Despite his cold, we took Elliot to meet Santa yesterdayday. he hadn't pooped in 3 days, and sure enough, as we got in the line up, he filled his diaper! (and his clothes) so off we went to change him. by the time we got back, the line was quite long. we waited 20 minutes - Elliot was happy up until the last few minutes, then he started to get tired and hungry and cranky. we managed to get this pic - adorable!
we shopped for a couple more hours, and when we got home, he absolutely had a melt down. screaming, refusing to eat or sleep or anything. he seemed to be starving, so i tried every breast feeding position i could think of. (and i think i invented a few - jay came in the room to see me practically straddling Elliot, who was propped up on a pillow on the couch.) we tried breast milk in a bottle, we tried a finger-feeding tubing device, we finally put some milk in a dropper and squirted it into his mouth. he just screamed more. he seemed to be in pain (sore throat, most likely) so we gave him some tylenol. he calmed a bit, but was still VERY upset. (and i was in tears - thank god jay was home.) finally, after 2.5 hours, he latched on with me standing and supporting his butt on my leg which was braced on the bed (NOT comfy for mama, but he needed it.) he ate for 5 minutes then fell asleep.
too much stimulation + nasty cold = very upset little boy!!!
he's doing much better today. I got a full-fledged laugh out of him before bedtime!!! just melts your heart. and he ate very well before bed, so i'm hoping he'll be back to his usual 7-9 hours of sleep!!! (it's been every 3-4 hours since he's been sick - we're all VERY tired!)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
December 21, 2006
Elliot is sick with a cold - very congested. i have a miserable sore throat. Jay has a runny nose. what a sad bunch we are!
Elliot is being so good. he's not very fussy, but has been sleeping for most of the day. he's only been awake for 6.5 hours all day - yes, i counted, i'm that anal. i'm trying not to freak out over that fact, and that he's had fewer wet diapers today. the good news is he's still nursing and doesn't seem dehydrated at all (drooly, in fact!)
he's not feverish and there doesn't seem to be anything to suction out with the aspirator, but he sounds so congested. we've been bringing him into the bathroom while we have showers so that the steam unclogs him - his nose would run afterwards, so i know it's working. we don't yet have a humidifier or vaporizer, but i think we're ok this time around.
my poor little baby. i hate to think that he has the same sore throat i have. it's terrible to think of him hurting at all. he wouldn't understand why, only that he hurts and mommy's not making it better.
on the progress side, Elliot is meeting more milestones! over the weekend, he started grabbing at his toys. he's really into his hands - looking at them, sucking on them, waving them around. he's vocalizing a lot, too, always chatting or yelling happily. He started actively trying to roll over from his back to his belly. since this is the tougher direction to roll in, we were very pleased! then on Wednesday, on his 3 month "birthday" he rolled over twice, but from his belly to his back. Such a smart little boy! he is still arching his back and kicking off with his feet when he's on his back, so likely rolling from that direction isn't far behind. now we have to watch where we put him down, since he's becoming more mobile!!!
Elliot is being so good. he's not very fussy, but has been sleeping for most of the day. he's only been awake for 6.5 hours all day - yes, i counted, i'm that anal. i'm trying not to freak out over that fact, and that he's had fewer wet diapers today. the good news is he's still nursing and doesn't seem dehydrated at all (drooly, in fact!)
he's not feverish and there doesn't seem to be anything to suction out with the aspirator, but he sounds so congested. we've been bringing him into the bathroom while we have showers so that the steam unclogs him - his nose would run afterwards, so i know it's working. we don't yet have a humidifier or vaporizer, but i think we're ok this time around.
my poor little baby. i hate to think that he has the same sore throat i have. it's terrible to think of him hurting at all. he wouldn't understand why, only that he hurts and mommy's not making it better.
on the progress side, Elliot is meeting more milestones! over the weekend, he started grabbing at his toys. he's really into his hands - looking at them, sucking on them, waving them around. he's vocalizing a lot, too, always chatting or yelling happily. He started actively trying to roll over from his back to his belly. since this is the tougher direction to roll in, we were very pleased! then on Wednesday, on his 3 month "birthday" he rolled over twice, but from his belly to his back. Such a smart little boy! he is still arching his back and kicking off with his feet when he's on his back, so likely rolling from that direction isn't far behind. now we have to watch where we put him down, since he's becoming more mobile!!!
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
December 5, 2006
Arrgh, snow! Elliot had an appointment at the IWK yesterday afternoon, so I bundled him into the stroller while it was raining and off we went. By the time we left the hospital, it was snowing great big fluffy wet flakes and by the time we got home the roads were covered and the stroller was a white bump in front of me. I had put the plastic weather shield over the whole thing so he was nice and toasty, and slept through everything. I, on the other hand, was a freezing, soggy mess - I did not plan ahead for my comfort, only his! I was wearing sweat pants, and was dragging snowballs behind me. The cuffs got so wet that by the time we got home and I was carrying the stroller up the front steps, my pants fell down. Yep, thankfully I was wearing Jay's raincoat and it covered my butt - otherwise I'd have been mooning the neighbours!
The power went out around 5:30. Elliot and I hung out in candle light, watching all the people on the roads who must have forgotten how to drive. The main road was pretty much a stand-still, and people kept trying to take short cuts down our street. THat didn't work out so well for them - worked for us, though, because when the power went off. there was enough light spilling in the windows from the line of cars that i could see to light the candles. (Elliot LOVED the flickering candles. He was mesmerized!) I watched 2 cars cut the line of traffic, turn around in the parking lot next door and then drive down the sidewalk and out our driveway. Crazy! The power returned just before Jay got home at 8.
Going to go take the boy for a walk in the snow - with my camera! He's trying to poo right now, I think - he seems to be on an "every 3 days" schedule - and when it comes out, BEWARE! High in volume and smell. Maybe I should wait to see if he'll go before we leave... :)
The power went out around 5:30. Elliot and I hung out in candle light, watching all the people on the roads who must have forgotten how to drive. The main road was pretty much a stand-still, and people kept trying to take short cuts down our street. THat didn't work out so well for them - worked for us, though, because when the power went off. there was enough light spilling in the windows from the line of cars that i could see to light the candles. (Elliot LOVED the flickering candles. He was mesmerized!) I watched 2 cars cut the line of traffic, turn around in the parking lot next door and then drive down the sidewalk and out our driveway. Crazy! The power returned just before Jay got home at 8.
Going to go take the boy for a walk in the snow - with my camera! He's trying to poo right now, I think - he seems to be on an "every 3 days" schedule - and when it comes out, BEWARE! High in volume and smell. Maybe I should wait to see if he'll go before we leave... :)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
November 22, 2006
Elliot had his first immunizations on Monday. I gave him 2 doses of Tylenol that day. Since then, he's been sleeping lots, and nursing slightly less. Today, he's still sleeping lots, but has been nursing every hour this afternoon, for 15-20 minutes each time, which is longer than his usual 8-12 minute feedings. He has had 2 smelly, dark yellow/green liquid poops. He's warm but doesn't have a fever. He doesn't seem overly fussy or lethargic and doesn't seem to be in pain.
The breast feeding clinic said this could be a delayed reaction to the shots or the Tylenol, or maybe due to something I ate, or maybe the start of the flu, and to keep an eye on him overnight. Poor boy!
In other news, he's quite the little chunk: 14 lbs and 24 inches long at 2 months old!
The breast feeding clinic said this could be a delayed reaction to the shots or the Tylenol, or maybe due to something I ate, or maybe the start of the flu, and to keep an eye on him overnight. Poor boy!
In other news, he's quite the little chunk: 14 lbs and 24 inches long at 2 months old!
Monday, November 13, 2006
November 13, 2006
What a week! At Elliot's check up, I also had a check up. Since I was still bleeding at 7 weeks post partum, they scheduled me for an ultrasound to see what was happening in my uterus. The appointment was 2 days later, at 10:45 am. It was pouring rain, so I packed Elliot into a cab and off we went. Sure enough, they found that there was still some membrane tissue left inside, so I had to have a d&c (dilation and curetage) surgery - that afternoon!
I brought Elliot with me when I went back to the IWK for the assessment at 1:30, and then Jay came after that to sit with him (& me) in pre-op at 3. The procedure was at 4:15. They put me under completely, so I thankfully wasn't aware of anything. It went a lot smoother than I expected. They strapped down my arms, which wasn't pleasant; and had to put a tube down my throat and insert a catheter, but did both of those while I was out. I woke up a little after 5 and was in recovery until we left the hospital at 6:30.
They brought me the breast pump from the maternity ward just before I went in, so I could fill a bottle that Jay could fed Elliot while I was out. The nurses and doctor told me it should be perfectly fine to breast feed afterwards, but the anesthetist told me to pump and dump. Seemed like such a waste, but I did it once per side, just to be sure.
Due to dizziness, etc, I wasn't allowed to be alone with Elliot for 24 hours, so M & S and then A did shifts with me the next day as Jay had to be at work. He got up with me for feedings Thursday night, just in case.
I think I handled it well, given that I was in a near panic attack from the moment they told me to wait in the special waiting room after the ultrasound while the doctor called my doctor - I knew it wasn't good news! I'm recovering fine, experiencing cramping and still bleeding, but that should subside soon. I'll get checked out again on the 20th when I go for Elliot's immunization appointment.
*sigh*
One thing they said was that now that all the tissue is out, my body can regulate and my milk supply should go up. Not good - I'm a lactation queen as it is, with a crazy high milk supply. Elliot, be forewarned - you need to learn how to gulp without stopping for breath!!!
I brought Elliot with me when I went back to the IWK for the assessment at 1:30, and then Jay came after that to sit with him (& me) in pre-op at 3. The procedure was at 4:15. They put me under completely, so I thankfully wasn't aware of anything. It went a lot smoother than I expected. They strapped down my arms, which wasn't pleasant; and had to put a tube down my throat and insert a catheter, but did both of those while I was out. I woke up a little after 5 and was in recovery until we left the hospital at 6:30.
They brought me the breast pump from the maternity ward just before I went in, so I could fill a bottle that Jay could fed Elliot while I was out. The nurses and doctor told me it should be perfectly fine to breast feed afterwards, but the anesthetist told me to pump and dump. Seemed like such a waste, but I did it once per side, just to be sure.
Due to dizziness, etc, I wasn't allowed to be alone with Elliot for 24 hours, so M & S and then A did shifts with me the next day as Jay had to be at work. He got up with me for feedings Thursday night, just in case.
I think I handled it well, given that I was in a near panic attack from the moment they told me to wait in the special waiting room after the ultrasound while the doctor called my doctor - I knew it wasn't good news! I'm recovering fine, experiencing cramping and still bleeding, but that should subside soon. I'll get checked out again on the 20th when I go for Elliot's immunization appointment.
*sigh*
One thing they said was that now that all the tissue is out, my body can regulate and my milk supply should go up. Not good - I'm a lactation queen as it is, with a crazy high milk supply. Elliot, be forewarned - you need to learn how to gulp without stopping for breath!!!
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
November 8th, 2006
Elliot had a check up yesterday - at 7 weeks, he's 12 lbs 14 oz and 22.5" long and his head is 15.25" around. This puts him in the 90th percentile for weight/length and 75th for head circumference. Our big, beautiful boy!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
October 29, 2006
Elliot had a massive poo-explosion while we were at a restaurant yesterday. It seeped out of the side of the diaper, through his jeans (yes, I had him in his first "outfit") and all down his leg to his sock. What a mess... And, to make matters worse, I didn't have my full diaper bag with me, so I only had an extra pair of pants, not a top (he was wearing a onsie that got all full of poo at the bottom), so I was carrying a mostly naked child around until we got home! But at least it was a mostly naked, happy and CLEAN child!!
So...we started him in cloth diapers last night, and so far so good - but no more poos yet, so we'll see how the cloth diapers handle that! It's a bit of a challenge to get the cloth diaper wrapped around him, and we're experimenting with different methods of folding. He really notices when he's wet now, so he's been a bit fussier today. Not to mention the 6 week growth spurt, which i think he's just starting - he's cluster feeding every hour!
So...we started him in cloth diapers last night, and so far so good - but no more poos yet, so we'll see how the cloth diapers handle that! It's a bit of a challenge to get the cloth diaper wrapped around him, and we're experimenting with different methods of folding. He really notices when he's wet now, so he's been a bit fussier today. Not to mention the 6 week growth spurt, which i think he's just starting - he's cluster feeding every hour!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
October 26, 2006
Our little porker weighs in at pretty much 12 lbs - he's gained 4 lbs in the 5 weeks he's been in the outside world!!
his stats:
8 lbs 12 oz at birth
8 lbs 3 oz on day 2
8 lbs 11 oz on day 5
9 lbs 15 oz on day 18
11 lbs 15 oz today, at 5 weeks 1 day old!
Jay has the camera at work with him, but i'll try to update with a recent pic soon... i can't believe his growth! and the scale at the hospital is for babies up to 23 inches long, and he was pretty much touching it end to end... and he was 20 1/4 at birth!
the nurse at the breastfeeding clinic figured that the screaming he was doing when i try to feed him is due to my crazy over-active let down practically drowning the poor boy. the milk literally sprays out everywhere... no wonder he was screaming and pulling away! she gave me some tips on how to control that, so we'll see what happens in the next few days.
his stats:
8 lbs 12 oz at birth
8 lbs 3 oz on day 2
8 lbs 11 oz on day 5
9 lbs 15 oz on day 18
11 lbs 15 oz today, at 5 weeks 1 day old!
Jay has the camera at work with him, but i'll try to update with a recent pic soon... i can't believe his growth! and the scale at the hospital is for babies up to 23 inches long, and he was pretty much touching it end to end... and he was 20 1/4 at birth!
the nurse at the breastfeeding clinic figured that the screaming he was doing when i try to feed him is due to my crazy over-active let down practically drowning the poor boy. the milk literally sprays out everywhere... no wonder he was screaming and pulling away! she gave me some tips on how to control that, so we'll see what happens in the next few days.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Breastfeeding woes...
As per the nurse at the breatfeeding clinic, i'm block feeding - i alternate sides for new feedings, every 2-4 hours, depending on demand, instead of switching to the other side mid-feed. yesterday, Elliot would nurse as usual on the right side (without the nipple shied, yay!), but when it came time to switch sides for the next feeding, he would nurse with the shield for 3-5 minutes, then start screaming. i could relatch him, but he'd suck 1-2 times then start screaming again. even calming him, burping him and the starting over would end the same way.
i've tried different holding positions and tried with and without the shield on the left side - no luck. i know it's not a supply issue, since i pumped the left after a screaming fit and got 5 oz from that side. he would be frantically giving hunger cues and i don't think it's pain related, since i switched him to the right side mid-screaming fit and he latched and nursed like normal - so i know he wasn't full!
so what do i do? i see 3 options - keep battling it out with him and hope he catches on again, always feed from the right but pump the left at each feeding and store it for later use, or keep up the block feeding - but pumping and bottle feeding from the left every time. i'm trying to get back in to the breast feeding clinic to see what they say/suggest, but that may take a few days... frustrating!
i've tried different holding positions and tried with and without the shield on the left side - no luck. i know it's not a supply issue, since i pumped the left after a screaming fit and got 5 oz from that side. he would be frantically giving hunger cues and i don't think it's pain related, since i switched him to the right side mid-screaming fit and he latched and nursed like normal - so i know he wasn't full!
so what do i do? i see 3 options - keep battling it out with him and hope he catches on again, always feed from the right but pump the left at each feeding and store it for later use, or keep up the block feeding - but pumping and bottle feeding from the left every time. i'm trying to get back in to the breast feeding clinic to see what they say/suggest, but that may take a few days... frustrating!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
October 17, 2006
Well, Jay went back to work yesterday... I was apprehensive about handling everything on my own. Rationally, I knew I could do it, but I was worried about being overwhelmed and sleep deprived. But yesterday went great - 'm so proud of my accomplishments:2 loads of laundry, dishes, groceries and I kept our son alive!
Technically, I've been "on my own" since Saturday, as Jay put his back out and has been sleeping in the other room and hasn't been able to help as much with Elliot...
I never really thought about how I would handle things like going to the bathroom - for the last 4 weeks, Jay has been with me and there was always someone available to watch over Elliot. My trick is to put E in his car seat and lug him around the house with me.
I know so many others do this all on their own from day 1, and I really admire them... I'm just also really proud of myself for being able to be a good stay at home mom for the first time!
Today is day 2 "on my own"... and we're going to the mall when Elliot wakes up from his nap. It's a sunny day, and I need a walk - plus, he loves being outside!!
Technically, I've been "on my own" since Saturday, as Jay put his back out and has been sleeping in the other room and hasn't been able to help as much with Elliot...
I never really thought about how I would handle things like going to the bathroom - for the last 4 weeks, Jay has been with me and there was always someone available to watch over Elliot. My trick is to put E in his car seat and lug him around the house with me.
I know so many others do this all on their own from day 1, and I really admire them... I'm just also really proud of myself for being able to be a good stay at home mom for the first time!
Today is day 2 "on my own"... and we're going to the mall when Elliot wakes up from his nap. It's a sunny day, and I need a walk - plus, he loves being outside!!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Mommyhood
I'm loving it! It's challenging, we're by no means in a set routine, but things are going very good with us. Whenever Elliot wants to eat/sleep/poop, we accommodate him. And he's so good at snuggling and cuddling!
We started a bedtime routine, as getting him to sleep is sometimes a battle. So at night, we feed him, bath him, swaddle him and rock him for 20 minutes then put him down to sleep. He usually sleeps for 2 hours, then wakes to eat again. Then there's a diaper change and more rocking, and (usually) another 2 hour sleep. This is repeated as long as possible! During the day, he's alert more (we had a few nights were he was wide awake - not fussing, thankfully - for 5-6 hours... so not good for mommy and daddy!)... our daytime "routine" is pretty much eat, change, rock/hold for 20 minutes then we put him down to sleep in the swing. Usually get about an hour at a time, longer if someone is holding him.
Today we have a play date with the other 2 couples from our Lamaze classes. They both had boys, too! It will be neat to see them all together!
Yesterday we went for our newborn photo shoot. The little proofs he showed us on the screen looked amazing. He said we should have real proofs in about 2 weeks - I can't wait!! Elliot was such a cooperative baby, and he only peed on daddy once! (The dangers of naked-baby photo shoots!)
We *seem* to have solved the breast feeding issue. His latch still isn't perfect, but he's able to nurse on the right side without using the fake nipple shield. Turns out I have flat nipples, and he has a recessed chin and a curved hard palate (newborns tend to have a flat palate that curves as they mature), all of which contribute to him having to work very hard at a proper latch. Poor little guy, the deck is stacked against him! But we're determined and are muddling through it all.
He's such a big boy! Last week, we had him weighed and he was already 9lbs 14.8 oz - which was an increase of 19 oz in 9 days - and newborns usually average a gain of 1 oz per day! So he's a hefty little man - so adorable!
We started a bedtime routine, as getting him to sleep is sometimes a battle. So at night, we feed him, bath him, swaddle him and rock him for 20 minutes then put him down to sleep. He usually sleeps for 2 hours, then wakes to eat again. Then there's a diaper change and more rocking, and (usually) another 2 hour sleep. This is repeated as long as possible! During the day, he's alert more (we had a few nights were he was wide awake - not fussing, thankfully - for 5-6 hours... so not good for mommy and daddy!)... our daytime "routine" is pretty much eat, change, rock/hold for 20 minutes then we put him down to sleep in the swing. Usually get about an hour at a time, longer if someone is holding him.
Today we have a play date with the other 2 couples from our Lamaze classes. They both had boys, too! It will be neat to see them all together!
Yesterday we went for our newborn photo shoot. The little proofs he showed us on the screen looked amazing. He said we should have real proofs in about 2 weeks - I can't wait!! Elliot was such a cooperative baby, and he only peed on daddy once! (The dangers of naked-baby photo shoots!)
We *seem* to have solved the breast feeding issue. His latch still isn't perfect, but he's able to nurse on the right side without using the fake nipple shield. Turns out I have flat nipples, and he has a recessed chin and a curved hard palate (newborns tend to have a flat palate that curves as they mature), all of which contribute to him having to work very hard at a proper latch. Poor little guy, the deck is stacked against him! But we're determined and are muddling through it all.
He's such a big boy! Last week, we had him weighed and he was already 9lbs 14.8 oz - which was an increase of 19 oz in 9 days - and newborns usually average a gain of 1 oz per day! So he's a hefty little man - so adorable!
Friday, September 29, 2006
The birth story...
The first contractions started at 9am on my due date. They didn't really hurt, but they were coming every 30 minutes. I went on with my day (a chiropractic appointment and lunch with friends) and they got more intense. By 4pm, they started to hurt. By 8 we called our doula, Karen, and she said she would stop by to check on me at 9. From 9-1, I spent my time throwing up and labouring in the tub, on the exercise ball and in bed, the contractions coming irregularly but still getting closer together. By 1:30, they were 2-3 minutes apart and lasting anywhere from 30-60 seconds, and I heard Karen say quietly to Jay "I think we should start making our way to the hospital."
We got to the hospital by 2:30 and they checked me - only a fingertip dilated and still a lot of thinning needed to be done! I was crushed - I'd been having very hard pains (especially in my low back) for almost 12 hours and made no "real" progress.
The nurse took pity on us and asked if we wanted to stay in assessment, as my contractions were still coming regularly. I told them I wasn't going home without my baby! They put us into a birthing room to labour but didn't admit us to the hospital. (Turns out I was part of a research study: should they let women in early labour wait it out at the hospital or send them home, and how would it effect baby.)
The nurses pretty much left us alone all night - we were checked on a few times, but since we weren't admitted, they stayed away. I threw up more, walked the halls, had baths and tried sitting on the ball. My back was so sore - Jay and Karen took turns pressing on my sacrum during contractions to ease the pressure. I was terrified I was having back labour.
The next morning, the new early labour assessment nurse came in to check me and said I was only 2-3 cm dilated, and still needed to thin quite a bit. She started saying that I might be stalled and that I should go home. She pushed that I should also let them break my water and get induced.
Around 3pm, she checked me again and there was no change. She told me that if she'd been on duty the night before that she wouldn't have let us stay. (I guess she didn't know about the study.) She asked if I wanted to be admitted and start getting medications. I was exhausted at this point, but knew that despite the slow progress, I was making SOME progress, and that I wouldn't have been able to cope at home.
I asked not to be admitted, but requested a shot of Demerol to help me relax, hoping I could get some sleep. It relaxed me, but there was no sleep to be had - the contractions picked up and became very regular and I was then in active labour!
The nurse checked me around 6pm and said I was at 3 cm and that they would start the admissions procedures. Around 7, they moved us to a new room closer to the nurses station, assigned us a nurse, and started monitoring my blood pressure and the baby's heart rate every 30 minutes.
The back pains and pains shooting down my thighs had greatly intensified. I needed someone to rub my thighs and press on my back during each contraction. Around midnight, I was checked again and heard 4-5 cm, still not completely effaced. I was so discouraged! Somewhere in the middle of the night I started asking about medications - but I knew that Demerol likely wouldn't work again, that I didn't want an epidural and that the Nitrous Oxide gas could only be used for a limited time, and I wanted to save that for transition. I decided to keep going without anything. I had found a position in the rocking chair that helped control the pain, and I was really focusing on a light socket above the bed. Usually I could manage the contractions, but every 3rd or 4th one was super-intense.
Finally around 2am, I was 7 cm. YAY! I laboured for a while longer, and nearly gave up a few more times. They checked and felt bulging membranes, as my water still hadn't broken. I agreed to have them broken and we waited 30 minutes for my doctor to arrive. When they broke, it was only a small amount, but baby's head came down a bit further.
After a while, I felt strong urges to push so they checked me again - still only 7cm - NOT good! They started me on the gas to try to control the urge, and we tried different positions - walking, hands & knees, the ball - but I still badly wanted to push. A new nurse came in to let the other one have a break and she put me on the toilet so gravity could help. I fought her on this, since I was scared that my natural instinct to push would be much stronger on the toilet! She found a longer hose for the gas machine so I could sit there and suck back the gas! Worked for me - the gas made me VERY loopy!
They checked me again at nearly 6:30 am and said I was completely effaced and dilated and gave me the go ahead to start pushing! Sitting on the toilet worked! They called my doctor in. After an hour of ineffective pushes, they checked and found that I still had a lip of cervix!! They pushed against it while I contracted and pushed (PAINFUL!) and it stayed back out of the way.
I pushed for almost 2 more hours and then our son was born. He came out screaming and didn't stop for 20 minutes! His head came out with no problems, but he decided to be like superman and have his fist up next to his shoulder and I ended up with a 3rd degree tear. They had to call in an OB to determine which way to best stitch the muscles back together.
Elliot was so tired after his long journey that he didn't want to latch on to start breast feeding. It took us 5 days to find a solution to that problem, and now he nurses all the time. It's hard to believe how quickly the time is passing. We love our little "milk dud" and can't imagine life without him!
We got to the hospital by 2:30 and they checked me - only a fingertip dilated and still a lot of thinning needed to be done! I was crushed - I'd been having very hard pains (especially in my low back) for almost 12 hours and made no "real" progress.
The nurse took pity on us and asked if we wanted to stay in assessment, as my contractions were still coming regularly. I told them I wasn't going home without my baby! They put us into a birthing room to labour but didn't admit us to the hospital. (Turns out I was part of a research study: should they let women in early labour wait it out at the hospital or send them home, and how would it effect baby.)
The nurses pretty much left us alone all night - we were checked on a few times, but since we weren't admitted, they stayed away. I threw up more, walked the halls, had baths and tried sitting on the ball. My back was so sore - Jay and Karen took turns pressing on my sacrum during contractions to ease the pressure. I was terrified I was having back labour.
The next morning, the new early labour assessment nurse came in to check me and said I was only 2-3 cm dilated, and still needed to thin quite a bit. She started saying that I might be stalled and that I should go home. She pushed that I should also let them break my water and get induced.
Around 3pm, she checked me again and there was no change. She told me that if she'd been on duty the night before that she wouldn't have let us stay. (I guess she didn't know about the study.) She asked if I wanted to be admitted and start getting medications. I was exhausted at this point, but knew that despite the slow progress, I was making SOME progress, and that I wouldn't have been able to cope at home.
I asked not to be admitted, but requested a shot of Demerol to help me relax, hoping I could get some sleep. It relaxed me, but there was no sleep to be had - the contractions picked up and became very regular and I was then in active labour!
The nurse checked me around 6pm and said I was at 3 cm and that they would start the admissions procedures. Around 7, they moved us to a new room closer to the nurses station, assigned us a nurse, and started monitoring my blood pressure and the baby's heart rate every 30 minutes.
The back pains and pains shooting down my thighs had greatly intensified. I needed someone to rub my thighs and press on my back during each contraction. Around midnight, I was checked again and heard 4-5 cm, still not completely effaced. I was so discouraged! Somewhere in the middle of the night I started asking about medications - but I knew that Demerol likely wouldn't work again, that I didn't want an epidural and that the Nitrous Oxide gas could only be used for a limited time, and I wanted to save that for transition. I decided to keep going without anything. I had found a position in the rocking chair that helped control the pain, and I was really focusing on a light socket above the bed. Usually I could manage the contractions, but every 3rd or 4th one was super-intense.
Finally around 2am, I was 7 cm. YAY! I laboured for a while longer, and nearly gave up a few more times. They checked and felt bulging membranes, as my water still hadn't broken. I agreed to have them broken and we waited 30 minutes for my doctor to arrive. When they broke, it was only a small amount, but baby's head came down a bit further.
After a while, I felt strong urges to push so they checked me again - still only 7cm - NOT good! They started me on the gas to try to control the urge, and we tried different positions - walking, hands & knees, the ball - but I still badly wanted to push. A new nurse came in to let the other one have a break and she put me on the toilet so gravity could help. I fought her on this, since I was scared that my natural instinct to push would be much stronger on the toilet! She found a longer hose for the gas machine so I could sit there and suck back the gas! Worked for me - the gas made me VERY loopy!
They checked me again at nearly 6:30 am and said I was completely effaced and dilated and gave me the go ahead to start pushing! Sitting on the toilet worked! They called my doctor in. After an hour of ineffective pushes, they checked and found that I still had a lip of cervix!! They pushed against it while I contracted and pushed (PAINFUL!) and it stayed back out of the way.
I pushed for almost 2 more hours and then our son was born. He came out screaming and didn't stop for 20 minutes! His head came out with no problems, but he decided to be like superman and have his fist up next to his shoulder and I ended up with a 3rd degree tear. They had to call in an OB to determine which way to best stitch the muscles back together.
Elliot was so tired after his long journey that he didn't want to latch on to start breast feeding. It took us 5 days to find a solution to that problem, and now he nurses all the time. It's hard to believe how quickly the time is passing. We love our little "milk dud" and can't imagine life without him!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
New arrival!!
We welcomed our son, Elliot Jay, on Wednesday September 20th at 9:18am. (2 days overdue.) It was a marathon labour - "officially" 41 hours, but well worth it in the end. And I did it mostly natural... No epidural for me!
He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and was 20.25 inches long. We got home from the hospital on Friday and have been muddling through this parenting thing since then. We're all exhausted, but so happy to be a family. Having some breast feeding issues, but am hopeful that they will be resolved soon... we just love this little man!!!
He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and was 20.25 inches long. We got home from the hospital on Friday and have been muddling through this parenting thing since then. We're all exhausted, but so happy to be a family. Having some breast feeding issues, but am hopeful that they will be resolved soon... we just love this little man!!!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Happy due date!
Wow, I really didn't think I'd make it all the way to the end. I was sure i'd go a bit early, but nope, here I am, still preggers... No signs that things are immediately about to happen, but things feel "different", so something must be in the works... I'm just so impatient to meet this creature!!!
Have plans to go for coffee with a bunch of friends and their babies today - maybe all those babies will encourage this one to come out and play?? Keep your fingers crossed!
Have plans to go for coffee with a bunch of friends and their babies today - maybe all those babies will encourage this one to come out and play?? Keep your fingers crossed!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Monday, September 4, 2006
September 4, 2006
Back from the hospital - false alarm!
2 nights ago I started feeling very wet, like I was sitting in water. I didn't feel a gush or a drip, so I sort of ignored it, but it was there for most of the day.
We took our sweet time going in to be checked, since I knew we had until the 24 hour mark before things got crucial. We went on with our planned day - after flying kites and going for dinner, we went to the hospital and got hooked up to the fetal heart rate monitor while they tried testing the fluid. The first test was inconclusive, so we then had to wait for a doctor to come do a swab (had to be looked at under a microscope)... all came back negative and I'm still closed up tight.
Jay stayed in the room at the end of the bed and got to watch everything. He saw my cervix! (Weird) Says it looks like a marshmallow with a divot in it.
So they sent us home after almost 2 hours. Not a bad end to our anniversary - we were hooked up to the machine listening to baby's heart beat for over 20 minutes. Our little family!
So then we came home and had some wedding cake - it's still pretty good, and Jay even liked it. YAY!!!
2 nights ago I started feeling very wet, like I was sitting in water. I didn't feel a gush or a drip, so I sort of ignored it, but it was there for most of the day.
We took our sweet time going in to be checked, since I knew we had until the 24 hour mark before things got crucial. We went on with our planned day - after flying kites and going for dinner, we went to the hospital and got hooked up to the fetal heart rate monitor while they tried testing the fluid. The first test was inconclusive, so we then had to wait for a doctor to come do a swab (had to be looked at under a microscope)... all came back negative and I'm still closed up tight.
Jay stayed in the room at the end of the bed and got to watch everything. He saw my cervix! (Weird) Says it looks like a marshmallow with a divot in it.
So they sent us home after almost 2 hours. Not a bad end to our anniversary - we were hooked up to the machine listening to baby's heart beat for over 20 minutes. Our little family!
So then we came home and had some wedding cake - it's still pretty good, and Jay even liked it. YAY!!!
Sunday, September 3, 2006
September 3, 2006
Wow - married for a year already! I took the top of our wedding cake out of the freezer this morning, we'll see how long it takes to thaw. (Jay didn't care for it last year, and he hopes it's inedible now!!)
Started our day by going out to breakfast at the Ardmore Tea Room, and later will go fly a kite on the Commons, before going to dinner and possibly a movie! Oh the excitement - it'll probably be the last time we get out for a while before baby's arrival. :)
Started our day by going out to breakfast at the Ardmore Tea Room, and later will go fly a kite on the Commons, before going to dinner and possibly a movie! Oh the excitement - it'll probably be the last time we get out for a while before baby's arrival. :)
Saturday, September 2, 2006
September 2, 2006
Had my doctor's appointment yesterday - ok, so at my appointment last week, dr said I was 50% effaced... I've had cramping and more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions since then, and figured I'd see a bit more progress by this week... well, somehow I went backwards, as she said I was only 30% effaced yesterday.
huh???
I know it's subjective, and I'm trying to stay positive - I'm calling this no additional progress, instead of backwards progress... but still, effaced is effaced, and it means I'm that much closer!!
Otherwise, it was a good appointment. She felt baby's head again, I'm only up another pound (42 total), blood pressure was great, baby's heart rate was strong at 136 BPM, and, a big bonus, I tested negative for GBS, so I don't have to be hooked up to an IV with antibiotics while labouring!
huh???
I know it's subjective, and I'm trying to stay positive - I'm calling this no additional progress, instead of backwards progress... but still, effaced is effaced, and it means I'm that much closer!!
Otherwise, it was a good appointment. She felt baby's head again, I'm only up another pound (42 total), blood pressure was great, baby's heart rate was strong at 136 BPM, and, a big bonus, I tested negative for GBS, so I don't have to be hooked up to an IV with antibiotics while labouring!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
August 24, 2006
Had a doctor's appointment today. She checked to see if anything was happening, and I'm pleased to say I'm 50% effaced, although I haven't started to dilate yet. I think it's common for dilation to start once the cervix is 80% effaced (or "thinned" and getting soft)... but often you can start labour without being effaced at all, which can lead to a much longer and harder labour!
Yay, my body is working properly!!!! Hopefully this easy pregnancy is setting a trend towards an easy delivery, too!
Yay, my body is working properly!!!! Hopefully this easy pregnancy is setting a trend towards an easy delivery, too!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
August 15, 2006
35w1d
11.25 squares of TP!
It's my last day at work today!! Right now I'm sitting in the hall because I gave my keys to my replacement yesterday. But I forgot to write the payroll cheques last night and G will be by to pick up his cheque first thing. I'm headed to a drs appointment after. Supposed to have the swab test today to find out if I'm GBS positive (requires antibiotics when I go into labour) but the penicillin I'm on for my stupid tooth would void the results. Swab to be done next week!
11.25 squares of TP!
It's my last day at work today!! Right now I'm sitting in the hall because I gave my keys to my replacement yesterday. But I forgot to write the payroll cheques last night and G will be by to pick up his cheque first thing. I'm headed to a drs appointment after. Supposed to have the swab test today to find out if I'm GBS positive (requires antibiotics when I go into labour) but the penicillin I'm on for my stupid tooth would void the results. Swab to be done next week!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
August 10, 2006
The latest developments in my dental saga...
I went for x-rays today, and it turns out that 2 teeth were in bad shape - the one they worked on the other day, and the tooth next to it. So they stayed after hours and drilled me again tonight. The opened up the first tooth and cleaned it out again and put another temporary filling in it. They opened up the second tooth but it turns out that it still had a firm bottom despite the hidden decay, so they didn't do a root canal. It's now packed full of cavity-fighting stuff and capped with a temporary filling. If I'm still having pain tomorrow, they'll open both up again, do a root canal on the second tooth and then see what else might need to be done. If I'm not in pain, then I keep the temporary fillings for another 10 weeks, then go back for more x-rays and permanent fillings on both.
What an ordeal!! Jay came with me for this appointment, and I felt more prepared going into it. (Speaking of Jay, his surgery went very well and he had minimal swelling today. He's taking antibiotics but hasn't had to take any pain killers!)
Please keep your fingers crossed that I get a good night's rest tonight. Last night I managed to get about 6 hours, because I slept sitting up. But I also discovered that that position causes leg cramps - I had 3 last night!!
Update:
no more tooth pain!! that second drilling/freezing/cleaning appointment did the trick. my temp filling seems a bit wonky, though. it's rather flakey. I hope it hold for another 9 weeks, until my follow-up appointment. *fingers crossed*
i'm officially off work now, as of the 15th, and it feels wonderful!!!! no more setting the alarm clock in the mornings, and i can nap in the afternoon. YAY!!!! and i can finally get all the housework done that i've been wanting to do for months...
had a drs appointment on tuesday. everything is good - i've only gained a pound, which is great, baby's heart rate was 136/138, baby still is head down. my dr was supposed to do the swab to test for the Group B Strep bacteria that can be present (if i test positive, i have to be hooked to an IV during labour).. but she didn't do the swab as i'm still taking penicillin for my tooth, and that would temporarily kill off that bacteria! i'll have the swab done next week, then... funfun!
i got to be a bridesmaid last weekend, that was fun - there's nothing classier than an 8 month's prego bridesmaid, is there??? i had a blast.
and in other random thoughts: today marks 1 month left until due date! EEE!!!!
I went for x-rays today, and it turns out that 2 teeth were in bad shape - the one they worked on the other day, and the tooth next to it. So they stayed after hours and drilled me again tonight. The opened up the first tooth and cleaned it out again and put another temporary filling in it. They opened up the second tooth but it turns out that it still had a firm bottom despite the hidden decay, so they didn't do a root canal. It's now packed full of cavity-fighting stuff and capped with a temporary filling. If I'm still having pain tomorrow, they'll open both up again, do a root canal on the second tooth and then see what else might need to be done. If I'm not in pain, then I keep the temporary fillings for another 10 weeks, then go back for more x-rays and permanent fillings on both.
What an ordeal!! Jay came with me for this appointment, and I felt more prepared going into it. (Speaking of Jay, his surgery went very well and he had minimal swelling today. He's taking antibiotics but hasn't had to take any pain killers!)
Please keep your fingers crossed that I get a good night's rest tonight. Last night I managed to get about 6 hours, because I slept sitting up. But I also discovered that that position causes leg cramps - I had 3 last night!!
Update:
no more tooth pain!! that second drilling/freezing/cleaning appointment did the trick. my temp filling seems a bit wonky, though. it's rather flakey. I hope it hold for another 9 weeks, until my follow-up appointment. *fingers crossed*
i'm officially off work now, as of the 15th, and it feels wonderful!!!! no more setting the alarm clock in the mornings, and i can nap in the afternoon. YAY!!!! and i can finally get all the housework done that i've been wanting to do for months...
had a drs appointment on tuesday. everything is good - i've only gained a pound, which is great, baby's heart rate was 136/138, baby still is head down. my dr was supposed to do the swab to test for the Group B Strep bacteria that can be present (if i test positive, i have to be hooked to an IV during labour).. but she didn't do the swab as i'm still taking penicillin for my tooth, and that would temporarily kill off that bacteria! i'll have the swab done next week, then... funfun!
i got to be a bridesmaid last weekend, that was fun - there's nothing classier than an 8 month's prego bridesmaid, is there??? i had a blast.
and in other random thoughts: today marks 1 month left until due date! EEE!!!!
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
August 9, 2006
The pain is worse and still constant. I can't sleep at night. I'm miserable. I dread going back to the dentist today and getting drilled again, I'm going to have to ask for x-rays to make sure he's fixing the right spot and I'm scared it'll harm the baby. I'm scared the freezing will harm the baby. I'm scared that this constant pain and stress and not sleeping I'm going through will hurt the baby. Tylenol doesn't seem to help the pain. I'm starting to loose my mind a little bit.
On the plus side, I'm getting to practice all my pain management techniques...
Update: I was able to reach my dentist today and he called in a prescription for antibiotics, which I've started and will take for 10 days. I'll see him again tomorrow for a quick check-up, but it doesn't seem that he'll need to drill again. (Keep your fingers crossed!) Of course, if I have another night like last night, I'll probably be begging him to drill. EEP!
My naturopathic doctor is away this week, but I was able to get some advice from someone who is covering her emergency calls. I've got some soothing Arnica cream that we used when Jay had his first dental surgery last winter. It's safe for topical use during pregnancy, so I'll put that on to try to bring some relief to the aching muscles in my jaw and neck. I will also be taking a probiotic to help replenish the healthy bacteria that will be killed of by the antibiotics.
I talked to the pharmacist and he said that it was safe to take 2 extra strength Tylenol every 4 hours if needed. I took only 1 this morning and did notice a bit of improvement. So I'm armed with those for tonight if sleeping becomes difficult. (I really don't like the thought of taking pain killers, but of course, I don't like pain that much more!)
I talked to several dental assistants who confirmed that the x-ray, while best to be avoided, would be ok if it's needed - they suggested wearing 2 of the lead vests! And I spoke with a dentist friend who said that the stats on early labour due to the freezing agent are extremely low.
So all in all I'm in a much better frame of mind than I was in the middle of the night and early this morning. Poor Jay, he's had to put up with a lot in the last few days - and he went for dental surgery himself this morning. What a fine pair we are!
On the plus side, I'm getting to practice all my pain management techniques...
Update: I was able to reach my dentist today and he called in a prescription for antibiotics, which I've started and will take for 10 days. I'll see him again tomorrow for a quick check-up, but it doesn't seem that he'll need to drill again. (Keep your fingers crossed!) Of course, if I have another night like last night, I'll probably be begging him to drill. EEP!
My naturopathic doctor is away this week, but I was able to get some advice from someone who is covering her emergency calls. I've got some soothing Arnica cream that we used when Jay had his first dental surgery last winter. It's safe for topical use during pregnancy, so I'll put that on to try to bring some relief to the aching muscles in my jaw and neck. I will also be taking a probiotic to help replenish the healthy bacteria that will be killed of by the antibiotics.
I talked to the pharmacist and he said that it was safe to take 2 extra strength Tylenol every 4 hours if needed. I took only 1 this morning and did notice a bit of improvement. So I'm armed with those for tonight if sleeping becomes difficult. (I really don't like the thought of taking pain killers, but of course, I don't like pain that much more!)
I talked to several dental assistants who confirmed that the x-ray, while best to be avoided, would be ok if it's needed - they suggested wearing 2 of the lead vests! And I spoke with a dentist friend who said that the stats on early labour due to the freezing agent are extremely low.
So all in all I'm in a much better frame of mind than I was in the middle of the night and early this morning. Poor Jay, he's had to put up with a lot in the last few days - and he went for dental surgery himself this morning. What a fine pair we are!
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
August 8, 2006
i managed to make it into an emergency dental appointment today. my teeth have been throbbing for nearly 3 full days - not pleasant. (especially when i woke up at 2:30 this morning to pee and couldn't fall back to sleep due to the pain.)
turns out i need a root canal. not fun! he started it today. i had not prepared to be drilled today - i thought they would check the filling, maybe give me something for the pain and schedule me back in for work. nope. he started freezing and drilling me today. it hurt. i was crying. (such a wimp! normally i can handle it, but not today, i guess. SOOOOO not prepared for that!!) he also needed to do an x-ray, but couldn't due to the pregnancy. he did part of the root canal today and i have an appointment in 10 weeks to go back for the x-ray and he'll finish the root canal at that point, if that's what the x-ray shows as the problem. otherwise, he'll just fill in the cavity with proper stuff, instead of the temp filling i have now.
he did tell me that there's a slight risk of early labour when using the freezing agent. so now i'm going to be paranoid about every little twinge. i'm completely frozen - it's just starting to wear off, and THE PAIN HAS RETURNED!!! if it's still there tomorrow, i will be very ticked off.
turns out i need a root canal. not fun! he started it today. i had not prepared to be drilled today - i thought they would check the filling, maybe give me something for the pain and schedule me back in for work. nope. he started freezing and drilling me today. it hurt. i was crying. (such a wimp! normally i can handle it, but not today, i guess. SOOOOO not prepared for that!!) he also needed to do an x-ray, but couldn't due to the pregnancy. he did part of the root canal today and i have an appointment in 10 weeks to go back for the x-ray and he'll finish the root canal at that point, if that's what the x-ray shows as the problem. otherwise, he'll just fill in the cavity with proper stuff, instead of the temp filling i have now.
he did tell me that there's a slight risk of early labour when using the freezing agent. so now i'm going to be paranoid about every little twinge. i'm completely frozen - it's just starting to wear off, and THE PAIN HAS RETURNED!!! if it's still there tomorrow, i will be very ticked off.
Friday, August 4, 2006
August 4, 2006
had a doctor's appointment today. had to wait almost an hour an a half to get into see her! busy lady... she must have delivered a baby this morning, or something. she delivers about 110 per year, had currently has about 20 due to deliver any day... all was great at the appointment - baby's heart rate is 136, i've gained 4 more pounds in the last 2 weeks (most of which is probably due to water retention. i lost my ankles this week and my face is starting to look suspiciously round!!)
i also went to my chiro today, thinking that my pelvis must be rotated again which would be contributing to the extra hip and leg numbness i'm feeling at night - well, my pelvis was a bit tight but she said that it's likely because the baby has dropped so low into my pelvis now and sleeping is compressing the nerves. so... nothing that can be done for me at this point, except frequent wakings to change positions! because i certainly don't want that baby to move out of that position - babe's already in the optimal birthing position!! woo hoo!!
gonna take some more belly pics soon... starting to waddle a bit!!!
i also went to my chiro today, thinking that my pelvis must be rotated again which would be contributing to the extra hip and leg numbness i'm feeling at night - well, my pelvis was a bit tight but she said that it's likely because the baby has dropped so low into my pelvis now and sleeping is compressing the nerves. so... nothing that can be done for me at this point, except frequent wakings to change positions! because i certainly don't want that baby to move out of that position - babe's already in the optimal birthing position!! woo hoo!!
gonna take some more belly pics soon... starting to waddle a bit!!!
Monday, July 24, 2006
July 24, 2006
I'm up another 5 lbs, so I'm 170 (35 lbs total - eep!)
Baby's head is very low. Dr L said the pains I've been feeling are baby's head mashing my bladder and cervix!
Jay put his head on my belly last night and says he's positive he heard the baby's heartbeat! It was too fast to be my heart and sounded different that digestion, breathing or movement sounds.
Baby's head is very low. Dr L said the pains I've been feeling are baby's head mashing my bladder and cervix!
Jay put his head on my belly last night and says he's positive he heard the baby's heartbeat! It was too fast to be my heart and sounded different that digestion, breathing or movement sounds.
Friday, July 21, 2006
July 21, 2006
Had a baby shower last weekend (thanks SO MUCH mom and Jennie, for all the hard work and thought that you both put into it!) it was a lot of fun... and there was TONS of food there, from lobster dip to chocolate dipped strawberries to a huge trifle to pans full of squares. yummy. i'm drooling just remembering it all!!! There was a smaller than expected turn out, but lots of fun anyway.
It was soooo humid at mom's, nearly unbearable. I swelled up very badly and had to take off my amber ring that Jennie gave me almost a year ago. My wedding rings are still on, but pretty tight. My ankles and toes were so puffy it hurt to walk. It's cooler being home in the city now and the swelling have gone down a bit. But it makes me wonder what August has in store! I thought I'd be pretty good at handling the heat, but if we get many days like that up here, I might lose my mind!
I took the shuttle to mom's - 5 whole hours worht! I stopped drinking fluid about an hour before they picked me up and made it the whole way, with only 1 break. I was rather dehydrated and head-achey by the end. We were just coming off the highway when we got stuck behind an old car parade. Another shuttle passenger really had to go to the bathroom so the driver pulled out onto the shoulder and tried to drive past the 7-8 cars who were also waiting. A police officer came running over to stop us, but the driver quickly rolled down his window and said he had a pregnant lady on board who had to use the bathroom quickly. The police office made us wait a bit longer, but we were the first car on the road after they went by. Luckily, by the time we reached the gas station, I had to go too, so it wasn't a total lie!
On Saturday, Jennie & I went for a walk then she gave me a manicure and a bikini & brow wax. It's been 10+ months since I've had a bikini wax and with the increased blood flow & sensitivity due to the pregnancy OW - IT HURT!!! I was yelling and Jen was trying to finish quickly. I made it, but boy. That'll be it for a long while!
Jay had nearly finished painting the nursery when I got back home. The walls are called "Casual Cream" and the trim is an orange called "Nice Spice". Pretty! The crib is currently in the guest room along with most of the other baby stuff. Soon!
Had my first 2 week dr's appointment today - until now, they've been every 4-5 weeks. Just another sign that things are getting closer! I'm 31.5 weeks along, measuring 32 weeks, my weight is 170 lbs (up 5 lbs in 2 weeks - i better start keeping an eye on that!). Baby's heart rate is averaging 145 beats per minutes. My blood pressure is great...
I have been feeling some odd pains that are similar to a bladder infection. I mentioned it to my dr, and she tested my urine but found no signs of infection. (No protein or sugars, either, which is great!) When she poked at my belly to determine the baby's position, she said that his/her head is VERY LOW, so that would account for the pains i'm feeling!! As long as baby stays pointing down, i'm happy, and will put up with the odd pain. (Even though sometimes it's so sharp i make a sound or stop walking in the middle of an intersection and Jay gets very concerned!!) Silly baby... the bladder really is baby's first squeeze toy!
It was soooo humid at mom's, nearly unbearable. I swelled up very badly and had to take off my amber ring that Jennie gave me almost a year ago. My wedding rings are still on, but pretty tight. My ankles and toes were so puffy it hurt to walk. It's cooler being home in the city now and the swelling have gone down a bit. But it makes me wonder what August has in store! I thought I'd be pretty good at handling the heat, but if we get many days like that up here, I might lose my mind!
I took the shuttle to mom's - 5 whole hours worht! I stopped drinking fluid about an hour before they picked me up and made it the whole way, with only 1 break. I was rather dehydrated and head-achey by the end. We were just coming off the highway when we got stuck behind an old car parade. Another shuttle passenger really had to go to the bathroom so the driver pulled out onto the shoulder and tried to drive past the 7-8 cars who were also waiting. A police officer came running over to stop us, but the driver quickly rolled down his window and said he had a pregnant lady on board who had to use the bathroom quickly. The police office made us wait a bit longer, but we were the first car on the road after they went by. Luckily, by the time we reached the gas station, I had to go too, so it wasn't a total lie!
On Saturday, Jennie & I went for a walk then she gave me a manicure and a bikini & brow wax. It's been 10+ months since I've had a bikini wax and with the increased blood flow & sensitivity due to the pregnancy OW - IT HURT!!! I was yelling and Jen was trying to finish quickly. I made it, but boy. That'll be it for a long while!
Jay had nearly finished painting the nursery when I got back home. The walls are called "Casual Cream" and the trim is an orange called "Nice Spice". Pretty! The crib is currently in the guest room along with most of the other baby stuff. Soon!
Had my first 2 week dr's appointment today - until now, they've been every 4-5 weeks. Just another sign that things are getting closer! I'm 31.5 weeks along, measuring 32 weeks, my weight is 170 lbs (up 5 lbs in 2 weeks - i better start keeping an eye on that!). Baby's heart rate is averaging 145 beats per minutes. My blood pressure is great...
I have been feeling some odd pains that are similar to a bladder infection. I mentioned it to my dr, and she tested my urine but found no signs of infection. (No protein or sugars, either, which is great!) When she poked at my belly to determine the baby's position, she said that his/her head is VERY LOW, so that would account for the pains i'm feeling!! As long as baby stays pointing down, i'm happy, and will put up with the odd pain. (Even though sometimes it's so sharp i make a sound or stop walking in the middle of an intersection and Jay gets very concerned!!) Silly baby... the bladder really is baby's first squeeze toy!
Friday, July 7, 2006
July 7, 2006
I'm sitting in the doctor's office, waiting for my regular check up. Dr L is running behind as she just delivered a baby! It's funny, because I was thinking on the walk here that I've been lucky - I know she tries to deliver all of her patient's babies, but to date I hadn't had to have any appointments rescheduled.
Feeling pretty good. It's humid today, which makes me tired and I get cranky when I'm tired. We're doing interviews for my replacement this afternoon. I'm anxious to get someone hired so I can start training them. I plan to work until August 15th, so that will give 3-4 weeks of training, which *should* be plenty, but I'll feel better once it's all in place.
I went to the gym & yoga last night. I noticed that after my cardio work out (20 minutes on the cross trainer) that my belly was very wide and low and puffy on the sides. After my weight routine (arms, very basic!) it was more of a ball in the centre and not so much on the sides anymore. I guess the baby changes positions!
I'm a bit concerned that I'm carrying low because I can't really feel and baby bits at the top of my uterus. I know there's still 10 weeks (!!!) left, so if the baby is breech or transverse, there's time for him/her to move to a head down position, but still... baby just feels so compact that I don't think the positioning is right yet.
I had my one hour sugar test for gestational diabetes 2 weeks ago. Since I haven't heard back, I'm assuming I passed, which is a relief. There's a high failure rate and failing means you move on to the 3 hour test where you have to fast, have blood drawn, go for breakfast and have more blood drawn 3 hours later.
The one hour test was simple - I didn't have to fast (Dr L told me to eat normally), then go and drink an orange pop like drink (Trudat, I think???) then have blood drawn after an hour.
If I did fail both, then I'd be monitored more closely as GD babies can be large and the mother's can have issues with high blood pressure. I'd really have to watch what I ate, too, and not just the obvious sugar things.
UPDATE:
I passed the sugar test - no risk of gestational diabetes! I guess this means that my years of eating sugar and crap food have paid off... my body must be conditioned to deal with sugar! YAY!! Seriously, I know I have mainly good eating habits, but I was worried that my carb and sweets consumption was going to come back and kick me in the butt - especially since i've been craving sweets during the pregnancy.
My iron is a bit low but that if I eat more red meat I should be good, (Iron was 114 but should have been 120)
I'm up another 7 lbs... stepping on that scale and seeing that HUGE number was a bit shocking! I was 168 with my shoes on, but 165 without, so that's the number we used. That's a 29 lb weight gain in total! And there's still 10 or so weeks to go. But still, my dr isn't concerned and I feel and look healthy. My energy and activity levels are good - i'm just loving being preggers!!!
Feeling pretty good. It's humid today, which makes me tired and I get cranky when I'm tired. We're doing interviews for my replacement this afternoon. I'm anxious to get someone hired so I can start training them. I plan to work until August 15th, so that will give 3-4 weeks of training, which *should* be plenty, but I'll feel better once it's all in place.
I went to the gym & yoga last night. I noticed that after my cardio work out (20 minutes on the cross trainer) that my belly was very wide and low and puffy on the sides. After my weight routine (arms, very basic!) it was more of a ball in the centre and not so much on the sides anymore. I guess the baby changes positions!
I'm a bit concerned that I'm carrying low because I can't really feel and baby bits at the top of my uterus. I know there's still 10 weeks (!!!) left, so if the baby is breech or transverse, there's time for him/her to move to a head down position, but still... baby just feels so compact that I don't think the positioning is right yet.
I had my one hour sugar test for gestational diabetes 2 weeks ago. Since I haven't heard back, I'm assuming I passed, which is a relief. There's a high failure rate and failing means you move on to the 3 hour test where you have to fast, have blood drawn, go for breakfast and have more blood drawn 3 hours later.
The one hour test was simple - I didn't have to fast (Dr L told me to eat normally), then go and drink an orange pop like drink (Trudat, I think???) then have blood drawn after an hour.
If I did fail both, then I'd be monitored more closely as GD babies can be large and the mother's can have issues with high blood pressure. I'd really have to watch what I ate, too, and not just the obvious sugar things.
UPDATE:
I passed the sugar test - no risk of gestational diabetes! I guess this means that my years of eating sugar and crap food have paid off... my body must be conditioned to deal with sugar! YAY!! Seriously, I know I have mainly good eating habits, but I was worried that my carb and sweets consumption was going to come back and kick me in the butt - especially since i've been craving sweets during the pregnancy.
My iron is a bit low but that if I eat more red meat I should be good, (Iron was 114 but should have been 120)
I'm up another 7 lbs... stepping on that scale and seeing that HUGE number was a bit shocking! I was 168 with my shoes on, but 165 without, so that's the number we used. That's a 29 lb weight gain in total! And there's still 10 or so weeks to go. But still, my dr isn't concerned and I feel and look healthy. My energy and activity levels are good - i'm just loving being preggers!!!
Monday, July 3, 2006
July 3, 2006
29w
10 squares TP
The heat is starting to get to me! But only a bit - I think I can handle a few more degrees, so hopefully I'll be able to make it through until I go on Mat leave in August. The temperatures have been 24-26 C, but with the humidity it's been feeling like 32-34... and it's only going to get worse.
We have our first baby shower next weekend at mom's. It'll be a mixed party, uncles, aunts, etc. Jay can't make it down as he has more dental surgery that Friday - he's having the post put in for the implant. After 6-7 months, the implant will be attached and hopefully that will be the end of this drama!
So he's going to stay in the city while I go to mom's and paint the nursery. Then we'll put the crib together. I can't wait! His mom called last week and said our cradle is nearly ready. It's going to be beautiful, I know it.
Jay bought us a stroller and car seat at a yardsale recently. He was so proud! And it's a really nice one, too. He got it for only $50 - would have been $350 new. It's less than 1.5 years old and in really good shape. No accidents.
10 squares TP
The heat is starting to get to me! But only a bit - I think I can handle a few more degrees, so hopefully I'll be able to make it through until I go on Mat leave in August. The temperatures have been 24-26 C, but with the humidity it's been feeling like 32-34... and it's only going to get worse.
We have our first baby shower next weekend at mom's. It'll be a mixed party, uncles, aunts, etc. Jay can't make it down as he has more dental surgery that Friday - he's having the post put in for the implant. After 6-7 months, the implant will be attached and hopefully that will be the end of this drama!
So he's going to stay in the city while I go to mom's and paint the nursery. Then we'll put the crib together. I can't wait! His mom called last week and said our cradle is nearly ready. It's going to be beautiful, I know it.
Jay bought us a stroller and car seat at a yardsale recently. He was so proud! And it's a really nice one, too. He got it for only $50 - would have been $350 new. It's less than 1.5 years old and in really good shape. No accidents.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
June 25, 2006
Baby's movement had decreased in intensity over the last 2 weeks. I was a bit concerned, but not overly worried, since the frequency was the same. After yoga Thursday night, baby must have changed positions because it's been non-stop strong movements and pokes & kicks ever since!
We've decided to use mainly cloth diapers, which should be interesting. I can't wait to see how that works for us. I'm not worried about the hassle of laundry, but the upfront expense is a bit daunting. We've registered at a cloth diaper company, so hopefully that will help.
We've decided to use mainly cloth diapers, which should be interesting. I can't wait to see how that works for us. I'm not worried about the hassle of laundry, but the upfront expense is a bit daunting. We've registered at a cloth diaper company, so hopefully that will help.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
June 21, 2006
So far, i don't have any stretch marks or bad swelling. I still have lots of energy and am keeping very active. I'm starting to get more tired in the afternoons, but luckily i can take a break at work and rest on the window benches for a few minutes.
We posted the job opening for my replacement last week. So far, no really good replies, but i did get a hold of the community college today and they're going to forward our position to several of their business students. Since i have the same educational training as they would have, my boss is very keen on hiring someone from those courses. Wish me luck - i told my boss i'm going on Mat leave whether they find a replacement or not!!!
We posted the job opening for my replacement last week. So far, no really good replies, but i did get a hold of the community college today and they're going to forward our position to several of their business students. Since i have the same educational training as they would have, my boss is very keen on hiring someone from those courses. Wish me luck - i told my boss i'm going on Mat leave whether they find a replacement or not!!!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
June 11, 2006
159 lbs
10 squares TP
25w6d - 99 days left!!!!
Heard the heartbeat again this week - 136/138. Such a lovely sound. The baby kicked the doppler and that was fun, too.
Baby may have finally changed positions. Feeling lots of movement all over the place now, instead of just straight down. Last night, while laying in bed, Melon curled up on my side like she always does, but this time it really felt like the baby moved away from her. Guess she was on baby's head or something!
No more leg cramps yet. I'm stretching every night and taking my cal/mag. Seems to be working!
10 squares TP
25w6d - 99 days left!!!!
Heard the heartbeat again this week - 136/138. Such a lovely sound. The baby kicked the doppler and that was fun, too.
Baby may have finally changed positions. Feeling lots of movement all over the place now, instead of just straight down. Last night, while laying in bed, Melon curled up on my side like she always does, but this time it really felt like the baby moved away from her. Guess she was on baby's head or something!
No more leg cramps yet. I'm stretching every night and taking my cal/mag. Seems to be working!
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
June 7, 2006
So i started off my day today by getting stuck behind the bathtub. Yes, you read that correctly! I dropped something behind the tub and it looked simple enough to reach. Unfortunately, my extra belly weight pulled be down heavy across the tub, pinning my arm between the tub and the wall. The extra weight also prevented me from easily righting myself.
Luckily, Jay was home, although he was still asleep. I yelled until he woke up and pulled me out - by this point i was nearing hysterics because a) it hurt and b) i was stuck and didn't know how to get out!!
Crazy antics of a pregnant lady... :)
Luckily, Jay was home, although he was still asleep. I yelled until he woke up and pulled me out - by this point i was nearing hysterics because a) it hurt and b) i was stuck and didn't know how to get out!!
Crazy antics of a pregnant lady... :)
Sunday, May 28, 2006
May 28, 2006
23w6d
So much has happened in the last few weeks.
At 20w6d, I saw my belly jump when the baby kicked while in the tub. I guess baby must really like the motion of the water - when I sloshed side to side, I got really big kicks! (Hopefully, the little one liked it!)
At 21w6d, Jay got to see my belly jump a bit, too! We were laying in bed and he got to see a few good ones. It's hard to distinguish between my pulse, breathing and kicks, but *usually* the kicks are obvious. To me, anyway.
Around that time as well, my boobs started leaking. I had been seeing crusty residue in my bra fir a few weeks, but never actually saw any liquid. I had gone bra shopping at Sears on a Saturday afternoon and discovered that I'm now a 38D or DD instead of a 36C. And in the change room, I started leaking a bit! It's weird. I see wet spots on my nightshirts once in a while.
No stretch marks yet, but I know they can appear at any time. I put cocoa butter on after every bath/shower and whenever my skin feels tight or under pressure.
2 nights ago, I woke up screaming due to incredible pain in my left calf - a cramp that was very fierce. I cold feel the muscle bunching and jumping. It finally went away but I was so sore all day. The muscle was still very tight.
Poor Jay, it took me a while to explain why I was yelling. Scared both of us - I didn't know what was happening and he thought something was wrong with the baby!
I'm going leg stretches and putting on warm compresses before bed. I'm also taking my calcium/magnesium supplement before bed instead of in the morning in the hope that it helps. But leg cramps are very common in pregnancy. (Oh joy!) I've read that several things can help, but in the middle of such pain, it's hard to remember: relax, flex toes towards head, straighten legs, stand up, stand on a cold surface.
I wonder how I'll handle contractions. I'm sure the first few will catch me off guard like the cramp did, but hopefully I'll have done enough to prepare myself - relaxation & pain management techniques. Plus, contractions generally start slow then get bad, unlike the cramp which was instant pain out of a dead sleep! Well, we'll soon see, I guess!
So much has happened in the last few weeks.
At 20w6d, I saw my belly jump when the baby kicked while in the tub. I guess baby must really like the motion of the water - when I sloshed side to side, I got really big kicks! (Hopefully, the little one liked it!)
At 21w6d, Jay got to see my belly jump a bit, too! We were laying in bed and he got to see a few good ones. It's hard to distinguish between my pulse, breathing and kicks, but *usually* the kicks are obvious. To me, anyway.
Around that time as well, my boobs started leaking. I had been seeing crusty residue in my bra fir a few weeks, but never actually saw any liquid. I had gone bra shopping at Sears on a Saturday afternoon and discovered that I'm now a 38D or DD instead of a 36C. And in the change room, I started leaking a bit! It's weird. I see wet spots on my nightshirts once in a while.
No stretch marks yet, but I know they can appear at any time. I put cocoa butter on after every bath/shower and whenever my skin feels tight or under pressure.
2 nights ago, I woke up screaming due to incredible pain in my left calf - a cramp that was very fierce. I cold feel the muscle bunching and jumping. It finally went away but I was so sore all day. The muscle was still very tight.
Poor Jay, it took me a while to explain why I was yelling. Scared both of us - I didn't know what was happening and he thought something was wrong with the baby!
I'm going leg stretches and putting on warm compresses before bed. I'm also taking my calcium/magnesium supplement before bed instead of in the morning in the hope that it helps. But leg cramps are very common in pregnancy. (Oh joy!) I've read that several things can help, but in the middle of such pain, it's hard to remember: relax, flex toes towards head, straighten legs, stand up, stand on a cold surface.
I wonder how I'll handle contractions. I'm sure the first few will catch me off guard like the cramp did, but hopefully I'll have done enough to prepare myself - relaxation & pain management techniques. Plus, contractions generally start slow then get bad, unlike the cramp which was instant pain out of a dead sleep! Well, we'll soon see, I guess!
Friday, May 12, 2006
May 12, 2006
Just back from a doctor's appointment. Both the ultrasound and maternal serum blood test results were great. (According to the blood test, our risk for having a baby with Down's Syndrome is fabulously low - better than that of a 15 year old!)
Fundal height (or "roundness of my belly") is measuring perfectly at 21cm. (It grows on average, 1cm per week.) Baby's heartbeat was very strong and very healthy at 148 beats per minute - the dr was able to find it right away, no searching around my belly to find where the baby was positioned (which is still sideways - child, don't get too comfy in that position!). I've gained 9lbs in the last month (eek!) which is normal and healthy for my body type.
So, all good news - yay!
Fundal height (or "roundness of my belly") is measuring perfectly at 21cm. (It grows on average, 1cm per week.) Baby's heartbeat was very strong and very healthy at 148 beats per minute - the dr was able to find it right away, no searching around my belly to find where the baby was positioned (which is still sideways - child, don't get too comfy in that position!). I've gained 9lbs in the last month (eek!) which is normal and healthy for my body type.
So, all good news - yay!
Monday, May 8, 2006
May 8, 2006
Daddy Delivers!
Friends of ours had their baby over the weekend, in what must break records for quickest delivery ever. They didn't have time to call for a ride to the hospital. They didn't have time to wait for an ambulance. Daddy delivered his daughter in their bed within 10 minutes. Mom and baby are doing beautifully and are expected home today. Isn't that the most awesome birth story ever??!!
Of course Jay is now very jealous and has asked me if i would consider a home birth! (EEP!) He's only half serious, but we're going to ask our doctor if it's possible that Jay be the one to catch our baby and be the first to help him/her into the world, when our time comes. How beautiful would that be! Wow...
Friends of ours had their baby over the weekend, in what must break records for quickest delivery ever. They didn't have time to call for a ride to the hospital. They didn't have time to wait for an ambulance. Daddy delivered his daughter in their bed within 10 minutes. Mom and baby are doing beautifully and are expected home today. Isn't that the most awesome birth story ever??!!
Of course Jay is now very jealous and has asked me if i would consider a home birth! (EEP!) He's only half serious, but we're going to ask our doctor if it's possible that Jay be the one to catch our baby and be the first to help him/her into the world, when our time comes. How beautiful would that be! Wow...
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
May 3, 2006
I've been feeling movement for quite a while now, but Jay has been having a hard time distinguishing between the extra pulse in my stomach, digestion, and movement. Well! Monday, May 1, we had just finished supper (pizza!) and were curled up on the couch watching Medium and the baby started kicking harder than i've ever felt before. Jay put his hand just below my belly button and within seconds had been kicked squarely in his palm!
Last night i came home and he had bought me tulips to celebrate. Awwwwww!!
After the ultrasound: there's only one baby, so Jay is relieved...i was teasing him about twins, as i was feeling movement on both sides at once!
everything looks great... baby is measuring a bit big: 14oz (standard right now is 10-12oz, i guess) but no one was concerned. i'm measuring a day ahead of schedule, but will keep my Sept. 18 due date!
baby is pretty much horizontal across my belly, and is face down. we actually got to see him/her kick and punch my very full bladder during the scan! head is measuring 6 cm in diameter, we saw the right amount of hands and feet and fingers (the bones in the feet were so cool!)
no pictures or gender determination - they don't do that here, but the tech did keep calling the baby "pretty" and "beautiful", so maybe that means girl???? either way, we'll be happy! (Jay is still holding out for a boy, though!!)
yay! there's a real baby in there!!!
Last night i came home and he had bought me tulips to celebrate. Awwwwww!!
After the ultrasound: there's only one baby, so Jay is relieved...i was teasing him about twins, as i was feeling movement on both sides at once!
everything looks great... baby is measuring a bit big: 14oz (standard right now is 10-12oz, i guess) but no one was concerned. i'm measuring a day ahead of schedule, but will keep my Sept. 18 due date!
baby is pretty much horizontal across my belly, and is face down. we actually got to see him/her kick and punch my very full bladder during the scan! head is measuring 6 cm in diameter, we saw the right amount of hands and feet and fingers (the bones in the feet were so cool!)
no pictures or gender determination - they don't do that here, but the tech did keep calling the baby "pretty" and "beautiful", so maybe that means girl???? either way, we'll be happy! (Jay is still holding out for a boy, though!!)
yay! there's a real baby in there!!!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
April 25, 2006
So today i'm 19 weeks and 1 day pregnant. This means i'm 1 day in the 20th week, which can be confusing. To add to this confusion, most people think of pregnancy as being 9 months, but it's actually 40 weeks - so 10 lunar months! Eep! Suffice to say, we're nearly half way there.
Feeling lots of movement on the inside - Jay hasn't been able to feel it from the outside yet. That'll start happening in a few more weeks. So far, weight gain has been minimal and normal (6 lbs so far...) and morning sickness (HA! All day nausea with intermittent vomiting is more like it!) tapered off after 13 weeks or so.
We have our 20 week ultrasound next week... should be exciting! Jay would like to know the gender and i would rather it be a surprise - but that decision has been made for us. Unless we're considered high risk, which we're not, we just get a general 'vital statistics' ultrasound. Gender scans can take too long, i guess. But still, it'll be nice to see our little bean, affectionately dubbed "Luboo".
We're just thrilled to be parents. How cool is this!!
Feeling lots of movement on the inside - Jay hasn't been able to feel it from the outside yet. That'll start happening in a few more weeks. So far, weight gain has been minimal and normal (6 lbs so far...) and morning sickness (HA! All day nausea with intermittent vomiting is more like it!) tapered off after 13 weeks or so.
We have our 20 week ultrasound next week... should be exciting! Jay would like to know the gender and i would rather it be a surprise - but that decision has been made for us. Unless we're considered high risk, which we're not, we just get a general 'vital statistics' ultrasound. Gender scans can take too long, i guess. But still, it'll be nice to see our little bean, affectionately dubbed "Luboo".
We're just thrilled to be parents. How cool is this!!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
April 23, 2006
Jay felt the baby move last night! He doesn't believe it 100% because it wasn't an OBVIOUS kick, but I put his hand where I was feeling movement and pressed on his hand when I felt it.
It's easy for me, because I'm feeling it on the inside as well. He has to sort out what is my pulse and his pulse and what is regular digestive stuff. Still, he says he thinks he felt it! Soon he'll be sure when he feels it, as it will be a powerful kick!
It's easy for me, because I'm feeling it on the inside as well. He has to sort out what is my pulse and his pulse and what is regular digestive stuff. Still, he says he thinks he felt it! Soon he'll be sure when he feels it, as it will be a powerful kick!
Saturday, April 22, 2006
April 22, 2006
18w5d
At 17.5 weeks, I went to look at an apartment with H. It was on the top floor and I thought I'd look over the stair railing and down to the bottom floor, but something stopped me - my belly! Very odd feeling.
Lots of movement happening - feels like flips and pokes. Jay can't feel it from the outside yet, but shouldn't be long now!
At 17.5 weeks, I went to look at an apartment with H. It was on the top floor and I thought I'd look over the stair railing and down to the bottom floor, but something stopped me - my belly! Very odd feeling.
Lots of movement happening - feels like flips and pokes. Jay can't feel it from the outside yet, but shouldn't be long now!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
April 6, 2006
16w3d
Yesterday I woke up and felt my uterus really tighten up for the first time. It was a hard ball all the way from my pubic bone to my bellybutton. Then it rhythmically contracted for a few hours afterwards (at first it was every minute, then every 2-3)... it did it off and on all day!
Very bizarre! I'm concerned, but not freaking out - there was no pain or spotting or anything like that. This morning, I threw up. I hope the morning sickness isn't coming back. I feel much better now.
Yesterday I woke up and felt my uterus really tighten up for the first time. It was a hard ball all the way from my pubic bone to my bellybutton. Then it rhythmically contracted for a few hours afterwards (at first it was every minute, then every 2-3)... it did it off and on all day!
Very bizarre! I'm concerned, but not freaking out - there was no pain or spotting or anything like that. This morning, I threw up. I hope the morning sickness isn't coming back. I feel much better now.
Monday, April 10, 2006
April 10, 2006
17w
9.5 TP squares around.
Felt the baby move a lot over the weekend. Saturday, there were lots of kicks (or something) on the lower left of my bellybutton. And yesterday while I was walking downtown, it felt like somersaults - a heavy gas/bubble like feeling that didn't turn into gas. So neat!
My next prenatal is Wednesday. I'm curious to see my weight gain. I don't think it's much, maybe 5 lbs or so.
And our next ultrasound is May 3rd. I'll be 20.5 weeks, and they'll know if it's a boy or girl, but they're not allowed to tell us. Which is ok, since I want it to be a surprise. Jay would like to know, and I'll admit it would make some planning very easy, but I don't think it matters... we're having a baby!!
9.5 TP squares around.
Felt the baby move a lot over the weekend. Saturday, there were lots of kicks (or something) on the lower left of my bellybutton. And yesterday while I was walking downtown, it felt like somersaults - a heavy gas/bubble like feeling that didn't turn into gas. So neat!
My next prenatal is Wednesday. I'm curious to see my weight gain. I don't think it's much, maybe 5 lbs or so.
And our next ultrasound is May 3rd. I'll be 20.5 weeks, and they'll know if it's a boy or girl, but they're not allowed to tell us. Which is ok, since I want it to be a surprise. Jay would like to know, and I'll admit it would make some planning very easy, but I don't think it matters... we're having a baby!!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Maech 23, 2006
14w3d
So I think I'm feeling the baby flutter!!! It started about 2 weeks ago (when it really should have been too early to feel anything). I was making supper on a Sunday night and felt a little "flip" low in my belly, just above my pubic bone.
Since then, I've felt a few little wiggles on the sides. This could all just be gas or things stretching, but that first flip - I've never felt anything like that before!
So I think I'm feeling the baby flutter!!! It started about 2 weeks ago (when it really should have been too early to feel anything). I was making supper on a Sunday night and felt a little "flip" low in my belly, just above my pubic bone.
Since then, I've felt a few little wiggles on the sides. This could all just be gas or things stretching, but that first flip - I've never felt anything like that before!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
March 14, 2006
13w1d, 136 lbs
Had our second prenatal on the 10th and got to hear the heartbeat. I cried. Such an amazing experience! The baby at first was directly below my bellybutton, closer to the pubic bone and we got to hear the heart - 144 beats per minute - for a bit, then the baby moved about an inch to the right. She chased him/her with the doppler so we could keep listening. So we have a happy, healthy & active baby in there!
I went to a "Preparing for Birth" workshop over the weekend. Our doula gave a talk as well as an obstetrics student who brought all kinds of scary instruments with her. There was a nutrition talk and some prenatal yoga.
I was quite freaked out by the scary instruments. I didn't realize how terrified I was/am about having anything put up inside me to assist with the birth. I'm also still scared of having a miscarriage, although at 13 weeks, the chances of that happening now are diminished.
I'm meeting with our doula later this week to talk about these fears. I know they will effect the pregnancy and delivery if they're not dealt with soon.
Our doula is really nice. I feel comfortable with her. She will be supposrting all of us - me, Jay & baby - during the labour. She will develop our birth plan and help ensure the doctor's follow it, if possible. She told us about something called the "Breast Crawl" - just after birth, the baby is put on the mother's stomach. Since the baby is covered with (and has been feeding on) amniotic fluid, s/he will recognize the same hormone that is secreted from the nipples during labour. The baby will then slowly sort of crawl up to the breast and begin to nurse.
This would be the baby's first out-of-womb experience with self-esteem and would be an incredible bonding time. Also, the motion of the baby's tiny feet on the stomach as s/he pushes forward would help the uterus contract to push out the afterbirth!
So cool!
Had our second prenatal on the 10th and got to hear the heartbeat. I cried. Such an amazing experience! The baby at first was directly below my bellybutton, closer to the pubic bone and we got to hear the heart - 144 beats per minute - for a bit, then the baby moved about an inch to the right. She chased him/her with the doppler so we could keep listening. So we have a happy, healthy & active baby in there!
I went to a "Preparing for Birth" workshop over the weekend. Our doula gave a talk as well as an obstetrics student who brought all kinds of scary instruments with her. There was a nutrition talk and some prenatal yoga.
I was quite freaked out by the scary instruments. I didn't realize how terrified I was/am about having anything put up inside me to assist with the birth. I'm also still scared of having a miscarriage, although at 13 weeks, the chances of that happening now are diminished.
I'm meeting with our doula later this week to talk about these fears. I know they will effect the pregnancy and delivery if they're not dealt with soon.
Our doula is really nice. I feel comfortable with her. She will be supposrting all of us - me, Jay & baby - during the labour. She will develop our birth plan and help ensure the doctor's follow it, if possible. She told us about something called the "Breast Crawl" - just after birth, the baby is put on the mother's stomach. Since the baby is covered with (and has been feeding on) amniotic fluid, s/he will recognize the same hormone that is secreted from the nipples during labour. The baby will then slowly sort of crawl up to the breast and begin to nurse.
This would be the baby's first out-of-womb experience with self-esteem and would be an incredible bonding time. Also, the motion of the baby's tiny feet on the stomach as s/he pushes forward would help the uterus contract to push out the afterbirth!
So cool!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
February 19, 2006
9weeks, 6days... and for fun, 10 squares of toilet paper around the belly!
At mom's for the weekend. Before I left the city, I picked up a bunch of little treat bags that said things like "For a special uncle/aunt" and "Goodies for Grandma/grandpa". Everyone was thrilled. All except mom got it immediately. mom said she thought I was re-using gift bags from the first pregnancy. The she asked if I really lost the first one. Then it sunk in that it was real and that she would be a grandmother.
Then she said that her boyfriend would probably break up with her since he didn't/doesn't date grandmothers. Oh well - she's still pretty excited!
Jay and I went shopping for maternity pants earlier this weel. I got 3 pairs and they're very comfortable. I've really popped out a lot - probably sinc eI'm able to eat more since the vomiting has subsided a bit. I still get nauseous, but seem to be able to control it with food.
So far, mom has only told a few people - Cousin C being one of them and she called a little while ago saying that Aunt I and her gang were stopping by and could she tell them my news? I said yes, though it would be nice to tell them myself, but at the same time, she has such a huge brood of kids that it would probably be overwhelming. But now she'll probably stop into mom's (with the brood :P) It's neat - I'm liking this part of the pregnancy!
It's so HOT at mom's. There's a snow storm outside, it's very cold out, but I'm sitting in front of an open window. All the heat is on - mom can't control it. Last night I got up and slept on the couch because it was so hot in my room I was afraid it might cook the baby.
Fun!
So we're leaving soon to go Frenchy's shopping. Mom wants to buy me some maternity stuff. We'll leave for the city around 3. Probably stop to visit grandmere on the way - I haven't seen her in months! Should be an interesting drive in the snow. Hopefully the highways are clear.
At mom's for the weekend. Before I left the city, I picked up a bunch of little treat bags that said things like "For a special uncle/aunt" and "Goodies for Grandma/grandpa". Everyone was thrilled. All except mom got it immediately. mom said she thought I was re-using gift bags from the first pregnancy. The she asked if I really lost the first one. Then it sunk in that it was real and that she would be a grandmother.
Then she said that her boyfriend would probably break up with her since he didn't/doesn't date grandmothers. Oh well - she's still pretty excited!
Jay and I went shopping for maternity pants earlier this weel. I got 3 pairs and they're very comfortable. I've really popped out a lot - probably sinc eI'm able to eat more since the vomiting has subsided a bit. I still get nauseous, but seem to be able to control it with food.
So far, mom has only told a few people - Cousin C being one of them and she called a little while ago saying that Aunt I and her gang were stopping by and could she tell them my news? I said yes, though it would be nice to tell them myself, but at the same time, she has such a huge brood of kids that it would probably be overwhelming. But now she'll probably stop into mom's (with the brood :P) It's neat - I'm liking this part of the pregnancy!
It's so HOT at mom's. There's a snow storm outside, it's very cold out, but I'm sitting in front of an open window. All the heat is on - mom can't control it. Last night I got up and slept on the couch because it was so hot in my room I was afraid it might cook the baby.
Fun!
So we're leaving soon to go Frenchy's shopping. Mom wants to buy me some maternity stuff. We'll leave for the city around 3. Probably stop to visit grandmere on the way - I haven't seen her in months! Should be an interesting drive in the snow. Hopefully the highways are clear.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Ultrasound!
Going for our first ultrasound this morning. We're leaving in a few minutes. Can't wait! We'll be able to see our little bean somewhat, and the heartbeat. I'm 9 weeks today, so it might be a bit early to actually hear the heartbeat, but I'm hoping to!
Working my way through 24oz of water, thankfully I've already thrown up this morning, or it might not be going down as well.
UPDATE:
Saw the baby, saw the heartbeat. VERY cool. It made everything so real. It was amazing what they could see. She started first by locating and measuring my ovaries. It seems that my left is slightly larger than the right, but the tech didn't comment or seem concerned. We could definitely see the baby, it sort of resembled a turtle. A little head-like appendage with 4 little stumpy appendages coming out. And a fluttering heartbeat.
They don't measure the heart rate until we can actually hear the heartbeat and that won't be until 12 weeks (at my next pre-natal on March 10.)
Managed to get my appointments rescheduled last week - moved the ultrasound to today and the prenatal got pushed back by 15 minutes. That was rather uneventful. She took my medical history - it all gets consolidated onto one form. She took my blood pressure, which was great, and weighed me. (138lbs)
Earlier in the week, I went to see my naturopath. She also did my blood pressure and got me to pee in a cup so she could test for proteins, blood & sugar. Which all came back normal.
Wow - we're going to have a bay, we're going to be somebody's parents!!!
Working my way through 24oz of water, thankfully I've already thrown up this morning, or it might not be going down as well.
UPDATE:
Saw the baby, saw the heartbeat. VERY cool. It made everything so real. It was amazing what they could see. She started first by locating and measuring my ovaries. It seems that my left is slightly larger than the right, but the tech didn't comment or seem concerned. We could definitely see the baby, it sort of resembled a turtle. A little head-like appendage with 4 little stumpy appendages coming out. And a fluttering heartbeat.
They don't measure the heart rate until we can actually hear the heartbeat and that won't be until 12 weeks (at my next pre-natal on March 10.)
Managed to get my appointments rescheduled last week - moved the ultrasound to today and the prenatal got pushed back by 15 minutes. That was rather uneventful. She took my medical history - it all gets consolidated onto one form. She took my blood pressure, which was great, and weighed me. (138lbs)
Earlier in the week, I went to see my naturopath. She also did my blood pressure and got me to pee in a cup so she could test for proteins, blood & sugar. Which all came back normal.
Wow - we're going to have a bay, we're going to be somebody's parents!!!
Monday, February 6, 2006
Still preggers
8 weeks today. Nausea turned into full-fledged morning sickness about a week and a half ago - throwing up every morning (like clockwork, between 9-10!)
Have a prenatal and an ultrasound scheduled fro Friday, both at the same time on different sides of the city, so one needs to be rescheduled and no one is returning my calls! Quite frustrating. Hopefully someone will get back to me soon as this is quite ridiculous.
We're telling a few people now, just friends, though. We'll tell family in another 2-3 weeks... seems odd to tell some friends first, but we see our friends more often than family, so it's sort of like telling family, I guess.
My stomach is being fussy. I've been surviving on bread, yogurt, cheese & grapes for several weeks now. I gotta get real food in me soon!
My belly, just above the pubic bone is starting to get really hard. MY uterus is the size of a softball now - not a huge growth, since pre-preg size it's like a closed fist.
Still pretty cool!
Have a prenatal and an ultrasound scheduled fro Friday, both at the same time on different sides of the city, so one needs to be rescheduled and no one is returning my calls! Quite frustrating. Hopefully someone will get back to me soon as this is quite ridiculous.
We're telling a few people now, just friends, though. We'll tell family in another 2-3 weeks... seems odd to tell some friends first, but we see our friends more often than family, so it's sort of like telling family, I guess.
My stomach is being fussy. I've been surviving on bread, yogurt, cheese & grapes for several weeks now. I gotta get real food in me soon!
My belly, just above the pubic bone is starting to get really hard. MY uterus is the size of a softball now - not a huge growth, since pre-preg size it's like a closed fist.
Still pretty cool!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
January 24, 2006
Still pregnant!
6 weeks and 1 day. The levels so far have been awesome: 50 at 11 days past ovulation, 254 at 15 days and 10,692 at 24 days.
I'm getting nauseous a lot - no vomiting yet, but it's been close. I go from starving to very nauseated in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Today was particularly rough, as I felt ill for most of it. Turns out avocados and lentils with curry are big no-nos for me now!
WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!!!!!
Waiting for an ultrasound. Should get the call within 2 weeks. I'm far enough along that we'll be able to see a heartbeat!! How cool is that!!
First pre-natal appointment with Dr L is on Feburary 10 - should be able to HEAR the heartbeat.
The likelihood of a miscarriage drops to 5-6% once you see the heartbeat compared to 25% beforehand.
I haven't grown any bigger yet, but I'm battling bloat - many clothes don't fit anymore!
Aside from the nausea, I'm loving being pregnant. The little bean is the size of an apple seed right now and so much has developed already.
6 weeks and 1 day. The levels so far have been awesome: 50 at 11 days past ovulation, 254 at 15 days and 10,692 at 24 days.
I'm getting nauseous a lot - no vomiting yet, but it's been close. I go from starving to very nauseated in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Today was particularly rough, as I felt ill for most of it. Turns out avocados and lentils with curry are big no-nos for me now!
WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!!!!!
Waiting for an ultrasound. Should get the call within 2 weeks. I'm far enough along that we'll be able to see a heartbeat!! How cool is that!!
First pre-natal appointment with Dr L is on Feburary 10 - should be able to HEAR the heartbeat.
The likelihood of a miscarriage drops to 5-6% once you see the heartbeat compared to 25% beforehand.
I haven't grown any bigger yet, but I'm battling bloat - many clothes don't fit anymore!
Aside from the nausea, I'm loving being pregnant. The little bean is the size of an apple seed right now and so much has developed already.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
January 10. 2006
I'm sitting in the waiting room at the hospital for blood collection. This is the second test, to see if the levels are rising. At this point, I believe they will be - I feel too pregnant for them not to!
Sunday, January 8, 2006
January 8, 2006
Well, it seems we are super fertile, as I'm already pregnant again!!
Dr H says it *might* be a false positive, though, due to my HcG levels not dropping after the miscarriage last month. I went for blood work on Friday and I'll go go again this week to see if the levels are rising, then it's for real!
The lower part of my abdomen is starting to feel hard, just above my pubic bone. I have a much better feel with this pregnancy already.
Stick, baby stick! We can't wait to meet you!
Dr H says it *might* be a false positive, though, due to my HcG levels not dropping after the miscarriage last month. I went for blood work on Friday and I'll go go again this week to see if the levels are rising, then it's for real!
The lower part of my abdomen is starting to feel hard, just above my pubic bone. I have a much better feel with this pregnancy already.
Stick, baby stick! We can't wait to meet you!
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