I'm 29 weeks and 1 day today, which means the countdown is on!
Due date: 11 weeks away
Full term: 8 weeks away
Hometown baby shower: 6 weeks away
Christmas: 4 weeks away
Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of December? I already put up some of my Christmas decorations yesterday (not doing the big tree this year) but I still need to get some other things from Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I am so excited about buying new stockings and stocking holders. I'm going to buy 4 matching ones and I really want to get them embroidered with our names - leaving one blank for a future Miller baby. Maybe I should by 5 just in case...
Anyway, everything is going well on the pregnancy front. Lila is a dancing machine and her kicks and punches are crazy sometimes! I swear this girl does not sleep! She is constantly moving and twirling and flailing about. It's so cute but definitely can hurt! I've talked to a few moms recently that said that after she's here I will miss her kicking inside my belly. So I'm just going to enjoy it!
I'm still feeling good. I'm not super uncomfortable yet, and I haven't had any issues with swelling, stretch marks, waddling, Braxton Hicks or any other things that can happen in the 3rd trimester. I'm still feeling very lucky.
I've been thinking more about the birth, breastfeeding, choosing a pediatrician, childcare for when I return to work, college savings and all those other BIG important things that come with having a child. It's a bit overwhelming, but I feel confident that it will all turn out great! Neil is a bit distracted with basement finalizations but he's been awesome about taking time to discuss things as I'm thinking about them. On Monday, in addition to taking our last childbirth class, we are going to a prenatal visit at a nearby pediatrician that we are considering. I've also started contacting childcare providers as well and thinking seriously about when I want to return to work (most likely early to mid-June).
I have an appointment next week and then I start going every 2 weeks, then once a week. I am anxious but I think I'm starting to mentally prepare for this stage of pregnancy and labor. I just can't wait to see Lila in person and get this show on the road!
Since I'm further along now, and since we all know I'm wearing maternity clothes and that the baby is a girl - I'm changing up the little survey:
How Far Along: 29 weeks and 1 day.
Best Moment(s) this past week: Having 4 days off, eating turkey, visiting with family
Current baby/pregnancy worry: Is it crazy that I'm already worrying about going back to work, and I haven't even left for maternity leave yet?
Movement: Oh yes! Almost constantly. Mostly in the early morning and around midnight. Her kicks hurt so bad sometimes!
Labor Signs: None. I think I might have had a BH contraction or two, but I'm not sure. Part of my belly got really hard for a bit and then went back to normal. It might have just been Lila's little butt pushing against me!
Food Craving: Turkey/dressing still sounds good even after 3 Thanksgivings and many days of leftovers. Of course sushi and chocolate, as always.
Any new symptoms?: Not really. A bit more back pain, maybe? Oh and crazy vivid dreams!
What I miss: Being able to do things on my own that I used to: Get up off the floor, take my own boots off, roll over in bed!, pick up things off the floor, etc. It's also getting much harder to paint my toenails and shave my legs!
What I am looking forward to: My mom is visiting this weekend! Yay! We are planning to do some shopping, maybe see a movie (Tangled!), do some decorating and just spend some time together. I didn't see her for Thanksgiving, so I'm excited. :)
Happy December everyone!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Things Loved in November
1. Bubble baths
I'm not really a big bath person usually - but I had one the other day and it was awesome! If I could get in and out of the tub by myself safely I'd take one everyday! It was so relaxing and relieved a lot of my belly discomfort and pain. I'm hoping to take a lot of baths in December.
2. Coffeemate Creamer
I do still take the occasional trip to Starbucks, but for the most part I make my decaf at home and add Splenda and lots of creamer! I love Coffeemate. My favorites are Sugar Free Vanilla and Hazelnut and Gingerbread! Doesn't replace a Gingerbread Latte but tastes pretty good to me!
3. Toddlers and Tiaras on Netflix
This is a total guilty pleasure. And NO - Lila will NOT do pageants! I find this show both intriguing and disturbing, which is a great mix actually. I totally understand the "confidence" a little girl can get from being on stage - I just hope Lila can do that by singing, dancing or playing an instrument - not by creepily strutting and smiling with a spray tan and fake nails at 4 years old! Neil hates this show, by the way.
4. Zantac 150
While I still enjoy my Tums Smoothies, Zantac is a must for my horrible heartburn/indigestion. Pregnant women everywhere, stock up!
5. Cheap-o fake Uggs
I used to hate Uggs with a passion - but last year I gave in and bought a $20 pair of fake ones. I love them! I only wear them in the cold weather and they really are very comfy, especially for this pregnant lady with sore feet! Mine are Unionbay, and have held up pretty well for only being $20. I'll buy another pair in black if I see a good deal!
6. Time!
Having more of it this month, time spent with friends and family, and the time getting closer to meeting our little baby!
I can't believe we are nearing the end of November, but I'm really excited for December. I have a lot to look forward to! A couple of doctors appointments, haircut and highlights (thank goodness!), Christmas music and shopping, holidays with family and a full week off of work between Christmas and New Years!
I'm not really a big bath person usually - but I had one the other day and it was awesome! If I could get in and out of the tub by myself safely I'd take one everyday! It was so relaxing and relieved a lot of my belly discomfort and pain. I'm hoping to take a lot of baths in December.
2. Coffeemate Creamer
I do still take the occasional trip to Starbucks, but for the most part I make my decaf at home and add Splenda and lots of creamer! I love Coffeemate. My favorites are Sugar Free Vanilla and Hazelnut and Gingerbread! Doesn't replace a Gingerbread Latte but tastes pretty good to me!
3. Toddlers and Tiaras on Netflix
This is a total guilty pleasure. And NO - Lila will NOT do pageants! I find this show both intriguing and disturbing, which is a great mix actually. I totally understand the "confidence" a little girl can get from being on stage - I just hope Lila can do that by singing, dancing or playing an instrument - not by creepily strutting and smiling with a spray tan and fake nails at 4 years old! Neil hates this show, by the way.
4. Zantac 150
While I still enjoy my Tums Smoothies, Zantac is a must for my horrible heartburn/indigestion. Pregnant women everywhere, stock up!
5. Cheap-o fake Uggs
I used to hate Uggs with a passion - but last year I gave in and bought a $20 pair of fake ones. I love them! I only wear them in the cold weather and they really are very comfy, especially for this pregnant lady with sore feet! Mine are Unionbay, and have held up pretty well for only being $20. I'll buy another pair in black if I see a good deal!
6. Time!
Having more of it this month, time spent with friends and family, and the time getting closer to meeting our little baby!
I can't believe we are nearing the end of November, but I'm really excited for December. I have a lot to look forward to! A couple of doctors appointments, haircut and highlights (thank goodness!), Christmas music and shopping, holidays with family and a full week off of work between Christmas and New Years!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Miss Lila Caroline in 3D
Yesterday was an awesome day all around. We went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and then headed over to Becoming Mom for our ultrasound. All and all it was a great experience and well worth the money. It was so fun to see her again. She is so much bigger than when we saw her 10 weeks ago at our anatomy scan. She was skinny and bony then and now she is a chunk! She has big cheeks and a double chin already! The only bad part of the appointment was that they couldn't tell me her weight or length since it was an elective not a medical ultrasound. I was really hoping to know how big she is since this will likely be the last ultrasound I get. Oh well. Neil and I both think she is over 3 lbs already but what do we know?
Cutie face
Even though I had a sweet tea at Chick-fil-a, Lila wasn't super active. She was awake but just kind of chilling there. She was in the craziest position! Her head is down (yay!) with her butt up towards my ribs and she had both feet and arms basically on or over her head. She looked comfortable but I don't know how she was!
My flexible girl!
Using her forehead as a footrest
She looked really good and healthy. Her heart rate was 150 and we could see her little belly going up and down indicating she was practicing breathing. She's obviously getting lots of nutrition in there because she was nice and pudgy. The ultrasound tech said she could definitely see meat on her bones and that she looked pretty big for 28 weeks.
Chubby cheeks
Since I had heard some horror stories about people getting a gender switch at their 3D ultrasound I was very eager to confirm she is indeed a girl. Well, her lady parts were very clear in 3D! She's without a doubt a little girl. No redecorating for me! I'm so thrilled about that and relieved. I knew in my heart she was really a girl but I had a little doubt creeping in there!
Raise the roof!
Her face is just beautiful. I know I'm biased, but she is just so cute already. I really can't tell who she looks like really. She has fuller lips like me (Neil's are pretty thin) and we can't really tell on the nose yet. The ultrasound tech checked and Lila has no hair at this point. I'm not surprised - she's likely blonde and hardly any blonde babies have hair at birth.
Yawning like a real baby
Looking back at us! Creepy but cool.
The ultrasound was about 25 minutes or so and we got a DVD of the whole thing, a few printed pics and a CD of 57 shots. If you're curious we paid $199. It's a lot, but I'm glad we did it. Merry Christmas to us!
See you soon, everyone!
Cutie face
Even though I had a sweet tea at Chick-fil-a, Lila wasn't super active. She was awake but just kind of chilling there. She was in the craziest position! Her head is down (yay!) with her butt up towards my ribs and she had both feet and arms basically on or over her head. She looked comfortable but I don't know how she was!
My flexible girl!
Using her forehead as a footrest
She looked really good and healthy. Her heart rate was 150 and we could see her little belly going up and down indicating she was practicing breathing. She's obviously getting lots of nutrition in there because she was nice and pudgy. The ultrasound tech said she could definitely see meat on her bones and that she looked pretty big for 28 weeks.
Chubby cheeks
Since I had heard some horror stories about people getting a gender switch at their 3D ultrasound I was very eager to confirm she is indeed a girl. Well, her lady parts were very clear in 3D! She's without a doubt a little girl. No redecorating for me! I'm so thrilled about that and relieved. I knew in my heart she was really a girl but I had a little doubt creeping in there!
Raise the roof!
Her face is just beautiful. I know I'm biased, but she is just so cute already. I really can't tell who she looks like really. She has fuller lips like me (Neil's are pretty thin) and we can't really tell on the nose yet. The ultrasound tech checked and Lila has no hair at this point. I'm not surprised - she's likely blonde and hardly any blonde babies have hair at birth.
Yawning like a real baby
Looking back at us! Creepy but cool.
The ultrasound was about 25 minutes or so and we got a DVD of the whole thing, a few printed pics and a CD of 57 shots. If you're curious we paid $199. It's a lot, but I'm glad we did it. Merry Christmas to us!
See you soon, everyone!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Recent craftiness!
While I'm biding my time before my 3D ultrasound this afternoon, I thought I'd show some of my recent craft and decor projects I've been working on!
Here are some of my bows - these were made months ago. I made a bunch and kind of got tired of making them. I'm sure I'll make more sometime, they are really fun and pretty easy. Sorry the pictures are so bad - I just wanted to get them up here and they are super dark.
Anna was a great model!
Applique onesie and matching flower headband. The letters still need sewn on. I need to get out my sewing machine!
Lila's name blocks. I'm planning on making more with her middle name and also making alphabet sets for baby gifts.
Fall letters for my mantel. Made with leftover wood scraps from the basement project and a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Now I need to make ones for Christmas!
I have a lot of other projects on the docket as well. Mostly Christmas gifts but some baby things too. It's fun being crafty - especially during football season when Neil is watching college and NFL games on the weekend.
Here are some of my bows - these were made months ago. I made a bunch and kind of got tired of making them. I'm sure I'll make more sometime, they are really fun and pretty easy. Sorry the pictures are so bad - I just wanted to get them up here and they are super dark.
Anna was a great model!
Applique onesie and matching flower headband. The letters still need sewn on. I need to get out my sewing machine!
Lila's name blocks. I'm planning on making more with her middle name and also making alphabet sets for baby gifts.
Fall letters for my mantel. Made with leftover wood scraps from the basement project and a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Now I need to make ones for Christmas!
I have a lot of other projects on the docket as well. Mostly Christmas gifts but some baby things too. It's fun being crafty - especially during football season when Neil is watching college and NFL games on the weekend.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thanksgiving and 28 weeks
This should be a pretty easy week - I am working Monday-Wednesday, but have nothing on my calendar. I do have some work to get done, but it should be pretty laid back. I'm excited. We also have our 2nd childbirth class tomorrow and then our 3D/4D ultrasound on Tuesday! We'll probably head to our hometown on Thursday for Thanksgiving but get back for the weekend to get stuff done around here and possibly check out some weekend shopping deals.
I'm 28 weeks tomorrow. Birth and baby are starting to get a lot closer and more real, and I'm really excited. I'm not super scared about labor right now, just excited to meet Lila. That's what's going to get me through - just seeing her in person and starting this adventure for real!
I'm feeling good for 28 weeks I think. I don't feel super huge yet and I'm sleeping okay for the most part. All my other symptoms are manageable and I'm hoping that it stays that way for the rest of the pregnancy! Just 85 more days until my due date. I really wish I knew when she was coming! I know so many people that had their babies early at 36, 37 weeks but then a lot that went right around or after the due date. I just wish I knew what to expect! I guess I'll know more soon once we get closer. I'm still thinking Feb. 12 which is a Saturday. That just seems like a good day to be born - and super convenient for visitors!
Here I am at 27 weeks 5 days - definitely getting bigger but still rocking the horizontal stripes. This was our Thanksgiving setup.
I can't believe Thanksgiving is Thursday! Craziness!
I'm 28 weeks tomorrow. Birth and baby are starting to get a lot closer and more real, and I'm really excited. I'm not super scared about labor right now, just excited to meet Lila. That's what's going to get me through - just seeing her in person and starting this adventure for real!
I'm feeling good for 28 weeks I think. I don't feel super huge yet and I'm sleeping okay for the most part. All my other symptoms are manageable and I'm hoping that it stays that way for the rest of the pregnancy! Just 85 more days until my due date. I really wish I knew when she was coming! I know so many people that had their babies early at 36, 37 weeks but then a lot that went right around or after the due date. I just wish I knew what to expect! I guess I'll know more soon once we get closer. I'm still thinking Feb. 12 which is a Saturday. That just seems like a good day to be born - and super convenient for visitors!
Here I am at 27 weeks 5 days - definitely getting bigger but still rocking the horizontal stripes. This was our Thanksgiving setup.
How Far Along: 28 weeks tomorrow
Total Weight Gain: 24-ish
Maternity Clothes: No avoiding it. I'd like to get a few new things for the next couple of months just to freshen up my boring wardrobe!
Sleep: Pretty good. I'm still able to sleep on my back pretty comfortably.
Best Moment(s) this week: Spending time with our friends Sy and Elizabeth for an early Thanksgiving this weekend. Oh and passing my glucose test was a big relief.
Gender: Can't wait to confirm she's a girl at the ultrasound.
Movement: Pretty constant with some really hard kicks. Her favorite move lately is the "bladder stomp".
Baby's heart rate this week: She was a wild woman this week, no need to check it.
Food Craving: Chocolate chips.
Symptoms: Back and tailbone have bothered me more this week. And heartburn of course!
What I miss: Cute wide belts, buttoning cardigans, all of my winter coats, laying on the floor comfortably. I'd also love to lay on my belly!
What I am looking forward to: The 3D ultrasound is definitely going to be the highlight of the week. I'm so excited about it. I can't wait to see our little baby again! Also looking forward to seeing family at T-giving meal #3 and decorating for Christmas this coming weekend!
Total Weight Gain: 24-ish
Maternity Clothes: No avoiding it. I'd like to get a few new things for the next couple of months just to freshen up my boring wardrobe!
Sleep: Pretty good. I'm still able to sleep on my back pretty comfortably.
Best Moment(s) this week: Spending time with our friends Sy and Elizabeth for an early Thanksgiving this weekend. Oh and passing my glucose test was a big relief.
Gender: Can't wait to confirm she's a girl at the ultrasound.
Movement: Pretty constant with some really hard kicks. Her favorite move lately is the "bladder stomp".
Baby's heart rate this week: She was a wild woman this week, no need to check it.
Food Craving: Chocolate chips.
Symptoms: Back and tailbone have bothered me more this week. And heartburn of course!
What I miss: Cute wide belts, buttoning cardigans, all of my winter coats, laying on the floor comfortably. I'd also love to lay on my belly!
What I am looking forward to: The 3D ultrasound is definitely going to be the highlight of the week. I'm so excited about it. I can't wait to see our little baby again! Also looking forward to seeing family at T-giving meal #3 and decorating for Christmas this coming weekend!
I can't believe Thanksgiving is Thursday! Craziness!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Passed!
Take that Wilford Brimley and your Diabeetis!
In all seriousness, I'm very happy I passed and glad I can stop thinking about it now! Hopefully everything else will go smoothly these next 12 weeks or so!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Glucose Test: By the Numbers
Hours in hospital waiting room: 4.5
Ounces of orange-y goodness: 12
Vials of blood: 4
Times my veins rolled: Just 1!
Times I cried: Amazingly, just 1.
Bruise count: Zero so far
Total fasting hours: 14
Rounds at Chinese buffet after test: 2, or 3 including dessert!
Hours I napped this afternoon: 3.5
I won't know my results for a few days and they never gave me any of my scores, but hopefully I passed! I'm just glad it's over. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought. Here's hoping I never have to do it again!
Ounces of orange-y goodness: 12
Vials of blood: 4
Times my veins rolled: Just 1!
Times I cried: Amazingly, just 1.
Bruise count: Zero so far
Total fasting hours: 14
Rounds at Chinese buffet after test: 2, or 3 including dessert!
Hours I napped this afternoon: 3.5
I won't know my results for a few days and they never gave me any of my scores, but hopefully I passed! I'm just glad it's over. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought. Here's hoping I never have to do it again!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Baby movement and a crazy week!
I've been feeling the baby's movements since about 17-18 weeks, and I wanted to write a post to remind myself (and any pregnant ladies who are reading this!) how normal it is for the baby to go through lazy days and active days when it comes to movement and kicking. I keep freaking myself out if she has a lazy day thinking something is wrong, and then the next morning she is back and kicking away.
Of course a few months ago movement was spotty and light, but it's picked up as Lila has gotten bigger. She can practically knock the air out of me now! But there have been days where I have barely felt anything and I get a little scared that something is wrong.
For example, this weekend we went home to visit family and friends in our hometown. On the car on the way there I was getting kicked so hard that I was about to cry! Then Saturday she was pretty calm - just a few kicks in the morning and night. Sunday I just wasn't feeling her much at all. She normally keeps me up at night around 1am and wakes me up with her kicks at 6 or 7. Sunday, nothing. Neil did say he got kicked in the morning though while I was sleeping, but I just wasn't feeling her like I normally do.
So all yesterday I kind of prodded and poked and shook my belly to get her to kick back. That usually works - I almost feel like I'm playing a game with her, but I guess it's more like taunting. Oops, bad mom already. Anyway, she wasn't responding to that or drinking orange juice and laying on my side. I tried not to freak out too much because I had felt some tiny movements but just nothing like I was used to.
Luckily I have my doppler so I can check her heartbeat, which was fine, of course. Anyway, I'm glad I didn't get too worried because last night before bed she gave me three big kicks and then I woke up to a belly dance routine this morning. She's even kicking away right now.
My point is, babies at this stage go through active days and lazy days. She's done this pattern before. She'll have 2 or 3 really active days with strong kicks throughout the day and then she chills for a few days without doing much.
Now that I'm in the THIRD TRIMESTER!! Baby's kicks will probably get a little softer as she runs out of room. I'm going to try to remind myself as long as I'm feeling some movement every day that she is fine. I'm just being extra cautious, which is okay, I think.
Anyway, this week is going to be crazy. Tonight is our first of four childbirth classes. I'm kind of nervous but excited to see what it will be like. After class I have to start fasting for my glucose test Tuesday morning. Then Wednesday is flu shot time. Add in going to work, a conference Friday and Saturday morning and Neil's finals week schedule and we are running everywhere this week.
So, I'm 27 weeks today! Officially out of the 2nd trimester and into the 3rd! I can't believe it. I'm not going to do my normal update this week, because not much has changed!
Best moments this past week:
Spending time with my family at our early Thanksgiving! I love them! Seeing Stephanie and Jenny this weekend - two of my childhood friends. Wish I could see them more! I also got to see and hold Jenny's 6-week-old baby Mekhi! He was so cute and so little. I had no clue how to hold him and I tried to burp him and did it all wrong. Ha! Jenny is such a great mom, it was so cool to how she is with her baby. She is a natural. I don't think I'll know what to do at all!
What's coming up:
Tonight: Childbirth class
Tues at 7:15am: Glucose test
Saturday: Thanksgiving with the Youngs :)
Next Tuesday at 2pm: 3D/4D ultrasound!!! Just scheduled it today!
...then real Thanksgiving and the start of Christmas season! I'm not planning on going all out and putting up my big tree and all my decorations this year, but I do plan to decorate when we get home after Thanksgiving. I'm so excited for Christmas this year!
I'll update later in the week with how the class and test go today and tomorrow. Oh I'm also really excited to hear about a couple other ultrasounds happening early this week!! It's so fun to have friends that are pregnant right now too. It's so exciting to see them go through this experience practically at the same time as me. I can't wait to hear how it goes and see pics! Have a great week everyone!
Of course a few months ago movement was spotty and light, but it's picked up as Lila has gotten bigger. She can practically knock the air out of me now! But there have been days where I have barely felt anything and I get a little scared that something is wrong.
For example, this weekend we went home to visit family and friends in our hometown. On the car on the way there I was getting kicked so hard that I was about to cry! Then Saturday she was pretty calm - just a few kicks in the morning and night. Sunday I just wasn't feeling her much at all. She normally keeps me up at night around 1am and wakes me up with her kicks at 6 or 7. Sunday, nothing. Neil did say he got kicked in the morning though while I was sleeping, but I just wasn't feeling her like I normally do.
So all yesterday I kind of prodded and poked and shook my belly to get her to kick back. That usually works - I almost feel like I'm playing a game with her, but I guess it's more like taunting. Oops, bad mom already. Anyway, she wasn't responding to that or drinking orange juice and laying on my side. I tried not to freak out too much because I had felt some tiny movements but just nothing like I was used to.
Luckily I have my doppler so I can check her heartbeat, which was fine, of course. Anyway, I'm glad I didn't get too worried because last night before bed she gave me three big kicks and then I woke up to a belly dance routine this morning. She's even kicking away right now.
My point is, babies at this stage go through active days and lazy days. She's done this pattern before. She'll have 2 or 3 really active days with strong kicks throughout the day and then she chills for a few days without doing much.
Now that I'm in the THIRD TRIMESTER!! Baby's kicks will probably get a little softer as she runs out of room. I'm going to try to remind myself as long as I'm feeling some movement every day that she is fine. I'm just being extra cautious, which is okay, I think.
Anyway, this week is going to be crazy. Tonight is our first of four childbirth classes. I'm kind of nervous but excited to see what it will be like. After class I have to start fasting for my glucose test Tuesday morning. Then Wednesday is flu shot time. Add in going to work, a conference Friday and Saturday morning and Neil's finals week schedule and we are running everywhere this week.
So, I'm 27 weeks today! Officially out of the 2nd trimester and into the 3rd! I can't believe it. I'm not going to do my normal update this week, because not much has changed!
Best moments this past week:
Spending time with my family at our early Thanksgiving! I love them! Seeing Stephanie and Jenny this weekend - two of my childhood friends. Wish I could see them more! I also got to see and hold Jenny's 6-week-old baby Mekhi! He was so cute and so little. I had no clue how to hold him and I tried to burp him and did it all wrong. Ha! Jenny is such a great mom, it was so cool to how she is with her baby. She is a natural. I don't think I'll know what to do at all!
What's coming up:
Tonight: Childbirth class
Tues at 7:15am: Glucose test
Saturday: Thanksgiving with the Youngs :)
Next Tuesday at 2pm: 3D/4D ultrasound!!! Just scheduled it today!
...then real Thanksgiving and the start of Christmas season! I'm not planning on going all out and putting up my big tree and all my decorations this year, but I do plan to decorate when we get home after Thanksgiving. I'm so excited for Christmas this year!
I'll update later in the week with how the class and test go today and tomorrow. Oh I'm also really excited to hear about a couple other ultrasounds happening early this week!! It's so fun to have friends that are pregnant right now too. It's so exciting to see them go through this experience practically at the same time as me. I can't wait to hear how it goes and see pics! Have a great week everyone!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Failed the GD test: 26 week appointment
Well, I had my 26 week appointment this morning. It was okay. Well, actually it started off okay and then got crappy. Hence my foul mood today! Everything went well at the appointment until I failed my glucose tolerance test. FAILED by 2 points!
Let's back up. The 1-hour glucose test is a screening test for gestational diabetes (GD). Failing doesn't mean I definitely have "the sugar" but it means I have to do a much longer more intense test than I did today. Before my appointment, I woke up early, drank a super sugary drink they gave me at my last appointment and then an hour later had my blood sugar tested at the doctor's office. I was 2 points over the cutoff, so I have to go get a 3-hour test (scheduled for next Tuesday) that is basically the same thing I did today except I have to not eat for like 12 hours and they are drawing vials of blood instead of just pricking my finger. Needless to say, I'm not happy about that. I also have to drink more of that wretched drink and I have to be at the hospital for 4 hours. Yes I'm complaining.
I just really hope I pass the longer test and don't have GD. I can't imagine I do since I've never had any issues like that before, but you never know what pregnancy can do to you. Apparently it's temporary and you don't have to be overweight or eating a sugary diet to get it. What makes me feel hopeful is that 85% of women who fail the first test go on to pass the longer test. And since I was only a couple of points over the cutoff I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. I'm just concerned, annoyed and upset that anything is wrong. This is really the first negative thing in my pregnancy so far, and it sucks!
Other appointment updates:
Blood Pressure: 118/70
Pregnancy Weight: Up 4 lbs since last appt. We are into a 20+ weight gain now. Oh joy! Doctor's not worried about it so I'm trying not to be :)
Baby’s Heartbeat: 156. She was squirming around so much it was hard for the nurse to get a reading!
Weeks my belly is measuring at: 26 weeks, right on schedule. This was the first time the doc measured me.
Next appointment: Nov. 16 for glucose test, Dec. 9 for my 30-week checkup. After that appointment I will start every 2-week appointments. That means if everything goes to plan I'll have appointments at 32, 34 and 36 weeks. Then I'll start weekly appointments for 37 weeks and on until birth!
Questions I asked:
1. Flu shot for me and Neil? Yes and YES. (I was already going to get one, just needed to convince him a little bit)
2. Pertussis shot? I will get it after birth, baby will get it later on.
3. Kick counts? Since baby is so active it's not necessary unless there is a decrease in movement.
So yeah, I'm in kind of a funk. I know it's pretty common to fail this test, but I don't like failing anything and above all I just want to make sure the baby is okay. If it turns out I do have GD, I'll be happy to have had the test to make sure I'm taking care of myself and the little one as much as I can. I know it will be okay in the end, it's just a bit frustrating and worrying now.
Anyone else failed their test or know anyone who has? I need encouragement!
Let's back up. The 1-hour glucose test is a screening test for gestational diabetes (GD). Failing doesn't mean I definitely have "the sugar" but it means I have to do a much longer more intense test than I did today. Before my appointment, I woke up early, drank a super sugary drink they gave me at my last appointment and then an hour later had my blood sugar tested at the doctor's office. I was 2 points over the cutoff, so I have to go get a 3-hour test (scheduled for next Tuesday) that is basically the same thing I did today except I have to not eat for like 12 hours and they are drawing vials of blood instead of just pricking my finger. Needless to say, I'm not happy about that. I also have to drink more of that wretched drink and I have to be at the hospital for 4 hours. Yes I'm complaining.
I just really hope I pass the longer test and don't have GD. I can't imagine I do since I've never had any issues like that before, but you never know what pregnancy can do to you. Apparently it's temporary and you don't have to be overweight or eating a sugary diet to get it. What makes me feel hopeful is that 85% of women who fail the first test go on to pass the longer test. And since I was only a couple of points over the cutoff I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. I'm just concerned, annoyed and upset that anything is wrong. This is really the first negative thing in my pregnancy so far, and it sucks!
Other appointment updates:
Blood Pressure: 118/70
Pregnancy Weight: Up 4 lbs since last appt. We are into a 20+ weight gain now. Oh joy! Doctor's not worried about it so I'm trying not to be :)
Baby’s Heartbeat: 156. She was squirming around so much it was hard for the nurse to get a reading!
Weeks my belly is measuring at: 26 weeks, right on schedule. This was the first time the doc measured me.
Next appointment: Nov. 16 for glucose test, Dec. 9 for my 30-week checkup. After that appointment I will start every 2-week appointments. That means if everything goes to plan I'll have appointments at 32, 34 and 36 weeks. Then I'll start weekly appointments for 37 weeks and on until birth!
Questions I asked:
1. Flu shot for me and Neil? Yes and YES. (I was already going to get one, just needed to convince him a little bit)
2. Pertussis shot? I will get it after birth, baby will get it later on.
3. Kick counts? Since baby is so active it's not necessary unless there is a decrease in movement.
So yeah, I'm in kind of a funk. I know it's pretty common to fail this test, but I don't like failing anything and above all I just want to make sure the baby is okay. If it turns out I do have GD, I'll be happy to have had the test to make sure I'm taking care of myself and the little one as much as I can. I know it will be okay in the end, it's just a bit frustrating and worrying now.
Anyone else failed their test or know anyone who has? I need encouragement!
Monday, November 8, 2010
26 weeks and less than 100 days to go!
The little pregnancy ticker over there says I have 98 days to go until the baby's due date! 98 days still sounds like a long time but much shorter than the 266 days there are from conception to birth! This is also my last week in the 2nd trimester! We'll meet our little one really soon, and although I wouldn't say I'm totally ready I am definitely excited for her arrival.
Lila has been really active lately. She wakes me up in the middle of the night with her thumps and jabs and a lot of times during the day I can feel her moving and kicking around. I think she is living it up in there before she gets too big to move very much in the next couple of months. She should be right around 2 lbs. now and her full length is about 14 inches long (about the length of an English cucumber!)
I'm still feeling pretty good. I'm loving my Zantac for heartburn since the Tums were not cutting it. I still get a little uncomfortable sleeping but if I let myself sleep on my back some it's much better. Apparently, when a pregnant woman lies on her back, the increased weight of the uterus presses on the vein that returns blood from legs to heart. But! I've been reading up on it and apparently it's okay in a healthy pregnancy and as long as I try to not lay all the way flat I should be fine. Anyway, I'm sleeping okay. Not great but okay, and I'll take it!
I'm definitely feeling and looking a lot bigger! My belly is really round and I've noticed some of the t-shirts I've been wearing throughout my pregnancy are getting too short. All my maternity stuff still fits fine thank goodness! I haven't noticed any swelling in my feet or any other weird things. And no stretch marks so far!
Also, Neil and I have pretty much decided to do the elective 3D/4D ultrasound as a Christmas present to each other. We normally don't do gifts anyway, but I think we both really want to see her one more time before we meet her in person. I'm just curious how much she's changed since we last saw her two months ago. I can't wait to see her face and see how big she is! I wish we got multiple ultrasounds but my doctors office and insurance only does one unless there is a medical need. Needless to say, I'm glad I have no medical reason to need an ultrasound, so I will gladly pay for it!
We will probably go right before Thanksgiving, because 27-29 weeks is the optimal time to go. I can't wait to see her again! Well, here is my weekly update!
Lila has been really active lately. She wakes me up in the middle of the night with her thumps and jabs and a lot of times during the day I can feel her moving and kicking around. I think she is living it up in there before she gets too big to move very much in the next couple of months. She should be right around 2 lbs. now and her full length is about 14 inches long (about the length of an English cucumber!)
I'm still feeling pretty good. I'm loving my Zantac for heartburn since the Tums were not cutting it. I still get a little uncomfortable sleeping but if I let myself sleep on my back some it's much better. Apparently, when a pregnant woman lies on her back, the increased weight of the uterus presses on the vein that returns blood from legs to heart. But! I've been reading up on it and apparently it's okay in a healthy pregnancy and as long as I try to not lay all the way flat I should be fine. Anyway, I'm sleeping okay. Not great but okay, and I'll take it!
I'm definitely feeling and looking a lot bigger! My belly is really round and I've noticed some of the t-shirts I've been wearing throughout my pregnancy are getting too short. All my maternity stuff still fits fine thank goodness! I haven't noticed any swelling in my feet or any other weird things. And no stretch marks so far!
Also, Neil and I have pretty much decided to do the elective 3D/4D ultrasound as a Christmas present to each other. We normally don't do gifts anyway, but I think we both really want to see her one more time before we meet her in person. I'm just curious how much she's changed since we last saw her two months ago. I can't wait to see her face and see how big she is! I wish we got multiple ultrasounds but my doctors office and insurance only does one unless there is a medical need. Needless to say, I'm glad I have no medical reason to need an ultrasound, so I will gladly pay for it!
We will probably go right before Thanksgiving, because 27-29 weeks is the optimal time to go. I can't wait to see her again! Well, here is my weekly update!
How Far Along: 26 weeks today
Total Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself in a while!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity. For example today I'm wearing maternity jeans and tank but a normal top and cardigan. It's warmer this week so I'm also wearing my leopard print flats!
Sleep: Pretty good this week for the most part.
Best Moment(s) this week: This is sad, but going to Buy Buy Baby in Lexington was really fun! They are opening one soon near my house and I'm so excited! It's a great baby store.
Gender: Girl.
Movement: Lots of movement most of the day. I think she moves in her sleep too!
Baby's heart rate this week: Only checked it once - 150 on the dot.
Food Craving: Nothing in particular. Oatmeal has sounded really good lately.
Symptoms: Same as always.
What I miss: Not much this week.
What I am looking forward to: Going home to visit my parents this weekend! My doctors appointment on Thursday (not looking forward to the glucose test, though) but I'm excited to see my regular OB this time. Oh and our first childbirth class is next Monday!
Total Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself in a while!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity. For example today I'm wearing maternity jeans and tank but a normal top and cardigan. It's warmer this week so I'm also wearing my leopard print flats!
Sleep: Pretty good this week for the most part.
Best Moment(s) this week: This is sad, but going to Buy Buy Baby in Lexington was really fun! They are opening one soon near my house and I'm so excited! It's a great baby store.
Gender: Girl.
Movement: Lots of movement most of the day. I think she moves in her sleep too!
Baby's heart rate this week: Only checked it once - 150 on the dot.
Food Craving: Nothing in particular. Oatmeal has sounded really good lately.
Symptoms: Same as always.
What I miss: Not much this week.
What I am looking forward to: Going home to visit my parents this weekend! My doctors appointment on Thursday (not looking forward to the glucose test, though) but I'm excited to see my regular OB this time. Oh and our first childbirth class is next Monday!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Fun Etsy Purchase!
After we purchased our Chicco Keyfit car seat I knew I wanted to get strap covers and an arm pad for the handle. I've seen some other ladies with these and they are really cute and make it much more comfy for baby and mom (or dad). I figured I could probably make them myself - but I decided I'd let someone else make it for me!
I looked around on Etsy.com to find a matching set of strap covers and an arm pad and I finally found a great deal from the Etsy shop Oh Sew Cute Designs. Everything was custom made and Amanda, the shop owner, helped me pick fabrics for the set. I settled on a green damask on one side and soft pink minky fabric on the other. They came out so cute and they match my car seat perfectly. I would highly recommend this shop!
Strap and handle covers - click to increase size:
Perfect match!
You can't see the reverse side but it's a pretty light pink and the fabric is so soft. I really love this and think it makes the car seat so much more personalized and cute.
Oh, I also got a cute flower headband in the mail today, thanks Mindy!
I looked around on Etsy.com to find a matching set of strap covers and an arm pad and I finally found a great deal from the Etsy shop Oh Sew Cute Designs. Everything was custom made and Amanda, the shop owner, helped me pick fabrics for the set. I settled on a green damask on one side and soft pink minky fabric on the other. They came out so cute and they match my car seat perfectly. I would highly recommend this shop!
Strap and handle covers - click to increase size:
Perfect match!
You can't see the reverse side but it's a pretty light pink and the fabric is so soft. I really love this and think it makes the car seat so much more personalized and cute.
Oh, I also got a cute flower headband in the mail today, thanks Mindy!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
25 weeks DONE **Edited to add belly pic!**
I'm in my 26th week now and the baby is as big as a 2lb eggplant! I can't believe she is that big now. Everything is going really well. I still have energy and I'm not too uncomfortable yet - although I do have my occasional bad night of sleep or evening backache. All and all I really cannot complain. I'm really enjoying being pregnant. It's an incredible experience that I know is only going to get better once she's here. It's going by really fast and things will only speed up now that Halloween is over and the real holiday season is beginning.
Work is so much more manageable this week and probably will be for the rest of my time until maternity leave. I still have A LOT to do, but its mostly creative in-office work, prep for my leave, writing/editing and going to meetings. Most of my teaching and presentations are done for the semester so I don't think I'll be getting as exhausted at work. I'm so happy it's November!
In "baby stuff" news, we are getting so many of the big things purchased and in the house for baby Lila. Just this weekend we got a pack n play and a jogging stroller - it's still in the box because we have literally no room left in our house for it. I know we could've waited to get it, but since we don't know how busy/snowy it will be this winter or how I will feel at 8-9 months pregnant we wanted to go ahead and get as much as we could before the end of the year. It's so fun to look around the house at all of our fun stuff! Of course we still need a few big items and a lot of smaller things. We are so lucky to live next to a 24-hr Walmart and a Target so we can get last minute things.
I've pretty much stopped buying clothes for Lila. When we bought our car seat, the lady we bought it from gave me a cute sleeper and a little blue fleece jacket that I liked, but I'm really trying to refrain myself unless it's something I absolutely have to have or its just REALLY cheap. I do plan on looking at TJ Maxx and Target for any left over clearance halloween onesies/shirts for next year!
Oh and my mom bought Lila a Halloween costume! I'm so excited. I've been wanting to find a cow costume for awhile and she got one at TJ Maxx for $3! I'm so happy! I really want Lila to be a cow and Neil and I to be farmers next year - not that we will actually go trick or treating. Mom says it's a really soft/warm sleeper, so I think that will be perfect! It'll be so fun to see her in it.
Here is my update and my first bare belly pic:
Work is so much more manageable this week and probably will be for the rest of my time until maternity leave. I still have A LOT to do, but its mostly creative in-office work, prep for my leave, writing/editing and going to meetings. Most of my teaching and presentations are done for the semester so I don't think I'll be getting as exhausted at work. I'm so happy it's November!
In "baby stuff" news, we are getting so many of the big things purchased and in the house for baby Lila. Just this weekend we got a pack n play and a jogging stroller - it's still in the box because we have literally no room left in our house for it. I know we could've waited to get it, but since we don't know how busy/snowy it will be this winter or how I will feel at 8-9 months pregnant we wanted to go ahead and get as much as we could before the end of the year. It's so fun to look around the house at all of our fun stuff! Of course we still need a few big items and a lot of smaller things. We are so lucky to live next to a 24-hr Walmart and a Target so we can get last minute things.
I've pretty much stopped buying clothes for Lila. When we bought our car seat, the lady we bought it from gave me a cute sleeper and a little blue fleece jacket that I liked, but I'm really trying to refrain myself unless it's something I absolutely have to have or its just REALLY cheap. I do plan on looking at TJ Maxx and Target for any left over clearance halloween onesies/shirts for next year!
Oh and my mom bought Lila a Halloween costume! I'm so excited. I've been wanting to find a cow costume for awhile and she got one at TJ Maxx for $3! I'm so happy! I really want Lila to be a cow and Neil and I to be farmers next year - not that we will actually go trick or treating. Mom says it's a really soft/warm sleeper, so I think that will be perfect! It'll be so fun to see her in it.
Here is my update and my first bare belly pic:
How Far Along: 25 weeks and 3 days
Total Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself this week
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity, but a lot of longer non-maternity tops still work.
Sleep: Seems like every other night I have a hard time sleeping, it's getting better I think though!
Best Moment(s) this week: Getting my presentations done at a conference on Friday - all went well! Eating Indian food Sunday night at Ambar. I love that place but its far away so we never go. YUM!
Gender: Girl.
Movement: Her kicks have been softer and less frequent this week for the most part, but she has been stretching out more I think. I also get both really low and really high kicks and occasionally really hard jabs!
Baby's heart rate this week: Right around 150 the two times I checked it.
Food Craving: Pumpkin. This weekend I made pumpkin chocolate chip bars, had pumpkin oatmeal, bought pumpkin granola at Trader Joe's and had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season!
Symptoms: Heartburn. Rib pain and upper back pain (could be related to the heartburn). Nails are LONG and super strong now. Waking up more at night.
What I miss: Being able to pick stuff off the floor easily. I'm driving Neil crazy asking him to pick stuff up for me - especially all the shoes that I leave around the house!
What I am looking forward to: Going to Lexington this weekend! It's kind of an impromptu trip, but I hope to do a little shopping and see my brother and future sister-in-law.
Total Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself this week
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity, but a lot of longer non-maternity tops still work.
Sleep: Seems like every other night I have a hard time sleeping, it's getting better I think though!
Best Moment(s) this week: Getting my presentations done at a conference on Friday - all went well! Eating Indian food Sunday night at Ambar. I love that place but its far away so we never go. YUM!
Gender: Girl.
Movement: Her kicks have been softer and less frequent this week for the most part, but she has been stretching out more I think. I also get both really low and really high kicks and occasionally really hard jabs!
Baby's heart rate this week: Right around 150 the two times I checked it.
Food Craving: Pumpkin. This weekend I made pumpkin chocolate chip bars, had pumpkin oatmeal, bought pumpkin granola at Trader Joe's and had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season!
Symptoms: Heartburn. Rib pain and upper back pain (could be related to the heartburn). Nails are LONG and super strong now. Waking up more at night.
What I miss: Being able to pick stuff off the floor easily. I'm driving Neil crazy asking him to pick stuff up for me - especially all the shoes that I leave around the house!
What I am looking forward to: Going to Lexington this weekend! It's kind of an impromptu trip, but I hope to do a little shopping and see my brother and future sister-in-law.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Weekend craft project: Nursery artwork
I had a really busy week last week so it was nice to have a pretty relaxing weekend (other than working on Saturday) to take care of stuff around the house and actually do some projects for the nursery. I finished the letters to go over Lila's crib (with help from my mother in law). I decoupaged the letters and then painted wood and chipboard flowers and butterflies to add some flair and depth. I'm hoping to get some ribbon attached and get them hung soon.
I also made two pieces of art for Lila's room. I knew I wanted to make all my own artwork so I just decided to let my creativity flow and see what happened. I had four 12x12 scrapbook paper frames so used those. I decided to do garden/birds/butterflies! Not exactly a theme, but just a bunch of cuteness, basically. I just went crazy with the cutting and the glueing and came out with something pretty cute, I think!
My next two will be butterflies and flowers, but I finished the owls and birds. I'm really happy with them - the colors are all there and I love the mix of patterns. Mindy, I know you like owls so let me know if you want me to make you some artwork for your nursery with more neutral colors!
Owls
Birdies
Both together
As far as other artwork, I'm planning on buying a big canvas (16x20 or so) whenever I can find a good deal, and paint something with "You are my sunshine" on it to go over the changing table.
In other house news, Neil and his dad worked their butts off in the basement and we now have lights down there! LOTS of lights. The basement project is coming together and we even went to Container Store yesterday to price and plan out closet solutions for our basement walk-in closet. I cannot wait to get it done and the end is in sight now! After drywall and building the bar we have carpet and painting to do. There are some more things in there but a lot of the work is done. Maybe it will be ready for Lila's arrival after all!
I also made two pieces of art for Lila's room. I knew I wanted to make all my own artwork so I just decided to let my creativity flow and see what happened. I had four 12x12 scrapbook paper frames so used those. I decided to do garden/birds/butterflies! Not exactly a theme, but just a bunch of cuteness, basically. I just went crazy with the cutting and the glueing and came out with something pretty cute, I think!
My next two will be butterflies and flowers, but I finished the owls and birds. I'm really happy with them - the colors are all there and I love the mix of patterns. Mindy, I know you like owls so let me know if you want me to make you some artwork for your nursery with more neutral colors!
Owls
Birdies
Both together
As far as other artwork, I'm planning on buying a big canvas (16x20 or so) whenever I can find a good deal, and paint something with "You are my sunshine" on it to go over the changing table.
In other house news, Neil and his dad worked their butts off in the basement and we now have lights down there! LOTS of lights. The basement project is coming together and we even went to Container Store yesterday to price and plan out closet solutions for our basement walk-in closet. I cannot wait to get it done and the end is in sight now! After drywall and building the bar we have carpet and painting to do. There are some more things in there but a lot of the work is done. Maybe it will be ready for Lila's arrival after all!
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