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...
March 28, 2007
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.
February 12, 2007
Sorry, I've been sleeping!
I blame my lack of posting on my complete lack of energy! Most days I am utterly exhausted... today being a prime case. In fact, today I generally feel like crap - I'm not looking forward to playing volleyball at all tonight.
My first prenatal doctor's appointment went well. My doctor is very relaxed, his motto being "pregnancy is a condition, not a disease." He told me I can do just about anything I want while pregnant... with a few obvious exceptions. No meds, other than those prescribed and the occasional Tylenol. No sushi! :'( And watch my caffeine intake (which I have been limiting to close to none... just the occasional chocolate). I can continue to play volleyball (I just don't "dive") and, if I'm feeling up to it I can play softball this summer - though I won't be pitching if I do. He told me no "violent sports" like skydiving! I had all my blood work done including a check on my thyroid. As I haven't been called back, everything must have been a-okay. During the appointment, which unfortunately included a Pap, Dr.B said everything looks good.
My next appointment is March 5th and we'll hopefully be able to hear the baby's heartbeat then. I'll be 11-1/2 weeks, and Dr.B told me that around 12 weeks you can hear the heartbeat with the device they have. Apparently this is because around 12 weeks a woman's uterus moved up out of the pelvis into the abdominal region.
I still haven't really done any reading that I want to do (I have a lot of books), as I have been very, very tired. Some days are better than others... both energy and eating wise. I did read something good recently in an article on morning sickness: the article said that although the mother may not be getting all the nutrients she needs, babies are like parasites and are generally getting what they need!
Well, I've got to run... I need to settle my stomach and get some water in me before heading off to volleyball!
My first prenatal doctor's appointment went well. My doctor is very relaxed, his motto being "pregnancy is a condition, not a disease." He told me I can do just about anything I want while pregnant... with a few obvious exceptions. No meds, other than those prescribed and the occasional Tylenol. No sushi! :'( And watch my caffeine intake (which I have been limiting to close to none... just the occasional chocolate). I can continue to play volleyball (I just don't "dive") and, if I'm feeling up to it I can play softball this summer - though I won't be pitching if I do. He told me no "violent sports" like skydiving! I had all my blood work done including a check on my thyroid. As I haven't been called back, everything must have been a-okay. During the appointment, which unfortunately included a Pap, Dr.B said everything looks good.
My next appointment is March 5th and we'll hopefully be able to hear the baby's heartbeat then. I'll be 11-1/2 weeks, and Dr.B told me that around 12 weeks you can hear the heartbeat with the device they have. Apparently this is because around 12 weeks a woman's uterus moved up out of the pelvis into the abdominal region.
I still haven't really done any reading that I want to do (I have a lot of books), as I have been very, very tired. Some days are better than others... both energy and eating wise. I did read something good recently in an article on morning sickness: the article said that although the mother may not be getting all the nutrients she needs, babies are like parasites and are generally getting what they need!
Well, I've got to run... I need to settle my stomach and get some water in me before heading off to volleyball!
January 31, 2007
7th week
So, I'm in my 7th week... only 33 weeks to go! ;)
So far (cross fingers... knock on wood... any other applicable superstitions) I have been really lucky in the morning sickness department - meaning there has been none. I get queasy and feel nauseous at times... but that's it. Some mornings I have to eat a few soda crackers about an hour before I can actually eat breakfast. Most people I've talked to started getting sick around 6 weeks, so perhaps I'm one of the lucky few (like my Mom) who won't get to experience it. Though, I'm not counting it out yet!
What is rather annoying is my appetite. I'll think of something to eat and it sounds fabulous... I'll be making it and it looks and smells delicious... then I'll take one bite and I'm done. All appeal is instantly gone. This happens frequently and makes it hard to keep my energy up when nothing I can find to eat is appealing in the least. Nothing except Hawaiian Pizza Pops... they never seem to lose their appeal! :D
Some of my clothes (the snugger ones) aren't fitting so well... in fact, there's a couple pairs of pants that have already been banned from my daily clothing rotation. I was wearing a pair of jeans last Friday - when I put them on in the morning they were tight... so I thought they were just "dryer snug". Around 10am I changed my mind - the top button stayed undone for most of the day and I won't be wearing those again any time soon! I thought it would be a little early for clothing not to be fitting, but I talked to two people and both of them (one being pregnant for the second time, and one being a soon-to-be-daddy) said that clothing starts not fitting so well around this time (week 6 or 7). I've budgeted in a set amount from each pay cheque to go towards maternity clothing. Plus, I have a friend who's friend (that I know) is done having children and is going to go through her mat-clothes and see what's still in good shape before giving them to me. This wouldn't be a big deal if I wasn't working... but since I work in an office, I need decent clothes... and I don't want to be wearing the same three things to work every few days! I think I'll be good for shirts for quite a while - I have a lot that are long and stretchy... good for a growing belly (because my belly isn't big enough without a baby growing in it!).
Oh... the other thing... I am exhausted. On Sunday I slept nearly the entire day. Most days I slam into a brick wall around 2pm. Today was a little better, but it helped knowing I was planning on going home early. Oh how I would love a Timmy's double-double!
So far (cross fingers... knock on wood... any other applicable superstitions) I have been really lucky in the morning sickness department - meaning there has been none. I get queasy and feel nauseous at times... but that's it. Some mornings I have to eat a few soda crackers about an hour before I can actually eat breakfast. Most people I've talked to started getting sick around 6 weeks, so perhaps I'm one of the lucky few (like my Mom) who won't get to experience it. Though, I'm not counting it out yet!
What is rather annoying is my appetite. I'll think of something to eat and it sounds fabulous... I'll be making it and it looks and smells delicious... then I'll take one bite and I'm done. All appeal is instantly gone. This happens frequently and makes it hard to keep my energy up when nothing I can find to eat is appealing in the least. Nothing except Hawaiian Pizza Pops... they never seem to lose their appeal! :D
Some of my clothes (the snugger ones) aren't fitting so well... in fact, there's a couple pairs of pants that have already been banned from my daily clothing rotation. I was wearing a pair of jeans last Friday - when I put them on in the morning they were tight... so I thought they were just "dryer snug". Around 10am I changed my mind - the top button stayed undone for most of the day and I won't be wearing those again any time soon! I thought it would be a little early for clothing not to be fitting, but I talked to two people and both of them (one being pregnant for the second time, and one being a soon-to-be-daddy) said that clothing starts not fitting so well around this time (week 6 or 7). I've budgeted in a set amount from each pay cheque to go towards maternity clothing. Plus, I have a friend who's friend (that I know) is done having children and is going to go through her mat-clothes and see what's still in good shape before giving them to me. This wouldn't be a big deal if I wasn't working... but since I work in an office, I need decent clothes... and I don't want to be wearing the same three things to work every few days! I think I'll be good for shirts for quite a while - I have a lot that are long and stretchy... good for a growing belly (because my belly isn't big enough without a baby growing in it!).
Oh... the other thing... I am exhausted. On Sunday I slept nearly the entire day. Most days I slam into a brick wall around 2pm. Today was a little better, but it helped knowing I was planning on going home early. Oh how I would love a Timmy's double-double!
January 22, 2007
First official craving...
...McDonald's Chicken McNuggets! Not good for me, not good for baby... still ate them!
All parents (soon-to-be grandparents) now know the news. My mom, somewhat surprizingly, was pretty happy - we weren't sure how she was going to react to being told she's going to be a grandmother! And, to make the weekend that much better, my parents are going to buy us the one really big-priced item we need... a stroller/carseat combo. Most excellent!
Lunch is just about over, so this post is short...
All parents (soon-to-be grandparents) now know the news. My mom, somewhat surprizingly, was pretty happy - we weren't sure how she was going to react to being told she's going to be a grandmother! And, to make the weekend that much better, my parents are going to buy us the one really big-priced item we need... a stroller/carseat combo. Most excellent!
Lunch is just about over, so this post is short...
January 19, 2007
My head hurts
Well, I have discovered something... some women are prone to headaches in their first trimester. As I am normally prone to headaches, I also seem to be prone to them now. Yesterday's headache was my own fault (I get headaches when I cry and I got myself all worked up over something and ended up crying), but I did have a minor one this morning - my remedy... lots of water.
Another interesting thing... when you take a woman that is extremely emotional on a normal day (ie: cries during Disney animated movies) and add pregnancy hormones... you get one emotional woman. Poor JB... it may be a longer pregnancy for him than for me!
I never did get to see my doctor on Monday - it seems he had a meeting to attend that was booked on short notice. Thus, when I got there he was gone. Plus, it seems that my doctor's office doesn't book your first prenatal appointment until a little farther down the line than I presently am. So, my first prenatal appointment is booked for Monday, February 5th. As well, I'm going to a prenatal class on February 26th - this is what they call the "early prenatal class". The "late prenatal class" is taken later in pregnancy and is 5 sessions... thankfully, in addition to holding it over 5-weeks, they also offer it over 2-days (Sat & Sun) - I'll book that one for when JB is home. He likely won't be able to make it to this first one.
We made a list of things we need before September. Oh my goodness... is that list ever long! So, we're going to allocate money from each pay cheque for baby-related items and spread out the cost over the entire pregnancy. I'm also allocating a certain amount of money from each pay cheque for maternity clothes so that one morning I don't wake up and find I have no work clothes that fit... luckily, I think I may have a source for some hand-me-down maternity clothes!
Well, I should go before people start getting back from lunch. Two people at work know right now, and that's how it's staying until I either start getting morning sickness (none yet, knock on wood!) or I hit the 3-month mark. We're telling my parents this weekend... should be interesting (getting my Dad and JB home at the same time is a bit of a trick sometimes).
Another interesting thing... when you take a woman that is extremely emotional on a normal day (ie: cries during Disney animated movies) and add pregnancy hormones... you get one emotional woman. Poor JB... it may be a longer pregnancy for him than for me!
I never did get to see my doctor on Monday - it seems he had a meeting to attend that was booked on short notice. Thus, when I got there he was gone. Plus, it seems that my doctor's office doesn't book your first prenatal appointment until a little farther down the line than I presently am. So, my first prenatal appointment is booked for Monday, February 5th. As well, I'm going to a prenatal class on February 26th - this is what they call the "early prenatal class". The "late prenatal class" is taken later in pregnancy and is 5 sessions... thankfully, in addition to holding it over 5-weeks, they also offer it over 2-days (Sat & Sun) - I'll book that one for when JB is home. He likely won't be able to make it to this first one.
We made a list of things we need before September. Oh my goodness... is that list ever long! So, we're going to allocate money from each pay cheque for baby-related items and spread out the cost over the entire pregnancy. I'm also allocating a certain amount of money from each pay cheque for maternity clothes so that one morning I don't wake up and find I have no work clothes that fit... luckily, I think I may have a source for some hand-me-down maternity clothes!
Well, I should go before people start getting back from lunch. Two people at work know right now, and that's how it's staying until I either start getting morning sickness (none yet, knock on wood!) or I hit the 3-month mark. We're telling my parents this weekend... should be interesting (getting my Dad and JB home at the same time is a bit of a trick sometimes).
January 15, 2007
IT'S OFFICIAL!
Yup... you heard it here first, folks... JB and I are officially expecting our first baby! :D
No morning sickness yet (*knock on wood*)... Matthew, when did Angela start getting "morning sickness" (if at all) - by the way, your last comment wasn't too gross - it could have been worse! I've been polling my friends to get an idea when that lovely event might (I'm really hoping not) start. My mom had zero morning sickness with my sister - apparently she felt "queezy" once. I doubt I'll be that lucky.
I'm going to visit my doctor tomorrow with my list of questions and to find out what I can and can't do. Should be informative.
No morning sickness yet (*knock on wood*)... Matthew, when did Angela start getting "morning sickness" (if at all) - by the way, your last comment wasn't too gross - it could have been worse! I've been polling my friends to get an idea when that lovely event might (I'm really hoping not) start. My mom had zero morning sickness with my sister - apparently she felt "queezy" once. I doubt I'll be that lucky.
I'm going to visit my doctor tomorrow with my list of questions and to find out what I can and can't do. Should be informative.
January 14, 2007
Still not "official"...
So, things still aren't quite "official"... I took a second HPT and it showed a *faint* positive. Matt may remember, if Angela showed him, but in the instructions for HPT it basically says that no matter how *faint* the positive mark, it is still a positive result. So, I headed to my doctor's office - their test is basically the same as a HPT, so it too showed a *faint* positive result. We now have three *faint* positive results. So, my doctor sent me for a blood test to make 100% sure I'm pregnant. I should get the official word on Monday (Tuesday at the latest).
Basically, the assumption is that I am pregnant. Thus, I am avoiding things I should until I hear otherwise. Now, what exactly I am supposed to avoid (ie: what I can and can't eat), I'm not entirely sure - when I get the word from my doctor I will set up my first official appointment with him.
So, needless to say, JB and I are thrilled (though my poor hubby is stressing about money already)! There is one piece of bad news associated with this fantastic news... I don't think I'll be making it to C-dub's wedding. My due date (assuming the bloodwork comes back positive) is September 21, 2007. To fly past 32 weeks, WestJet requires a doctor's note and the wedding is somewhere around 38 weeks. So... I'm sorry, C-dub! Depending on money, I would like to try and fly out earlier in the summer... I just don't know if I'm going to be able to. :'(
I will post when I get the official word from my doctor.
Basically, the assumption is that I am pregnant. Thus, I am avoiding things I should until I hear otherwise. Now, what exactly I am supposed to avoid (ie: what I can and can't eat), I'm not entirely sure - when I get the word from my doctor I will set up my first official appointment with him.
So, needless to say, JB and I are thrilled (though my poor hubby is stressing about money already)! There is one piece of bad news associated with this fantastic news... I don't think I'll be making it to C-dub's wedding. My due date (assuming the bloodwork comes back positive) is September 21, 2007. To fly past 32 weeks, WestJet requires a doctor's note and the wedding is somewhere around 38 weeks. So... I'm sorry, C-dub! Depending on money, I would like to try and fly out earlier in the summer... I just don't know if I'm going to be able to. :'(
I will post when I get the official word from my doctor.
January 12, 2007
Could it be true?!
After 13 months, could it possibly be true?! I think I'm pregnant. My reasons... some suspicious symptoms and a positive result on a HPT. I will take a second test in the morning and if that one is positive, then I'll be heading to see my doctor!
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