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.
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.
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