October 31, 2007
Reflections on the past month... and 9 days!
Okay... I had intended to do this post a heck of a lot closer to Logan's one month birthday (Oct 22), but it just didn't happen. So, here I am (finally).
First off, there was something I forgot to mention in the post about Logan's birth - and that is the night after he was born. Logan got more sleep than I did! I had heard that for some women, the feeling after giving birth is best described as euphoric. Well, that would be how I would describe it. That night I could not fall asleep, though heaven knows I was utterly exhausted. I probably only got 2 hours sleep at most, dozing off here and there. The rest of the time was spent staring at my son in amazement. I am still shocked by the fact that something so amazing came out of me. At one point a nurse caught me simply staring at Logan and remarked, "You're in love, aren't you?" And yes, for the first time, I knew that love at first sight was indeed possible.
The first month as a new little family has been full of ups and downs. Most of the "downs" are usually linked to a severe lack of sleep. All-in-all, life is good right now.
We have experienced thrush - and that is not a fun experience, let me tell you! Both Logan and I just finished our medicines for that on Sunday. I'm really glad his medicine is all gone (mine was a cream), as it was really upsetting his poor little tummy. We went through a heck of a lot of gripe water during that week!
I had the flu Monday night/Tuesday, but so far Logan is fine (apparently babies receive antibodies in breast milk so they don't necessarily get sick when Mom does). Thank goodness James was home Monday night! When I fed Logan at 2am I was so shaky and weak from fever/chills that I was scared I would drop him if I tried to move him. So, I had to call for James who then took care of him until his next feeding, by which time my fever/chills had subsided enough that I knew I'd be okay to function when James was at work on Tuesday. I still had a bit of a fever all day (100.5 deg F) and felt really weak - Logan and I spent pretty much the whole day on the couch watching TV. By bedtime, my temperature was back to normal and today I'm feeling good - just a little tired. I am so happy that Logan didn't get sick at the same time as me!
Logan is a little fussy at times - he fights falling asleep almost all the time and he wants to be held almost constantly when he's tired/sleeping. If he wakes up during the day and I had put him in his swing, he gets mad. And let me tell you, this little man has a temper! His lungs will be well developed, that's for sure. The only reason I'm able to be typing this post is that I am finally making us of my Moby Wrap. We are attempting the cradle hold right now. I need to put the wrap on a little tighter next time I attempt this, but all-in-all it is working well. I have two hands free and Logan is happily napping.
Breastfeeding is going okay, other than the recent bout of thrush. Most days Logan has himself (I am demand feeding, not attempting to do scheduled feeding at this point) on a 3 to 4 hour schedule, which isn't too bad. Some night he'll sleep longer - 5 or 6 hours... which is really nice, but hasn't happened lately. However, I think he went through his "6 week growth spurt" a week early, as Sat/Sun/Mon he was feeding every 2 hours (thankfully at night he went his usually 3 to 4 hours). Apparently babies go through growth spurts around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months - though each individual child can be off that schedule a little bit. He is very gassy (poor little guy). I'm avoiding dairy, though I caved and had some ice cream the other day, as apparently that is one of the biggest causes of gas in breastfed babies. I miss cheese! I hope he gets less gassy soon, I feel bad for him. I'm really hoping he didn't inherit his father's stomach - JB has a really finicky, easily upset stomach.
I can't believe Logan is over 5 weeks old already! The last month has been a blur. Some days I feel like I'm getting into a routine, but others I find myself overwhelmed. Life completely changes when you bring a little one into the world. I'm sure things will get more organized, but I think it will take a while yet. Perhaps by 3 months I'll feel like things are under control again.
I was going to dress Logan up for Halloween today - he was going to be a yellow M&M. However, due to my flu I never made it into town to pick up something I needed for his costume from my friend. So instead he is simply wearing his little diaper shirt that JK bought for him - it's black with a glow-in-the-dark ghost on it and it says "Daddy's lil ghoul." I'll take a picture of him in it sometime today and post it.
Well, that's it for now folks. Hopefully I can manage more than one post every 2 weeks from now on! I will definitely try my hardest...
First off, there was something I forgot to mention in the post about Logan's birth - and that is the night after he was born. Logan got more sleep than I did! I had heard that for some women, the feeling after giving birth is best described as euphoric. Well, that would be how I would describe it. That night I could not fall asleep, though heaven knows I was utterly exhausted. I probably only got 2 hours sleep at most, dozing off here and there. The rest of the time was spent staring at my son in amazement. I am still shocked by the fact that something so amazing came out of me. At one point a nurse caught me simply staring at Logan and remarked, "You're in love, aren't you?" And yes, for the first time, I knew that love at first sight was indeed possible.
The first month as a new little family has been full of ups and downs. Most of the "downs" are usually linked to a severe lack of sleep. All-in-all, life is good right now.
We have experienced thrush - and that is not a fun experience, let me tell you! Both Logan and I just finished our medicines for that on Sunday. I'm really glad his medicine is all gone (mine was a cream), as it was really upsetting his poor little tummy. We went through a heck of a lot of gripe water during that week!
I had the flu Monday night/Tuesday, but so far Logan is fine (apparently babies receive antibodies in breast milk so they don't necessarily get sick when Mom does). Thank goodness James was home Monday night! When I fed Logan at 2am I was so shaky and weak from fever/chills that I was scared I would drop him if I tried to move him. So, I had to call for James who then took care of him until his next feeding, by which time my fever/chills had subsided enough that I knew I'd be okay to function when James was at work on Tuesday. I still had a bit of a fever all day (100.5 deg F) and felt really weak - Logan and I spent pretty much the whole day on the couch watching TV. By bedtime, my temperature was back to normal and today I'm feeling good - just a little tired. I am so happy that Logan didn't get sick at the same time as me!
Logan is a little fussy at times - he fights falling asleep almost all the time and he wants to be held almost constantly when he's tired/sleeping. If he wakes up during the day and I had put him in his swing, he gets mad. And let me tell you, this little man has a temper! His lungs will be well developed, that's for sure. The only reason I'm able to be typing this post is that I am finally making us of my Moby Wrap. We are attempting the cradle hold right now. I need to put the wrap on a little tighter next time I attempt this, but all-in-all it is working well. I have two hands free and Logan is happily napping.
Breastfeeding is going okay, other than the recent bout of thrush. Most days Logan has himself (I am demand feeding, not attempting to do scheduled feeding at this point) on a 3 to 4 hour schedule, which isn't too bad. Some night he'll sleep longer - 5 or 6 hours... which is really nice, but hasn't happened lately. However, I think he went through his "6 week growth spurt" a week early, as Sat/Sun/Mon he was feeding every 2 hours (thankfully at night he went his usually 3 to 4 hours). Apparently babies go through growth spurts around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months - though each individual child can be off that schedule a little bit. He is very gassy (poor little guy). I'm avoiding dairy, though I caved and had some ice cream the other day, as apparently that is one of the biggest causes of gas in breastfed babies. I miss cheese! I hope he gets less gassy soon, I feel bad for him. I'm really hoping he didn't inherit his father's stomach - JB has a really finicky, easily upset stomach.
I can't believe Logan is over 5 weeks old already! The last month has been a blur. Some days I feel like I'm getting into a routine, but others I find myself overwhelmed. Life completely changes when you bring a little one into the world. I'm sure things will get more organized, but I think it will take a while yet. Perhaps by 3 months I'll feel like things are under control again.
I was going to dress Logan up for Halloween today - he was going to be a yellow M&M. However, due to my flu I never made it into town to pick up something I needed for his costume from my friend. So instead he is simply wearing his little diaper shirt that JK bought for him - it's black with a glow-in-the-dark ghost on it and it says "Daddy's lil ghoul." I'll take a picture of him in it sometime today and post it.
Well, that's it for now folks. Hopefully I can manage more than one post every 2 weeks from now on! I will definitely try my hardest...
October 17, 2007
Sleep deprivation
I still haven't gotten around to doing that "real" post (or my thank you cards for that matter)... yesterday was a pretty long day, and an even longer night. We opted to get our little guy circumcised and as such, he's not too happy. He's doing okay, just needs extra cuddling and his diaper changes take a little more care and attention right now.
So, no "real" post today, as I got very little sleep last night. Logan is napping right now and I really need to do the same.
So, no "real" post today, as I got very little sleep last night. Logan is napping right now and I really need to do the same.
October 12, 2007
20 days old already!
Firstly, we are alive and we are doing well (pretty well, anyways). I will post a real post, hopefully this weekend. I'm starting to feel like things are getting a little more "normal" around here - other than the headaches I've been having... likely partially due to changing eyesight from pregnancy (can't go to the optometrist for a couple weeks yet). Chat you later!
Logan loves his Daddy (picture was taken on Oct 7 - Thanksgiving dinner at Gran's house, that is my Mum's new designation!)...
Logan loves his Daddy (picture was taken on Oct 7 - Thanksgiving dinner at Gran's house, that is my Mum's new designation!)...
October 03, 2007
Logan's Birth Story
Okay, Logan is now 11 days old and we are starting to get used to our new life as one little family. However, I am still suffering from a serious lack of sleep and am dehydrated most of the time (I am working on both of those), thus meaning I am getting a number of headaches (going to the chiropractor for my neck only perhaps on Friday). Anyways, as I'm not planning on doing much of anything today - it's JB's first day back at work, which means I was a little emotional last night - I thought I'd try and post Logan's birth story:
~ ~ ~
I ended up being induced because of my high blood pressure. When I was admitted to be induced, Jenn D. was my nurse! She got a kick out of being assigned to me and then seeing my birth plan where I asked for her if she was available (she was recommended by a co-worker and his wife). When she went off duty, Jenn looked at who was coming on-shift and picked out a nurse for me who works in much the same way as she does (and also works with midwives) - Jenny. I was so thankful that Jenn cared enough to do that for us... Jenny was amazing!
Before she left, Jenn D. predicted a "hard and fast" labor because of how quickly the inducing medicine affected me - normally it's left in for a full 12 hours, but it was taken out after only 7 hours (I told them to take it out despite the risk of slowing labor... and my doctor called and told them the same thing not more than 5 minutes later!). No one really believed Jenn, but it turned out she was right!
When Jenn D. went home (3pm), I was only 1-2 cm and after an hour in the tub - so 4pm - I had no change. I got out and tried to walk around and change positions, but it became very clear that I was much more comfortable in the tub, so back in I went. At this point, still just 1-2 cm, my contractions were about 45 sec long with just 45 - 60 seconds in between so I was getting no rest and that was making things quite hard. (Before they took the medicine out of me, I was having 30 - 45 second contractions with 30 - 45 seconds rest, so I guess it did technically *slow* labor.)
We had hoped to go medicine-free through labor, but I was also open to things as long as it was me that requested it and not the nurses that pushed it. I needed something because I was quickly running out of strength - physical and mental. So, I tried the laughing gas, but just could not use it effectively. Since I was barely dilated, an epidural was not an option yet. I had hoped to avoid narcotic drugs because of how they affect me, let alone the possible effects to baby. Jenny explained that because I was only 1-2 cm, by the time baby arrived the drugs would be worn off (still no one believed Jenn D!).
I needed something to help me get a little rest - so I ended up with a low (my doctor was reminded how drugs affect me) dose of Demoral combined with Gravol. When that kicked in, the contractions were still basically continuous but I would feel the peak of each one and I would be able to relax sooner and control my breathing better. James said I even managed to doze off between a few of them - I was sure I dozed for longer, but the longest break was only about 40 seconds by that time! That was a bizarre feeling.
Well, sometime around 6:30/6:40pm things started getting really intense. I asked for an epidural (again!). When checked (still in the tub!), I was still only 3 cm (my emotional low). But, after consulting via phone with my doctor they were going to give me one anyways as I needed to rest, even though they aren't normally given until 5cm I think due to the risk of stopping labor.
When Jenny went to go get an IV to put in me I started having the strongest feeling that I needed to push. This scared me so badly because I had just recently been checked and was only 3cm... JB went to find Jenny as I was really panicking myself. He kept talking to me (he was amazing through the whole thing) and telling me to talk or scream or whatever I wanted... because that meant I wasn't pushing. I heard a couple more nurses come in the room (including the charge nurse) and someone said that I really was acting like it was time to push so they decided I needed to come out of the tub ASAP!
My doctor was paged at 7:00pm as they were getting me out of the tub. They got me to the labor room where the anesthesiologist was waiting. He got an IV in me, but I was still insisting I needed to push so I believe it was him that suggested they check me once more before he gave me the epidural. I was checked and the nurse said "there's nothing there"... all of a sudden the room became a little more chaotic as they realized baby was coming with or without the doctor!
My doctor made it - after running every red light on the way to the hospital - and arrived in the labor room at 7:10pm. My waters were broken by him at 7:18-ish pm and Logan arrived at 7:20pm! Jenn D. was right... fast and furious! I went from 3 to 10cm in less than 20 minutes... that was scary! The doctor said the only thing keeping Logan in as long as he was is that my membranes didn't rupture (water didn't break) on their own (much to the delight of the nurses... you could feel the tension ease when my doctor arrived).
Oh - and though I had Logan much sooner than the nurses expected, I wasn't dopey at all during labor and he wasn't either... the Demoral had given me the break I needed but was worn off by the time I needed it to be.
~ ~ ~
So, that's my tale. Much to my surprise, I never cried once during labor. However, when I was watching JB with Logan during his first moments of life - while getting his check-up under the heat lamp, holding Daddy's finger - I did cry, but those are a different kind of tears. Before he had his check-up, I did get some bonding time with Logan - Jenny insisted on it (she was an amazing nurse). She also kept us in the labor room as long as possible so that we could have quiet bonding time before being moved to our permanent room (which is shared, no single rooms on the maternity ward unless it's a really slow day, which doesn't happen often in Red Deer anymore).
I did tear a little during labor and my doctor gave me an episiotimy to prevent the tearing from getting worse and to be able to control the direction of it. So... I'm on the mend and Logan is doing really well. He was just about back to his birth-weight when we had our public health nurse visit last week. If I'm on the south end of town this week I'll probably pop in to the health unit and weigh him.
~ ~ ~
So, the details:
Logan Tyler B. was born at 7:20pm on September 22, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs 14.5 oz and was 20" long.
I never really believed in love at first sight until I saw my little Baby Bee for the very first time. For an amazing picture of him, visit Ashley's blog (the amazing photographer that did my maternity session) - Logan had his photo session on Sunday!
Here's my amazing little guy (this is my favorite pic that we've taken so far)...
~ ~ ~
I ended up being induced because of my high blood pressure. When I was admitted to be induced, Jenn D. was my nurse! She got a kick out of being assigned to me and then seeing my birth plan where I asked for her if she was available (she was recommended by a co-worker and his wife). When she went off duty, Jenn looked at who was coming on-shift and picked out a nurse for me who works in much the same way as she does (and also works with midwives) - Jenny. I was so thankful that Jenn cared enough to do that for us... Jenny was amazing!
Before she left, Jenn D. predicted a "hard and fast" labor because of how quickly the inducing medicine affected me - normally it's left in for a full 12 hours, but it was taken out after only 7 hours (I told them to take it out despite the risk of slowing labor... and my doctor called and told them the same thing not more than 5 minutes later!). No one really believed Jenn, but it turned out she was right!
When Jenn D. went home (3pm), I was only 1-2 cm and after an hour in the tub - so 4pm - I had no change. I got out and tried to walk around and change positions, but it became very clear that I was much more comfortable in the tub, so back in I went. At this point, still just 1-2 cm, my contractions were about 45 sec long with just 45 - 60 seconds in between so I was getting no rest and that was making things quite hard. (Before they took the medicine out of me, I was having 30 - 45 second contractions with 30 - 45 seconds rest, so I guess it did technically *slow* labor.)
We had hoped to go medicine-free through labor, but I was also open to things as long as it was me that requested it and not the nurses that pushed it. I needed something because I was quickly running out of strength - physical and mental. So, I tried the laughing gas, but just could not use it effectively. Since I was barely dilated, an epidural was not an option yet. I had hoped to avoid narcotic drugs because of how they affect me, let alone the possible effects to baby. Jenny explained that because I was only 1-2 cm, by the time baby arrived the drugs would be worn off (still no one believed Jenn D!).
I needed something to help me get a little rest - so I ended up with a low (my doctor was reminded how drugs affect me) dose of Demoral combined with Gravol. When that kicked in, the contractions were still basically continuous but I would feel the peak of each one and I would be able to relax sooner and control my breathing better. James said I even managed to doze off between a few of them - I was sure I dozed for longer, but the longest break was only about 40 seconds by that time! That was a bizarre feeling.
Well, sometime around 6:30/6:40pm things started getting really intense. I asked for an epidural (again!). When checked (still in the tub!), I was still only 3 cm (my emotional low). But, after consulting via phone with my doctor they were going to give me one anyways as I needed to rest, even though they aren't normally given until 5cm I think due to the risk of stopping labor.
When Jenny went to go get an IV to put in me I started having the strongest feeling that I needed to push. This scared me so badly because I had just recently been checked and was only 3cm... JB went to find Jenny as I was really panicking myself. He kept talking to me (he was amazing through the whole thing) and telling me to talk or scream or whatever I wanted... because that meant I wasn't pushing. I heard a couple more nurses come in the room (including the charge nurse) and someone said that I really was acting like it was time to push so they decided I needed to come out of the tub ASAP!
My doctor was paged at 7:00pm as they were getting me out of the tub. They got me to the labor room where the anesthesiologist was waiting. He got an IV in me, but I was still insisting I needed to push so I believe it was him that suggested they check me once more before he gave me the epidural. I was checked and the nurse said "there's nothing there"... all of a sudden the room became a little more chaotic as they realized baby was coming with or without the doctor!
My doctor made it - after running every red light on the way to the hospital - and arrived in the labor room at 7:10pm. My waters were broken by him at 7:18-ish pm and Logan arrived at 7:20pm! Jenn D. was right... fast and furious! I went from 3 to 10cm in less than 20 minutes... that was scary! The doctor said the only thing keeping Logan in as long as he was is that my membranes didn't rupture (water didn't break) on their own (much to the delight of the nurses... you could feel the tension ease when my doctor arrived).
Oh - and though I had Logan much sooner than the nurses expected, I wasn't dopey at all during labor and he wasn't either... the Demoral had given me the break I needed but was worn off by the time I needed it to be.
~ ~ ~
So, that's my tale. Much to my surprise, I never cried once during labor. However, when I was watching JB with Logan during his first moments of life - while getting his check-up under the heat lamp, holding Daddy's finger - I did cry, but those are a different kind of tears. Before he had his check-up, I did get some bonding time with Logan - Jenny insisted on it (she was an amazing nurse). She also kept us in the labor room as long as possible so that we could have quiet bonding time before being moved to our permanent room (which is shared, no single rooms on the maternity ward unless it's a really slow day, which doesn't happen often in Red Deer anymore).
I did tear a little during labor and my doctor gave me an episiotimy to prevent the tearing from getting worse and to be able to control the direction of it. So... I'm on the mend and Logan is doing really well. He was just about back to his birth-weight when we had our public health nurse visit last week. If I'm on the south end of town this week I'll probably pop in to the health unit and weigh him.
~ ~ ~
So, the details:
Logan Tyler B. was born at 7:20pm on September 22, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs 14.5 oz and was 20" long.
I never really believed in love at first sight until I saw my little Baby Bee for the very first time. For an amazing picture of him, visit Ashley's blog (the amazing photographer that did my maternity session) - Logan had his photo session on Sunday!
Here's my amazing little guy (this is my favorite pic that we've taken so far)...
September 28, 2007
September 21, 2007
Well...
...this is it, folks... next time I post I should be a Mommy! I'm just finishing up some last minute organization tonight and then it's off to bed as I have a very early morning ahead of me. Lately, especially last night, I've been suffering from some serious insomnia and haven't been getting much sleep. With lack of sleep comes headaches. I would rather go into tomorrow feeling my best... but we shall see. I will post when I'm home again.
September 20, 2007
Productive day...
Today has been a fairly productive day... more-so than other days recently. It's not really by choice, but because I have no more days to get my house somewhat clean and organized. Nej will be here either late tonight or sometime tomorrow morning, and then it's off to the hospital very early (be there before 7:30am) Saturday morning and when we come home we will have Baby Bee with us... though he potentially won't arrive until sometime Sunday. Thus, today is my final day to try and get feeling somewhat good about the state of my house. Thus far... semi-satisfied. I'm finishing up the main floor and then I just have two tasks to get done - my bathroom and vacuum up all the cat fur (perhaps give them a brushing too).
My sister called me this morning just to see if there was a baby yet! She makes me laugh... I told her I would call her when he arrives. I feel kind of bad not telling my family that I'm going in to be induced on Saturday morning, but I don't want people showing up unannounced when I'm in labor... I want us (JB, myself, and Baby Bee) to have some quiet time before visitors start showing up as well. Thus, I can't tell my family specifically - JB's family would respect our wishes, but I can't guarantee that mine would. So, only a couple friends know the situation.
I am not sleeping well these days. Part of it is my belly - I seriously feel like I'm *squishing* Baby Bee. But, I asked my doctor and he said that I'm not. I still wake up and am very uncomfortable or have a really hard time getting back to sleep. The other part of my not sleeping well is getting to sleep in the first place... I'm a worrier - always have been, always will be. Sometimes I can't shut off my brain (which drives JB absolutely nuts because I worry about things that are beyond my control... which I know, but that doesn't stop me worrying). So, my brain has been working overtime these past few days. It's a good thing I have a strong, rock of a husband to keep me (mostly) grounded.
Well, I think I've rested long enough. JB's Mom is showing up in about an hour so we can go car shopping with her and I would like to get some more things done around the house... just in case Nej does show up tonight.
One last thought... here's what I look like the day before Baby Bee's *official* due date (really round, I know):
September 19, 2007
Pregnancy & My Little Sister
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.
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 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...
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