the mentality that "pregnancy is a condition, not a disease" and as such is pretty laid back and tells me when things I read are crap. He was quite adamant that there is to be no skydiving or bungee-jumping! :D
I went and got myself run-down last week which resulted in me picking up a nasty cold bug in the later portions of the week (ie: just in time for the weekend). I had back-to-back deadlines that caused a decent amount of stress as well as very early mornings at work. Once I finished them and the work-adrenalin stopped, the cold set in way too quickly. I left at lunch on Friday and crawled into bed. I spent a lot of time sleeping this past weekend and attempting any and all home remedies that we could think of! The best I came up with was Vicks Vapor Rub, Breathe Right Nasal Strips, and a Vaporizer (hot-water humidifier) complete with liquid Vicks to add to it. I can sort of breathe today, but I get really stuffed up at night still and have a hard time sleeping (last night was my best sleep in 3 nights). A hot shower in the morning gets me through a good portion of the day.
Although I was incredibly under-the-weather this weekend, I actually managed to get one big job done! I've been suffering from a lack of work-appropriate clothing lately, but was given a garbage bag full of maternity clothing a few months ago. So, this weekend... before going shopping... I cleared my closed and drawers of clothes I cannot wear anymore and hung up / put away all the maternity clothes I have at this point. I had stuff in there I didn't know about! Now, even though my closet is emptier, I know that I can wear everything in it. That makes me happy.
One final thought for this Monday... apparently I am now starting to "look pregnant"! This too makes me feel happy as I am no longer just looking like I'm retaining water or eating too many snacks. I've had a few different people (including my hubby) tell me that I'm beginning to look like a preggie! :D
April 18, 2007
The good, the bad, and the ugly!
The good: I had my ultrasound yesterday and all looked good. The tech had a hard time getting all the measurements required as Baby B. is very, very active and as such I was in the exam room for quite a while. Seeing the heartrate on the screen is really neat. Our due-date is pretty much dead on (doctor said Sept 21; ultrasound said Sept 18) and as such will not be altered. And Baby B. weighs approximately 8 oz. which is apparently normal for this stage (18 weeks). All looked good according to the tech and my doctor will have the results in a day or two (well before my next prenatal visit). However... JB and I had hoped to find out if Baby B. is a girl or boy but no such luck! S/he was basically folded in half (picture a tiny baby in the pike position) and as such the tech could not determine what sex our baby is. All in all a really good experience.
The bad: I scared myself something fierce today! I am utterly exhausted (due to back-to-back report deadlines at work) and was in a hurry after work to make it to an appointment. Add to the equation the fact that it's been snowing/raining all day, thus making things slippery, and what do you get? You get me falling, basically doing a faceplant, and landing square on my stomach. Thus, I was really worried. I went to the doctor's office and one of the on-duty doctors felt my stomach area, listened to Baby B.'s heartbeat, and checked my pulse and bloodpressure. After all my worrying (and tears) things are fine. The doctor just told me that if there is any bleeding to go to the hospital, but so far (4 hours later) nothing. When I was lying on the exam table and the doctor was listening to Baby B.'s heartbeat he kept laughing because Baby B. kept moving. Hearing the doctor's genuine, happy laugh made tears stream down my face... I couldn't stop it!
The ugly: My obsession with McDonalds. Ick! Well, I'm really only addicted/craving two items and they are probably two of the healthier things on the menu - grilled cheese sandwich and the chicken snack wrap. I don't know why McDonalds grilled cheese tastes so good, but it does! :D
~ ~ ~
C-Dub asked how my energy is. Well, right now it is in the negative. However, only part of that is from the pregnancy I think. I have back-to-back report deadlines that I am in the middle of right now and as such I haven't been getting nearly as much sleep as I seem to require. Just one more sleep-deprived night and day and then I think I get a little break!
One thing that I think I've decided is that I'm pretty sure I'm feeling the baby move. The feelings are getting to be too regular to be gas (which I haven't suffered from too much yet). My one friend described some of the feeling she had with her first as "tap-dancing on my hips/ribs". That describes pretty well what I've been feeling quite a bit of today! :)
The bad: I scared myself something fierce today! I am utterly exhausted (due to back-to-back report deadlines at work) and was in a hurry after work to make it to an appointment. Add to the equation the fact that it's been snowing/raining all day, thus making things slippery, and what do you get? You get me falling, basically doing a faceplant, and landing square on my stomach. Thus, I was really worried. I went to the doctor's office and one of the on-duty doctors felt my stomach area, listened to Baby B.'s heartbeat, and checked my pulse and bloodpressure. After all my worrying (and tears) things are fine. The doctor just told me that if there is any bleeding to go to the hospital, but so far (4 hours later) nothing. When I was lying on the exam table and the doctor was listening to Baby B.'s heartbeat he kept laughing because Baby B. kept moving. Hearing the doctor's genuine, happy laugh made tears stream down my face... I couldn't stop it!
The ugly: My obsession with McDonalds. Ick! Well, I'm really only addicted/craving two items and they are probably two of the healthier things on the menu - grilled cheese sandwich and the chicken snack wrap. I don't know why McDonalds grilled cheese tastes so good, but it does! :D
~ ~ ~
C-Dub asked how my energy is. Well, right now it is in the negative. However, only part of that is from the pregnancy I think. I have back-to-back report deadlines that I am in the middle of right now and as such I haven't been getting nearly as much sleep as I seem to require. Just one more sleep-deprived night and day and then I think I get a little break!
One thing that I think I've decided is that I'm pretty sure I'm feeling the baby move. The feelings are getting to be too regular to be gas (which I haven't suffered from too much yet). My one friend described some of the feeling she had with her first as "tap-dancing on my hips/ribs". That describes pretty well what I've been feeling quite a bit of today! :)
April 03, 2007
Another product search:
Okay girls (and boy if Matthew is reading this)... I need your help again. This time I am looking for the Heart-to-Heart Prenatal Listening System from your local Toys R Us/Babies R Us. These are very hard to find, but I'm guessing there's a better chance of finding one in Ontario than my little city (there were three in stock here, but they pretty much sold the day they went on the shelves... and they are only getting three more in sometime in the next month). I did find it on that website Nej sent me to for the Dekor Diaper Refills, but it is quite a bit more than $29.99. So, if any of you find it I would absoloutely love it if you could buy it and mail it to me and I would then send a cheque your way when you let me know what it cost with shipping. :D
I've still been feeling pretty blue these days... the darn snow isn't helping! Plus, I've been having a little trouble with my back/hips which doesn't make life at a computer desk all that fun. Oh... speaking of the Dekor Diaper Refills... thanks to e-bay.ca and Nej... I am well stocked! By the time I need more refills perhaps they will be more convenient to find and if not, then I will order from Safety Superstore.
I left work early today due to my back/hips and headed over to my chiropractor (I think I'll be visiting him often over the next 6 months). The funny thing is... his wife is due in August! Then, since I was missing work anyways, I decided to head over to my doctor's office and go walk-in for my monthly prenatal visit (I picked a great day... no line-up!) rather than missing work again tomorrow. The visit was short and sweet. My blood pressure is still holding (135/85); I've gained a little bit of weight (2kg according to their scale... less according to my weekly TOPS weigh-ins); and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time!!! Oh my goodness... did that ever make my week! There actually is something in there... and it's growing! :D
I've still been feeling pretty blue these days... the darn snow isn't helping! Plus, I've been having a little trouble with my back/hips which doesn't make life at a computer desk all that fun. Oh... speaking of the Dekor Diaper Refills... thanks to e-bay.ca and Nej... I am well stocked! By the time I need more refills perhaps they will be more convenient to find and if not, then I will order from Safety Superstore.
I left work early today due to my back/hips and headed over to my chiropractor (I think I'll be visiting him often over the next 6 months). The funny thing is... his wife is due in August! Then, since I was missing work anyways, I decided to head over to my doctor's office and go walk-in for my monthly prenatal visit (I picked a great day... no line-up!) rather than missing work again tomorrow. The visit was short and sweet. My blood pressure is still holding (135/85); I've gained a little bit of weight (2kg according to their scale... less according to my weekly TOPS weigh-ins); and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time!!! Oh my goodness... did that ever make my week! There actually is something in there... and it's growing! :D
March 28, 2007
Feeling blue...
I wish I "felt" pregnant. Other than missing that monthly joy, I don't really have anything telling me that I'm pregnant (if that makes any sense). I was lucky enough to be in the 25% of women that don't experience any morning sickness (nausea - yes, actual sickness - no)... had some heartburn, but that's gone for the time being. Thus, I just generally feel tired... probably feels like a minor case of mono right now.
I haven't heard the baby's heartbeat yet... I should at my doctor's appointment next week (Wednesday). If I don't... I will start to worry (my doctor told me not to worry at the last one when we didn't hear it, due to only being 11.5 weeks along at that time). I haven't felt the baby move, and more than likely won't until 18-20 weeks along. So, at this point in time, my pregnancy just doesn't seem *real*.
The only thing that is feeling *real* right now is the stress I'm feeling relating to the monetary aspect of bringing a child into this world! I was in tears last night over that topic. I feel like it's my fault that money is going to be tight when I'm not working... and it is largely my fault - I have a huge student loan that is now JB's burden. To me, that doesn't seem fair to him. Plus, my tax return this year is a lot lower than previous years... I really liked my tax returns when I was a student, or at least when I still had federal tax (education) credits to use up - this year I am using the last of my provincial tax credits which doesn't make a whole lot of difference on a tax return since Alberta's tax rate is so low and the personal limit is so high. But, I guess it's better than owing money.
So, I've been feeling very "normal" these past couple weeks - no nausea, no heartburn, and more energy (though still slightly tired) than before. Welcome to the second trimester! I even have a spring cleaning schedule for April in hopes of getting my house back being presentable... it is a disgusting mess right now, as I haven't had the energy to do anything since January. :)
Toys R' Us moved (within the same mall) and recently opened their new store in town... it is gorgeous! They opened a *huge* Babies R' Us section... probably 4 times bigger than previously existed. I love it! Now, if only I had money to spend there...
I haven't heard the baby's heartbeat yet... I should at my doctor's appointment next week (Wednesday). If I don't... I will start to worry (my doctor told me not to worry at the last one when we didn't hear it, due to only being 11.5 weeks along at that time). I haven't felt the baby move, and more than likely won't until 18-20 weeks along. So, at this point in time, my pregnancy just doesn't seem *real*.
The only thing that is feeling *real* right now is the stress I'm feeling relating to the monetary aspect of bringing a child into this world! I was in tears last night over that topic. I feel like it's my fault that money is going to be tight when I'm not working... and it is largely my fault - I have a huge student loan that is now JB's burden. To me, that doesn't seem fair to him. Plus, my tax return this year is a lot lower than previous years... I really liked my tax returns when I was a student, or at least when I still had federal tax (education) credits to use up - this year I am using the last of my provincial tax credits which doesn't make a whole lot of difference on a tax return since Alberta's tax rate is so low and the personal limit is so high. But, I guess it's better than owing money.
So, I've been feeling very "normal" these past couple weeks - no nausea, no heartburn, and more energy (though still slightly tired) than before. Welcome to the second trimester! I even have a spring cleaning schedule for April in hopes of getting my house back being presentable... it is a disgusting mess right now, as I haven't had the energy to do anything since January. :)
Toys R' Us moved (within the same mall) and recently opened their new store in town... it is gorgeous! They opened a *huge* Babies R' Us section... probably 4 times bigger than previously existed. I love it! Now, if only I had money to spend there...
March 18, 2007
I need your guys' help...
I am trying really hard to find "Diaper Dekor Refills" - an example of the product can be found at the manufacturer's website. I am in need of just the normal (blue-top box) refills (not the Dekor + refills). If my normal blog-readers could please check their local Toys R' Us in Ontario, it would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if you find any. I'm a little miffed... I got outbid on ebay.ca for some at the last minute today - that's what I get for not going down at the bid ending time! And, I won't be home when my other bid closes tomorrow because I'll be at an "early prenatal class". :(
JB makes me smile... he's so excited for our ultrasound that he's counting down the days (yesterday was exactly 1 month to go). It took me a few seconds to figure out what was exactly a month away... something tells me he's pretty excited to be a dad!
I went and saw a couple I was friends with in high school last night - they had a beautiful baby boy on March 3rd. He's absolutely gorgeous... and so tiny! I still can't get over seeing the husband with his son... he and I have known each other since grade 7 and we even got together a couple times when I was living in Ontario. People change when that little bundle of joy enters their life.
JB makes me smile... he's so excited for our ultrasound that he's counting down the days (yesterday was exactly 1 month to go). It took me a few seconds to figure out what was exactly a month away... something tells me he's pretty excited to be a dad!
I went and saw a couple I was friends with in high school last night - they had a beautiful baby boy on March 3rd. He's absolutely gorgeous... and so tiny! I still can't get over seeing the husband with his son... he and I have known each other since grade 7 and we even got together a couple times when I was living in Ontario. People change when that little bundle of joy enters their life.
March 08, 2007
Okay... this is it for tonight!
I just wanted to post one more thing... I've been searching high and low for this chart I had once upon a time dealing with weight gain through pregnancy. Well, I finally found it! Apparently, I'm on the low end of weight gain thus far, as I have only gained about a pound (or less) since I became pregnant. So, for your browsing enjoyment... here it is:
Edit (7:57am): I was looking at this chart and realized something - my doctor advised me that a gain of 20 to 25 lbs over my entire pregnancy would be healthy (I had to get a number for TOPS). Thus, I should be at the low end of the scale for the entire time... it's because I'm not a "small" woman to begin with.
Edit (7:57am): I was looking at this chart and realized something - my doctor advised me that a gain of 20 to 25 lbs over my entire pregnancy would be healthy (I had to get a number for TOPS). Thus, I should be at the low end of the scale for the entire time... it's because I'm not a "small" woman to begin with.
Happy news, sad news...
I found out some happy news and some sad news today:
Happy news... a couple of people I knew in junior high/high school (one of which I was pretty good friends from grade 7 onwards) had a baby boy on March 3rd. I'm so happy for them. They dated in high school... went their separate ways for a while... and found each other later on. It's kind of like mine and JB's story... except we didn't date in high school!
Sad news... there was a woman in TOPS with me who would have been around 9 weeks pregnant... but, sadly, she lost her baby. This is the second miscarriage she has endured. I feel so sad for her.
Happy news... a couple of people I knew in junior high/high school (one of which I was pretty good friends from grade 7 onwards) had a baby boy on March 3rd. I'm so happy for them. They dated in high school... went their separate ways for a while... and found each other later on. It's kind of like mine and JB's story... except we didn't date in high school!
Sad news... there was a woman in TOPS with me who would have been around 9 weeks pregnant... but, sadly, she lost her baby. This is the second miscarriage she has endured. I feel so sad for her.
Little Scare...
...but not to worry, it was mostly just me...
Shortly after lunch yesterday I started to feel really hot in the head and generally not well. Thus, I went outside and got some fresh air (it's been getting to around +10 these days) after which I went to the pharmacy next door to check my blood pressure - it was 148/89! ("Optimal" is <120/80,>=140/90) Apparently it is more likely for a pregnant woman to have low blood pressure, than to have high blood pressure so even a "high normal" reading is not terribly good. So, after calling HealthLink I went to see my doctor. However, after sitting in the waiting room for an hour my blood pressure had returned to normal (go figure!). Anywhoo... I have to go back on Friday to check it again, as he wants to keep an eye on it.
Before leaving work to go to the doctor's office, I had a mini-meltdown (yup, I'm emotional to begin with and then add pregnancy hormones into the mix... bad combo). I feel awful for missing work and I find it hard to read my supervisor's emotions... he always seem laid back, happy, and easy-going... always. Well, after talking to another high-up in my department it seems he is always laid back, happy, and easy-going. But, I was still afraid that I was missing too much work... not to mention the financial aspect of missing work has been bugging me (I have no sick days or holidays at the moment). As it turns out, I am very lucky to be working where I am... they are more concerned about my health than missing work. I can come and go whenever. The one even mentioned working 4 days per week until I'm feeling a bit better, if I wanted. And, today, my supervisor assured me that they have been very happy with the work I've been doing since joining the company. So, needless to say, I am feeling much, much better today and hopefully all future work-related mini-meltdowns can be avoided.
Oh... the reason my doctor wants to keep monitoring my blood pressure is because apparently having high blood pressure before 20 weeks (I'm approx. 12 weeks) can lead to pregnancy induced hypertension (aka: toxemia, aka: preeclampsia).
Shortly after lunch yesterday I started to feel really hot in the head and generally not well. Thus, I went outside and got some fresh air (it's been getting to around +10 these days) after which I went to the pharmacy next door to check my blood pressure - it was 148/89! ("Optimal" is <120/80,>=140/90) Apparently it is more likely for a pregnant woman to have low blood pressure, than to have high blood pressure so even a "high normal" reading is not terribly good. So, after calling HealthLink I went to see my doctor. However, after sitting in the waiting room for an hour my blood pressure had returned to normal (go figure!). Anywhoo... I have to go back on Friday to check it again, as he wants to keep an eye on it.
Before leaving work to go to the doctor's office, I had a mini-meltdown (yup, I'm emotional to begin with and then add pregnancy hormones into the mix... bad combo). I feel awful for missing work and I find it hard to read my supervisor's emotions... he always seem laid back, happy, and easy-going... always. Well, after talking to another high-up in my department it seems he is always laid back, happy, and easy-going. But, I was still afraid that I was missing too much work... not to mention the financial aspect of missing work has been bugging me (I have no sick days or holidays at the moment). As it turns out, I am very lucky to be working where I am... they are more concerned about my health than missing work. I can come and go whenever. The one even mentioned working 4 days per week until I'm feeling a bit better, if I wanted. And, today, my supervisor assured me that they have been very happy with the work I've been doing since joining the company. So, needless to say, I am feeling much, much better today and hopefully all future work-related mini-meltdowns can be avoided.
Oh... the reason my doctor wants to keep monitoring my blood pressure is because apparently having high blood pressure before 20 weeks (I'm approx. 12 weeks) can lead to pregnancy induced hypertension (aka: toxemia, aka: preeclampsia).
March 05, 2007
Prenatal Appt #2
I had my second prenatal appointment today. It was pretty boring. The doctor tried, but unfortunately we could not hear the baby's heartbeat yet. He told us before we tried not to panic if we didn't hear it, as it can take as long as up to 14 weeks before the monitor can pick it up... and I'm only in my 12th week. I was really hoping we'd be able to hear it, as JB came to the appointment with me. My next appointment is April 4th.
I have my ultrasound booked... April 17 at 2pm (JB will be there!). That is pretty exciting.
On the potentially not-so-good side of things, my blood pressure jumped a huge amount from the last appointment to this one. If my bp jumps the same amount by the next appointment, I'm in trouble. Today it was 135/85. I asked my doctor what he considered to be "high blood pressure" and he said anything at 140/90 or higher. I'm not very far away from that mark. Mind you, this isn't completely unexpected... I just thought it wouldn't happen until later on. One of the few things I know about my birth mother is that she suffered from pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and I had high blood pressure while on birth control (thus, I switched to the progestin-only-pill... or mini-pill). So, I was pretty sure at some point I'd end up with high blood pressure... but to be getting close to the "high" mark when I'm only in my 12th week worries me a little.
I have my ultrasound booked... April 17 at 2pm (JB will be there!). That is pretty exciting.
On the potentially not-so-good side of things, my blood pressure jumped a huge amount from the last appointment to this one. If my bp jumps the same amount by the next appointment, I'm in trouble. Today it was 135/85. I asked my doctor what he considered to be "high blood pressure" and he said anything at 140/90 or higher. I'm not very far away from that mark. Mind you, this isn't completely unexpected... I just thought it wouldn't happen until later on. One of the few things I know about my birth mother is that she suffered from pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and I had high blood pressure while on birth control (thus, I switched to the progestin-only-pill... or mini-pill). So, I was pretty sure at some point I'd end up with high blood pressure... but to be getting close to the "high" mark when I'm only in my 12th week worries me a little.
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