Ha, wish that title described my age too! Went to the ob/gyn yesterday -- except for waiting almost an hour to see her (par for the course), all was good/smooth. Heartbeat was good, strong and LOUD (even on the lowest volume on the doppler). I felt a lot of movement last night, stronger than ever, which was cool. But I'm all paranoid because I accidentally ended up on my back for most of the night's sleep... still waiting for baby boy to announce his presence today. My doctor is so wacko -- she told me that the Strep B culture was going to be done at the next appointment (in 2 weeks, they take a swab of your "other hole"...). I said, "Won't that be unpleasant with the hemorrhoids?" Because I'm definitely experiencing them to the max... She said very cheerfully, "It might be for you, but it won't for me!" Hilarious.
I've been working up a storm at school to prep things for my maternity leave. I am about 95% done... unfortunately, my sub seems to be a bit high maintenance and I worry that she won't leave me alone. So many questions, wants to do so much in advance. Sometimes you just gotta cross that bridge when you get to it. At least she's competent, though...
Next on tap, is my exams for Board Certification, which I gotta study for. Gag. How do you study for something when you have no idea what they're going to ask you? (It's 6 essay questions and you only know the topic in a very general sense, it could be anything though).
THEN, it'll be nursery, full-on nesting time! I cannot believe that I'm on the home stretch and what surrealness awaits. It was another time/world when DS (now 6) was an infant. I hope what they say is true, that #2 is easier.
For now, we've got a family weekend getaway (just driving a few hours away) that I've got to pack for -- will be good to have quality fam time and no chores to do.
Have a good weekend, all!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Almost 29 weeks...
First order of news, is that I passed the 3 hour glucose tolerance test. Phew. Back to gorging on crap.
Secondly, I now get to go to the ob/gyn every two weeks, which is sweet. It's nice to check-in and have that reassurance that everything is going okay.
Thirdly, I just want to say, what in the hell are people thinking when they say, "You're HUGE!" Thankfully, those comments are balanced out with people saying, "You look great!"
Finally, nothing has melted my heart more lately, than my DS touching my belly, feeling movement with an expression of awe and happiness on his face. Sigh. Cannot wait for them to meet.
Secondly, I now get to go to the ob/gyn every two weeks, which is sweet. It's nice to check-in and have that reassurance that everything is going okay.
Thirdly, I just want to say, what in the hell are people thinking when they say, "You're HUGE!" Thankfully, those comments are balanced out with people saying, "You look great!"
Finally, nothing has melted my heart more lately, than my DS touching my belly, feeling movement with an expression of awe and happiness on his face. Sigh. Cannot wait for them to meet.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
28 weeks
Yesterday, I had my 3 hour glucose test -- I figured that arriving to the lab at 8 am would give me plenty of time to make it to my shower by 1 pm. Boy, was I wrong! First of all, even though I arrived at 8:05 am, I didn't get my first blood draw til 8:40 am. This is all before drinking the glucola. THEN, we had to wait for the results of that draw before continuing on... An hour later, I drank the glucola and then it was 3 hours from THEN before I would be done. So a 3 hour test was 5 hours. I started fasting from midnight (ate heartily at 11:45 pm) and missed breakfast and lunch. I was so dizzy, grumpy and out of it... I had DH sneak me out to shower/get dressed for the shower (so confusing, shower/shower) -- technically you are not supposed to leave the premises, but the phlebotomist didn't say anything when I came back wearing different clothes w/ wet hair. Not sure when I'll get my results... but not fun. I definitely have a lot more empathy for people who (due to unforeseen circumstances, disaster, hardship, whatever) have not eaten for days.
Today marks 28 weeks exactly and according to some sources, the beginning of third trimester. It's amazing to me how quickly time has passed and how surreal to be at this place with a baby inside me. I am very thankful. At the same time, I fight a daily battle to brush away negative thoughts. Recently reading an article in the paper about IVF/ICSI-conceived (which we did do - ICSI) babies have a greater risk of birth defects did not ease my mind. I've got 9 school days left and a ton to do before then (I'm at school right now), so that will definitely occupy my time/mind and then there's a ton to do to get ready for Baby. I'm figuring that despite my 8/5 due date, that I should be ready at least 2 weeks prior, since DS was 2 weeks early.
I'm sure today is a bittersweet day for many of you, who are yearning to be mothers yourselves. I wish you peace and I'm hopeful that someday soon this day will be more sweet than bitter for you.
Today marks 28 weeks exactly and according to some sources, the beginning of third trimester. It's amazing to me how quickly time has passed and how surreal to be at this place with a baby inside me. I am very thankful. At the same time, I fight a daily battle to brush away negative thoughts. Recently reading an article in the paper about IVF/ICSI-conceived (which we did do - ICSI) babies have a greater risk of birth defects did not ease my mind. I've got 9 school days left and a ton to do before then (I'm at school right now), so that will definitely occupy my time/mind and then there's a ton to do to get ready for Baby. I'm figuring that despite my 8/5 due date, that I should be ready at least 2 weeks prior, since DS was 2 weeks early.
I'm sure today is a bittersweet day for many of you, who are yearning to be mothers yourselves. I wish you peace and I'm hopeful that someday soon this day will be more sweet than bitter for you.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
27w2d
So today I got the news from my doctor's office that my glucose levels are slightly high and that I need to do the three hour gestational diabetes test. This happened to me with DS where I failed the first test and passed the long test. The bummer is you can't leave the premises during the 3 hours... so it's torture, plus the fasting from 12 am to 12 pm is no fun. Hopefully, I do not have gestational diabetes...
Otherwise, I'm getting close to the 28 week mark, which some resources designate as the start of the third trimester. Time has definitely flown. There are about 12 school days left, so I'm focused solely on that for the time being and then I will go into full-blown nest mode. Although, I sort of have been nesting a lot already. Have done a lot of organization at school (with lots more to do, to pave the way for my long-term sub) and am also in the process of updating one of our bathrooms. So far, I have refinished and painted the vanity, changed the hardware and replaced the countertop and faucet. Just have to finish some of the plumbing work (yes, I am doing this myself!).
Some fun things too have recently occurred/are on the horizon -- the parents in my class threw me a shower and were very thoughtful to go in a group gift card (so I can get those bigger ticket items that I no longer have, since I don't need little things like clothes or anything). The kids decorated diapers with colorful Sharpies and inscribed some sage messages in a book for Baby. My coworker is also throwing me a shower too, soon. Despite my protestations, everyone has insisted on the showering. They said to just say thank you and enjoy. : )
Symptom-wise, I'm still frequently hungry, but still haven't redeemed my cravings from DH, well I tried to the other night, but it was only for soy milk and cereal and since DH did other grocery shopping, he didn't count it. : ) I'm not feeling the burgers so much anymore. Despite this, I still feel huge-mongous and am worried about whether my weight gain is related to this glucose issue. Otherwise, no totally intolerable symptoms, still have sausage feet, though compression socks help. I'm still massively paranoid about consistent movement and the other night, was wide awake in the middle of the night trying to feel movement (like I can control it) because I hadn't felt much in a while. I finally gave it up and of course, felt a whole bunch of movement later that morning. It's really random.
New posting on my private blog, click here (If you'd like an invite to view, email me -- biagobaby at gmail dot com):
Hope all is well w/ everyone... will write more with the results of my 3 hour glucose test. Blech.
Otherwise, I'm getting close to the 28 week mark, which some resources designate as the start of the third trimester. Time has definitely flown. There are about 12 school days left, so I'm focused solely on that for the time being and then I will go into full-blown nest mode. Although, I sort of have been nesting a lot already. Have done a lot of organization at school (with lots more to do, to pave the way for my long-term sub) and am also in the process of updating one of our bathrooms. So far, I have refinished and painted the vanity, changed the hardware and replaced the countertop and faucet. Just have to finish some of the plumbing work (yes, I am doing this myself!).
Some fun things too have recently occurred/are on the horizon -- the parents in my class threw me a shower and were very thoughtful to go in a group gift card (so I can get those bigger ticket items that I no longer have, since I don't need little things like clothes or anything). The kids decorated diapers with colorful Sharpies and inscribed some sage messages in a book for Baby. My coworker is also throwing me a shower too, soon. Despite my protestations, everyone has insisted on the showering. They said to just say thank you and enjoy. : )
Symptom-wise, I'm still frequently hungry, but still haven't redeemed my cravings from DH, well I tried to the other night, but it was only for soy milk and cereal and since DH did other grocery shopping, he didn't count it. : ) I'm not feeling the burgers so much anymore. Despite this, I still feel huge-mongous and am worried about whether my weight gain is related to this glucose issue. Otherwise, no totally intolerable symptoms, still have sausage feet, though compression socks help. I'm still massively paranoid about consistent movement and the other night, was wide awake in the middle of the night trying to feel movement (like I can control it) because I hadn't felt much in a while. I finally gave it up and of course, felt a whole bunch of movement later that morning. It's really random.
New posting on my private blog, click here (If you'd like an invite to view, email me -- biagobaby at gmail dot com):
Hope all is well w/ everyone... will write more with the results of my 3 hour glucose test. Blech.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Updata
24w1d
I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit of survivor's guilt (though I'll consider myself a full-fledged survivor when I have a take-home baby) and that that has impacted my posting on this blog. I feel so bad when I read about the continuing trials and tribulations of so many women. I try to be supportive and comment on others' blogs and hope that that is still a positive thing for those working so hard to conceive.
I don't want to drop off the face of the earth either, so here's the latest:
I feel like I'm monstrous and being 5 feet tall, I think there's less room for everything to spread out. I just had a dr's appointment today and in one month since my last appt, I've gained 10 lbs. Oopsie. I'm hungry ALL the time and generally, I reach for stuff like fruit, cereal, yogurt and only have junk occasionally. Not too different from my pre-pregnancy diet, except for the frequency and I definitely have at least another meal (like a bowl of cereal) after dinner/before bed.
I definitely still have paranoia about the regularity of movement, but so far, so good. Some days it seems quite substantial and other days, little to none. My dr. reminds me that it's still fairly early on and that the big movement is yet to come. Today, I got to have another u/s, but still couldn't see the lip (for cleft palate) but no biggee. Won't change anything. Baby's fists were covering his face, so no head shot or profile shot. The only u/s pics I have today are foot, foot, penis. Ah well.
I've been having some fun (now that my National Boards are done) sewing little projects here and there, gifts for others and some for baby. Sometime, I'll post some of my handiwork perhaps. It's nice to have more free time to do stuff I want to do/enjoy.
I had a great Spring Break trip to Vegas w/ the family, particularly since I was able to spend a lot of quality time w/ DS. Just that time investment and attention to him (w/o distractions of work, home chores, etc) made us so much closer in such a short time. He kept saying, "We're buddies" and snuzzling my arm and stuff when we'd hold hands. Sigh... Wonder how different B2 will be?
The other fun thing is that my coworker is going to throw me a shower next month. I felt a little guilty w/ this being a second child and another boy, but she said that enough time has passed and that I should enjoy it. She even encouraged me to register for stuff. We have most of the big things, but we had already chucked some of the second hand stuff I got the first time around, so need a few things. Plus w/ DS, it was pre-BPA awareness days, so want to update that stuff. Craig's List has been amazing and I've gotten some big-ticket ideas barely used or brand-new.
Sleep is hit and miss -- definitely have insane, vivid, crazy dreams. Some quite upsetting, so it's a relief when I wake up and realize it was not real.
My limbs are definitely puffy and swollen from water retention and/or blood pooling. I'm wearing DH's triathlon compression socks right now and they are amazing. I also have orthopedic ones from DS's pregnancy too that I gotta whip out. My calves are definitely suffering the consequences with spider veins and varicose veins. That, along with saggy, shrunken boobs and a poochy stomach are definitely the badges of "honor" of motherhood.
Otherwise, I'm fairly comfortable and am curious what the next 3 mos will bring. Wishing everyone the best!
I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit of survivor's guilt (though I'll consider myself a full-fledged survivor when I have a take-home baby) and that that has impacted my posting on this blog. I feel so bad when I read about the continuing trials and tribulations of so many women. I try to be supportive and comment on others' blogs and hope that that is still a positive thing for those working so hard to conceive.
I don't want to drop off the face of the earth either, so here's the latest:
I feel like I'm monstrous and being 5 feet tall, I think there's less room for everything to spread out. I just had a dr's appointment today and in one month since my last appt, I've gained 10 lbs. Oopsie. I'm hungry ALL the time and generally, I reach for stuff like fruit, cereal, yogurt and only have junk occasionally. Not too different from my pre-pregnancy diet, except for the frequency and I definitely have at least another meal (like a bowl of cereal) after dinner/before bed.
I definitely still have paranoia about the regularity of movement, but so far, so good. Some days it seems quite substantial and other days, little to none. My dr. reminds me that it's still fairly early on and that the big movement is yet to come. Today, I got to have another u/s, but still couldn't see the lip (for cleft palate) but no biggee. Won't change anything. Baby's fists were covering his face, so no head shot or profile shot. The only u/s pics I have today are foot, foot, penis. Ah well.
I've been having some fun (now that my National Boards are done) sewing little projects here and there, gifts for others and some for baby. Sometime, I'll post some of my handiwork perhaps. It's nice to have more free time to do stuff I want to do/enjoy.
I had a great Spring Break trip to Vegas w/ the family, particularly since I was able to spend a lot of quality time w/ DS. Just that time investment and attention to him (w/o distractions of work, home chores, etc) made us so much closer in such a short time. He kept saying, "We're buddies" and snuzzling my arm and stuff when we'd hold hands. Sigh... Wonder how different B2 will be?
The other fun thing is that my coworker is going to throw me a shower next month. I felt a little guilty w/ this being a second child and another boy, but she said that enough time has passed and that I should enjoy it. She even encouraged me to register for stuff. We have most of the big things, but we had already chucked some of the second hand stuff I got the first time around, so need a few things. Plus w/ DS, it was pre-BPA awareness days, so want to update that stuff. Craig's List has been amazing and I've gotten some big-ticket ideas barely used or brand-new.
Sleep is hit and miss -- definitely have insane, vivid, crazy dreams. Some quite upsetting, so it's a relief when I wake up and realize it was not real.
My limbs are definitely puffy and swollen from water retention and/or blood pooling. I'm wearing DH's triathlon compression socks right now and they are amazing. I also have orthopedic ones from DS's pregnancy too that I gotta whip out. My calves are definitely suffering the consequences with spider veins and varicose veins. That, along with saggy, shrunken boobs and a poochy stomach are definitely the badges of "honor" of motherhood.
Otherwise, I'm fairly comfortable and am curious what the next 3 mos will bring. Wishing everyone the best!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
News
[20w3d]
It's official, I'm outnumbered -- it's a boy! While we had sorta hoped for one of each and had a sliver of desire for a girl, we are still just as happy as can be. DS is very excited too. My dr and u/s on Monday were great. She took her sweet time since I was the last appt for the day. And DH really liked her too. She's a no BS kinda person (I think I caught her on a bad day in the past). No real good profile shots, but saw every organ and everything looked great. I get to have another u/s in 4 weeks because she couldn't get to the lip (for cleft lip)! Woohoo. Also, as of the past few days, am finally feeling something (and yes, to those of you smarties, my placenta is somewhat anterior which is why it took so darn long)! Baby was moving up a storm during the u/s so it was cool to feel and see at the same time. We had our dr write the info on a card and seal in an envelope. DH and I went out to a fancy dinner and opened the envelope together after the appetizer course. We both got instantly misty. It was a great, very exciting moment. How often does one get to have a surprise like that?
Other than that, I'm on the home stretch with my project and can see the end in sight. Phew. DS is suffering a bit from my and DH's busyness these past few weeks. : ( Poor thing. After I send in my Boards portfolio, then taxes await. Blech. But then I can also focus on baby stuff/nursery! FUN! Also we go to Vegas in a little over a week. Woohoo! (DH is a triathlete and has a race there). This week needs to go by quickly (plus I'm single mothering w/ DH on a biz trip)!
It's official, I'm outnumbered -- it's a boy! While we had sorta hoped for one of each and had a sliver of desire for a girl, we are still just as happy as can be. DS is very excited too. My dr and u/s on Monday were great. She took her sweet time since I was the last appt for the day. And DH really liked her too. She's a no BS kinda person (I think I caught her on a bad day in the past). No real good profile shots, but saw every organ and everything looked great. I get to have another u/s in 4 weeks because she couldn't get to the lip (for cleft lip)! Woohoo. Also, as of the past few days, am finally feeling something (and yes, to those of you smarties, my placenta is somewhat anterior which is why it took so darn long)! Baby was moving up a storm during the u/s so it was cool to feel and see at the same time. We had our dr write the info on a card and seal in an envelope. DH and I went out to a fancy dinner and opened the envelope together after the appetizer course. We both got instantly misty. It was a great, very exciting moment. How often does one get to have a surprise like that?
Other than that, I'm on the home stretch with my project and can see the end in sight. Phew. DS is suffering a bit from my and DH's busyness these past few weeks. : ( Poor thing. After I send in my Boards portfolio, then taxes await. Blech. But then I can also focus on baby stuff/nursery! FUN! Also we go to Vegas in a little over a week. Woohoo! (DH is a triathlete and has a race there). This week needs to go by quickly (plus I'm single mothering w/ DH on a biz trip)!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
When It Rains, It Pours
[19w2d]
I admit that my problems are first-world problems, but nonetheless, I am tired and stressed.
1) Movement -- sometimes I think I feel something, but I am not sure. I am ready for my Monday u/s to see what's up. Having had DS, I know what movement should feel like and so far nothing really feels like those flutters.
2) Mother-in-law with mental health issues, currently in the hospital. When you get calls at 4 am in the morning, or DH comes home at 1 am from the hospital, that does not lend itself well to sleep. I was awake from 1 am - 4 am last night (and barely got to work before the kids were streaming into the halls).
3) National Board Certification -- this is a very intense process to become a "master teacher" and involves putting together a length portfolio of student work, 12-14 page papers, videos of your teaching, etc. I have been working on it every weekend for the past 8 months. It's all due at the end of this month, but my goal is to be done with it BEFORE my spring break (last week or March). (This is in addition to my master's and regular teacher licensure).
4) Working FT -- my students are rotten this year and I'm a grumpy, impatient teacher.
5) Hiring my replacement -- after having gone through a lengthy process with my #1 choice, now she's thinking it's not the right choice for her because she wants benefits, etc. Sigh. Now, all I have left is a mediocre person and another woman who is about to have a baby herself, so not sure that makes the most sense (to have someone start at a new grade level, new school when they are dealing w/ a lot at home).
Here would be the perfect solution: a regular housecleaner, a personal assistant and retirement. Wouldn't solve #2, but might make my disposition more pleasant. Again, first world problems.
I admit that my problems are first-world problems, but nonetheless, I am tired and stressed.
1) Movement -- sometimes I think I feel something, but I am not sure. I am ready for my Monday u/s to see what's up. Having had DS, I know what movement should feel like and so far nothing really feels like those flutters.
2) Mother-in-law with mental health issues, currently in the hospital. When you get calls at 4 am in the morning, or DH comes home at 1 am from the hospital, that does not lend itself well to sleep. I was awake from 1 am - 4 am last night (and barely got to work before the kids were streaming into the halls).
3) National Board Certification -- this is a very intense process to become a "master teacher" and involves putting together a length portfolio of student work, 12-14 page papers, videos of your teaching, etc. I have been working on it every weekend for the past 8 months. It's all due at the end of this month, but my goal is to be done with it BEFORE my spring break (last week or March). (This is in addition to my master's and regular teacher licensure).
4) Working FT -- my students are rotten this year and I'm a grumpy, impatient teacher.
5) Hiring my replacement -- after having gone through a lengthy process with my #1 choice, now she's thinking it's not the right choice for her because she wants benefits, etc. Sigh. Now, all I have left is a mediocre person and another woman who is about to have a baby herself, so not sure that makes the most sense (to have someone start at a new grade level, new school when they are dealing w/ a lot at home).
Here would be the perfect solution: a regular housecleaner, a personal assistant and retirement. Wouldn't solve #2, but might make my disposition more pleasant. Again, first world problems.
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