Thursday, September 30, 2010

In need of some help

As much as I love my cats, I just don't know what to do now. They think they are the kings (and queen) of the castle and have reign over everything.

We have not put up a Christmas tree since we've had them. We tried our first year to put lights on our fake tree that now resides in our dining room, but Tonks and Lupin chewed right through the lights. I can't not have a tree up now that Hunter is here. I just can't. Jason says to just put up a tree with nothing on it. What fun is that? And, am I supposed to do that every year till they've left us? Like 15 years? No. I'm not doing that.

Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep the cats from chewing or climbing (since they have their claws) the tree so we can put one up for Hunter (and for me)?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Another new blog

Yup. This one is training for my half marathon.

http://princessintraining2011.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The other blog

I have the "family blog" up and running now. Actually, it has been for a while. Here it is if you want to check it out.

From His Royal Highness

Monday, September 13, 2010

One Month!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Let's backtrack for a minute

Last Thursday, while I was still at the hospital. My sister was with me and so was my little man. I was in my hospital bed and my sister was feeding Hunter as it hurt to hold him for too long thanks to the drain I had coming out of me. I started to get cold (the thermostat was set to 65 after all) so I paged my nurse to ask for my pain meds and a blanket. I had 3 blankets on my bed prior to me going to get the drain put in that morning. When I came back, they had changed my bed and left me with only 1 blanket.

My whole first week I had 5 blankets in my room. I could never decide if I was hot or cold.  And, from the time I was admitted Monday night till that moment, I had 3 blankets. So, nurse comes in, gives me my meds and takes my temperature for she fears that I had a fever. Sure enough, I had a fever - well, so she says, she never told me what it was, just said that it was elevated. And, because of that, she wasn't going to give me a blanket. I saw the look on my sister's face, she knew what was coming.

I freaked. I told her that I've had no less than 3 blankets my entire stay here and I come back from getting a procedure done and now I only have 1. She said she would not get it for me. I asked for a new nurse, someone that would give me one. She said, ok, if I give you one, can I still be your nurse? I said, if you give me one, then yes. She leaves. My sister and I talk at how ridiculous this is. The nurse comes back, with no blanket.

She says she spoke with another nurse and that they agreed with her to not give me one. Now, I really freaked. I said, so, you told me you would get me one, leave, and ask someone else instead? She asked if I was cold. I said, no, not at the moment because of how pissed I am. I can't trust you now because you said you'd do something then leave and don't go and do it and instead ask someone else. (My sister was ready to hand Hunter to me to get the keys and grab a blanket from the house - that would have been funny, having her bring in a big comforter from the house!) I demanded a new nurse and my blanket. She said she couldn't get me a new nurse, someone else had to. At that point, I asked her to leave.

So, 10 minutes later, mom has now joined the party. I was getting ready to explain what happened when this head nurse comes in with my current nurse. Head nurse decides to allow me this extra blanket, saying it's not normal procedure when a patient has a fever. I let her know that she may want to make sure all of the other nurses that I've had my entire stay are on that same page as it was never an issue before today. She tries to explain "the thought process" behind my current nurse and why she asked someone else about the blanket, thus losing my trust. After that, she expects me to keep this nurse. I told her that I understood that I only had about 3 hours left with the day nurse but that I didn't want to see my current nurse again and to get me a new nurse, otherwise I was ready to discharge myself.

So, Friday comes along. A social worker from the hospital comes to visit me to talk about PPD. She says she's going to read off symptoms/signs of PPD and that afterwards, she'll allow me to talk and let her know what I think of that. So, she reads this list of hers, then proceeds not to let me talk, but to recommend going on zoloft. At the time, I only had 2 things on her list, fear (hello, I was in the hospital for 5 days with at that point no real conclusion as to what was wrong with me, of course I was in fear) and anger (well, when you have a short temper and a standard had been set before then not held, of course you'll see some anger from me). She kept telling me that it's common after 3 weeks postpartum. I told her that we can't look at it yet then because my son wasn't 3 weeks old yet. She kept trying to insist this 3 weeks thing and I had to keep reminding her that he wasn't 3 weeks. Finally, I said that I didn't want to deny anything or try to say I didn't have it, but that with the hell I was going through at the hospital that week (my hand still hurts from the IV), that I wanted to wait until I got back home and this was behind me.

I tell Jason this and what happened. Our conclusion is that the nurse/head nurse had this lady come in to talk to me because of "anger". Yeah, that's why I have a tattoo of Donald Duck looking all angelic. I have a short fuse. Nearly anyone who knows me knows this.

Anyway, now that I'm feeling disconnected (though that seems to be the only real thing), I'm thinking about PPD again. I just don't want it! I don't want to think of that lady trying to insist that I had it last week when she thought my son was over 3 weeks old. It's like I want to prove her wrong. But, it is what it is I guess.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Disconnected

That's how I feel. Perhaps because of the extra week I spent in the hospital. I'm not sure. But, I feel disconnected to Hunter. Jason says that I look like I have a great time with Hunter when he sees me, but I don't always feel like it. Perhaps I need to do some research.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

3-5%

I am back in the hospital. I had a high fever starting Monday night. That sent me to the ER which ended with me being admitted to the hospital and taking a room back in the postpartum unit. Tuesday sent me to have a CT scan to check the internal incision for fluid. It came back showing there was fluid, however my doctor wasn't sold that it was fluid and not this stuff that she puts on the incision to prevent scar tissue. So, Wednesday had me getting an ultrasound on my legs to check for blood clots. That came back negative. After that, I met with someone from the Infectious Diseases group. We talked about my signs and 2 weeks since the surgery and decided to at least drain some of the fluid to see if it was the doctor's stuff or if it was pus or another liquid that would cause an infection and thus my fever. So, I went in for this procedure today. I now have a tube coming out of my stomach and into a plastic grenade looking thing draining both liquid and pus from me. Yuck. It's been a long 3+ days here in addition to the whole week I was here when Hunter was first born. I am ready to go home and get back to serving His Royal Highness. If the fluid level that is being drained drops off tomorrow morning, then it sounds like I should be able to go home tomorrow. Please let that be the case. I'm sick of being in the hospital. I believe I read that this happens to 3-5% of all c section patients. I guess there are worse things, but just get me out of here.

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Pregnancy Diet

Looking for a good way to lose weight? Don't mind waiting 9 months to see results? Don't mind gaining before loosing? Don't mind the possible stretch marks that may come? Join the new revolution! The Pregnancy Diet! Here's real client Katie:

I gained 25 pounds during my pregnancy and am now 2 weeks postpartum. After 1 week, I was up 10 pounds from my pre pregnancy weight. Now, at 2 weeks, I am down in total 30 pounds! I weigh 5 pounds less now than when I got pregnant! I'm so excited!

*Results not typical*

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Ugh, recovery

I'm not a fan of the recovery period after this c section. I've had 3 nights in a row so far (most recently was last night) of cold flashes that send me shivering up the stairs to pile on the layers and crawl into bed while Jason brings me a cup of hot tea. My feet and legs have been more swollen than they were the entire pregnancy. My legs are sore as if I've been working out. It burns when I pee. I'll get these random cramps in my stomach even just 45 minutes after taking my prescription Motrin. I've been getting quite a few headaches recently too. Not to mention that I feel useless not able to do anything to help around the house and I'm stir crazy just staying in the house.

When does this end? When will this all start to go away?

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Birth Story

So, we show up at the hospital at 6am. I get checked in and moved to L&D around 6:45. 7am comes and I'm in the bed getting ready for the IV to get some pitocin going. I was still in that 4-5 range and about 90% effaced. The nurse tried twice to get the IV needle in on the side of my wrist and both times were failures. And, can I say did that ever hurt?!!! Wow! Much worse than any of the contractions I ever felt (including that day). I guess I had some thick skin and she couldn't get to the vein itself. So, she had to get another nurse to try. This nurse went to the top of my hand and did it with no problem. A lot of blood came out though, once I actually looked over. I knew that it must have because she did ask for a towel. 7:15 the pitocin is going and 7:30 my doctor comes in to break my water. Once again she was surprised to see me, thinking that I would have gone before the scheduled induction. Apparently there are 2 layers to the bag of water. She broke through one with ease but the second took some work. I guess I really did have a bag of steel.

Just after 9am I felt the first painful contraction. I didn't want to feel any pain and even though I could tolerate it, I decided to ask for the epidural at that time because I knew by the time they got him to my room, prepared me, and put it in, it would be like 45 minutes before I could feel its effects. As he was administering it (which, wasn't bad at all), I was hunched over towards the nurse on one side of the bed and I was just pouring out water. We did know that I had a ton of water in me (probably a reason for all my stretch marks). By 10, I was in no pain at all.

About 10:15 they check me and I was a solid 5 but still a -2 station. And, he was flipped sunny-side up. So, they give me the peanut to use for 45 minutes a side. At 12:00 or so they check and I was between 5-6. Contractions were not regular at all. It was the pitocin doing all the work. I would have a series of 3 in a row with no rest then would break for 4 minutes and repeat. They kept changing the levels on the pitocin to see what worked best. Would it be 6? 4? 3? Who knows. So, at 12:00 they inserted the monitor to actually measure just how strong these contractions were and stopped the external monitor. At 2:45 I was checked again and was 6-7. My doctor was doing a delivery but was to be informed of my progress.

At 3:15 she came in. We discussed everything again and the fact that my body wasn't taking over doing the contractions on it's own, we decided it was best to do the c section. Shortly after saying those words my body went nuts. I started freezing and shaking uncontrollably. They had to load me up with 4 blankets (1 of which was warmed). I had to take that disgusting base stuff to counteract the acid in my stomach. I started crying unsure about the whole process and being scared by going into surgery.

Just before 4 I was moved in to the OR, dosed up on morphine and ready to go. Oh yeah, I'm still shaking uncontrollably. They move me from my bed to the OR bed and hold out my arms to strap them down then I think they strap down part of my head too, I'm not too sure. Jason comes in and they get to work. I couldn't feel anything besides for the occasional tugging and pulling. They tell me where they're at during the whole process, meanwhile my arms are still shaking and they give me yet another blanket for my upper body. Finally I hear that they've reached Hunter and are bringing him out and somethings along the lines of it being a good think we did the c section and how he have a future lineman on our hands or something. I hear him cry, and I no longer feel Jason holding my hand. He was off with our little man.

He was born at 4:12 on 8/9/10 weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces and 22.5 inches long. Though, I wasn't done yet. I wanted Jason to come back and show me pictures of him but it took him what seemed like ages to do. Soon after I started to feel nauseous. I told the anesthesiologist this, well, I actually said I feel "woozy" as he and his med student were the ones up at my head and I knew they would be the ones really concerned with that. Shortly after, Jason finally brings me pictures to look at. He leaves again and I knew I was going to be sick. I tell them again and a nurse comes over with a bowl for me. Finally the nurse holding Hunter comes wanting to know if I wanted to see him but I had to turn her away for how bad I felt. As soon as she left with him (along with Jason), I started dry heaving. I did this about 6 times before I finally got sick. Once that happened, I felt better, at least on the woozy front. I started shaking again from being cold (or I thought I was cold) as they continued the process to stitch me up.

I'm finally moved from the OR bed to a bed to transport me to the recovery room. I'm just trying to keep from shaking and trying to close my eyes in hopes of being able to sleep. My husband was not to be found when I got to the room. I got something called The Bear which is some sort of inflatable blanket pumping warm air onto me while I waited for the shaking to stop. Finally, Jason comes in and shows me more pictures of our little man. He tells me that he got to take each one of our family members back one by one to see Hunter though he would not let them hold him since I hadn't even seen him yet. I close my eyes and try to sleep while he steps out to call Baby's First Phone Call to leave our message announcing Hunter's arrival. A short time later I hear the wheels of a hospital crib being rolled into our recovery room and I finally got to see and hold him. A few tears ran down my cheeks as they gave him to me. The recovery has not been fun so far. Jason has to do most of the work, especially at night, as it is very hard for me to move or sit up and get out of bed. It frustrates me that I can't help him, especially when he's so tired and the first week of school is this week. But, we both know that it will be worth it in the end.


Saturday, August 14, 2010

He's here!

As promised, I will post a birth story, it just won't be right now. Right now, I feel a nap coming on. Hunter, that's a great idea.

Friday, August 6, 2010

It's come down to this

6:00am Monday. That is my scheduled induction date, assuming that there is a bed available of course. Now having a date and time, I'm actually kinda scared. One way or another, I should be in labor trying to push what could be a 9 pound baby out of me in the next 3 days. Then, after that, I will be responsible for another person. I will be a mom.

What have I gotten myself into?!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

2 weeks to go

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Something tells me I was up more last week. I'm now pushing the 25 mark. I'm at 24 pounds gained.

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. I have 2 that are towards the bottom that are raised, not flat on my skin. They hurt or itch a lot though, especially at the end of the day. 

Sleep? Officially horrible. I am up every hour to go to the bathroom. I can't roll over so I have to change sides when I try to climb back in bed.

Best moment this week? Canceling the c section and scheduling an induction for 8/9/10

Movement? He is still moving, but I don't feel it. With his movements being restricted now and the placenta in front and all the fluid I have, I can barely feel him now.


Food cravings? Warm chocolate chip cookies

Gender? It's a BOY!


Labor signs? Still yes. I'm getting very frustrated as to when I'm supposed to go to the hospital. I'm now dilated to 5cm for goodness sake!


What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex. Oh, and my feet being a normal size!


What I'm looking forward to? Not being pregnant!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't expect the office nurse to be on the same page as the doctor. Mine was quoting exactly what the hospital would say and not what the doctor told me yesterday. It is so frustrating!


Milestones: Making it as far as my mom made it with me and my sister.


Emotions: Get this guy out! I'm so frustrated by feeling contractions that are doing stuff only to have them go away after I panic thinking I have to go to the hospital because of how much progress I've made. Can my water just break already so I know and I have a clear sign?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Time's a comin

Had my 38 week appointment today. I am nearly at 5cm. Still 80%. Our doctor was surprised to see me today, she didn't think we would make it another week. She offered to strip the membranes today before we even asked! It wasn't too bad, more just the pressure to get in there and do it. I am feeling pretty crampy now though, so we'll see what it does for me.

While there, we did ask why she says no to inducing because of big babies. She said we are a different story though because of how far along I am (to the point where if I start having serious contractions to pretty much not wait and just go in!) and so we talked inducing. It just so happens that she's on call on Monday and is willing to induce us if we don't want to wait until next Wednesday with the scheduled c section. Well, Monday is 8/9/10. Induce Monday? Yes please! Then, we don't have to worry about insurance covering for the c section that's pre planned. And, did I mention that it's 8/9/10? That is, assuming of course, that we go until then.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Confession

So, yesterday I had a few hours of more serious contractions. I could feel them up front for once. The late ones even made me pretty nauseous. I go downstairs to sit them out while seeing if they get worse. Tears coming down because I'm frustrated with how I feel but knowing it's not yet time for the hospital. Jason makes me some tea and I head to the bathroom. After coming out, I reach into the closet and grab out a stuffed animal Donald Duck. I head back to the couch with Donald in hand, put on a blanket, and just sit there with my tea. I was back in bed 30 minutes later. Jason says he loves it how when I don't like something or don't feel well, how I'll still go for a stuffed animal (these days it MUST be Donald) to make me feel better.

Hey, whatever works.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Stages of Labor

I'm in the early stage of labor. Well, I decided I am at least. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be having contractions that would truly be dilating me or effacing me. And, they wouldn't be coming around every 5 minutes. I read on What to Expect's website that this stage can last from several hours to several weeks. I apparently am in the several weeks category as this has been going on since at least July 12. I hope I don't have much more of this "early labor" stage. It is funny wishing for pain that will be some of the worst pain (I imagine at least), but it's for something great. Plus, due to his size, if he doesn't come on his own, then August 11 I have a C Section scheduled to get him out. Doing the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February means that I need to train as soon as I'm able to and a C Section would certainly delay that.

Come on out Hunter! You'll have more room and we live in Phoenix, so, you don't have to worry about being cold!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

3 Weeks Left!

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Up 2 from last week, up 17 total. I thought weight gain was supposed to slow down/stop towards the end of pregnancy? I feel like I'm starving all the time now and seem to eat a lot.

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. I have 2 that are towards the bottom that are raised, not flat on my skin. They hurt or itch a lot though, especially at the end of the day. 

Sleep? Still waking around every 3 hours or so. But, I can still generally fall back asleep pretty quickly. However, the late pregnancy insomnia has started. Twice this week I couldn't fall asleep initially then woke up wide awake at 5am.

Best moment this week? Seeing my boy at the ultrasound again.

Movement? He is still moving, but he's running out of room now so it's not too much now.


Food cravings? Warm chocolate chip cookies

Gender? It's a BOY!


Labor signs? Yes. Still having contractions. I've been having them ever since Thursday, I just don't always feel them. Hopefully I won't show up at the hospital too late!


What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex.


What I'm looking forward to? Labor and finally not being pregnant!

Weekly Wisdom: If you have a big baby, don't go into an appointment expecting to hear anything about what the course of action will be. Go in with no thought out plan so you won't be disappointed by what can or cannot be done.


Milestones: Full term!


Emotions: Starting to cry more. And, I'm also getting really irritable. Just get this guy out!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Super cute blog!

http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

Found this through the August 2010 Moms board on the bump. Too cute!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Back to L&D

So, late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, I woke up shivering and nauseous. I eventually decided to go back to sleep thinking if it was actual labor, I would either wake up in more pain or with my water breaking, or that I would not be able to sleep because of it. It wasn't real. Yet.

I took it easy with my sister yesterday, we went to get a pedicure, lounged around during lunch, then went to my house to see my cats. I took a nap on the couch with one of them. I woke up around 4 feeling nauseous again but burning up, not shivering. This time, I could also feel contractions, occasionally. With Jason still being out of town, I wasn't able to concentrate on how many I was having or how far apart they were. I grabbed my hospital bag and went back to get my sister. We decided to go to triage to see what was going on.

I was having irregular contractions but with an average distance of 5 minutes apart (some were 4, some were 5 and a half...). I asked the nurse about it and she said that they don't always come at regular intervals in the beginning. I once again, couldn't feel them, well, I could in my lower back, but not in my stomach, and I could talk through them with no problem. She then did an internal, and Monday, when I was just over 1, I was now at 3cm. So, since I'm 36 weeks, they don't want to do anything to speed it up. Especially since I can talk through them and am not in too much pain. So, they sent me walking for an hour. If I was in labor, there probably should have been some progress after an hour of walking the halls of the hospital. There wasn't, I was still 3. Contractions were now irregular with an average of 4 minutes. So, they sent me home. But, the nurse basically told me to ignore the preterm labor discharge papers (the same ones that I had gotten every other time), and told me to come in for certain signs, including when the pain is so much that I can no longer talk through it.

So, there we have it. However, the nurse thinks it will be sooner rather than later. She was to be off until Tuesday and it sounded like she expected it to happen by the time she came back. The full moon is Monday, so who knows, perhaps! But, I don't think I'll be lasting to my wishful thinking birthday of 8-9-10. As long as he's ready though, that's all that matters.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

4 Weeks Left!



How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Up 1 from last week, up 15 total

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. More than 2 now, all near my belly button. They no longer hurt, but man does my stomach itch like crazy! Nothing seems to help!

Sleep? Still waking around every 3 hours or so. But, I can still generally fall back asleep pretty quickly.

Best moment this week? Finding out that my doctor says, yes, I'm about 1.5cm dilated and around 75% effaced.

Movement? He is still moving, but I think he knows his dad's not in town and he's not moving as much.


Food cravings? Ice cream. That's pretty much it. Yup. Oh, and back to sweet tea. Soon enough. :)

Gender? It's a BOY!


Labor signs? Yes. Still having contractions. In fact, I think they're coming about 45 minutes apart right now. Soon it seems.


What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex.


What I'm looking forward to? Well, besides for labor... My growth ultrasound on Tuesday then the appointment right after where we'll discuss if we need to bring Hunter to the world in some other manner other than the traditional way.

Weekly Wisdom: Don't be surprised if you have to go on bed rest even if you don't think you have a reason that would require it. If things are moving too fast, they'll need it to slow down!


Milestones: Down to the last month!


Emotions: Starting to cry more. Jason is out of town and he told me to rub my belly for him and that he misses Hunter. That made me tear up!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Bed rest, sort of

Well, I saw the doctor yesterday. I told her about my 2 visits to OB Triage last week. She listened and did my exam. At that point, she did realize that I was just over 1cm dilated and she said about 75% effaced. She doesn't want me at work helping things along until I hit full term next week. So, according to her papers she gave me, that puts me off of work until next Friday.

My FMLA through my work says maternity leave cannot be intermittent. It has to be all in one block. So, that might be a problem. I've called my HR group in charge and told that I wanted to make sure it was ok or not otherwise I could tell my doctor it's an all or nothing situation but the lady I spoke with didn't give me any indication that it would be a problem so hopefully I'll be approved for that. Now, I have to call the ones in charge of disability so I can get paid. Fun times.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

So, I gave up

Yeah, I gave up on wordpress. I can't find a suitable theme for the new blog and I don't want to pay to be able to edit the CSS and such. So, I scraped it and I'm back here on blogger. They've actually made some enhancements that I didn't realize so it should be good to go soon. In fact, you might even be able to find it. There's just no posts right now.

Thus, the reason the About Me section has changed and now shows me as Hunter's Mom. Well, there we go!

Babies galore!

In the span of 4 days last week, 4 of my friends had babies.

Saturday, July 10 saw 2 babies. Jill, a sorority sister of mine, had a little girl, Carolyn Leona, around 9:30 Saturday morning after a labor of about 36 hours (Yikes!). Saturday night, and Vanessa gave birth to Logan who decided to arrive just a few weeks early (he was 36 weeks).

Monday, July 12, Lori, another sorority sister, gave birth to Emily Winifred, who came right on her due date.

Tuesday, July 13, Libby, my pregnant friend in my baby shower pictures, gave birth to her son. They've been quiet so far on the details as even though he was 2 days shy of his due date, he was needing help breathing and has spent a few days in the NICU. We ran into the father yesterday in the hospital cafeteria while we were eating lunch during a break from our childbirth class and he gave us the news. Upon hearing that, we figured his name wasn't that important just yet. We just hope that everything turns around and they can bring him home.

In other news, I was back at Triage late Wednesday night due to more contractions. I took Thursday and Friday off from work. I go in for right around a half day tomorrow before leaving to go to my 36 week appointment. I've felt a few more contractions, but none that were really trackable. We'll see if I'm still 1cm and 80% or if those numbers are different. And, my childbirth class was yesterday and it was pretty interesting. I am glad I took it. We were hesitant after the baby care class we had in June, but this was much better. Now, it truly is a waiting game. Ideally, if he could show up after this week as Jason is out of town for band camp. But, my sister will be flying in to stay with me, just in case. Who knows, there is a full moon next Monday.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

5 weeks to go!

How far along? 35 weeks and 1 day

Total weight gain/loss? Up 3 from last week, up 14 total

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. More than 2 now, all near my belly button. They no longer hurt, but man does my stomach itch like crazy! Nothing seems to help!

Sleep? I went back to waking up every 2-2.5 hours. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to take me long to fall back asleep.

Best moment this week? Finding out I am 1cm dilated and about 80% effaced. We're making progress!

Movement? He can't really kick now, he'll just stick a random body part out and I feel like I have to push it back in! And, hiccups.

Food cravings? Ice cream. That's pretty much it. Yup.

Gender? It's a BOY!

Labor signs? Yes. I'm having contractions now. Didn't realize on Monday I was having them, but they were 6 minutes apart. I had to go back to L&D last night due to more contractions. I'm home today and tomorrow taking it easy as it's just a little too early for them.

What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex.

What I'm looking forward to? My childdbirth prep class on Saturday. Not a moment too soon too!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't be scared about calling wolf. You never know what's going on.

Milestones: I guess having possible signs of preterm labor.

Emotions: Good, I survived week 34 (and so did my dad). Now, I'm mainly nervous about all these contractions and know that I'm clueless right now if he were to come. I'm relieved that the childbirth class is on Saturday. I also have to finish packing my bags!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Preterm Labor and the OB Triage unit

Yesterday around lunch time, I started having this low back pain that was a new pain to me during pregnancy and was on my sides, rather than centered on my back. I went back to work and tried to continue. About 2.5 hours later, it was still continuing so I called my doctor's office. The nurse didn't seem concerned with the back pain, but did ask if I felt the baby move recently. That's when it occurred to me that I hadn't felt him since sometime that morning. I originally estimated 10:30 or 11, but once I really thought about it, it was probably before that. Well, she didn't like that so she told me to go to L&D for monitoring.

I go home to get the hubs then we get to L&D about 4:15. I tell the nurses in the triage my story and say that the office wants me monitored due to the change in fetal movements. I say this with a "I'm sorry to be bothering you with something so trivial" tone in my voice. About 10 minutes later I'm hooked up to everything and baby is beating away. About an hour later, the nurse comes in to read the graphs. I know one is his heartbeat, but the other was unfamiliar to me. I ask, and they say that it monitors contractions, and that I was having 1 every 6 minutes.

I was surprised. I guess I always thought that I would know a contraction when I felt it as that is what everyone has said. Shoot, my BH I could feel, but not these. They checked my cervix and I am dilated to 1 cm. Nothing big as I can stay dilated for weeks before going into labor. But, as I'm not yet 35 weeks, they don't want me to continue with contractions. They gave me a dose of terbutaline to see if it would calm my uterus down. I was so jittery from getting it. They continued monitoring for 30 minutes and during that time, there was nothing. When the nurse came in, it looked like everything was fine and that it took. So, she left to get the on call dr from my office and see if they could discharge me. 45 minutes later, she comes back in, and I've had 2 more contractions about 10 minutes apart. So, I got another dose.

I got to leave about 8:00 last night and I was told to watch everything to see if I could go to work today and if my back still hurt the same way, then I should stay home and off my feet to see if that helped. So, I go to work today and only lasted 4 hours. I continued to have contractions and I was very, very hot. I'm now in bed at home. Jason had the house cold and ready to help cool me off and I haven't had 1 contraction (at least, based off that back pain) since coming home. Perhaps it's the weather, and it's only going to get hotter. Perhaps it's just trying to calm down from yesterday. I don't go to see my doctor until this coming Monday, so I'm not really sure if I have to be on bedrest or not. If I stay ok today, I'll try to go back in to work tomorrow, and if it doesn't go well, then that will probably be my sign.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

6 Weeks to Go!

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Flat from last week, up 11 total still

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now. Except for unisex t shirts in size L and XL.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. More than 2 now, all near my belly button. They no longer hurt, but man does my stomach itch like crazy! Nothing seems to help!

Sleep? Well, for a few days I was waking up every 2-2.5 hours having to make the trip to the bathroom. However. Sunday night it was only twice, and Monday and Tuesday night were only once! I'll take that! Keep that coming!

Best moment this week? Deciding to run the Princess Half Marathon with my sister in February at Walt Disney World! And, seeing the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows trailer! (Ok, that was actually last week, but I forgot about it when it came time to type this out)

Movement? He can't really kick now, he'll just stick a random body part out and I feel like I have to push it back in! And, hiccups.

Food cravings? Ice cream. That's pretty much it. Yup.

Gender? It's a BOY!

Labor signs? Nope. But I still am getting those ever so much fun Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel so sore after a session of them. My lower back is starting to hurt - though I always have back problems. The BH seem to be getting stronger, I think I lost part of my mucus plug... Every thing that happens sends me into a frenzy wondering if it's preterm labor or not. I'll discuss all this at my appointment tomorrow.

What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex.

What I'm looking forward to? My friend Libby going into labor! She's 39 weeks today! Any day now she could be having her son! And, my appointment tomorrow. And, for my labor to be over with signaling that my boy is here!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't fight it, might as well get up when you wake up and make the trip to the bathroom so you can go back to sleep, otherwise it will just keep you up.

Milestones: I've been officially cut off from traveling.

Emotions: Good, but I'm also on edge. With this whole "am I in preterm?" and with the dream I had about my dad dying. That happened during week 34, right when I was no longer able to travel. Please don't come true!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Let the packing begin!

I've started collecting items that I will need in my hospital bag, or at least they say you will need. I just bought my pads for the ever so long bleeding and also bought nursing pads. I also have some underwear that I don't care about so it can be ruined and will be getting some sugar free hard candy to suck on. What other types of items should I be prepared to have? I'll be bringing my iPod, can I bring the little player for it too or will it only be headphones? I'll be making a playlist of my favorite Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay music but everything will be on the iPod in case I want something else - though I doubt it. So, yeah... what things do I need to make sure I pack?

On another note... while at the store today, we were looking at cloth diapers. I love the ones with the flushable insert, but that's more money than regular diapers. So, I asked what is done with dirty cloth diapers and such - especially poop, or the exploding diaper. After talking it over, it seems like something we could do - plus it's greener, a lot greener. However, we already have quite a few diapers here, maybe not enough to last us for a full year, but quite a bit. Perhaps, if we find ourselves tight on money, we will seriously look into it. But, given that our diaper genie is all set up and the amount of diapers we have thanks to my MIL, it doesn't make sense to switch right now before he's even here. Hmm, more things to ponder.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The new wordpress page has begun

We have the name all picked out and a current theme, but we are trying to find something better, or see how to make one of our own. We still have a little bit of time so that's good. Right now, besides trying to find a good theme for the site, I'm also trying to navigate my way through it. It's a lot to take in and figure out so I'm sure it will take some time.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7 Weeks to Go!

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Up 2 from last week, up 11 total, I've hit the double digits!

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now. Except for unisex t shirts in size L and XL.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. More than 2 now, all near my belly button. They no longer hurt, but man does my stomach itch like crazy! Nothing seems to help!

Sleep? I wake up about twice a night now. Though not because of having to get up to use the restroom, I could be burning up, I could have heartburn... It always varies! However, generally once I'm up, I have to get up to make my trip to the bathroom. Plus, my sleep is about half asleep/half awake now. Not fun.

Best moment this week? Escaping the heat and going to San Francisco! Seeing a good drum corps show doesn't hurt either! :)

Movement? He can't really kick now, he'll just stick a random body part out and I feel like I have to push it back in!

Food cravings? Ice cream. That's pretty much it. Yup. Oh, and chocolate today.

Gender? It's a BOY!

Labor signs? Nope. But I still am getting those ever so much fun Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel so sore after a session of them. And, today I had some strong menstrual cramps. I thought it might have been preterm labor but figured I had no reason to be in preterm labor. Instead, we believe it's just ligaments stretching and in turn making things cramp up.

What I miss? The cooler weather, sleeping through the night, no heartburn, and still sex.

What I'm looking forward to? My friend Libby going into labor! She's 38 weeks today! Any day now she could be having her son!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't fight it, might as well get up when you wake up and make the trip to the bathroom so you can go back to sleep, otherwise it will just keep you up.

Milestones: Being 5 weeks away from 2 weeks early (which is where my family thinks baby will make his debut)

Emotions: Excited and nervous all at once with how close it's all getting!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Thinking of starting new

Yes, I am contemplating after this kid is born of scratching this blog and starting over. Making it more for family and friends too to follow life as we know it. I may even make the jump to wordpress, not sure yet, haven't done too much looking.

That does mean that my 101 in 1001 will probably go away. Not to say that I'll give up on achieving these all together because I still want to do the things on my list, I would just not keep track. Like I still want to take Jason to New York/Boston, DC, to hear the NY Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony, I still want to travel out of the county, I still want to own every Disney movie... This would have just put a time restriction on it, which is good, but, not entirely necessary if I am going to do it anyway.

I'll finish out the pregnancy here and I'll try to post the birth story here too, but that may be it. Pretty exciting, huh? Don't worry, I'll let those that want to know the new address when it's time.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

8 Weeks to Go!

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? Up 1 from last week, up 9 total

Maternity clothes? Every thing full time now. Except for unisex t shirts in size L and XL.

Stretch marks? :( Yes. More than 2 now, all near my belly button, and they hurt! I used to get ready without clothes on to allow the lotion to dry, now I can't stand the sight of my stomach so I put on my clothes as soon as possible. At least I'm not crying by looking at my stomach anymore. I guess that is good.

Sleep? I wake up about once a night now. Though not because of having to get up to use the restroom, I could be burning up, I could have heartburn... It always varies! However, generally once I'm up, I have to get up to make my trip to the bathroom. Plus, my sleep is about half asleep/half awake now. Not fun.

Best moment this week? Had another great doctor's appointment.

Movement? He has a cycle now... it seems like it's an every 3 hours sort of thing.

Food cravings? Ice cream. That's pretty much it.

Gender? It's a BOY!

Labor signs? Nope. But I still am getting those ever so much fun Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel so sore after a session of them.

What I miss? Sex. I can't initiate because of how I look, I just don't feel like I look great for it. But, the hubs isn't initiating anything because he hears me complaining and thinks I don't want to. We've talked and hopefully this will get better.

What I'm looking forward to? Going to San Francisco this weekend. I have a drum corps show to go to!

Weekly Wisdom: Almost everything is worth talking about.

Milestones: Being 5 weeks away from full term! Wow!

Emotions: Excited and nervous all at once with how close it's all getting!