Saturday, May 7, 2011
Quiet
Things are quiet here now. Sully is asleep, Daddy is out working and mommy is, alone. This alone time thing is so strange. Sometimes, I get so touched-out after being pawed by Sully all day. I love breastfeeding but sometimes it can be kinetically overwhelming. I love them both dearly, but I think they contrived to give me some alone time for mother's day. Thank you boys. I love you!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Vlog Day 1
So, I have made a descision. I suck at finding time when I have free hands to type, so Sully and I are converting to a video blog, or Vlog. Ooooh, don't I sound all tech savvy now?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Plea to My Son
Last night was glorious, you actually seemed to understand that night-time is for sleeping. Can we please continue this? Your mommy felt like a human, and not a zombie, for the first time since you have been born today. Please, my dear love, tell me that you have indeed figured out your days and nights and that this will continue. I am hoping that your fussiness this evening bodes well for tonight. I will gladly deal with the engorgement of this morning for sleeping six hours (even if it was in two three hour stretches). Please oh please! For mommy's birthday?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Two Weeks 6 Days
Today, my little man is two weeks six days old. He is already getting so big! He smiles in his sleep, but no wakeful or social smiles as of yet! Last Friday he was 9lbs already! Today, we are going to go to pick up my clearance to return to work, some hydrocortozone cream and visit everyone at work. Breastfeeding is going really well. He spills a lot of milk while he is drinking, so though that is annoying its not damaging to the process. I had an oversupply, but we seem to have kicked that with some help from block feeding. I can fit into my wedding and engagement rings now and I am just thrilled as was Chris.
Sully is currently sleeping peacefully next to me while we wait for Daddy to get home from work. The past couple days, during his alert times he has been looking at our faces more and its very endearing. I think he is going through a growth spurt, because last night I fed him from 2:30-4. I waited until he was seriously asleep, set him in his crib, and snuggled up with the hubs. At 4:30, he woke, screaming for food like I hadn't fed him in days.Finally, I just set him up in the side-lying nursing position and attempted to sleep while this kid ate like an animal. I woke every couple of hours to switch sides, but otherwise I think I would be a zombie right now! Well, off I go to see if I can upload some photos before he wakes! Will post if it happens!
Sully is currently sleeping peacefully next to me while we wait for Daddy to get home from work. The past couple days, during his alert times he has been looking at our faces more and its very endearing. I think he is going through a growth spurt, because last night I fed him from 2:30-4. I waited until he was seriously asleep, set him in his crib, and snuggled up with the hubs. At 4:30, he woke, screaming for food like I hadn't fed him in days.Finally, I just set him up in the side-lying nursing position and attempted to sleep while this kid ate like an animal. I woke every couple of hours to switch sides, but otherwise I think I would be a zombie right now! Well, off I go to see if I can upload some photos before he wakes! Will post if it happens!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Birth Story
The day before Sully's due date I went to the OB, I was 1cm, 50% effaced and she could easily stretch me to 2cm. We scheduled my consult for my induction for the following week in case we needed it.
The day of Sully's due date one of Chris's student employees got us comp tickets to his dance show. We went and I was worrying the entire time that my water would break because Sully was kicking my cervix like crazy. Also, the chairs were possibly the most uncomfortable things upon which I have ever sat. We went home and went to bed around 12, which is pretty early for us. At 2 I got up and went to the restroom and noticed I felt "off." I went back to bed and woke up about 4 feeling horrible. I thought I had to go to the bathroom but when I went I couldn't get anything and it just kept hurting. I waited for a bit and woke up Christopher. I told him that this felt very different and I wanted to go to the hospital. He reminded me that we should time them, especially since last time I made him promise not to let me go back until I was screaming (didn't want another false alarm).
At this point I insisted that we go and I called L&D. I had a contraction on the phone and she said she thought we head in. Chris got our stuff together and we drove in the snow. When we got there I was checked; I was effaced and 3cm. I was crushed, they don't admit until 4cm, and the nurse had mentioned that they were very busy. Luckily, she could see that I was in real pain and she and the doctor agreed that I would probably progress well. Hooray! I was in! I also lucked out on rooms because all the singles were full but they had a double set up as a single so my room was HUGE!
They asked about pain management and I said that I knew I wanted an epidural. My nurse assumed that I meant right that second, even though I really meant as soon as it wouldn't hinder my progress. So, she started me on fluids and alerted the anesteseologist. In the meantime, she gave me a shot of nubane to help manage my pain. This really took the edge off. My doctor wanted to break my water to help speed up labor a bit, and I thought this was a good idea. Luckily, my angel nurse insisted that we get my epi in before we broke my water in case it really increased my contractions. After the epi and water was broken, I took a nap. The next time I was checked, my progression had really slowed down. My doctor ordered pitocin.
Again, Pam, my angel nurse was a huge advocate for me, she didn't want the pitocin so she started it on a crazy slow drip and the little bit helped. I was progressing slowly, but progressing. Again, I took a nap. This entire time, (about 8 hours) Chris was being so wonderful and helpful. Always asking if he can get me anything, if its ok if he reads or plays a game. His parents got to the hospital early that morning but pretty much stayed in the waiting room. His brother-in-law and sister arrived with their boys around 1 and mostly stayed in there as well.
Around 5 I was checked and I was at 9.5cm with an anterior lip. My doctor decided that he wanted me to try pushing while he manipulated it to see if we could push around it. It worked and we were in business! Chris's sister came in so she could be present for the birth.
At 6, we started pushing. My epidural was starting to wear off, I could manipulate my legs much more and I was feeling pain with each contraction. I pushed and pushed and Sully wouldn't budge past my pelvic bone. At 7, my angel nurse's shift was ending. She stayed until 7:15, hoping to meet Sully but he just wouldn't come. I continued pushing until 8, each time the pain increased and I never seemed to make any progress. At one point, in the middle of a push, the doctor mentioned he could see Sully's head. Of course, I immediately stopped pushing and cried.With each push, my OB was pressing really hard inside, trying to get Sully some room to slide past and to show me where to push. It hurt so badly and I just wanted to kick him each time! I don't think I cried out in pain much, mostly I just whimpered. I just wanted to meet my boy and I was so tired. The doctor saw how tired I was and asked if I wanted to try pushing and the vacuum. He reminded me that once we got past the pelvic bone I still had to push him out, I didn't know how much energy I had left so I agreed. I was so tired, and I knew I was nearing my end point.
He got out the vacuum and after a round or two of pushing Sully was crowning. We had agreed with the doctor beforehand that Chris would help catch Sully so his sister would hold my leg. Waiting for Chris to put on the gloves, I wanted to scream at him to hurry. At some point, I am not sure when (thank god) I tore my perineum (even though my OB was massaging like a crazy man). For this, I am actually thankful. The tear made it so that Chris delivered Sully almost unassisted while the OB held my perineum together.
I think this is the most amazing part of my delivery. When I was screaming, at the end of my rope, while the doctor prevented my tear from worsening, my husband pulled my son free. I think Chris pulling our son free is now this wonderful bond we will always share. He stimulated Sully and brought him up to meet me. That first moment as a family was possibly the most beautiful of my life. At first, Sully's color wasn't good, but they delayed clamping or cutting the cord (I didn't even have to ask!) and he pinked right up, before his first apgars. Honestly, I was afraid in the past that Sully would be one of those funny looking newborns. Truly, he was beautiful.
After an hour, the nurse came to weigh and wash him. He was 8lbs2oz and 20 inches long.
In the week since he has been born, we have learned a lot of things about each other. He loves sleeping on people and hates sleeping alone. He has his days and nights SERIOUSLY mixed up, but we think we will keep him anyhow. He is an awesome breastfeeder and the light of my life.DH and I have been enjoying our time off as a family. Below is our first picture as a family (my face is HUGELY swollen from the fluids) and a collage of his week 1 pictures that WOULD be in my signature if the Bump would let me change it!
The day of Sully's due date one of Chris's student employees got us comp tickets to his dance show. We went and I was worrying the entire time that my water would break because Sully was kicking my cervix like crazy. Also, the chairs were possibly the most uncomfortable things upon which I have ever sat. We went home and went to bed around 12, which is pretty early for us. At 2 I got up and went to the restroom and noticed I felt "off." I went back to bed and woke up about 4 feeling horrible. I thought I had to go to the bathroom but when I went I couldn't get anything and it just kept hurting. I waited for a bit and woke up Christopher. I told him that this felt very different and I wanted to go to the hospital. He reminded me that we should time them, especially since last time I made him promise not to let me go back until I was screaming (didn't want another false alarm).
At this point I insisted that we go and I called L&D. I had a contraction on the phone and she said she thought we head in. Chris got our stuff together and we drove in the snow. When we got there I was checked; I was effaced and 3cm. I was crushed, they don't admit until 4cm, and the nurse had mentioned that they were very busy. Luckily, she could see that I was in real pain and she and the doctor agreed that I would probably progress well. Hooray! I was in! I also lucked out on rooms because all the singles were full but they had a double set up as a single so my room was HUGE!
They asked about pain management and I said that I knew I wanted an epidural. My nurse assumed that I meant right that second, even though I really meant as soon as it wouldn't hinder my progress. So, she started me on fluids and alerted the anesteseologist. In the meantime, she gave me a shot of nubane to help manage my pain. This really took the edge off. My doctor wanted to break my water to help speed up labor a bit, and I thought this was a good idea. Luckily, my angel nurse insisted that we get my epi in before we broke my water in case it really increased my contractions. After the epi and water was broken, I took a nap. The next time I was checked, my progression had really slowed down. My doctor ordered pitocin.
Again, Pam, my angel nurse was a huge advocate for me, she didn't want the pitocin so she started it on a crazy slow drip and the little bit helped. I was progressing slowly, but progressing. Again, I took a nap. This entire time, (about 8 hours) Chris was being so wonderful and helpful. Always asking if he can get me anything, if its ok if he reads or plays a game. His parents got to the hospital early that morning but pretty much stayed in the waiting room. His brother-in-law and sister arrived with their boys around 1 and mostly stayed in there as well.
Around 5 I was checked and I was at 9.5cm with an anterior lip. My doctor decided that he wanted me to try pushing while he manipulated it to see if we could push around it. It worked and we were in business! Chris's sister came in so she could be present for the birth.
At 6, we started pushing. My epidural was starting to wear off, I could manipulate my legs much more and I was feeling pain with each contraction. I pushed and pushed and Sully wouldn't budge past my pelvic bone. At 7, my angel nurse's shift was ending. She stayed until 7:15, hoping to meet Sully but he just wouldn't come. I continued pushing until 8, each time the pain increased and I never seemed to make any progress. At one point, in the middle of a push, the doctor mentioned he could see Sully's head. Of course, I immediately stopped pushing and cried.With each push, my OB was pressing really hard inside, trying to get Sully some room to slide past and to show me where to push. It hurt so badly and I just wanted to kick him each time! I don't think I cried out in pain much, mostly I just whimpered. I just wanted to meet my boy and I was so tired. The doctor saw how tired I was and asked if I wanted to try pushing and the vacuum. He reminded me that once we got past the pelvic bone I still had to push him out, I didn't know how much energy I had left so I agreed. I was so tired, and I knew I was nearing my end point.
He got out the vacuum and after a round or two of pushing Sully was crowning. We had agreed with the doctor beforehand that Chris would help catch Sully so his sister would hold my leg. Waiting for Chris to put on the gloves, I wanted to scream at him to hurry. At some point, I am not sure when (thank god) I tore my perineum (even though my OB was massaging like a crazy man). For this, I am actually thankful. The tear made it so that Chris delivered Sully almost unassisted while the OB held my perineum together.
I think this is the most amazing part of my delivery. When I was screaming, at the end of my rope, while the doctor prevented my tear from worsening, my husband pulled my son free. I think Chris pulling our son free is now this wonderful bond we will always share. He stimulated Sully and brought him up to meet me. That first moment as a family was possibly the most beautiful of my life. At first, Sully's color wasn't good, but they delayed clamping or cutting the cord (I didn't even have to ask!) and he pinked right up, before his first apgars. Honestly, I was afraid in the past that Sully would be one of those funny looking newborns. Truly, he was beautiful.
After an hour, the nurse came to weigh and wash him. He was 8lbs2oz and 20 inches long.
In the week since he has been born, we have learned a lot of things about each other. He loves sleeping on people and hates sleeping alone. He has his days and nights SERIOUSLY mixed up, but we think we will keep him anyhow. He is an awesome breastfeeder and the light of my life.DH and I have been enjoying our time off as a family. Below is our first picture as a family (my face is HUGELY swollen from the fluids) and a collage of his week 1 pictures that WOULD be in my signature if the Bump would let me change it!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
39&40 Weeks
How far along? 39 weeks 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: 50. Yeah, well at least its not the 100+ my mom had with me right?
Maternity clothes? Yes, and plenty of Chris's clothes as well
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, belly remains intact!
Sleep: Crappy, I have dreams of my water breaking several times a night, I wake up to feel for the water...
Best moment this week: Talking induction
Movement: 1-4 am is party time in my belly.. ugh
Food cravings: Oreos and cereal
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Lots of back pain and lost my mucous plug for sure
Belly Button in or out? An innie!
What I miss: Back sleeping
What I am looking forward to: Relaxing this weekend
Weekly Wisdom: Mucous plugs have the same consistency as Gak.
Milestones: Tomorrow is my due date!
Total weight gain/loss: 50. Yeah, well at least its not the 100+ my mom had with me right?
Maternity clothes? Yes, and plenty of Chris's clothes as well
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, belly remains intact!
Sleep: Crappy, I have dreams of my water breaking several times a night, I wake up to feel for the water...
Best moment this week: Talking induction
Movement: 1-4 am is party time in my belly.. ugh
Food cravings: Oreos and cereal
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Lots of back pain and lost my mucous plug for sure
Belly Button in or out? An innie!
What I miss: Back sleeping
What I am looking forward to: Relaxing this weekend
Weekly Wisdom: Mucous plugs have the same consistency as Gak.
Milestones: Tomorrow is my due date!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Really?
Dear college kids,
I am pregnant, so I have a super sniffer. I am home at 2:30 in the afternoon. Don't be surprised when you light up a joint outside my door, I call my husband, and he comes to bust your ass. No I don't honestly care that you smoke pot. I do honestly care that you smoke pot outside the room where I am trying to freaking gestate a child, and where said child will be sleeping within days. NOT COOL!
Love,
The Pregnant Nazi who is married to your ED
I am pregnant, so I have a super sniffer. I am home at 2:30 in the afternoon. Don't be surprised when you light up a joint outside my door, I call my husband, and he comes to bust your ass. No I don't honestly care that you smoke pot. I do honestly care that you smoke pot outside the room where I am trying to freaking gestate a child, and where said child will be sleeping within days. NOT COOL!
Love,
The Pregnant Nazi who is married to your ED
Sunday, February 6, 2011
38 Weeks
How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: over 40 lbs, I haven't really checked since then...
Maternity clothes? Yes, plus one pair of AWESOME new yoga pants
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, belly is still intact! I think I might have a new one on my boob though :*(
Sleep: Better than before, but my hips get really sore
Best moment this week: It was kinda a lame week...
Movement: Lots of movement at nighttime, I have a little night owl!
Food cravings: Sweet stuff, especially oreos or cereal
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Lots of contractions, some loose BM's, pressure down low.
Belly Button in or out? Miraculously an innie
What I miss: Sleeping on my back, uncomplicated sex, small feet!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting Sully Monster, going back to work, eventually moving.
Weekly Wisdom: A wonderful husband is the biggest blessing and pregnancy comfort I could ever ask for.
Milestones: Officially off work :(
Total weight gain/loss: over 40 lbs, I haven't really checked since then...
Maternity clothes? Yes, plus one pair of AWESOME new yoga pants
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, belly is still intact! I think I might have a new one on my boob though :*(
Sleep: Better than before, but my hips get really sore
Best moment this week: It was kinda a lame week...
Movement: Lots of movement at nighttime, I have a little night owl!
Food cravings: Sweet stuff, especially oreos or cereal
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Lots of contractions, some loose BM's, pressure down low.
Belly Button in or out? Miraculously an innie
What I miss: Sleeping on my back, uncomplicated sex, small feet!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting Sully Monster, going back to work, eventually moving.
Weekly Wisdom: A wonderful husband is the biggest blessing and pregnancy comfort I could ever ask for.
Milestones: Officially off work :(
Each Day
This late in pregnancy, I find it helps to have something to look forward to each day, especially when I can no longer work. My days are pretty long, so this is what I look forward to:
Monday:OB appointment, get to hear Sully's HB, and ask any questions I may have. This week, I plan on asking how and when we do inductions.
Tuesday: One Born Every Minute- a show on Lifetime about giving birth.
Wednesday: Face Off- Basically project runway for special effects makeup.
Thursday: When each week resets, coming up on week 39 now!
Friday: Um, its Friday?
Saturday & Sunday: Spending the day with my wonderful husband of course!
Monday:OB appointment, get to hear Sully's HB, and ask any questions I may have. This week, I plan on asking how and when we do inductions.
Tuesday: One Born Every Minute- a show on Lifetime about giving birth.
Wednesday: Face Off- Basically project runway for special effects makeup.
Thursday: When each week resets, coming up on week 39 now!
Friday: Um, its Friday?
Saturday & Sunday: Spending the day with my wonderful husband of course!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Depression blech
Because of my abdominal injury, I can no longer work (hard to turn a school bus when it feels like someone is stabbing you with a knife). This is really really hard for me. If I was on bedrest earlier in the pregnancy it would be one thing, I would be protecting my baby who was not ready to be born. Well little mister is ready to be born, he is just taking his sweet time about it. Many things I do hurt my stomach so I try to get sit or lay down, but its infuriating. When Chris gets home I want to scream I am so excited. Then, there isn't really much to do, again. I just want Sully out because then maybe I can heal. Chris gets kinda frustrated with me when I mention this because I still technically have two weeks left. I constantly feel like I am going to cry, I just feel trapped. I love Sully already, but its really hard being pregnant right now.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Change of Heart
Up until today I have been pretty eager to get my guy out here so I can meet him. That hasn't quite changed. I still want to meet him very badly, but now I would rather wait a bit. My stomach is pretty badly injured and it hurts pretty significantly when I even tighten my stomach. Contractions are agony at this point, I can't imagine what labor contractions will be like. Now, I'd like him to keep his little bum securely entrenched until my stomach is healed up. Who knows what an injury like this means for labor. Can I still push? Will this mean I need a c-section? Can they even DO a c/s with an abdominal injury. Lets just hope this decides to heal up by the time I need those muscles for pushing! Sullivan James, make yourself comfy!
Owwwy! or Wherein the OB is Completely Useless
Last night getting into a friend's truck I suddenly felt like someone had stabbed me with a burning hot knife in my abdomen, near my belly button. I called L&D, because this was in a different place from my round ligament pains and about 10X more intense. They advised me to lay down, relax and take a tylenol, because it sounded like I had pulled or torn an abdominal muscle. Great.
I slept fine last night and thought it was better. Oh boy was I wrong. Any time I move I feel this same intense pain over again. I called my OB's office, not because I feared there was anything wrong with LO (lots of movement still, with no change in discharge), but because it really freaking hurts and I have work tomorrow. The OB on duty basically asked about LO and said, "OK then, well it sounds like because you are 38 weeks tomorrow you are just getting antsy, you can come in to be monitored if you want, but I think baby is fine."
Well duh hes fine, I am not worried about him, I'm worried about me. I wanted to know if there was anything I can do beyond what I am already doing to make myself feel better, because honestly if this burns with my BH, I can't imagine what REAL labor will be like. Ugh, I hope I feel better by tomorrow, but if not I might not be able to work until labor like I anticipated. Clearly I just needed to rant a bit.
I slept fine last night and thought it was better. Oh boy was I wrong. Any time I move I feel this same intense pain over again. I called my OB's office, not because I feared there was anything wrong with LO (lots of movement still, with no change in discharge), but because it really freaking hurts and I have work tomorrow. The OB on duty basically asked about LO and said, "OK then, well it sounds like because you are 38 weeks tomorrow you are just getting antsy, you can come in to be monitored if you want, but I think baby is fine."
Well duh hes fine, I am not worried about him, I'm worried about me. I wanted to know if there was anything I can do beyond what I am already doing to make myself feel better, because honestly if this burns with my BH, I can't imagine what REAL labor will be like. Ugh, I hope I feel better by tomorrow, but if not I might not be able to work until labor like I anticipated. Clearly I just needed to rant a bit.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
37 weeks or the big fat fail....
So, last night was Chris's birthday and we went out for a nice dinner. I wasn't feeling well I had crampy contractions and such. Dinner was awesome though and on the way home I realized the contractions were pretty close together and pretty uncomfortable. When we got home, I timed them for an hour and they were 4/5 minutes apart and lasting longer than a minute. I called L&D and they said I could come in now or labor at home a bit more. I decided to labor here while we got the bags together and such. Well by the time we got the bags together Chris and I had a misunderstanding about when we were going, so we just ended up heading out (he thought I wanted to go right now, I really wanted to wait, but thought he wanted to go haha). I didn't really feel like it was "go time" but I started thinking about all of those women who don't realize they are in labor and decided I better check it out just in case. Well, long story short, Sully is still picture perfect in his movements/decels. Contractions are real and I was timing correctly, but I am just not dilating (ok fine I am 1 cm and my cervix is still thick, but that might as well be nothing). I kept apologizing, I think because I felt stupid. Sully is staying in there, for quite some time probably, and I just need to get used to it. I *can* do another month of this, I just don't want to. Here's the weekly update:
How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: over 40 lbs, honestly I don't even want to check
Maternity clothes? oh yeah
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, no belly
Sleep: much better these days
Best moment this week: My baby shower/Chris's birthday dinner
Movement: Yep, hes super active
Food cravings: Beer/wine sadly this will have to wait for a bit
Gender: Handsome little guy
Labor Signs: Ugh don't even talk to me about this. Yes contractions but they aren't going anywhere
Belly Button in or out? Innie :)
What I miss: My old body, and having a skinny face
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my son.
Weekly Wisdom: You really REALLY need to be in pain before you make the trip to L&D
Milestones: First false alarm!
Weekly Picture:
How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: over 40 lbs, honestly I don't even want to check
Maternity clothes? oh yeah
Stretch marks? butt and thighs, no belly
Sleep: much better these days
Best moment this week: My baby shower/Chris's birthday dinner
Movement: Yep, hes super active
Food cravings: Beer/wine sadly this will have to wait for a bit
Gender: Handsome little guy
Labor Signs: Ugh don't even talk to me about this. Yes contractions but they aren't going anywhere
Belly Button in or out? Innie :)
What I miss: My old body, and having a skinny face
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my son.
Weekly Wisdom: You really REALLY need to be in pain before you make the trip to L&D
Milestones: First false alarm!
Weekly Picture:
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Sully Monster
Sullivan James,
You are already facing my front instead of my back. If you continue to put your hands by your face, and thus threaten getting them stuck there for delivery, we will need to have words. This is not ok, you are already most likely going to rip me to high heaven because you insist on facing the world please don't add insult to injury by making this even more difficult than it already must be. I will not appreciate having to have reconstructive surgery after your birth.
Thanks,
Mommy, who loves you very much
You are already facing my front instead of my back. If you continue to put your hands by your face, and thus threaten getting them stuck there for delivery, we will need to have words. This is not ok, you are already most likely going to rip me to high heaven because you insist on facing the world please don't add insult to injury by making this even more difficult than it already must be. I will not appreciate having to have reconstructive surgery after your birth.
Thanks,
Mommy, who loves you very much
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Can I Have a Baby Now?
Not really, I am just getting antsy. I Think all the ladies having babies on the Bump is giving me a touch of Labor envy. I thought last week I was having signs of early labor, but they had stopped pretty much completely until this morning. We are rocking the contractions! They aren't really time-able or labor inducing or even that painful yet, but hopefully they are doing *something* to my cervix!
In other completely wonderful exciting news, my future BIL is returning from overseas sometime before tomorrow night. I won't get to see him (because they live in Texas), but I am beyond excited for my sister!
In other completely wonderful exciting news, my future BIL is returning from overseas sometime before tomorrow night. I won't get to see him (because they live in Texas), but I am beyond excited for my sister!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Quick Anecdote from Saturday Night
Chris and I are the old people of our friends, they go out way more than we do, even when we weren't pregnant. Happily, when I went to pick him up from his Diaper Crawl the other night, we both experienced our first post-marriage pickups. I was coming back from the bathroom (surprise!) and a guy looked at me, opened his mouth like he was going to hit on me, looked down, saw the belly, his jaw dropped, he looked back at my face, made a "haha my bad motion," and turned away. It took everything I had to not laugh until I was out of sight. Then, not five minutes later, Chris was standing with his friend. This girl was kind of hitting on both of them, and started in on Chris in earnest. She made some obvious advance toward him, he held up his hand, wiggled his ring and pointed to my big round belly. Yeah, we may be old, and chubbier than nine months ago, but we are still hot! Wewt! (Lets not even DISCUSS the looks a pregnant lady, drinking a sprite, waiting to drive her adorably drunk husband home, gets in a bar!)
Adventures in Registry Completion
Saturday I had my shower (which was amazing), Saturday evening Chris had his Diaper Crawl and EARLY Sunday morning I drove his adorable drunk singing butt back from the city. Sunday we woke up with the best intentions of hitting Target to use my registry completion coupon to get all of the little things we still need (and a few big things). I hadn't received a coupon, but figured they would give me one when I closed the registry.
A quick note about my Target Registry. We don't have a Target in my teensy town, so I just registered at BRU because it is a bit closer. The Target registry was my secret only-for-the-completion-coupon registry. It contained all of the same things as the BRU registry, but Target's prices are cheaper and they have nursing camis. I was going to keep this completely secret but one girl wanted to shop at target so I extended the registry (which originally "ended" Jan 8th) until my shower so that she could shop there.
I show up at Target, ready to drop some serious cash. I talk to someone at customer service and he helps me at the kiosk. He tells me it should be coming in the mail, or that it should have come by now, but if I close my registry they will just give it to me now. He goes back to do so, and his manager mentions that I am still pregnant. She explains to him that the coupon is only to be used *after* the baby is born and thus, they will not give me my coupon because I am still obviously pregnant. Oh yes, because sure I really want to wait until I have an outside baby to buy breast pads and nipple butter and burp cloths...
Well Chris suggested that we peruse and price, so I wrote everything down. I came home pretty livid. A bit of internet research led me to Amazon.com's baby registry. Same completion coupon percentage, except it was online... hmmm....
Sure enough I can get the EXACT same products (minus the camis which turned out to not work for me but plus several other things) for six dollars cheaper. I got my completion coupon instantly and the only reason I haven't yet ordered it all is because I am waiting for my visa gift card to magically become a amazon gift card.
A quick note about my Target Registry. We don't have a Target in my teensy town, so I just registered at BRU because it is a bit closer. The Target registry was my secret only-for-the-completion-coupon registry. It contained all of the same things as the BRU registry, but Target's prices are cheaper and they have nursing camis. I was going to keep this completely secret but one girl wanted to shop at target so I extended the registry (which originally "ended" Jan 8th) until my shower so that she could shop there.
I show up at Target, ready to drop some serious cash. I talk to someone at customer service and he helps me at the kiosk. He tells me it should be coming in the mail, or that it should have come by now, but if I close my registry they will just give it to me now. He goes back to do so, and his manager mentions that I am still pregnant. She explains to him that the coupon is only to be used *after* the baby is born and thus, they will not give me my coupon because I am still obviously pregnant. Oh yes, because sure I really want to wait until I have an outside baby to buy breast pads and nipple butter and burp cloths...
Well Chris suggested that we peruse and price, so I wrote everything down. I came home pretty livid. A bit of internet research led me to Amazon.com's baby registry. Same completion coupon percentage, except it was online... hmmm....
Sure enough I can get the EXACT same products (minus the camis which turned out to not work for me but plus several other things) for six dollars cheaper. I got my completion coupon instantly and the only reason I haven't yet ordered it all is because I am waiting for my visa gift card to magically become a amazon gift card.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
36 Week Appointment and Doctor Thoughts
Just got back from my OB appointment. Measured a touch small, which my doctor said meant I "certainly dropped" like I was wondering. He also said Sully's head is about half in my pelvis (from what he can feel) which also indicates that he has dropped. he also said, "Wow you are perfectly on schedule then!" Because I guess in a textbook pregnancy, a woman should drop at about 36 weeks. Had my Group B Strep test done and that was the biggest joke of my life, super easy. He didn't do an internal exam, because they don't at my office, but Sully's HB was high 130's, which is pretty par for the course for him at this point. He confirmed that I have some swelling in my legs, which made me feel better that they aren't just fat and that it will go away pretty quickly.
After we left, Chris and I were discussing delivery day, and which OB I would prefer to be on call at the time. I happily realized that I would be just fine with any of them, and in fact, kind of hope for each one for different reasons. Here is why: First, there is Dr. L. whom I saw today. He is really even keel and professional. He seems like he would be a calming presence in the room and would be very honest with me. I also know he delivered my co-worker's daughter and said co-worker said that he really seemed to love water births. Granted, this was like 17 years ago, so he might not be as excited about it now, but if he loved it then, he is probably at least really good at it now. Next, there is Dr. W. He wears a bow tie and has circular glasses if that helps with a visualization. He is always really happy and seems to be genuinely excited about birthing babies after all this time. I think it would be great to have a doctor who was just plain happy to be part of our miracle. Finally there is Dr.S. She is younger than her partners and really down to earth. She is very laid back and has always seemed really open, honest and understanding to me.
Luckily, all three doctors pretty much jive well with my theory of birth. They are all gung ho about water births (my hospital was #4 in the nation to implement this), and generally look at episiotomies as a last resort. They prefer if a woman is able to go natural, for breastfeeding reasons, but also understand if you decide you need some help. They have signs posted in every office that basically say "Unless there is a serious medical reason, we will not even consider inducing you before 41 weeks, so don't even ask. Even then, you can safely make it to 42 and as long as baby is ok, that's ok with us." I appreciate that my doctors will not be pushing me to have this baby before he is good and ready. They also recommend stripping membranes (not before 41 weeks) in order to reduce the need to pitocin.
So, I am feeling pretty good about my labor at this point. I know it will probably not be ideal, but I feel that at least my doctors' version of ideal coincides with mine pretty well!
After we left, Chris and I were discussing delivery day, and which OB I would prefer to be on call at the time. I happily realized that I would be just fine with any of them, and in fact, kind of hope for each one for different reasons. Here is why: First, there is Dr. L. whom I saw today. He is really even keel and professional. He seems like he would be a calming presence in the room and would be very honest with me. I also know he delivered my co-worker's daughter and said co-worker said that he really seemed to love water births. Granted, this was like 17 years ago, so he might not be as excited about it now, but if he loved it then, he is probably at least really good at it now. Next, there is Dr. W. He wears a bow tie and has circular glasses if that helps with a visualization. He is always really happy and seems to be genuinely excited about birthing babies after all this time. I think it would be great to have a doctor who was just plain happy to be part of our miracle. Finally there is Dr.S. She is younger than her partners and really down to earth. She is very laid back and has always seemed really open, honest and understanding to me.
Luckily, all three doctors pretty much jive well with my theory of birth. They are all gung ho about water births (my hospital was #4 in the nation to implement this), and generally look at episiotomies as a last resort. They prefer if a woman is able to go natural, for breastfeeding reasons, but also understand if you decide you need some help. They have signs posted in every office that basically say "Unless there is a serious medical reason, we will not even consider inducing you before 41 weeks, so don't even ask. Even then, you can safely make it to 42 and as long as baby is ok, that's ok with us." I appreciate that my doctors will not be pushing me to have this baby before he is good and ready. They also recommend stripping membranes (not before 41 weeks) in order to reduce the need to pitocin.
So, I am feeling pretty good about my labor at this point. I know it will probably not be ideal, but I feel that at least my doctors' version of ideal coincides with mine pretty well!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
36 Weeks (okay I am two and half hours early big deal...)
How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss:40 lbs, I don't wanna talk about it...
Total weight gain/loss:40 lbs, I don't wanna talk about it...
Maternity clothes? For sure, or Chris's clothes, or some from Mom Martin or Mrs. Piemer
Stretch marks?Legs and butt, but the belly is clear!
Sleep: Whats that? But mostly because my sleep schedule got all whacked from snow days /blush
Best moment this week: Shopping with Mom Martin for baby shower stuff, and getting Sully's letters posted
Movement: Still pretty consistent
Food cravings: Oreos and milk, but reduced fat and skim milk
Gender: Handsome little guy
Labor Signs: Contractions for sure, I am feeling them in my back. Certainly not hardcore, but they exist.
Belly Button in or out? Innie :)
What I miss: Sleeping on my back, sex not hurting.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower, and meeting Sully of course!
Weekly Wisdom: From something that JUST happened: Dear dumb college kids, don't light up a doobie underneath the window of your dorm manager. His pregnant wife with the super sniffer will catch your ass!
Milestones: I think I may have dropped!
Now, the weekly photo:
Sleep: Whats that? But mostly because my sleep schedule got all whacked from snow days /blush
Best moment this week: Shopping with Mom Martin for baby shower stuff, and getting Sully's letters posted
Movement: Still pretty consistent
Food cravings: Oreos and milk, but reduced fat and skim milk
Gender: Handsome little guy
Labor Signs: Contractions for sure, I am feeling them in my back. Certainly not hardcore, but they exist.
Belly Button in or out? Innie :)
What I miss: Sleeping on my back, sex not hurting.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower, and meeting Sully of course!
Weekly Wisdom: From something that JUST happened: Dear dumb college kids, don't light up a doobie underneath the window of your dorm manager. His pregnant wife with the super sniffer will catch your ass!
Milestones: I think I may have dropped!
Now, the weekly photo:
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Too Far to Waddle
Chris was leaving for his rounds about 40 minutes ago. He has had a rough few days at work, basically working non-stop. I asked him if he wanted me to get suited up for the cold and go with him to keep him company. He looked at me all funny for a minute then said "Honey, I think its too far for you to waddle." I cracked up a little bit. Sure, some wives would tell me I should have shot him an icy look, but it was too honest and apt for me not to laugh. I love this man. Thanks for knowing how far I can waddle these days honey!
Just like Momma
Last night I informed Chris that I am fairly certain that Sully is taking after me, he is convinced that he is going to college in my belly. If he were to take after his dad, he would be born within the week. Honestly I don't think there is any concern about this happening! I *think* I may have dropped, but if I am wondering about it, then I probably haven't. I don't really want Sully to come after my due date, just because things would work out so well if he came right on time. We have the next week off of school anyhow, so its not like I would be getting paid. I think I would just be annoyed to sit at home, 40 weeks pregnant, waiting for my little boy to come, no fun. Dear Sully, please be convenient and show up on the 17th/18th, thanks Mommy.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Weight Gain Guilt
My goal, set by my OB and myself for this pregnancy, was, like most women 25-35 lbs. I found out this morning I have blown that goal. My weight gain throughout the pregnancy has been pretty steady, but also faster than ideal. At this point, 35.5 weeks, I am up 39 lbs. A few of those might be water weight as I have had some intense swelling the last few days. Still, I feel very guilty. My mother gained quite a bit of weight with me and so I wanted to keep my weight in check. However, I have never been a very disciplined person. The only time I have ever *really* lost weight was during my student teaching. I think the majority of this weight was lost because I was simply so busy during that time. Also, I drank a slim fast shake for breakfast everyday and ate a reasonable lunch. I have never been an exerciser, but I did my best at the beginning of the pregnancy to do so through aquatics. When my braxton hicks got out of control, that stopped immediately. Since then, I haven't been a bump on a log, but my contractions get pretty intense after small amounts of activity. Chris tells me not to worry, because he is confident I can easily lose as much as I want. He thinks I look great and doesn't understand where I am keeping nigh on 40 pounds.
Honestly though, I am scared. I am scared I won't be able to lose the weight and I will have this double chin forever. I am scared that my hips will spread so that even if I do lose weight, I will have to buy all new pants. All in all, I already love Sully, I love Christopher, and I would do anything for our family, but I am scared of what my body will be like afterwards. I want to be a mom, but I don't want to have a "mom" body for the rest of my life. I would like to be able to look good in a bikini again, you know?
To top off my anxiety about not being able to lost the weight, I am afraid that my weight gain will have hurt Sully in some way. Because honestly, I could have done more to watch what I ate and snacked healthier or less (see the post below) and I didn't. Will my lack of motivation affect his health negatively? I am just scared.
Honestly though, I am scared. I am scared I won't be able to lose the weight and I will have this double chin forever. I am scared that my hips will spread so that even if I do lose weight, I will have to buy all new pants. All in all, I already love Sully, I love Christopher, and I would do anything for our family, but I am scared of what my body will be like afterwards. I want to be a mom, but I don't want to have a "mom" body for the rest of my life. I would like to be able to look good in a bikini again, you know?
To top off my anxiety about not being able to lost the weight, I am afraid that my weight gain will have hurt Sully in some way. Because honestly, I could have done more to watch what I ate and snacked healthier or less (see the post below) and I didn't. Will my lack of motivation affect his health negatively? I am just scared.
Friday, January 14, 2011
To do this weekend:
Chris has a TON of work this weekend. The CA's (called RA's everywhere else on the planet) have returned, and in preparation of the students coming back Monday, he has tons of training to get done. As a result, I have possibly the loneliest three day weekend ever ahead of me! Luckily enough, I am wicked pregnant and thus have lots of crap that needs to be done!
So, here is my to-do list for the weekend:
-Type up a list of recipients for thank you cards so that I can just print address labels after my shower
-Type up a list of recipients for baby announcements so I can do likewise once Sully arrives
- Hang Sully's letters above his crib
-Do the math on savings of store vs store (factoring in registry completion coupons and sales) so that we can be efficient by completing everything we need for Sully next Sunday after my shower
-Go shopping with Chris's mom and sister for a crib for the in-law's house and baby shower stuff
-Bake cookies for baby shower favors
-Go through my wardrobe and clothes to get rid of really old clothes and make it all fit!
-Play some Vindictus to get caught up to Chris
-Put on my big girl panties and play some WoW (heroics are brutal these days :( )
-Relax while I still can!
So, here is my to-do list for the weekend:
-Type up a list of recipients for thank you cards so that I can just print address labels after my shower
-Type up a list of recipients for baby announcements so I can do likewise once Sully arrives
- Hang Sully's letters above his crib
-Do the math on savings of store vs store (factoring in registry completion coupons and sales) so that we can be efficient by completing everything we need for Sully next Sunday after my shower
-Go shopping with Chris's mom and sister for a crib for the in-law's house and baby shower stuff
-Bake cookies for baby shower favors
-Go through my wardrobe and clothes to get rid of really old clothes and make it all fit!
-Play some Vindictus to get caught up to Chris
-Put on my big girl panties and play some WoW (heroics are brutal these days :( )
-Relax while I still can!
Hospital Bag list
I made the longest list yesterday, and it looks gargantuan, and I think I need to pare it down. We will be at the hospital for two days post birth, and if I need a c/s it will be four days, so we are bringing stuff for three (also because we plan a water birth, we are considering that some things may get wet) Here is the long form:
-Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, blow dryer, straightener, makeup, hair ties, bobby pins, round brush, body wash and lotion
-Camera and charger, laptops and chargers
-Eye mask and slippers
-Snacks: Fiber one bars, yogurt, cheese and crackers, carrots, plum organics baby food (DH eats these as snacks, and LOVES them), $40 cash (for DH's meals at the hospital, they run $4 a meal for him), small bottle of champaign, milk and cereal (?) (our hospital only serves food from 8-6, so we figure we will probably get hungry other times as well.
-Bag of lotion for nurses gifts
-Boppy, Moby (we are allowed to co-sleep at the hospital if I have LO in the moby, which they are HUGE supporters of), Breast pads, Lanolin
-Nursing Camis (x2) Nursing Bra, Maternity jeans, Maroon sweats, yoga pants, long sleeved shirts (x2), cardigans, sweatshirt, tankini swim suit, Nursing nightgown (x2)
-for Chris: Jeans, grey sweat pants, 3 comfy t shirts, sweatshirt, swim trunks, sleep shorts, soap, 3 pairs boxer shorts and socks, book, slippers, melatonin, glide,
For Sully: Coming home outfit, carseat
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Fixed the bed, only for it to break again...
Last night, my genius husband figured out a way to kludge together the bed risers so we could sleep until I get to home depot this weekend. His fix lasted great until I got up for work this morning, at which point they both broke again. BUT IT WASN'T ME THIS TIME! Hooray!
So, between my runs at work (aka right now) I am heading over to Belletete's (a locally owned hardware/lumber store) to get some 2x4s which I, crafty me, will then have cut, I will glue them together so that they stack higher than 6", then I will drill a hole in the top of each. The bed legs should fit inside these holes and voila! our bed will be fixed!
I figured I can do this all (it shouldn't be that hard) and Chris has training at work until 8 tonight (all the little monsters are coming back to school this weekend, thus the new RAs need to be up to speed) and a project will keep me busy until he is home. Damn we are so codependent! There are worse ways to be I suppose:)
So, between my runs at work (aka right now) I am heading over to Belletete's (a locally owned hardware/lumber store) to get some 2x4s which I, crafty me, will then have cut, I will glue them together so that they stack higher than 6", then I will drill a hole in the top of each. The bed legs should fit inside these holes and voila! our bed will be fixed!
I figured I can do this all (it shouldn't be that hard) and Chris has training at work until 8 tonight (all the little monsters are coming back to school this weekend, thus the new RAs need to be up to speed) and a project will keep me busy until he is home. Damn we are so codependent! There are worse ways to be I suppose:)
35 weeks
35 week poll:
Best moment this week: Getting Sully's letters all painted and laying in bed next to his spot in his crib
Movement: OH YES! I think he is confused about how birth works and is actively trying to tunnel his way out through my belly button and ribs.
Food cravings: Still spicy food, I love anything spicy
Gender: Bouncing baby boy, Sullivan James
Labor Signs: Nope, my Braxton Hicks contractions have even stopped!
Belly Button in or out? In, and amazingly enough, I think it might just stay that way! Hooray for having a a really deep innie!
What I miss: Being able to put my shoes and socks on by myself, and being able to help my husband with stuff.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower in a week, and then finishing up with the little things we still need to buy like pacis and nursing covers and such.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't be afraid to ask for help, or for people to slow down.
Milestones: Getting his crib set up. Also, reading my weekly update from babble, it basically said "yeah, your baby is pretty much just getting fat at this point. Maybe his lungs aren't quite done, but other than that, he is just hanging out waiting to be born." Crazy!
Now, the weekly photo:
How far along? 35 weeks, 35 days until I am due!
Total weight gain/loss: 35 lbs, hopefully I won't pack on too much more!
Total weight gain/loss: 35 lbs, hopefully I won't pack on too much more!
Maternity clothes? For sure, though today I *did* wear a regular long sleeved t shirt! Size small even!
Stretch marks? Only on my butt and thighs, clearly Sully doesn't understand where he is supposed to make me fat and where not...
Sleep: Depends, I have figured out a good position so it is actually better now than most of the pregnancy.Best moment this week: Getting Sully's letters all painted and laying in bed next to his spot in his crib
Movement: OH YES! I think he is confused about how birth works and is actively trying to tunnel his way out through my belly button and ribs.
Food cravings: Still spicy food, I love anything spicy
Gender: Bouncing baby boy, Sullivan James
Labor Signs: Nope, my Braxton Hicks contractions have even stopped!
Belly Button in or out? In, and amazingly enough, I think it might just stay that way! Hooray for having a a really deep innie!
What I miss: Being able to put my shoes and socks on by myself, and being able to help my husband with stuff.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower in a week, and then finishing up with the little things we still need to buy like pacis and nursing covers and such.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't be afraid to ask for help, or for people to slow down.
Milestones: Getting his crib set up. Also, reading my weekly update from babble, it basically said "yeah, your baby is pretty much just getting fat at this point. Maybe his lungs aren't quite done, but other than that, he is just hanging out waiting to be born." Crazy!
Now, the weekly photo:
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sooo yeah...
I frequent the pregnancy site thebump.com and have noticed that many women there have blogs. I have always wanted a blog, and aside from a very strange bit where I had a livejournal, haven't had one. So, I decided, now is the time! I like to post about my silly little mishaps and such, and soon will need a place to be a depository of all things related to the greatest kid ever (coming to your intarwebs February 17th ish).
The blog is called Martian Martins because we have somewhat of a strange obsession with science, space, and all things manned mission to Mars related. Also, our last name is Martin. I anticipate this will probably be your typical mommy blog, with a eating in New England flair. The hubs (Chris) keeps mentioning that he wants to start a food blog about eating out around these parts, and until he does that, it can just be here.
The blog is called Martian Martins because we have somewhat of a strange obsession with science, space, and all things manned mission to Mars related. Also, our last name is Martin. I anticipate this will probably be your typical mommy blog, with a eating in New England flair. The hubs (Chris) keeps mentioning that he wants to start a food blog about eating out around these parts, and until he does that, it can just be here.
Feeling a bit fat...
So last night we went to home depot so we could finish Sully's crib. We are doing a sidecar arrangement and are doing are darndest to make sure it is super safe. We bought some high density foam that has been covered in a sheet to make sure that his mattress is rammed crazy hard against ours so that he cannot even possibly fall between. We searched and searched for the perfect bed risers so that we could match the height of the mattresses perfectly. Found the perfect bungee cords to secure his crib to our bed. Sweat-ed our booties off getting it all set up and went to bed feeling all content and happy that our little boy had his bed where I could easily check on him and feed him at night.
Aaaaah peaceful contented sleep knowing that tomorrow would be a snow day, and thus both Chris and I could sleep in...CRUNCH. At about oh say 2 am, the riser under my head decided to crack. Mind you, these are rated for 300lbs on EACH corner. Sure, I have gained some pregnancy weight, but I am no where near 300. Whatever, we go back to sleep, at 8, the same thing happens, again on MY side of the bed, just by my feet this time.
Now mind you, Chris still has a good 15 lbs on me. Why is it my side of the bed that cracks? GRRRR Needless to say, these things are getting marched right back to home depot for a refund. That is, as soon as the ice age is over.
In other news, I did get the letters for above his crib finished. Go me!
Aaaaah peaceful contented sleep knowing that tomorrow would be a snow day, and thus both Chris and I could sleep in...CRUNCH. At about oh say 2 am, the riser under my head decided to crack. Mind you, these are rated for 300lbs on EACH corner. Sure, I have gained some pregnancy weight, but I am no where near 300. Whatever, we go back to sleep, at 8, the same thing happens, again on MY side of the bed, just by my feet this time.
Now mind you, Chris still has a good 15 lbs on me. Why is it my side of the bed that cracks? GRRRR Needless to say, these things are getting marched right back to home depot for a refund. That is, as soon as the ice age is over.
In other news, I did get the letters for above his crib finished. Go me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)