Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Pumping Part Deux
Wow, look at me - on a roll with these blog posts, right?
Anyway- so back to pumping. I mentioned I didn't like it, but here are a few things I discovered to help make it more bearable:
I admit, it's mildly amusing.
1- Hands-free pumping bra. This makes it SO much better. I remember when I was home on maternity leave, I was nursing so much that it was hard to squeeze in a pumping session (not that I really needed to pump- I just wanted to build a freezer stash). And so I would nurse C on one side while I pumped the other. This was a logistical nightmare. Trying to keep C latched on with one arm while I held the pump flange with the other. Ugh. But, the bra I got makes this totally easy. It's basically swim suit material, and it wraps around your chest and connects in front with hooks and eyes. There are little slits in the material where you put the flange through. And then the fabric holds it up while you do whatever: nurse on the other side, work, write your blog, whatever. It's great. I think I paid about 30 dollars maybe? And it's super cute- black and white polka dot.
2- The Milk Memos. Great book. It was adapted from journals these women kept in the lactation room at IBM. Very informative and fun to read, too. [While googling for an image, I also noticed there's a website: www.milkmemos.com with a blog that might be helpful.]
3- A good double-electric pump. I use the Medela Pump in Style. I've also heard the Ameda Purely Yours is a good one. Expect to spend around 300 bucks. Yee-ouch.
4- Drink lots of water and eat oatmeal/Life Cereal/oatmeal cookies/anything with oats.
5- Relax. This one's super hard for me to do. Other people have told me think about your baby, bring something that smells like him to work, think about feeding your baby. But for me, relaxing is looking at the internet or instant chatting with Sean or checking my email or editing documents. It was killing me before I got the hands-free bra, just sitting at my desk not being able to do anything except sit with my hands on my chest looking at all the papers on my desk. Ack. Once I was able to do something, I relaxed. And my pumping output increased. So, do whatever it is that helps you to relax. It'll help.
6- Squeeze in a pumping session first thing when you arrive at work. I get the most at this time of day. And no one's usually at the office yet either. So, I hook myself up to the pump, unpack my bags, check my email, organize my files, and by the time I'm done, I've got 3-4 oz by 8:15! Then I can still pump at 10, 12, and 2 while I'm at work and then pump/nurse together at 5:30 when I get home.
7- Do breast compresses while you pump. They totally work. The pump's just not as effective as babeh at getting the job done.
Guess that's all the learnin' I've got to impart on you.
Talk soon.
Anyway- so back to pumping. I mentioned I didn't like it, but here are a few things I discovered to help make it more bearable:
1- Hands-free pumping bra. This makes it SO much better. I remember when I was home on maternity leave, I was nursing so much that it was hard to squeeze in a pumping session (not that I really needed to pump- I just wanted to build a freezer stash). And so I would nurse C on one side while I pumped the other. This was a logistical nightmare. Trying to keep C latched on with one arm while I held the pump flange with the other. Ugh. But, the bra I got makes this totally easy. It's basically swim suit material, and it wraps around your chest and connects in front with hooks and eyes. There are little slits in the material where you put the flange through. And then the fabric holds it up while you do whatever: nurse on the other side, work, write your blog, whatever. It's great. I think I paid about 30 dollars maybe? And it's super cute- black and white polka dot.
2- The Milk Memos. Great book. It was adapted from journals these women kept in the lactation room at IBM. Very informative and fun to read, too. [While googling for an image, I also noticed there's a website: www.milkmemos.com with a blog that might be helpful.]
3- A good double-electric pump. I use the Medela Pump in Style. I've also heard the Ameda Purely Yours is a good one. Expect to spend around 300 bucks. Yee-ouch.
4- Drink lots of water and eat oatmeal/Life Cereal/oatmeal cookies/anything with oats.
5- Relax. This one's super hard for me to do. Other people have told me think about your baby, bring something that smells like him to work, think about feeding your baby. But for me, relaxing is looking at the internet or instant chatting with Sean or checking my email or editing documents. It was killing me before I got the hands-free bra, just sitting at my desk not being able to do anything except sit with my hands on my chest looking at all the papers on my desk. Ack. Once I was able to do something, I relaxed. And my pumping output increased. So, do whatever it is that helps you to relax. It'll help.
6- Squeeze in a pumping session first thing when you arrive at work. I get the most at this time of day. And no one's usually at the office yet either. So, I hook myself up to the pump, unpack my bags, check my email, organize my files, and by the time I'm done, I've got 3-4 oz by 8:15! Then I can still pump at 10, 12, and 2 while I'm at work and then pump/nurse together at 5:30 when I get home.
7- Do breast compresses while you pump. They totally work. The pump's just not as effective as babeh at getting the job done.
Guess that's all the learnin' I've got to impart on you.
Talk soon.
Oh how I hate pumping
It sucks. It's time consuming, and it makes your dang nipples hurt if you have to do it every two or three hours like I do. Apparently my body hates the pump and doesn't respond well. Rumor has it the 2-3 oz I pump during each session is totally normal. And normal's all fine and dandy except C eats between 12-15 oz when I'm at work. I'm already pumping 4 times per day, and I feed C at lunch everyday, so unless I want to add a middle of the night pumping session (I don't), I'm not really sure what to do.
I am thinking of trying a combo of fenugreek and blessed thistle to see if that helps increase my pumping output. The annoying side effect: it makes you and your baby smell like maple. If you know me, you know I hate maple. I don't even really use the fake stuff on my pancakes or waffles. So, yeah, the idea of smelling like the local IHOP makes me really excited. But, the kid's gotta eat. So, I'm gonna order some from Amazon and see if it works.
Beyond that, I've decided that I can only do what I can do. And also any breastmilk that baby gets is better than none. So I think it may be time to concede that every once in a while, C might need to take a little formula. And I need to learn to be ok with that.
This post really didn't start as a vent about everything I hate about working and pumping. In fact, I intended it to be more about tips and tricks I've learned to make pumping suck a little less (pun intended). However, since my milk duds have dried up for the moment, it's back to work for this momma. My helpful post will have to wait.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Worth Every Pound: Weight-loss After Babeh
Let me first start by saying, I wrote this post yesterday, and then my flocking computer deleted it. *(@&#*( I was not thrilled, and I only hope this re-created post lives up to the wittiness and general awesomeness of my first post (ha!).
So, I have a confession: I gained a lot of weight while I was pregnant. Like more than the recommended 25-35. Like almost double. Forty-eight pounds. My doctor was not one of those jerky people who commented on it all the time because, in his words, "there's no easier way to make a pregnant woman cry." (He's right). However, toward the end of my pregnancy he did say that maybe I should watch my starch intake. It was hard not to laugh aloud when he said this as I thought about all the yummy things I had been eating. For a woman who'd been on a diet the last thirty years, pregnancy was an amazing excuse to finally (finally!) not be such a freak about every morsel that passed my lips.
As a result, after C was born, I was waaaay heavy. In fact, I'd been so pumped up with fluid during labor and delivery, that I weighed the same when I went in the hospital as I did when I came out. My belly was a little smaller, though. I only looked about six months pregnant instead of nine. And the texture? Was this weird gelatinous feeling. Let me tell you: I looked hot. But for the first time in my life, I really didn't care all that much, and for the first few weeks home, I spent my time doting on my new bundle of joy and resting whenI could.
About a month after being home, I was getting really (really, really) sick of wearing the same yoga pants all the freaking time, and I started to wonder how I could speed up this weight loss thing. I had only lost about 15 pounds at this point (which, if you think about it is pretty much just the baby and all the gunk that came along with him). For me, the weight was not falling off like I'd heard happened to some women. The main problem though? I didn't want to lose too fast and hurt my milk supply. Breastfeeding was already a tough thing for me, and I didn't want to monkey up the works.
So I did some research and learned that weight watchers has a nursing mom program. And it takes into account whether you exclusively breastfeed, supplement with formula, or whether your baby's on solid foods yet. For me, this program has been AWESOME. I am never hungry during the day. Christopher is still 99% exclusively breastfed. You can eat all the fruit and veggies that you want (yep, even bananas). And, best of all: I HAVE LOST FORTY-ONE POUNDS.
YAY for prepregnancy weight!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Surely I can do better than this?
Yes, it's been nearly a month since my last post, and I'm beginning to wonder whether I'm cut out for blogging. Mostly because I just don't seem to have enough hours in the day to do things like oh, I don't know, brush my teeth.
Seriously, working and mom-ing is time consuming. I used to think I had a full schedule before Christopher, what with all my happy hour-ing and going to the gym, etc. But I really had no idea what a full day was until I went back to work. As you can imagine, initially it was really hard. The first week, I'm not even sure I did any work at all between thinking about C, worrying about the day care, pumping, going to feed C at lunch, and pumping again (unless of course you're my employer, in which case I was totally productive).
But it's getting easier. I mean, it definitely sucks to drop C off at day care every morning, but I can do it without tears now. And pumping? It's getting better too. Don't get me wrong: I still really don't like doing it, and the ladies still don't give me a large volume of milk (God bless the freezer stash), but I think my body might be getting used to the pump.
More on pumping in another post. I'm actually pumping as I type, and I think it's time to disconnect.
I promise to post again soon.
Seriously, working and mom-ing is time consuming. I used to think I had a full schedule before Christopher, what with all my happy hour-ing and going to the gym, etc. But I really had no idea what a full day was until I went back to work. As you can imagine, initially it was really hard. The first week, I'm not even sure I did any work at all between thinking about C, worrying about the day care, pumping, going to feed C at lunch, and pumping again (unless of course you're my employer, in which case I was totally productive).
But it's getting easier. I mean, it definitely sucks to drop C off at day care every morning, but I can do it without tears now. And pumping? It's getting better too. Don't get me wrong: I still really don't like doing it, and the ladies still don't give me a large volume of milk (God bless the freezer stash), but I think my body might be getting used to the pump.
More on pumping in another post. I'm actually pumping as I type, and I think it's time to disconnect.
I promise to post again soon.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Vacationing with baby
Wow, time sure flies! Christopher just turned nine weeks old on Saturday! And he's already been across the country and back. Quite the jet-setter, he is. And traveling with an infant isn't really all that complicated actually. I mean, it's definitely more work than just packing your carry on and mozy-ing down the jetway, but it's not bad. Here are the things I learned to do and not to do:
1. Disposable. Normally, I try to be pretty green in my parenting. We use cloth diapers, cloth wipes, etc. But, I also try to be fairly practical, and for me, practical does not include toting around 24 poopy diapers, trying to find a laundromat, etc. I think, if we do a weekend trip or a car road trip where paying for additional baggage/carrying said additional baggage weren't considerations, I would keep with cloth. But for this two week adventure, I hit up my local costco (incidentally, diapers are insanely inexpensive at costco), bought C's first pack of disposables and some wipes, and hit the road. It worked well. The disposable wipes also came in handy for cleaning hands and faces.
2. Snap n Go stroller. This item was recommended to me by a friend, and I really wasn't sure about it, since C has a travel set stroller/car seat combo. We got this McLaren easy traveller stroller from amazon for about 80 bucks (free shipping with Amazon Mom!). It was really nice. It folds up like an umbrella stroller, there is less risk of it getting broken by the airline peeps since it's so small and light and easy to carry, and you can finagle it one-handed (a plus going through security). C's car seat snaps in and out.
3. Speaking of security, here's what worked best for me. We had four flights, so I tried a couple of different methods. I put C in his baby bjorn (also a very useful baby accessory- more on this later). That way I had both hands to get all my crap on the xray machine. You're not allowed to bring the baby through in his car seat (or obviously to put him through the xray machine). So, with C in his carrier, I got everything on the belt (note the car seat has to have the carrying handle all the way back and be put through upside down in order to fit - God bless the nice TSA lady who helped me figure it out). Then right before it's my turn, I popped C out of his carrier and put the bjorn through. Walked through with C in my arms.
The TSA people I encountered were very helpful. As were my fellow passengers, which I was surprised by. Someone offered to help me each time. Warmed my cold black heart right up. I won't lie, the security portion was very stressful (though I'm a fairly anxious person generally), but it's totally doable.
4. Gate check your car seat and stroller. It was free for us on Continental and United, and it was really nice to pile all the carry on baggage in the stroller and push it through the airport while C was in his carrier.
5. You get to take an additional carry on for free for baby's diaper bag.
6. You're allowed to take breastmilk through security. I didn't do this, so I don't know the particulars (like if you can take ice/ice pack to keep it cool), but I did see a sign that the milk itself was ok to go through. I imagine the same is true for formula.
7. Nursing cover. This was an AWESOME investment. I got an email for www.uddercovers.com, and the cover was free if I paid shipping. If you google it, I'm sure they have another code- they seem to always have some special or another running. It was great- I fed C all over the midwest/east coast very discreetly. Plus, the pattern was cute!
8. If you're breastfeeding, bring your pump. For me, the extra bag meant I was able to have cocktails with friends and not worry about baby getting alcohol-tainted milk. Plus, I usually kept a small bottle in a little cooler sack (that is, until I left the little cooler sack in the stupid Cleveland airport). That way, if you're somewhere it's impossible to breastfeed (i.e., a car), then you have a little something to tide baby over until you can nurse.
9. Feed on take off and landing. The sucking is supposed to sooth baby's ears during the pressure change, and I found it really worked. C didn't really make a peep on the flights. There may have been a squwak here or there, but no baby meltdowns. Always a good thing.
10. Baby Bjorn (or other carrier). This was great. C tends to be a little colicky - especially during the early evening witching hours, and whenever he's in this little job, I can sway and bop and do other sooth-y things. I prolly look like a total dork, but hey, my kid's happy. So I don't care. Also, it was nice to walk around without the hubbub of a stroller.
OK, baby's calling. Hasta for now.
1. Disposable. Normally, I try to be pretty green in my parenting. We use cloth diapers, cloth wipes, etc. But, I also try to be fairly practical, and for me, practical does not include toting around 24 poopy diapers, trying to find a laundromat, etc. I think, if we do a weekend trip or a car road trip where paying for additional baggage/carrying said additional baggage weren't considerations, I would keep with cloth. But for this two week adventure, I hit up my local costco (incidentally, diapers are insanely inexpensive at costco), bought C's first pack of disposables and some wipes, and hit the road. It worked well. The disposable wipes also came in handy for cleaning hands and faces.
2. Snap n Go stroller. This item was recommended to me by a friend, and I really wasn't sure about it, since C has a travel set stroller/car seat combo. We got this McLaren easy traveller stroller from amazon for about 80 bucks (free shipping with Amazon Mom!). It was really nice. It folds up like an umbrella stroller, there is less risk of it getting broken by the airline peeps since it's so small and light and easy to carry, and you can finagle it one-handed (a plus going through security). C's car seat snaps in and out.
3. Speaking of security, here's what worked best for me. We had four flights, so I tried a couple of different methods. I put C in his baby bjorn (also a very useful baby accessory- more on this later). That way I had both hands to get all my crap on the xray machine. You're not allowed to bring the baby through in his car seat (or obviously to put him through the xray machine). So, with C in his carrier, I got everything on the belt (note the car seat has to have the carrying handle all the way back and be put through upside down in order to fit - God bless the nice TSA lady who helped me figure it out). Then right before it's my turn, I popped C out of his carrier and put the bjorn through. Walked through with C in my arms.
The TSA people I encountered were very helpful. As were my fellow passengers, which I was surprised by. Someone offered to help me each time. Warmed my cold black heart right up. I won't lie, the security portion was very stressful (though I'm a fairly anxious person generally), but it's totally doable.
4. Gate check your car seat and stroller. It was free for us on Continental and United, and it was really nice to pile all the carry on baggage in the stroller and push it through the airport while C was in his carrier.
5. You get to take an additional carry on for free for baby's diaper bag.
6. You're allowed to take breastmilk through security. I didn't do this, so I don't know the particulars (like if you can take ice/ice pack to keep it cool), but I did see a sign that the milk itself was ok to go through. I imagine the same is true for formula.
7. Nursing cover. This was an AWESOME investment. I got an email for www.uddercovers.com, and the cover was free if I paid shipping. If you google it, I'm sure they have another code- they seem to always have some special or another running. It was great- I fed C all over the midwest/east coast very discreetly. Plus, the pattern was cute!
8. If you're breastfeeding, bring your pump. For me, the extra bag meant I was able to have cocktails with friends and not worry about baby getting alcohol-tainted milk. Plus, I usually kept a small bottle in a little cooler sack (that is, until I left the little cooler sack in the stupid Cleveland airport). That way, if you're somewhere it's impossible to breastfeed (i.e., a car), then you have a little something to tide baby over until you can nurse.
9. Feed on take off and landing. The sucking is supposed to sooth baby's ears during the pressure change, and I found it really worked. C didn't really make a peep on the flights. There may have been a squwak here or there, but no baby meltdowns. Always a good thing.
10. Baby Bjorn (or other carrier). This was great. C tends to be a little colicky - especially during the early evening witching hours, and whenever he's in this little job, I can sway and bop and do other sooth-y things. I prolly look like a total dork, but hey, my kid's happy. So I don't care. Also, it was nice to walk around without the hubbub of a stroller.
OK, baby's calling. Hasta for now.
Monday, May 2, 2011
T.M.I.
I feel like most every post I do should contain this warning, but oh well, you've been advised.
Sooo . . . file this under things that really, really freaking hurt:
When you're five and a half-ish weeks into breastfeeding, your baby has a sucky latch (pun intended), and your nipples hurt so freaking bad, and then, you go to close up your nursing tank top (awesome invention, btw), and your hand slips, and the little plastic connecter piece whips back and slaps your (exceedingly sore and tender) nipple with what feels like freaking warp speed.
OMFG. It almost brought tears to my eyes.
I've said it before, God bless Lansinoh gel soothies and the sister-in-law who sent them to me. And 800 mg motrin. (Hat tip, Doctor Jones!)
Sooo . . . file this under things that really, really freaking hurt:
When you're five and a half-ish weeks into breastfeeding, your baby has a sucky latch (pun intended), and your nipples hurt so freaking bad, and then, you go to close up your nursing tank top (awesome invention, btw), and your hand slips, and the little plastic connecter piece whips back and slaps your (exceedingly sore and tender) nipple with what feels like freaking warp speed.
OMFG. It almost brought tears to my eyes.
I've said it before, God bless Lansinoh gel soothies and the sister-in-law who sent them to me. And 800 mg motrin. (Hat tip, Doctor Jones!)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Please don't stop reading . . .
I promise I'll get better at updating in a more timely manner. Babies are very demanding. More than I ever could have imagined.
My days, though not nearly as routine as this description will suggest, go something like this:
6:30 a.m. C is pretty much awake for the day. Yells from his bassinet by way of alarm. Needs to eat. Wants diaper changed. I whine (to myself), haul my carcass from the bed, and change his diaper. Then I lay back in bed on my side, and attempt to feed C and get a couple more winks. Don't judge me for catching some zzz's with the baby in the bed. You do what you have to when you're incredibly sleep deprived. Most times, he's agreeable to some side-lying nursing, but on days that he is not, C and I get up so Sean can sleep a little longer.
7:30 a.m. C wants to eat again. This is an hourly thing some mornings. Yeah, I don't get much done these days.
8-10:30 a.m. C is more or less awake during this time these days. So, I usually plop him in his little newborn lounger while I have breakfast and throw his diapers in the washing machine. I like to narrate my activities to C while I do them. To be a fly on the wall, I probably sound like a crazy lady. Oh well.
Around 10:30, it's time for C's morning siesta. His naps vary in length, but if I'm lucky, he'll sleep til noon or so. I try and grab a shower and finish the laundry during this time.
At lunch time, Sean usually comes home, and I feed C. Then C will be alert for a while after he eats.
In the afternoon, I load C into his stroller and leash up Madame Phineas and go for a walkabout around the neighborhood for an hour or so. C sometimes sleeps the whole time. Other time, he shrieks, and I feel like a siren walking down the sidewalk. Sigh.
The evenings are often the most stressful for me. C gets really fussy. I'm not sure it rises to the level of colic, but he sure likes to shriek. Sometimes he's gassy, but mostly, it's like he can't get himself to sleep in the early evening, and he's positively inconsolable. Nothing makes him happy. And then, he'll finally fall asleep. Sometimes mid-shriek. It's bizarre.
Sometimes in the evening, I like to give C a bath with some lavendar essential oil in the water to soothe him. Sometimes, he likes it; other times, not so much. It's a crap shoot. The bath does seem to help him fall asleep more easily. He also seems to like his little baby massage I give him after his bath.
Around 8, he's usually out for the evening, and his first stretch of sleep is usually the longest. As a result, I've been going to bed really early as well so I can take advantage of 4 straight hours of sleep in a row.
He's up around 12 usually for a feeding and diaper change. Then again around 2 or 3, then again around 4 or 5. Then it all starts again at 6:30 a.m. When I write out what I do all day, it really doesn't seem like all that much, and yet, I find I am always behind the eight ball with straightening up the house and doing laundry (that isn't C's diapers).
Well, this was certainly a boring post. I promise to liven it up next time and regale you all with a more exciting tale.
My days, though not nearly as routine as this description will suggest, go something like this:
6:30 a.m. C is pretty much awake for the day. Yells from his bassinet by way of alarm. Needs to eat. Wants diaper changed. I whine (to myself), haul my carcass from the bed, and change his diaper. Then I lay back in bed on my side, and attempt to feed C and get a couple more winks. Don't judge me for catching some zzz's with the baby in the bed. You do what you have to when you're incredibly sleep deprived. Most times, he's agreeable to some side-lying nursing, but on days that he is not, C and I get up so Sean can sleep a little longer.
7:30 a.m. C wants to eat again. This is an hourly thing some mornings. Yeah, I don't get much done these days.
8-10:30 a.m. C is more or less awake during this time these days. So, I usually plop him in his little newborn lounger while I have breakfast and throw his diapers in the washing machine. I like to narrate my activities to C while I do them. To be a fly on the wall, I probably sound like a crazy lady. Oh well.
Around 10:30, it's time for C's morning siesta. His naps vary in length, but if I'm lucky, he'll sleep til noon or so. I try and grab a shower and finish the laundry during this time.
At lunch time, Sean usually comes home, and I feed C. Then C will be alert for a while after he eats.
In the afternoon, I load C into his stroller and leash up Madame Phineas and go for a walkabout around the neighborhood for an hour or so. C sometimes sleeps the whole time. Other time, he shrieks, and I feel like a siren walking down the sidewalk. Sigh.
The evenings are often the most stressful for me. C gets really fussy. I'm not sure it rises to the level of colic, but he sure likes to shriek. Sometimes he's gassy, but mostly, it's like he can't get himself to sleep in the early evening, and he's positively inconsolable. Nothing makes him happy. And then, he'll finally fall asleep. Sometimes mid-shriek. It's bizarre.
Sometimes in the evening, I like to give C a bath with some lavendar essential oil in the water to soothe him. Sometimes, he likes it; other times, not so much. It's a crap shoot. The bath does seem to help him fall asleep more easily. He also seems to like his little baby massage I give him after his bath.
Around 8, he's usually out for the evening, and his first stretch of sleep is usually the longest. As a result, I've been going to bed really early as well so I can take advantage of 4 straight hours of sleep in a row.
He's up around 12 usually for a feeding and diaper change. Then again around 2 or 3, then again around 4 or 5. Then it all starts again at 6:30 a.m. When I write out what I do all day, it really doesn't seem like all that much, and yet, I find I am always behind the eight ball with straightening up the house and doing laundry (that isn't C's diapers).
Well, this was certainly a boring post. I promise to liven it up next time and regale you all with a more exciting tale.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
cloth diaper review
Well, lots of you know that I am using cloth diapers with Christopher. We started with disposables though because (a) I couldn't decide which cloth diapers to buy; (b) before you even enter parenthood, the diaper companies give you eleventy billion samples; and (c) several of my friends who have babies/children/progeny told me that cloth diapers don't really fit newborns so well. Well, senor C spent the first two weeks of his life in seventh generation disposables, and his poor little rump was so red. We used the diaper rash cream, and still, red rumpus. I felt so bad for him - it could not have felt comfortable.
Fast forward to this week when I tried out the cloth diapers I got from justsimplybaby.com. They are pocket diapers like fuzzibuns, only less expensive and with cuter designs imho. They have this really soft interior that keeps C's bum dry. C is super fussy when his diaper is wet (can't really blame him), and last night he didn't make a squwak about his discomfiture for the entirety of the newest Harry Potter dvd release (yeah, we're dorks. so what?). And when I changed the diaper? Soiled, but C's butt was dry as a bone and not at all red. Oh! And the other bonus is that they're just as easy as disposables. They snap right on and off, and actually the cloth wipes are way better at cleaning than disposable wipes (which mostly just seem to spread poo around). Although they still look kinda big on him, C's so cute that I don't think anyone will judge him. :)
So short story is these diapers are great, and I'm really not regretting my decision to cloth diaper at all. Thus far, C's happy with his dry bum, and I'm happy with the no leaks and the easy changing aspect.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Woefully overdue blog update
Well, it's now been three weeks since Mr. Christopher was born, and I feel like I can finally stop to take a breath. Adjusting to life with a newborn has been wonderful, but also probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I mean, it's not like I went into this blind or anything: people told me about the sleepless nights I would have and how I would be tired and how breastfeeding was hard. But whoa. In no particular order, here are the ways my life has changed in the last twenty odd days.
1. Sleep. As in, I am getting a lot less of it these days because C likes to eat. A lot. In the middle of the night. When we were still in the hospital, it was the worst. My milk hadn't come in yet, so C was getting colostrum (a mother's first milk- there's much less than the regular milk, and it's quite thick). C's stomach was tiny tiny when he was born- like the size of a cherry or something I think, so needless to say, it was quick to fill and quick to empty. Which meant he liked to eat probably every hour or so. Nowadays, he sleeps longer. Around 6 pm, he starts eating lots and he'll usually sleep from 8 pm to midnight or one. We're working on getting him to bed later and later each night so his bedtime becomes convenient for the whole family. Then after his long 4-5 hour sleep, he'll usually go in about 2 or 3 hour intervals for the rest of the night. Which means, he wakes around 2 or 3, then 4 or 5, then 6 or 7. At 7ish, he's usually pretty awake for the morning. The two or three hour middle of the night intervals wouldn't be so bad, except that changing him, feeding him, burping him, and soothing him back to sleep take an hourish (give or take), so then there's only hour or two to sleep before he's awake again, and you're going through the whole rigamarole again.
2. Breastfeeding. Is hard. And it hurts. But, like people keep telling me, it gets better. And actually, it is. I am going to keep doing it. At least through tomorrow. This is what I have been telling myself the last two weeks whilst curling my toes in agony each time C latches on. More on this when I have a better attitude on the matter.
3. Laundry. Lots. And more to come now that C is wearing his cloth diapers (which incidentally are very big looking on an eight pound baby). The diapers we got are gonna be great, I think. No leaks thus far. And there's basically as easy as disposables. Since C is exclusively breastfed, his poo is water soluable and just rinses straight away in the washer. Aside from the poopy diapers, there have been several incidents of getting peed on (Sean and me both - and actually C once peed on himself too- poor baby- mommy and daddy stink at changing diapers). And milk residue. And spit up.
4. The flooded living room. Yes, you read that right. That's a story for another post, but suffice it to say the water heater broke, and we've been without use of our living room for a week now. All of our furniture and everything from the closets is now in our kitchen/dining room/family room. It's really awesome. Especially the nasty dirty water/wet carpet smell. Like I said, more on that with pictures next time.
5. Eating (me, not C). Been trying to do less of this and remove the 40ish (yes- you read that right- please don't judge me) pounds I put on while I was pregnant. Happily, twenty of those pounds are gone already, and this big mama is on the Weight Watchers train to get rid of the other twenty plus a little extra.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Welcome to the world, Christopher Scott!
Well, as many of you know, at my 40 week appointment, I told my doctor I was ready to be done being pregnant. I didn't really think he'd take me seriously, but to my surprise, he said, "Well, then, let's schedule you for an induction. When are you available?" Here's baby Christopher's birth story- the condensed version.
Sean and I decided to have the baby induced on his due date, March 26, 2011. So the night before, in my usual anal retentive manner, I repacked all the hospital bags. And Sean and I had a really nice dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in town, Rosemary's. When we got home, I was much too excited and nervous to sleep, and I spent the majority of the night awake and waiting in anticipation.
The next morning, I had a big breakfast as my doctor informed me I wouldn't be able to eat anything once I was admitted. I had a waffle and eggs and sausage, and it was amazing. We stopped on the way to hospital to get some muffins for the nursing staff (bribery will get you everywhere, I've found).
About a block away from the hospital, I looked over at Sean and noticed that he had tears in his eyes. I, being the sensitive-natured woman I am, started picking on him to stop being such a baby and that nothing had even happened yet. Sean informed me he was not being emotional; he'd merely bitten his tongue. Well, I happened to think this was hilarious, and I stared laughing hysterically. So hysterically, in fact, that I thought I'd peed my pants. Until I realized that even when I stopped laughing, I was still peeing my pants. I finally realized: my water had broken. Luckily, I'd thought ahead and worn black yoga pants, so hopefully no one in the hospital lobby noticed mah wet drawers.
Anyway, so we get upstairs to labor and delivery, and of course, the staff was expecting us, and I informed them I believed my water had broken in the parking lot. They did a check and confirmed that it had. (Nice timing, Swimmy). So, because I hadn't started contracting on my own, they started me on athen IV of fluid followed by more fluid and pitocin. When the contractions started, they felt sort of like intense cramps, and I thought, "No problem, I can handle this." A few hours later, the cramps had turned into the most intense pain I had ever felt in my entire life. I can see why those women on the reality tv pregnancy shows I watch scream in agony. I myself am not a yeller, and I spent my contractions holding Sean's hand, trying to do yoga breathing, and stopping the tears from coming out my eyes. When the nurse returned to my room and checked my cervix, I'd dilated to 6 cm. I asked if I could please have an epidural.
The aenesthesiologist came in, and while he was sort of a weird dude, to me he was like an angel sent from heaven. An epidural is a very weird feeling when they are putting the catheter in. It's like the feeling when you hit your funny bone, only over and over for a few seconds and in your spine. For me, that was most uncomfortable part of the epidural experience- I had heard that the numbing agent was most unpleasant, but I personally found that electrical feeling was worse. And then, twenty minutes later, like magic, I felt no more contractions. I was so relaxed, in fact, that I fell asleep for about an hour. Amazing.
When the nurse checked me again, I was about 8 cm, and they called the doctor to let him know I was progressing quickly. He arrived just as I'd completed dilating, and he told me about how the pushing would work. I did a few practice pushes, and the doctor told me how, with first time moms, a lot of time, pushing takes a while because the baby will come down the birth canal and then float back up because those muscles had never been stretched before. So, I mentally prepared myself for the hard work ahead.
So with the first three contractions, I pushed with all my might. After the first push, I heard Sean say holy sh!t, and he told me the baby's heafd was out. Then, push again, and push again, and a room full of people was yelling at me to STOP! OPEN YOUR EYES! And when I looked down, there was my baby. He was very blue. And silent. Until the nurse started rubbing him, and then whoa! The lungs on this kid, I tell you what. He can scream with the best of 'em.
Finally, they handed my baby to me, and he fell silent and looked right at me. Holding Christopher for the first time was an amazing thing that I will never, ever forget.
Sean and I decided to have the baby induced on his due date, March 26, 2011. So the night before, in my usual anal retentive manner, I repacked all the hospital bags. And Sean and I had a really nice dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in town, Rosemary's. When we got home, I was much too excited and nervous to sleep, and I spent the majority of the night awake and waiting in anticipation.
The next morning, I had a big breakfast as my doctor informed me I wouldn't be able to eat anything once I was admitted. I had a waffle and eggs and sausage, and it was amazing. We stopped on the way to hospital to get some muffins for the nursing staff (bribery will get you everywhere, I've found).
About a block away from the hospital, I looked over at Sean and noticed that he had tears in his eyes. I, being the sensitive-natured woman I am, started picking on him to stop being such a baby and that nothing had even happened yet. Sean informed me he was not being emotional; he'd merely bitten his tongue. Well, I happened to think this was hilarious, and I stared laughing hysterically. So hysterically, in fact, that I thought I'd peed my pants. Until I realized that even when I stopped laughing, I was still peeing my pants. I finally realized: my water had broken. Luckily, I'd thought ahead and worn black yoga pants, so hopefully no one in the hospital lobby noticed mah wet drawers.
Anyway, so we get upstairs to labor and delivery, and of course, the staff was expecting us, and I informed them I believed my water had broken in the parking lot. They did a check and confirmed that it had. (Nice timing, Swimmy). So, because I hadn't started contracting on my own, they started me on athen IV of fluid followed by more fluid and pitocin. When the contractions started, they felt sort of like intense cramps, and I thought, "No problem, I can handle this." A few hours later, the cramps had turned into the most intense pain I had ever felt in my entire life. I can see why those women on the reality tv pregnancy shows I watch scream in agony. I myself am not a yeller, and I spent my contractions holding Sean's hand, trying to do yoga breathing, and stopping the tears from coming out my eyes. When the nurse returned to my room and checked my cervix, I'd dilated to 6 cm. I asked if I could please have an epidural.
The aenesthesiologist came in, and while he was sort of a weird dude, to me he was like an angel sent from heaven. An epidural is a very weird feeling when they are putting the catheter in. It's like the feeling when you hit your funny bone, only over and over for a few seconds and in your spine. For me, that was most uncomfortable part of the epidural experience- I had heard that the numbing agent was most unpleasant, but I personally found that electrical feeling was worse. And then, twenty minutes later, like magic, I felt no more contractions. I was so relaxed, in fact, that I fell asleep for about an hour. Amazing.
When the nurse checked me again, I was about 8 cm, and they called the doctor to let him know I was progressing quickly. He arrived just as I'd completed dilating, and he told me about how the pushing would work. I did a few practice pushes, and the doctor told me how, with first time moms, a lot of time, pushing takes a while because the baby will come down the birth canal and then float back up because those muscles had never been stretched before. So, I mentally prepared myself for the hard work ahead.
So with the first three contractions, I pushed with all my might. After the first push, I heard Sean say holy sh!t, and he told me the baby's heafd was out. Then, push again, and push again, and a room full of people was yelling at me to STOP! OPEN YOUR EYES! And when I looked down, there was my baby. He was very blue. And silent. Until the nurse started rubbing him, and then whoa! The lungs on this kid, I tell you what. He can scream with the best of 'em.
Finally, they handed my baby to me, and he fell silent and looked right at me. Holding Christopher for the first time was an amazing thing that I will never, ever forget.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
39 week appointment
So this morning, I met with my doctor, and he did the usual. Here's the lowdown--
Baby's heartbeat: oscillated between 170 and 140s- he must really like FiberOne (Thanks, Stephanie, for the tip about loads of fiber prebabeh. Apparently, should one not be inclined to up their fiber intake, it can be quite unpleasant for a few days after birth. Having experienced this in the first trimester, I'm not really excited to do it again. Hence, the FiberOne.)
Momma's blood pressure: Normal. No preeclampsia for me. No swelling in my ankles either. Actually, that's like the one thing that hasn't (thankfully) gotten larger. Doctor was a little concerned about my headache until I informed him that, being the giant klutz I am, I hit my head the other day putting my shoes in my locker before a walk. Please pray for me to have more grace when it comes to carrying my child.
Weight: Lost 2 pounds. Hallelujia! I am still totally and completely fat, but the scale is moving in the right direction!
Cervix: 2-3 cm dilated; 80% effaced. Doctor says it looks favorable. Whatever that means. Beats the alternative, I suppose. I'd just *hate* to have an unfavorable cervix. :)
Other developments: Doctor wants to induce (didn't even have to ask!) on Saturday. Actually, he wondered if we were available as early as this afternoon! But Sean has loads of work to finish before he takes time off for his paternity leave, and if the truth be known, I have a few loose ends I'd like to tie up before I leave as well. So Saturday it is. Mister Swimmy will be born on his due date!
The emotions I feel? Sounds so cliche, but I can't even describe them! They are overwhelming me and making it hard to focus. I need more time to process this, methinks. Looks like I've got about three days to do that. Am quite excited though to be able to have one last date night with Sean before Swimmy arrives. Dinner and a movie? YES PLEASE!
That's all for now. Say a prayer for Swimmy's safe arrival, please.
Baby's heartbeat: oscillated between 170 and 140s- he must really like FiberOne (Thanks, Stephanie, for the tip about loads of fiber prebabeh. Apparently, should one not be inclined to up their fiber intake, it can be quite unpleasant for a few days after birth. Having experienced this in the first trimester, I'm not really excited to do it again. Hence, the FiberOne.)
Momma's blood pressure: Normal. No preeclampsia for me. No swelling in my ankles either. Actually, that's like the one thing that hasn't (thankfully) gotten larger. Doctor was a little concerned about my headache until I informed him that, being the giant klutz I am, I hit my head the other day putting my shoes in my locker before a walk. Please pray for me to have more grace when it comes to carrying my child.
Weight: Lost 2 pounds. Hallelujia! I am still totally and completely fat, but the scale is moving in the right direction!
Cervix: 2-3 cm dilated; 80% effaced. Doctor says it looks favorable. Whatever that means. Beats the alternative, I suppose. I'd just *hate* to have an unfavorable cervix. :)
Other developments: Doctor wants to induce (didn't even have to ask!) on Saturday. Actually, he wondered if we were available as early as this afternoon! But Sean has loads of work to finish before he takes time off for his paternity leave, and if the truth be known, I have a few loose ends I'd like to tie up before I leave as well. So Saturday it is. Mister Swimmy will be born on his due date!
The emotions I feel? Sounds so cliche, but I can't even describe them! They are overwhelming me and making it hard to focus. I need more time to process this, methinks. Looks like I've got about three days to do that. Am quite excited though to be able to have one last date night with Sean before Swimmy arrives. Dinner and a movie? YES PLEASE!
That's all for now. Say a prayer for Swimmy's safe arrival, please.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Inducing Labor Naturally
So, everyone and their mother has a suggestion as to how to induce labor. Here are some I've heard recently:
1. Eating spicy food. Actually, this whole pregnancy, I've really craved spicy food, so this has been no problem for me. Lately, the food's been so spicy, it numbs my lips. Alas, no baby.
2. Eating pineapple. Also tried this one. Yummy. Resulted in heartburn (damned citrus acid). No baby.
3. Sex. Umm- no one needs to know about my sex life. No baby.
4. Walking. Every day. Several miles per day. No baby.
5. Massage pressure point near ankle. Tried this a couple times. Have no clue if I'm doing it correctly. Caused loads of Braxton Hicks. No baby.
6. Castor oil. Not trying this because of the following unpleasant side effects: (a) explosive diarrhea (gross); (b) vomiting; (c) can cause Swimmy to have his first b.m. (called meconium) in utero, which can infect the amniotic fluid and just generally be really bad news.
7. Nipple stimulation. This is weird. I'm not doing it.
I have a doctor appointment in the morning. I'm going to ask him to sweep my membranes (which basically involves seperating the waters from the uterine wall) - another way to naturally induce labor. I'm also going to ask him to schedule an induction (please keep your opinions to yourself, thank you- I'm not really inclined to listen to you if you're not my doctor) for next week if Swimmy doesn't make an appearance before then.
Sorry to sound like a jerk on the opinion front. You wouldn't believe how many times in the past week someone has tried to offer "helpful advice." It's annoying to hear about how everything you think is incorrect- especially when you're fat, uncomfortable, hot, and irritable.
1. Eating spicy food. Actually, this whole pregnancy, I've really craved spicy food, so this has been no problem for me. Lately, the food's been so spicy, it numbs my lips. Alas, no baby.
2. Eating pineapple. Also tried this one. Yummy. Resulted in heartburn (damned citrus acid). No baby.
3. Sex. Umm- no one needs to know about my sex life. No baby.
4. Walking. Every day. Several miles per day. No baby.
5. Massage pressure point near ankle. Tried this a couple times. Have no clue if I'm doing it correctly. Caused loads of Braxton Hicks. No baby.
6. Castor oil. Not trying this because of the following unpleasant side effects: (a) explosive diarrhea (gross); (b) vomiting; (c) can cause Swimmy to have his first b.m. (called meconium) in utero, which can infect the amniotic fluid and just generally be really bad news.
7. Nipple stimulation. This is weird. I'm not doing it.
I have a doctor appointment in the morning. I'm going to ask him to sweep my membranes (which basically involves seperating the waters from the uterine wall) - another way to naturally induce labor. I'm also going to ask him to schedule an induction (please keep your opinions to yourself, thank you- I'm not really inclined to listen to you if you're not my doctor) for next week if Swimmy doesn't make an appearance before then.
Sorry to sound like a jerk on the opinion front. You wouldn't believe how many times in the past week someone has tried to offer "helpful advice." It's annoying to hear about how everything you think is incorrect- especially when you're fat, uncomfortable, hot, and irritable.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Yep, 5 days to go, and STILL PREGNANT.
So I just typed a nice long post all about last week's doctor appointment, and despite the fact that this stupid flocking website said it saved my draft, it's not here.
Suffice it to say the ultrasound went well. Swimmy doesn't appear to be abnormally large, and it looks like I'll be able to deliver him no problema.
I will write more when I stop seething over the deleted post.
Suffice it to say the ultrasound went well. Swimmy doesn't appear to be abnormally large, and it looks like I'll be able to deliver him no problema.
I will write more when I stop seething over the deleted post.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
too excited to work
This afternoon at 1:30 I have a final ultrasound scheduled to estimate fetal weight and discuss options with my doctor.
I couldn't sleep last night, and I am having a really hard time focusing this morning (unless of course this is mah boss reading this, in which case, I am getting all manner of projects completed and generally ruling at work).
EEE. Only 4.5 hours to go. I love getting to see Swimmy's little mug on the camera.
I couldn't sleep last night, and I am having a really hard time focusing this morning (unless of course this is mah boss reading this, in which case, I am getting all manner of projects completed and generally ruling at work).
EEE. Only 4.5 hours to go. I love getting to see Swimmy's little mug on the camera.
Monday, March 14, 2011
omg.
it's now 80 degrees in las vegas, and i have no clothes that fit.
spent the weekend in cropped yoga pants, looking like an om version of jabba the hut.
spent the weekend in cropped yoga pants, looking like an om version of jabba the hut.
Friday, March 11, 2011
38 weeks, and the natives are getting restless
OK, maybe not so much the natives. But I sure am. I keep waking up feeling nauseated and crampy and thinking THIS IS IT, PEOPLE! And then I have some water and take a shower. And nothing. No cramps, no contractions, nary a twinge in the abdomen to speak of. Whomp, whomp. Pretty sure Sean's actually not going to believe me when it's actually the real thing cause I've thought THIS IS IT PEOPLE like eight thousand times already. And then it turns out I'm just gassy or something.
Even el doctor seems to think it'll happen soon based on the symptoms I'm having - namely the nausea, the cramping, and the bloody show. For those of you who are unawares of this unpleasantness, picture this (or skip ahead to the next paragraph should you be weak of stomach): you have a really bad head cold and a nose bleed at the same time, and you give the ol' schnoz a good blow. Yeah. That came out of me. I was truly repulsed. Anyway, that's sposed to be a good indicator that labor's going to start soon. But for me, it's meant diddly. We're going on 72 hours since that nonsense, and houston, we've got nothing.
I know I'm only 38 weeks though. And pregnancy is 40 weeks for a reason. And ol' Swimmy's brain is still baking away in there and developing (as are Swimmy's lungs and really just all of him), and I'm really trying to be patient. I just got so excited that he might be arriving soon, and it's hard not to be an **eensy** bit disappointed.
In other news, I had my 38 week appointment this week, and they checked mah fluid level (fine), gave baby a nonstress test (he passed), and checked my cervix (dilated to 3). Everything appears to be as it should be.
My goal for this week: enjoy the last few weeks of living life in the round and stop rushing everything so much.
Have a good weekend!
Even el doctor seems to think it'll happen soon based on the symptoms I'm having - namely the nausea, the cramping, and the bloody show. For those of you who are unawares of this unpleasantness, picture this (or skip ahead to the next paragraph should you be weak of stomach): you have a really bad head cold and a nose bleed at the same time, and you give the ol' schnoz a good blow. Yeah. That came out of me. I was truly repulsed. Anyway, that's sposed to be a good indicator that labor's going to start soon. But for me, it's meant diddly. We're going on 72 hours since that nonsense, and houston, we've got nothing.
I know I'm only 38 weeks though. And pregnancy is 40 weeks for a reason. And ol' Swimmy's brain is still baking away in there and developing (as are Swimmy's lungs and really just all of him), and I'm really trying to be patient. I just got so excited that he might be arriving soon, and it's hard not to be an **eensy** bit disappointed.
In other news, I had my 38 week appointment this week, and they checked mah fluid level (fine), gave baby a nonstress test (he passed), and checked my cervix (dilated to 3). Everything appears to be as it should be.
My goal for this week: enjoy the last few weeks of living life in the round and stop rushing everything so much.
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
37 week checkup
from an email i sent to a friend because i'm too lazy to do anything more-
am measuring 39 weeks, and doc is getting worried about baby's size. he scheduled an ultrasound in 2 weeks (umm cutting it close, huh, doc?) to see about baby's weight. he said if it looks like baby's gonna be bigger than 9 lbs (which he suspects), we will have to talk "options." which i'm hoping will include early induction rather than a c-section. he just doesn't think my body could handle delivering a 9 + pound babeh. he did tell me to "go easy on the starch" as it will keep babeh from growing so fast as he appears to be now. fat chance, bub. i have months of dieting ahead of me. i am living it up now!
[i wonder how much of this "knowing" babeh is big is just guesswork? i mean, don't you think it's entirely possible that he could be just a normal sized baby in there? how does the doctor know until babeh is actually born?]
also, i am not leaking fluid as i suspected yesterday. apparently, i am just one mucousy lady these days (sorry, tmi, i know), which senor doctor says is a good sign my cervix is ripening. they did a quick ultrasound just to check fluid, and he says it looks just ducky (my words, not his, obvi).
baby is engaged, i.e., super low, hence mah waddle to the loo every freaking twenty minutes. sigh. dilated to 1.5. woot woot. go cervix!
sooo we shall see what will be next wednesday at the 38 week appt.
yahoo! c'mon babeh jones. your mama wants to meet you!
am measuring 39 weeks, and doc is getting worried about baby's size. he scheduled an ultrasound in 2 weeks (umm cutting it close, huh, doc?) to see about baby's weight. he said if it looks like baby's gonna be bigger than 9 lbs (which he suspects), we will have to talk "options." which i'm hoping will include early induction rather than a c-section. he just doesn't think my body could handle delivering a 9 + pound babeh. he did tell me to "go easy on the starch" as it will keep babeh from growing so fast as he appears to be now. fat chance, bub. i have months of dieting ahead of me. i am living it up now!
[i wonder how much of this "knowing" babeh is big is just guesswork? i mean, don't you think it's entirely possible that he could be just a normal sized baby in there? how does the doctor know until babeh is actually born?]
also, i am not leaking fluid as i suspected yesterday. apparently, i am just one mucousy lady these days (sorry, tmi, i know), which senor doctor says is a good sign my cervix is ripening. they did a quick ultrasound just to check fluid, and he says it looks just ducky (my words, not his, obvi).
baby is engaged, i.e., super low, hence mah waddle to the loo every freaking twenty minutes. sigh. dilated to 1.5. woot woot. go cervix!
sooo we shall see what will be next wednesday at the 38 week appt.
yahoo! c'mon babeh jones. your mama wants to meet you!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Week 37 and Pregnany-Related Stupidity
Holy crow! On Saturday, I will be full term! I am having a baby you guys. Ohmigosh!
So, I totally have a half-way (ok, all-the-way) dumbass story brought to you by yours truly. I know you're all still shocked from reading I've ever done anything stupid in my whole life, so I'll give you a moment to compose yourselves.
. . .
Feeling better? Ok, then. So we've been having some issues with our washing machine. Actually, take that back. The machine itself is fine. It's the hose that connects the water supply to the machine that's being a little a-hole these days. It keeps clogging and leaking. Which leads to water on the living room carpet. Which is annoying, but it's only a little water, and we've just gotten used to needing a towel beside the washer because the property management company/landlord (not sure who's really to blame) is a total a-hole as well and can't get a plumber out to the house who can fix it. Anyhow, I digress.
So, my very handy husband (seriously- he is uber handy) decides to try some things himself to stop the leaking hose. Don't ask me what these things were because I only half way paid attention. Something about a screen and removing residual soap from the hose. Anyhow, he instructs me not to do laundry for a full 24 after he completes said handy endeavors, and I dutifully comply (woot! I can put off laundry a whole nother day!). Sunday comes around, however, and I need clean undies for work, so I toss a load in and head out to the backyard to read.
I am majorly chilling in the sunshine when I hear the dog door flap and see the dog come flying around the corner of the house like a banshee. She's an odd little dog sometimes, so I just chalked up her behavior to normal Phineas-ness. Well, a few pages later, I have to pee (story of my dang life these days), so I head in. And immediately, I hear running water, and my first thought is "Hell, Sean's fix didn't work. I am going to have to call the annoying lady who yells into the phone from the property management company. Someone kill me." So I walk to the linen closet to get a towel for the floor.
As I step into the living room, my thoughts change to "F*CK! OMG! SEAN IS GOING TO KILL ME!" Evidently, he had not reattached the washer to the hose, and all the water that should have gone into the washer is now all over the motherflocking living room floor. I mean, it is a lake in there, people.
Note: This is not me. I am not nearly so bald, hairy, or un-round.
Sigh. I spent the next two hours with our little carpet washer thing sucking water out of the carpet a liter at a time. Kill me.
Thankfully Sean wasn't mad. I mean, don't get me wrong, he wasn't *happy* at all, but he didn't yell or seem too annoyed at me. But now our living room carpet's all torn up, and it smells like wet jankiness in there. Sean has undertaken replacing the carpet pad, so hopefully that works and it stops smelling so waterlogged gross in the house.
I am a moron. Get this babeh out of me- he's sapping all brain power.
So, I totally have a half-way (ok, all-the-way) dumbass story brought to you by yours truly. I know you're all still shocked from reading I've ever done anything stupid in my whole life, so I'll give you a moment to compose yourselves.
. . .
Feeling better? Ok, then. So we've been having some issues with our washing machine. Actually, take that back. The machine itself is fine. It's the hose that connects the water supply to the machine that's being a little a-hole these days. It keeps clogging and leaking. Which leads to water on the living room carpet. Which is annoying, but it's only a little water, and we've just gotten used to needing a towel beside the washer because the property management company/landlord (not sure who's really to blame) is a total a-hole as well and can't get a plumber out to the house who can fix it. Anyhow, I digress.
So, my very handy husband (seriously- he is uber handy) decides to try some things himself to stop the leaking hose. Don't ask me what these things were because I only half way paid attention. Something about a screen and removing residual soap from the hose. Anyhow, he instructs me not to do laundry for a full 24 after he completes said handy endeavors, and I dutifully comply (woot! I can put off laundry a whole nother day!). Sunday comes around, however, and I need clean undies for work, so I toss a load in and head out to the backyard to read.
I am majorly chilling in the sunshine when I hear the dog door flap and see the dog come flying around the corner of the house like a banshee. She's an odd little dog sometimes, so I just chalked up her behavior to normal Phineas-ness. Well, a few pages later, I have to pee (story of my dang life these days), so I head in. And immediately, I hear running water, and my first thought is "Hell, Sean's fix didn't work. I am going to have to call the annoying lady who yells into the phone from the property management company. Someone kill me." So I walk to the linen closet to get a towel for the floor.
As I step into the living room, my thoughts change to "F*CK! OMG! SEAN IS GOING TO KILL ME!" Evidently, he had not reattached the washer to the hose, and all the water that should have gone into the washer is now all over the motherflocking living room floor. I mean, it is a lake in there, people.
Note: This is not me. I am not nearly so bald, hairy, or un-round.
Sigh. I spent the next two hours with our little carpet washer thing sucking water out of the carpet a liter at a time. Kill me.
Thankfully Sean wasn't mad. I mean, don't get me wrong, he wasn't *happy* at all, but he didn't yell or seem too annoyed at me. But now our living room carpet's all torn up, and it smells like wet jankiness in there. Sean has undertaken replacing the carpet pad, so hopefully that works and it stops smelling so waterlogged gross in the house.
I am a moron. Get this babeh out of me- he's sapping all brain power.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
oink oink oink
OK, I know that I have complained about this before, but I can't help continuing to feel like this--namely, huge. Like this morning, when I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office, I am pretty sure I heard it wince in pain. Poor scale.
In other news, week 36 brought no change to my cervix (boo), but Baby is still sounding good in there. I, too, aside from an astronomical amount of weight gained in one week, am quite healthy. Robust, even. Rubenesque. No pre-eclampsia for me! Yahoo!
I wish I could think of some other things to write, but alas, I am fixated and having quite the pity party. More later.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 35!
Well, had a checkup this morning with senor doctor, and baby's still in there :) His heartbeat sounded good, and he was moving and shaking (must like Kashi blueberry cereal). My blood pressure's still quite normal, so no pre-eclampsia for me (thank goodness). Baby is still measuring a little large- almost two weeks bigger than normal- which I'm not sure means anything really. Doctor Jones seems to think so long as he is born after March 1, he will be just ducky. I doubt he'd come that early - my guess (read: wish) is for a St. Patty's Day babeh. Luck o' the Irish and all.
As for me, things are pretty much same old. More or less uncomfortable a lot of the time- especially at the end of the day- my feet and hands blow up like balloons, and I think I'm experiencing sciatica. Dang baby's pressing on my sciatic nerve and causing lots of pain that radiates down my (usually left) leg. Fun! Other fun pregnancy side effects: moles. Not even kidding. The doctor says I can have them removed after I deliver, and they are benign. Just ugly (imho). Also, this week, I made a concerted effort not to be a total piglet, and it worked! Only gained 3/4 pound! Hallelujia!
OH! I almost forgot! I am 1 cm dilated! I know, I know, that's nothing. But it is something to me. Baby's not coming all too soon, I don't think though, because he's still sitting pretty high in my belleh. But still- progress is being made. I AM HAVING A BABY!
I owe a post, too, about the awesome shower that my friend Teri threw for me this weekend. I will do that soon-
e.
UPDATE: Apologies to anyone who may have been offended by my discussion of moles. Sheesh.
As for me, things are pretty much same old. More or less uncomfortable a lot of the time- especially at the end of the day- my feet and hands blow up like balloons, and I think I'm experiencing sciatica. Dang baby's pressing on my sciatic nerve and causing lots of pain that radiates down my (usually left) leg. Fun! Other fun pregnancy side effects: moles. Not even kidding. The doctor says I can have them removed after I deliver, and they are benign. Just ugly (imho). Also, this week, I made a concerted effort not to be a total piglet, and it worked! Only gained 3/4 pound! Hallelujia!
OH! I almost forgot! I am 1 cm dilated! I know, I know, that's nothing. But it is something to me. Baby's not coming all too soon, I don't think though, because he's still sitting pretty high in my belleh. But still- progress is being made. I AM HAVING A BABY!
I owe a post, too, about the awesome shower that my friend Teri threw for me this weekend. I will do that soon-
e.
UPDATE: Apologies to anyone who may have been offended by my discussion of moles. Sheesh.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
T minus 44 days!
So this Saturday is my baby shower, and I am so excited. I have never had a shower before, and I'm really looking forward to it. I have always been one of those women who complains at having to go to them, and for that, I have to now grab my fork and knife and eat my words. Cause, like the truly deranged mothers-to-be and brides-to-be I've indulged in the past, I think this is going to be really fun!
The woman who's throwing the shower for me is so sweet- I can't imagine the time, money, and energy she's put into this shindig. There's going to be Nothing Bundt Cake- huzzah! Cake, cake, I love cake.
In other news, I had a doctor appointment this week, and doc informs me that should I go into labor after Saturday, he will not stop it. Holy shitballs. I'm also now going to the doctor once a week. I really am winding down my pregnancy. As much as I'm excited for it all to be over, I have a feeling I might miss my big ol' belleh when it's gone (not to mention little Swimmy's kick, kick, kicking in there).
Oh, speaking of Swimmy, he's head down and still measuring two weeks big. Go Swimmy! He's also figured out how to hiccup- which is such a funny sensation. I can't describe it really except that it feels like there's someone hiccupping inside your tum. It's cool. Except when it happens at two in the morning (which, thankfully, has only happened once so far). I don't think Swimmy much cares for the hiccups though. Everytime he gets them, he seems to get agitated cause he starts kicking. Hiccup, hiccup, kick, kick, kick. Poor Swimmy. And, mean mom that I am, I keep trying to figure out the exact right combination of food that gives him the hiccups. Mostly cause feeling him move is the most reassuring thing in the world.
The woman who's throwing the shower for me is so sweet- I can't imagine the time, money, and energy she's put into this shindig. There's going to be Nothing Bundt Cake- huzzah! Cake, cake, I love cake.
In other news, I had a doctor appointment this week, and doc informs me that should I go into labor after Saturday, he will not stop it. Holy shitballs. I'm also now going to the doctor once a week. I really am winding down my pregnancy. As much as I'm excited for it all to be over, I have a feeling I might miss my big ol' belleh when it's gone (not to mention little Swimmy's kick, kick, kicking in there).
Oh, speaking of Swimmy, he's head down and still measuring two weeks big. Go Swimmy! He's also figured out how to hiccup- which is such a funny sensation. I can't describe it really except that it feels like there's someone hiccupping inside your tum. It's cool. Except when it happens at two in the morning (which, thankfully, has only happened once so far). I don't think Swimmy much cares for the hiccups though. Everytime he gets them, he seems to get agitated cause he starts kicking. Hiccup, hiccup, kick, kick, kick. Poor Swimmy. And, mean mom that I am, I keep trying to figure out the exact right combination of food that gives him the hiccups. Mostly cause feeling him move is the most reassuring thing in the world.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Large honeydew?
OK- so at the end of this 33rd week, mah babeh will be 19 inches long and will weigh about 4.5 pounds. And apparently, this is the size of a large honeydew. WTF? Has anyone ever seen a mutant honeydew that was nearly 2 feet long? I haven't. I may just stop paying attention to these produce references.
Swimmy is really developing now! He keeps his eyes open while he's awake now. And because the uterine walls are becoming more and more thin these days, light is allowed in which helps him develop his circadian rhythm. His little immune system is also making moves and developing antibodies for when he makes his big debut in seven (eee!) or less weeks. Of couse, this mama plans on breastfeeding so I can help to supplement those antibodies.
As for me, I have reached the uncomforatble stage. I am constantly heading to the loo, and a restful night's sleep? Yeah, I can't remember the last time that happened. I wake up either worrying, having to tinkle, or because my big butt needs to roll over to save my poor side from certain crushing death under my weight. I long for the days when I can sleep on my tum again. Even if, because of Swimmy, that sleep comes in 2 hour increments.
For the most part, though, I am fine. Nothing new under the sun really. Next weekend's my shower, and I am very excited for that.
Oh, and at my last prenatal check-up, Swimmy was doing just fine. Heart rate in the 140s.
Boring post, I know. I'll try to liven it up next time.
Swimmy is really developing now! He keeps his eyes open while he's awake now. And because the uterine walls are becoming more and more thin these days, light is allowed in which helps him develop his circadian rhythm. His little immune system is also making moves and developing antibodies for when he makes his big debut in seven (eee!) or less weeks. Of couse, this mama plans on breastfeeding so I can help to supplement those antibodies.
As for me, I have reached the uncomforatble stage. I am constantly heading to the loo, and a restful night's sleep? Yeah, I can't remember the last time that happened. I wake up either worrying, having to tinkle, or because my big butt needs to roll over to save my poor side from certain crushing death under my weight. I long for the days when I can sleep on my tum again. Even if, because of Swimmy, that sleep comes in 2 hour increments.
For the most part, though, I am fine. Nothing new under the sun really. Next weekend's my shower, and I am very excited for that.
Oh, and at my last prenatal check-up, Swimmy was doing just fine. Heart rate in the 140s.
Boring post, I know. I'll try to liven it up next time.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Things I have heard this week
1- Whilst returning from starbucks earlier this week, I was literally one second late stepping onto the sidewalk after the light changed, and some hillbilly yelled out his truck window, "Walk faster, fatty!" Not even flocking kidding. Now, it's true, I had a suit coat on, which as Sean has so graciously pointed out, I should keep unbuttoned because "otherwise [I] don't look pregnant, just like [I'm] a big girl." (Thanks honey, love you too. Kisses.) But seriously, even if I wasn't pregnant, who the hell yells out of their car about anyone's weight?! I mean honestly.
He's lucky I didn't dent his hood with my big butt.
2- My boss told me I look like a blueberry this morning.
3- The sammich shop dude starting singing "Purple Rain" to me at lunch.
PURPLE SHIRT BIG BELLEH FTW!
In other news, it's hard to tie my shoes anymore. In fact, it's just hard to bend over. Whenever this occurs, there's is much heavy breathing and maybe even a grunt or two. Awesome. Also very attractive.
Also, baby's getting strong. So much so that his kicks change the shape of my stomach. Sometimes when he's really active I just like to watch him deform my stomach for a few minutes. I love you, alien baby.
Ok, random ass topic post completed. You may now resume your regularly scheduled programming.
He's lucky I didn't dent his hood with my big butt.
2- My boss told me I look like a blueberry this morning.
3- The sammich shop dude starting singing "Purple Rain" to me at lunch.
PURPLE SHIRT BIG BELLEH FTW!
In other news, it's hard to tie my shoes anymore. In fact, it's just hard to bend over. Whenever this occurs, there's is much heavy breathing and maybe even a grunt or two. Awesome. Also very attractive.
Also, baby's getting strong. So much so that his kicks change the shape of my stomach. Sometimes when he's really active I just like to watch him deform my stomach for a few minutes. I love you, alien baby.
Ok, random ass topic post completed. You may now resume your regularly scheduled programming.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Good gravy- that's some belleh.
OK. As promised, here are some belly pictures I've taken throughout the pregnancy. I was much more diligent at the beginning of the pregnancy. And, as you'll see, a lot braver about bearing my nekkid belleh. These days, not so much. The only person who sees my stomach is Sean, and only if he sneaks in on me unawares. Ha.
And, heeeeeeeeeere we go- this is me pre-pregnancy. I wasn't in tip top physical condition when I got pregnant- in fact, I was the heaviest I've ever been (which is nothing compared to where I'm at now), but looking back, I'd give my left arm to look like this again.
Here's a nice one of Sean and I right after we found out I was pregnant. We hadn't even been to the doctor yet, but I'd had two big fat positives on the pregnancy tests. We celebrated at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the Paris Casino. It was one of those meals you don't forget--not so much because of the food (although it was tasty), but the view of the Bellagio fountains was amazing. You can't see my stomach in the picture, but trust me, if this dress still fit, then I didn't look pregnant at all.
This is me at about six weeks pregnant. (Fairly) flat-ish stomach. And I evidently need to clean my bathroom mirror more often.
Next up, seven weeks. I swear, I look thinner in this picture, but you can see the beginning of pregnancy lower belly bloat starting. I would like to kick my own butt, by the way, for thinking I was fat before. Sheesh.
I think this next one's ten or so weeks. I swear, sometimes I do clean my bathroom.
Next up is fifteen and sixteen weeks. Sean and I took a baby moon to Hawaii. I remember thinking I was huge there, but to look at these pictures, you can't even tell I was prego.
Here's eighteen or nineteen weeks or so. Was mid-pregnancy and finally starting to look pregnant. Please ignore the goofy face I'm making. Evidently it took great concentration to get this photo.
This next one's about 22 or 23 weeks. It was taken right near Thanksgiving. Let me just say- maternity pants are the way to go on turkey day.
And this is around 25 weeks. There is no doubt at this point I'm knocked up.
You guys have seen before, but I'm posting it again. It's 27 weeks. Excuse the laundry that needs to be put away on the bed behind me.
And, finally, this last one is 31 weeks. Or, last week to the rest of the world.
I'll finish posting as the weeks tick by and my stomach starts really taking over. It's kind of hard to believe I'll get any bigger, but I know I will because Swimmy's still going to gain between 2 and 5 pounds (hopefully no more- a ten pound baby seems a little scary to me, delivery-wise).
That's all for now- more on baby's development later this week after Wednesday's doctor appointment.
And, heeeeeeeeeere we go- this is me pre-pregnancy. I wasn't in tip top physical condition when I got pregnant- in fact, I was the heaviest I've ever been (which is nothing compared to where I'm at now), but looking back, I'd give my left arm to look like this again.
Here's a nice one of Sean and I right after we found out I was pregnant. We hadn't even been to the doctor yet, but I'd had two big fat positives on the pregnancy tests. We celebrated at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the Paris Casino. It was one of those meals you don't forget--not so much because of the food (although it was tasty), but the view of the Bellagio fountains was amazing. You can't see my stomach in the picture, but trust me, if this dress still fit, then I didn't look pregnant at all.
This is me at about six weeks pregnant. (Fairly) flat-ish stomach. And I evidently need to clean my bathroom mirror more often.
Next up, seven weeks. I swear, I look thinner in this picture, but you can see the beginning of pregnancy lower belly bloat starting. I would like to kick my own butt, by the way, for thinking I was fat before. Sheesh.
I think this next one's ten or so weeks. I swear, sometimes I do clean my bathroom.
Next up is fifteen and sixteen weeks. Sean and I took a baby moon to Hawaii. I remember thinking I was huge there, but to look at these pictures, you can't even tell I was prego.
Here's eighteen or nineteen weeks or so. Was mid-pregnancy and finally starting to look pregnant. Please ignore the goofy face I'm making. Evidently it took great concentration to get this photo.
This next one's about 22 or 23 weeks. It was taken right near Thanksgiving. Let me just say- maternity pants are the way to go on turkey day.
And this is around 25 weeks. There is no doubt at this point I'm knocked up.
You guys have seen before, but I'm posting it again. It's 27 weeks. Excuse the laundry that needs to be put away on the bed behind me.
And, finally, this last one is 31 weeks. Or, last week to the rest of the world.
I'll finish posting as the weeks tick by and my stomach starts really taking over. It's kind of hard to believe I'll get any bigger, but I know I will because Swimmy's still going to gain between 2 and 5 pounds (hopefully no more- a ten pound baby seems a little scary to me, delivery-wise).
That's all for now- more on baby's development later this week after Wednesday's doctor appointment.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Registration Hesitation
Last weekend Sean and I went to Babies R Us to do our baby registry. [Incidentally, it really bothers me the way that store makes the R backwards. It's stupid.] Anyhow, so we went to do the registry, which I was a little worried about because although Sean is generally a very (very) patient man, shopping trips like this are the kryptonite to his usually resilient patience. The woman handed us a scanner and a book that told us what we'd need as new parents (how nice of them), and sent us on our way.
First stop: infant feeding. Why, oh why, do they make this so stinking complicated? I was on the verge of a meltdown when faced with a wall of breastfeeding implements. Oh my gosh- what the hell is a nipple shield? How do I know if I need it? Thankfully, I had done some research about which breast pump is best for a working momma, otherwise, that would have been overwhelming as well. And then we got to the bottles section. Did you know there are different sorts of bottles for different aged children? And, they're all mixed together on the shelves in the store? Oh, Babies R Us, you are a very annoying experience. I imagine that if you've had a baby before, it's all very easy, but for Sean and I, this was like one of the seven circles of hell. Truly. As a result, our registry has one bottle on it. One. That should be enough, right? Thankfully, a friend of mine who has a baby is going to meet me there on Saturday so I can fix that portion of my registry. And, even if no one buys me bottles, at least I'll have had a tutorial about what the hell I'm going to need to feed this kid.
You're probably getting worried that I'm going to bore you with the details of the whole experience, but honestly, once we left the infant feeding area, it was not so bad at all. Dare I say, it was almost fun. Almost. All told, we were in there for about 2 or 3 hours, and Sean did not complain once. Not once. I was very impressed. I can't say we did a perfect job (we weren't nearly as thorough as the couple who was in the stroller area for a full hour- omg- I think I'd kill myself), but I think we at least know what we'll need. Or not. Whatever.
The one last observation I'll make about the whole process is that store sure thinks you need a lot of crap to have a baby. Goodness.
As time ticks closer to my due date (only 64 days to go!), I am getting so excited. I feel little swimmy move around a lot in my tum these days. He's very active. I think after it's all said and done, I'll miss having my little guy with me all the time. He's getting really big. He's now about 3.5 pounds and 18 inches long (nearly as long as he'll be when he's born). My little tracker thingie says baby's as big as a head of lettuce, but I've never seen a head of lettuce that's a foot and a half long. I think the produce references are total shite, if I'm being honest about it. Swimmy's also getting fatter and shedding the hair that grew over his body to keep him warm. I hope he's a big baby- mostly because it means I'm not as big of a hoss as I seem (my weight gain is definitely on the high end of recommended). But the major development this week is his brain. So, I've been eating lots of protein and taking my fish oil so our little man's brain is full o' smarts. [You hear that, kid, mom and dad are public servants, so keep that brain developing so you can get a college scholarship.]
Starting tomorrow, I begin the 8th month of pregnancy! And in only 5-6 weeks, I will technically be full term. So wild. I am really really excited to meet my little guy.
First stop: infant feeding. Why, oh why, do they make this so stinking complicated? I was on the verge of a meltdown when faced with a wall of breastfeeding implements. Oh my gosh- what the hell is a nipple shield? How do I know if I need it? Thankfully, I had done some research about which breast pump is best for a working momma, otherwise, that would have been overwhelming as well. And then we got to the bottles section. Did you know there are different sorts of bottles for different aged children? And, they're all mixed together on the shelves in the store? Oh, Babies R Us, you are a very annoying experience. I imagine that if you've had a baby before, it's all very easy, but for Sean and I, this was like one of the seven circles of hell. Truly. As a result, our registry has one bottle on it. One. That should be enough, right? Thankfully, a friend of mine who has a baby is going to meet me there on Saturday so I can fix that portion of my registry. And, even if no one buys me bottles, at least I'll have had a tutorial about what the hell I'm going to need to feed this kid.
You're probably getting worried that I'm going to bore you with the details of the whole experience, but honestly, once we left the infant feeding area, it was not so bad at all. Dare I say, it was almost fun. Almost. All told, we were in there for about 2 or 3 hours, and Sean did not complain once. Not once. I was very impressed. I can't say we did a perfect job (we weren't nearly as thorough as the couple who was in the stroller area for a full hour- omg- I think I'd kill myself), but I think we at least know what we'll need. Or not. Whatever.
The one last observation I'll make about the whole process is that store sure thinks you need a lot of crap to have a baby. Goodness.
As time ticks closer to my due date (only 64 days to go!), I am getting so excited. I feel little swimmy move around a lot in my tum these days. He's very active. I think after it's all said and done, I'll miss having my little guy with me all the time. He's getting really big. He's now about 3.5 pounds and 18 inches long (nearly as long as he'll be when he's born). My little tracker thingie says baby's as big as a head of lettuce, but I've never seen a head of lettuce that's a foot and a half long. I think the produce references are total shite, if I'm being honest about it. Swimmy's also getting fatter and shedding the hair that grew over his body to keep him warm. I hope he's a big baby- mostly because it means I'm not as big of a hoss as I seem (my weight gain is definitely on the high end of recommended). But the major development this week is his brain. So, I've been eating lots of protein and taking my fish oil so our little man's brain is full o' smarts. [You hear that, kid, mom and dad are public servants, so keep that brain developing so you can get a college scholarship.]
Starting tomorrow, I begin the 8th month of pregnancy! And in only 5-6 weeks, I will technically be full term. So wild. I am really really excited to meet my little guy.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Pregnancy Meltdown Part Dos: This Time It's Not My Fault
A belated happy new year to all of you! Apologies yet again for another two week delay in any updates. I wish I had an excuse to offer, but no, sadly, it was just a case of I-don't-feel-like-looking-at-my-computer-once-I-come-home-from-work-itis. I'm sure you've all experienced this at one time.
That, and last week I experienced a bout of bad news that I really didn't feel like telling anyone about, and I had nothing else to write about. But now all appears to be back to smooth sailing so I can share my mild moment of panic with you. I am warning you now: this may be TMI. Consider yourself advised to quit reading should you feel squeamish or not want to know.
Last Wednesday, I went to work just like normal, and around 830 or so, I headed to the loo (which is a very common occurance these days what with baby resting atop my bladder and all). When I wiped, I saw red. Lots of red. Like, oh my freaking goodness, I'm having my period red. Of course, being the level-headed woman I am, I freaked the hell out and called Sean. And then my doctor. Who told me to head to labor and delivery. Which I did. God bless the woman I work with who remained calm and drove me to the hospital.
So I get there and put on the awesome hospital gown. Well, I attempt to, but there's no mirror in the rest room, and I can't see how it attaches at the top in the back, so I attempt to cover my largesse as I carry my work clothes to the triage bed which I have been assigned. Must have been quite a sight: mildly frantic woman with her arms full of clothes and shoes and coat and scarf and purse attempting to waddle across the room whilst simultaneously attempting to keep her azz covered. Awesome.
I get to the bed, and I lie down, and I give the nurse my entire medical history. Well, not really, but it seemed like it. And, at this point the work colleague who drove me is looking more than a little uncomfortable because she doesn't know if I'm uncomfortable answering these questions in front of her. (Like I said, she's truly a very kind woman). Anyway, when the nurse started asking me about vaginal discharge, that sent her on her way. Haha. If I hadn't been so scared, I might have laughed at the whole thing.
A perinatologist came to see me and did an ultrasound. It turns out there's a small clot on the edge of my placenta, and that's what has been causing the spotting all throughout my pregnancy, and that's what caused the bleeding that morning. My doctor was updated, and he decided to keep me in the hospital for twenty-four hours for monitoring--you know, to make sure baby was moving like he should, and I wasn't having any contractions, etc. In other words, to make sure I wasn't about to have the baby that day or anything. Incidentally, it's actually sort of a blessing this happened because now my OB knows that he needs to watch the clot to make sure it stays where it is and doesn't get bigger, et cetera, et cetera. I digress.
For the next twenty-four hours I sat in a hospital bed. Mostly bored except when two girlfriends and/or Sean was there visiting me. I truly feel for the women who are put on bed rest for weeks or months during their pregnancy. It is a miserable experience. There's only so much day time television that can be watched, only so much internet to surf, and only so much reading a person can do before they need to GET THE HELL OUT OF BED.
On the positive side, the nurses in the hospital (it's also the hospital I'll deliver at) were nice. Like, maybe the nicest nurses I've ever encountered. So, although labor is still a pretty intimidating thing for me to consider, it's nice to know I'll be helped through it with women like that.
There you have it: my blog-delaying drama. Everything's back to being normal again except I'm not allowed to work out, and I'm not allowed to have sex until baby comes. Actually, the doctor said he might let me use the recumbant bike a little each day, and he's gonna let me know about that tomorrow at my appointment. I miss walking and biking and yoga. Lack of exercise is no bueno for this woman. Endorphins: I needs them.
In other news, baby shower planning is in full swing methinks. Woot, woot. Sean and I even registed this weekend. But that's a post for another day.
That, and last week I experienced a bout of bad news that I really didn't feel like telling anyone about, and I had nothing else to write about. But now all appears to be back to smooth sailing so I can share my mild moment of panic with you. I am warning you now: this may be TMI. Consider yourself advised to quit reading should you feel squeamish or not want to know.
Last Wednesday, I went to work just like normal, and around 830 or so, I headed to the loo (which is a very common occurance these days what with baby resting atop my bladder and all). When I wiped, I saw red. Lots of red. Like, oh my freaking goodness, I'm having my period red. Of course, being the level-headed woman I am, I freaked the hell out and called Sean. And then my doctor. Who told me to head to labor and delivery. Which I did. God bless the woman I work with who remained calm and drove me to the hospital.
So I get there and put on the awesome hospital gown. Well, I attempt to, but there's no mirror in the rest room, and I can't see how it attaches at the top in the back, so I attempt to cover my largesse as I carry my work clothes to the triage bed which I have been assigned. Must have been quite a sight: mildly frantic woman with her arms full of clothes and shoes and coat and scarf and purse attempting to waddle across the room whilst simultaneously attempting to keep her azz covered. Awesome.
I get to the bed, and I lie down, and I give the nurse my entire medical history. Well, not really, but it seemed like it. And, at this point the work colleague who drove me is looking more than a little uncomfortable because she doesn't know if I'm uncomfortable answering these questions in front of her. (Like I said, she's truly a very kind woman). Anyway, when the nurse started asking me about vaginal discharge, that sent her on her way. Haha. If I hadn't been so scared, I might have laughed at the whole thing.
A perinatologist came to see me and did an ultrasound. It turns out there's a small clot on the edge of my placenta, and that's what has been causing the spotting all throughout my pregnancy, and that's what caused the bleeding that morning. My doctor was updated, and he decided to keep me in the hospital for twenty-four hours for monitoring--you know, to make sure baby was moving like he should, and I wasn't having any contractions, etc. In other words, to make sure I wasn't about to have the baby that day or anything. Incidentally, it's actually sort of a blessing this happened because now my OB knows that he needs to watch the clot to make sure it stays where it is and doesn't get bigger, et cetera, et cetera. I digress.
For the next twenty-four hours I sat in a hospital bed. Mostly bored except when two girlfriends and/or Sean was there visiting me. I truly feel for the women who are put on bed rest for weeks or months during their pregnancy. It is a miserable experience. There's only so much day time television that can be watched, only so much internet to surf, and only so much reading a person can do before they need to GET THE HELL OUT OF BED.
On the positive side, the nurses in the hospital (it's also the hospital I'll deliver at) were nice. Like, maybe the nicest nurses I've ever encountered. So, although labor is still a pretty intimidating thing for me to consider, it's nice to know I'll be helped through it with women like that.
There you have it: my blog-delaying drama. Everything's back to being normal again except I'm not allowed to work out, and I'm not allowed to have sex until baby comes. Actually, the doctor said he might let me use the recumbant bike a little each day, and he's gonna let me know about that tomorrow at my appointment. I miss walking and biking and yoga. Lack of exercise is no bueno for this woman. Endorphins: I needs them.
In other news, baby shower planning is in full swing methinks. Woot, woot. Sean and I even registed this weekend. But that's a post for another day.
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