Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Week 13 Update
So, today marks 13 weeks.
Physical Feelings: Slight nausea, Lots of dizziness, Generally slightly weak and fatigued, Heightened sense of smell, otherwise totally normal . . .
Emotional Feelings: Eager/Over-Eager, Nervous, Mentally exhausted, Excited, Maternal
Cravings: Pudding, Salty Stuff, Cheese, Fruit
Aversions: Many smells, Bananas and other soft food, Bread
Weight: (Do I really want to admit this???) How about weight gained: 7 lb.
Waist: 40.5 inches (vs. normal 30)
I've been told I have "that glow" now, but my skin is still breaking out terribly. Most days, I wear maternity pants, just because they are more comfortable . . . I like to wear shirt dresses anyway, so those have helped tremendously.
So, I've been bad. I've had mahimahi (a big no-no I guess), caffeine, processed meat, and aspartame. Sorry, Peanut!
That's about it for now . . . Over the next couple of weeks I have to start looking at birthing prep classes. That should be fun!
Physical Feelings: Slight nausea, Lots of dizziness, Generally slightly weak and fatigued, Heightened sense of smell, otherwise totally normal . . .
Emotional Feelings: Eager/Over-Eager, Nervous, Mentally exhausted, Excited, Maternal
Cravings: Pudding, Salty Stuff, Cheese, Fruit
Aversions: Many smells, Bananas and other soft food, Bread
Weight: (Do I really want to admit this???) How about weight gained: 7 lb.
Waist: 40.5 inches (vs. normal 30)
I've been told I have "that glow" now, but my skin is still breaking out terribly. Most days, I wear maternity pants, just because they are more comfortable . . . I like to wear shirt dresses anyway, so those have helped tremendously.
So, I've been bad. I've had mahimahi (a big no-no I guess), caffeine, processed meat, and aspartame. Sorry, Peanut!
That's about it for now . . . Over the next couple of weeks I have to start looking at birthing prep classes. That should be fun!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
My Second OB visit!
All good news here, the day after my 2nd visit. Heartbeat is at 150 (fluctuation is normal and will tend to decrease throughout the pregnancy); all tests were normal . . . but weight gain is a little high, according to doc. 5 pounds over 12 weeks! I'm sure he knows more than I do, but I was kind-of impressed it wasn't more (and it looks like more. About 15 more.).
I also received my H1N1 shot. Awesome.
Next appointment is January 7th, and I think I will be taking some screening tests during that visit (CP, CVS, etc. etc.).
So, we'll just keep on truckin'.
(8 weeks until we can find out the sex of the baby!)
By the way, the chinese gender calendar says it's going to be a girl. Hippocrates says it's going to be a boy.
I also received my H1N1 shot. Awesome.
Next appointment is January 7th, and I think I will be taking some screening tests during that visit (CP, CVS, etc. etc.).
So, we'll just keep on truckin'.
(8 weeks until we can find out the sex of the baby!)
By the way, the chinese gender calendar says it's going to be a girl. Hippocrates says it's going to be a boy.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Today, I'm 30
So, this morning I had to give a presentation to the plant at 6am . . . on my birthday. What does that spell? L-U-C-K-Y.
But, I sucked it up, just as I always do, and even woke up before my 4:30 alarm. I had myself a warm (not hot - it's bad for the baby I hear) shower, brushed my teeth and gagged, tried to do something with my suddenly thick(er) and unmanageable hair, and covered my recently broken-out face with some severe amounts of makeup . . .
I was still tired. Normally, coffee would have been used to mend this ailment, but I've been very good, and have not had caffeine in 6 weeks.
It's my birthday though, and I'm about 12 weeks along, so I went ahead and treated myself.
Bad idea.
I arrived at work early enough to rehearse my slides and walked into the meeting room. The combination of my mild case of stagefright, along with the difficulty in breathing (attributed to a little prune-sized thing in my uterus) and the caffeine, allowed for one shaky-voiced, fast-speaking, and trembling Alyssa.
Needless to say, my 10-minute talk turned into a 3-minute speed talking spree.
I either suprised the hell out of the audience or spoke so succinctly that they had absolutely no questions, but the look of possibly fear or amazement gazed back at me.
I amaze even myself sometimes.
Moral: If you haven't had caffeine in quite a while, don't start up again right before a big meeting. You'll wear yourself out and scare your coworkers.
But, I sucked it up, just as I always do, and even woke up before my 4:30 alarm. I had myself a warm (not hot - it's bad for the baby I hear) shower, brushed my teeth and gagged, tried to do something with my suddenly thick(er) and unmanageable hair, and covered my recently broken-out face with some severe amounts of makeup . . .
I was still tired. Normally, coffee would have been used to mend this ailment, but I've been very good, and have not had caffeine in 6 weeks.
It's my birthday though, and I'm about 12 weeks along, so I went ahead and treated myself.
Bad idea.
I arrived at work early enough to rehearse my slides and walked into the meeting room. The combination of my mild case of stagefright, along with the difficulty in breathing (attributed to a little prune-sized thing in my uterus) and the caffeine, allowed for one shaky-voiced, fast-speaking, and trembling Alyssa.
Needless to say, my 10-minute talk turned into a 3-minute speed talking spree.
I either suprised the hell out of the audience or spoke so succinctly that they had absolutely no questions, but the look of possibly fear or amazement gazed back at me.
I amaze even myself sometimes.
Moral: If you haven't had caffeine in quite a while, don't start up again right before a big meeting. You'll wear yourself out and scare your coworkers.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fickle as a Pickle --- mmmmm, pickles.
So, I've changed my mind. I'm a woman. And I'm preggo. It's my right, then, right?
I've decided that even though Natalie is the older child and is currently in the smallest room of the house, she will not be moving into the larger, currently spare room. She has a big room at her mom's, and she is only at our house 4 nights out of 14 . . . I feel bad about it, but I think it would be better for everyone. And that doesn't mean that she's stuck there forever. Just for the next few years . . .
Peanut will have the "larger" room (which is still only 10'x12') . . . this room is right next to ours, so that will help a lot.
Now I just have to figure out where to put all of the antique furniture that's in there!
Still haven't taken a belly shot. I keep forgetting. And now we're approaching the 12 week mark! I will try to do it tonight.
And one more thing: I'm turning 30 tomorrow. Yikes. Like Mom said, though . . . I have everything I want.
I've decided that even though Natalie is the older child and is currently in the smallest room of the house, she will not be moving into the larger, currently spare room. She has a big room at her mom's, and she is only at our house 4 nights out of 14 . . . I feel bad about it, but I think it would be better for everyone. And that doesn't mean that she's stuck there forever. Just for the next few years . . .
Peanut will have the "larger" room (which is still only 10'x12') . . . this room is right next to ours, so that will help a lot.
Now I just have to figure out where to put all of the antique furniture that's in there!
Still haven't taken a belly shot. I keep forgetting. And now we're approaching the 12 week mark! I will try to do it tonight.
And one more thing: I'm turning 30 tomorrow. Yikes. Like Mom said, though . . . I have everything I want.
Monday, November 30, 2009
My Super, Supportive Family!
I just want to take a moment to focus on the folks who have been there for me, for Clinton, and for us. . .
Our family has been spectacular through everything, and although I can't speak entirely for Clint, I know he has the same sentiments.
We've both been blessed with a large family, and with more than just 2 loving parents each. We have stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and sisters that pick us up and dust us off in bad times, and have embraced us and uplifted us in good times.
My mother has probably felt my pain more than anyone else over the years: watching my sadness overcome me at times, when I reflect on my infertility; hearing my depressed tones when struggling with the idea that I'd never be able to have a child of my own; and feeling her own pain seeing me crumble. She seemed to be the only one that ever made me recover from those bouts of unease.
My dad has kept in touch with me better than anyone I know. He calls several times a week and makes every effort to visit me often. He always takes care of me and gives me a focus for my life: to be selfless and loving, like him. And Francie is always there to listen and give advice, and is just as selfless as Dad.
Sister, Aunt Cheryl, and Grandma all support me and us and cannot wait for the baby. I've already received gifts from them!! I wouldn't be able to do this without them. And it's hard for me to express emotions, but I don't know that anyone could express what I feel right now. They are spectacular!
And I could not have asked more in a family than what Clint's family has been for us.
I've never heard Debbie get so excited as when we had her on the phone and casually dropped the baby bomb. She screamed with happiness!! And sis Carrie was the same way. Grandma Lisa has already bought the baby some ducky pajamas, and she and Pops took us out for a celebratory dinner. But the pregnancy wasn't the start of all this support . . . since day one of our relationship, I have never felt so welcomed and so loved by another family. And now they're my family.
Last and certainly not least, I want to recognize my husband. There is a reason it took 10 years for me to have a baby -- I had to find the right person to have the baby with. And I had to find the right partner to support and love a baby as much as I would. I told Clint early on that we may never have children, and he stood by me regardless of that. Seeing his face melt when we saw a positive pregnancy test was the most priceless expression I've ever seen on his face. And he is just as excited as I am, if not more (which I never thought would be possible). We have had a tumultuous couple of years, and have weathered many storms in a very short time, but (I think) we have become fantastic spouses, and I know that he is going to be a fantastic father.
I had to be taught that wanting doesn't necessarily lead to getting, and as soon as I let that want of having a baby go, I was given that special gift. And I wouldn't have made it this far without my family being there for me.
This baby is so lucky to have a network such as this, supporting and loving it even before being born!
Our family has been spectacular through everything, and although I can't speak entirely for Clint, I know he has the same sentiments.
We've both been blessed with a large family, and with more than just 2 loving parents each. We have stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and sisters that pick us up and dust us off in bad times, and have embraced us and uplifted us in good times.
My mother has probably felt my pain more than anyone else over the years: watching my sadness overcome me at times, when I reflect on my infertility; hearing my depressed tones when struggling with the idea that I'd never be able to have a child of my own; and feeling her own pain seeing me crumble. She seemed to be the only one that ever made me recover from those bouts of unease.
My dad has kept in touch with me better than anyone I know. He calls several times a week and makes every effort to visit me often. He always takes care of me and gives me a focus for my life: to be selfless and loving, like him. And Francie is always there to listen and give advice, and is just as selfless as Dad.
Sister, Aunt Cheryl, and Grandma all support me and us and cannot wait for the baby. I've already received gifts from them!! I wouldn't be able to do this without them. And it's hard for me to express emotions, but I don't know that anyone could express what I feel right now. They are spectacular!
And I could not have asked more in a family than what Clint's family has been for us.
I've never heard Debbie get so excited as when we had her on the phone and casually dropped the baby bomb. She screamed with happiness!! And sis Carrie was the same way. Grandma Lisa has already bought the baby some ducky pajamas, and she and Pops took us out for a celebratory dinner. But the pregnancy wasn't the start of all this support . . . since day one of our relationship, I have never felt so welcomed and so loved by another family. And now they're my family.
Last and certainly not least, I want to recognize my husband. There is a reason it took 10 years for me to have a baby -- I had to find the right person to have the baby with. And I had to find the right partner to support and love a baby as much as I would. I told Clint early on that we may never have children, and he stood by me regardless of that. Seeing his face melt when we saw a positive pregnancy test was the most priceless expression I've ever seen on his face. And he is just as excited as I am, if not more (which I never thought would be possible). We have had a tumultuous couple of years, and have weathered many storms in a very short time, but (I think) we have become fantastic spouses, and I know that he is going to be a fantastic father.
I had to be taught that wanting doesn't necessarily lead to getting, and as soon as I let that want of having a baby go, I was given that special gift. And I wouldn't have made it this far without my family being there for me.
This baby is so lucky to have a network such as this, supporting and loving it even before being born!
Week 11 Update
So, dizziness has set in hard-core. All weekend, I sat on the couch as much as possible, just to keep my head from spinning. Trips to the bathroom to potty and the laundry room for washing clothes was about the extent of my activity Sunday . . .
The "Book" (What to Expect . . . ) tells me that I should put my head between my knees to relieve the dizziness - - apparently they think I can still do that! Not a chance.
The books also tell me that the urge to urinate should be subsiding soon . . . for a little bit. I'm having a hard time believing that, and I can't even drink as much as they tell me to. I can't imagine how much I'd be peeing if I was drinking 13 glasses of water!
My next visit to the OB is Thursday. I don't know what they'll be doing, but hopefully we get to hear the heartbeat again!
Clint tried to tell everyone at Thanksgiving that I was using pregnancy as a crutch. He claims that my back started hurting as soon as I took the test. The girls all took my side, though! Alyssa: 1. Clinton: 0.
And, we've decided on a boy's middle name. I won't tell though. It's a secret. We'll have at least 8 more weeks to determine a girl's middle name . . . if we find out then it's a boy, we are off the hook!
The "Book" (What to Expect . . . ) tells me that I should put my head between my knees to relieve the dizziness - - apparently they think I can still do that! Not a chance.
The books also tell me that the urge to urinate should be subsiding soon . . . for a little bit. I'm having a hard time believing that, and I can't even drink as much as they tell me to. I can't imagine how much I'd be peeing if I was drinking 13 glasses of water!
My next visit to the OB is Thursday. I don't know what they'll be doing, but hopefully we get to hear the heartbeat again!
Clint tried to tell everyone at Thanksgiving that I was using pregnancy as a crutch. He claims that my back started hurting as soon as I took the test. The girls all took my side, though! Alyssa: 1. Clinton: 0.
And, we've decided on a boy's middle name. I won't tell though. It's a secret. We'll have at least 8 more weeks to determine a girl's middle name . . . if we find out then it's a boy, we are off the hook!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Quick Update
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I cannot wait for all the food!! My belly seems to be growing at a monstrous rate, so much so that I think I will be doing my bump pictures weekly . . . stay tuned.
I just found out that my friend, Julie, is going to have a baby in March. And Tara is due the day after my birthday. How fun!!
Had to make a special trip for pickles last night. I love pickles.
Some women at work began telling me about their deliveries. Yikes. Not ready to be thinking about that yet.
Oh. And it's not peppermint toothpaste that is making me gag, but actually the act of brushing my teeth. It's violent.
I just found out that my friend, Julie, is going to have a baby in March. And Tara is due the day after my birthday. How fun!!
Had to make a special trip for pickles last night. I love pickles.
Some women at work began telling me about their deliveries. Yikes. Not ready to be thinking about that yet.
Oh. And it's not peppermint toothpaste that is making me gag, but actually the act of brushing my teeth. It's violent.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Naming the Baby!
Our goal on names is to choose something that is not completely wacky, but that will stand out a little. (And, it needs to sound good when being announced over a loud speaker, for when Peanut scores a goal or something.)
So far, our top names are Broderick (Brody) and Lorelai (Rory). We have definitely not settled, and we are struggling with the middle name . . . I am about to just forget about a middle name altogether.
A friend suggested we blend names for the middle names. For example, our mothers' names are Deborah, and our Grandmothers' names are Martha. Take the Mar- and the -ah and you get Marah. Or, since Clint's middle name is Allen, and David is popular in my family, we could use the name Dallen.
I have a feeling it will take up until the final hour to make a decision!
So far, our top names are Broderick (Brody) and Lorelai (Rory). We have definitely not settled, and we are struggling with the middle name . . . I am about to just forget about a middle name altogether.
A friend suggested we blend names for the middle names. For example, our mothers' names are Deborah, and our Grandmothers' names are Martha. Take the Mar- and the -ah and you get Marah. Or, since Clint's middle name is Allen, and David is popular in my family, we could use the name Dallen.
I have a feeling it will take up until the final hour to make a decision!
Sick!
So, I thought that I might be one of the lucky ones who didn't get morning sickness. Wrong. So wrong. I haven't vomited yet, but it is coming. I can barely stand up right now without feeling queasy and lightheaded. Delightful.
On a lighter note, I think I've decided to go with Winnie The Pooh. That way, it's gender neutral and I can start collecting decor gradually, and I already have a few Pooh things that I can add to the room. I like the Classic Pooh Stuff from Target . . . I broke the news to Natalie last night. She seemed to be okay with it.
On a lighter note, I think I've decided to go with Winnie The Pooh. That way, it's gender neutral and I can start collecting decor gradually, and I already have a few Pooh things that I can add to the room. I like the Classic Pooh Stuff from Target . . . I broke the news to Natalie last night. She seemed to be okay with it.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Background on PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility in women. It affects anywhere from five to ten per cent of women between the ages of 20 and 40, making it the most common reproductive syndrome for women of this age group.
What Is PCOS?
Women who suffer from PCOS have cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on their ovaries that prevent the ovaries from performing normally. PCOS affects regular reproductive functions, like the menstrual cycle, as well as fertility. Ovaries of PCOS suffers tend to be from 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal ovaries.
Although PCOS has been recognized as a syndrome for more than 75 years, no one is sure exactly what causes it. Some experts speculate that it may be hereditary but others suspect that there might be a link between PCOS and diabetes. Because so many women who have PCOS also have high insulin levels, this link does not seem unreasonable.
A connection has also been made between the seizure medication, valporate, and PCOS. This particular medication may cause or worsen the symptoms of PCOS. However, doctors are not sure if it is actually the epilepsy that affects PCOS or the valporate, but it is usually recommended to switch seizure medication if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS.
PCOS Symptoms
While cysts are the most common symptom of PCOS, some doctors will diagnose a woman with PCOS even when cysts aren’t present. In these instances, the diagnosis is based on the presence of other symptoms and hormonal abnormalities.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
Amenorrhea (cessation of period) or infrequent periods
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent or no ovulation
Cysts on ovaries
Increased levels of male hormone, like testosterone
Infertility
Chronic pelvic pain for six months or more
Increase in weight or obesity (most women with PCOS are overweight)
Diabetes; over production and inefficient use of insulin by the body
Lipid abnormalities (high or low cholesterol, high triglycerides)
High blood pressure
Excess facial and body hair growth
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
Dark-colored patches of thick skin on neck, groin, underarms or skin folds
Skin tags in the armpits or neck.
PCOS Treatment
Traditionally, doctors have only been able to treat the symptoms of PCOS. Since the cause of PCOS is unknown, there is currently no cure. The birth control pill is often prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle as well as reduce the levels of hormones and minimize the appearance of acne. Other medications can also be prescribed to help with blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels or cosmetic problems.
Because so many women with PCOS have high insulin levels or their body does not use insulin efficiently, insulin medications are also commonly prescribed. Normalizing insulin levels has been found helpful in regulating periods and promoting ovulation. Women who prefer a more natural way of easing the symptoms of PCOS are frequently recommended to do so through diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to help insulin and glucose levels as well as promote fertility. Since PCOS can worsen over the years (although it should improve as you approach menopause), living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Surgery is available for PCOS however it is not recommended as a first line of defense. Ovarian drilling is an outpatient, laparoscopic procedure that uses a small needle to puncture the cyst. An electric current is then employed to destroy part of the cyst. Unfortunately, the surgery has a success rate of less than 50% and the long-term effects are not known. Plus, there is the possibility of scar tissue forming or other damage being done to the ovaries, thereby compromising your fertility even more.
PCOS and Pregnancy
While it is possible to become pregnant, women with PCOS tend to suffer a much higher rate of miscarriages. Estimates put the rate of miscarriages in women with PCOS at 45% although some believe the figure may be higher. However, experts aren’t sure why exactly this is. Fertility problems experienced by women with PCOS may be related to the elevated hormone, insulin, or glucose levels, all of which can interfere with implantation as well as development of the embryo. Additionally, abnormal insulin levels may also contribute to poor egg quality, making conception more difficult.
Stabilizing hormone levels can help fertility by promoting ovulation. Some doctors may also prescribe ovulation medications, such as Clomid, to encourage ovulation. If you are thinking of conceiving, be sure to discuss the issue with your doctor. Not all of the medications used to help PCOS sufferers are safe to use during pregnancy and may need to be discontinued.
Although getting pregnant can be problematic for women with PCOS, many have found it easier to get pregnant the second time around. Additionally, some women have found that their menstrual cycles regulate themselves after a pregnancy. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly will also help to promote fertility.
- www.fertilityfactor.com
What Is PCOS?
Women who suffer from PCOS have cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on their ovaries that prevent the ovaries from performing normally. PCOS affects regular reproductive functions, like the menstrual cycle, as well as fertility. Ovaries of PCOS suffers tend to be from 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal ovaries.
Although PCOS has been recognized as a syndrome for more than 75 years, no one is sure exactly what causes it. Some experts speculate that it may be hereditary but others suspect that there might be a link between PCOS and diabetes. Because so many women who have PCOS also have high insulin levels, this link does not seem unreasonable.
A connection has also been made between the seizure medication, valporate, and PCOS. This particular medication may cause or worsen the symptoms of PCOS. However, doctors are not sure if it is actually the epilepsy that affects PCOS or the valporate, but it is usually recommended to switch seizure medication if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS.
PCOS Symptoms
While cysts are the most common symptom of PCOS, some doctors will diagnose a woman with PCOS even when cysts aren’t present. In these instances, the diagnosis is based on the presence of other symptoms and hormonal abnormalities.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
Amenorrhea (cessation of period) or infrequent periods
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent or no ovulation
Cysts on ovaries
Increased levels of male hormone, like testosterone
Infertility
Chronic pelvic pain for six months or more
Increase in weight or obesity (most women with PCOS are overweight)
Diabetes; over production and inefficient use of insulin by the body
Lipid abnormalities (high or low cholesterol, high triglycerides)
High blood pressure
Excess facial and body hair growth
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
Dark-colored patches of thick skin on neck, groin, underarms or skin folds
Skin tags in the armpits or neck.
PCOS Treatment
Traditionally, doctors have only been able to treat the symptoms of PCOS. Since the cause of PCOS is unknown, there is currently no cure. The birth control pill is often prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle as well as reduce the levels of hormones and minimize the appearance of acne. Other medications can also be prescribed to help with blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels or cosmetic problems.
Because so many women with PCOS have high insulin levels or their body does not use insulin efficiently, insulin medications are also commonly prescribed. Normalizing insulin levels has been found helpful in regulating periods and promoting ovulation. Women who prefer a more natural way of easing the symptoms of PCOS are frequently recommended to do so through diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to help insulin and glucose levels as well as promote fertility. Since PCOS can worsen over the years (although it should improve as you approach menopause), living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Surgery is available for PCOS however it is not recommended as a first line of defense. Ovarian drilling is an outpatient, laparoscopic procedure that uses a small needle to puncture the cyst. An electric current is then employed to destroy part of the cyst. Unfortunately, the surgery has a success rate of less than 50% and the long-term effects are not known. Plus, there is the possibility of scar tissue forming or other damage being done to the ovaries, thereby compromising your fertility even more.
PCOS and Pregnancy
While it is possible to become pregnant, women with PCOS tend to suffer a much higher rate of miscarriages. Estimates put the rate of miscarriages in women with PCOS at 45% although some believe the figure may be higher. However, experts aren’t sure why exactly this is. Fertility problems experienced by women with PCOS may be related to the elevated hormone, insulin, or glucose levels, all of which can interfere with implantation as well as development of the embryo. Additionally, abnormal insulin levels may also contribute to poor egg quality, making conception more difficult.
Stabilizing hormone levels can help fertility by promoting ovulation. Some doctors may also prescribe ovulation medications, such as Clomid, to encourage ovulation. If you are thinking of conceiving, be sure to discuss the issue with your doctor. Not all of the medications used to help PCOS sufferers are safe to use during pregnancy and may need to be discontinued.
Although getting pregnant can be problematic for women with PCOS, many have found it easier to get pregnant the second time around. Additionally, some women have found that their menstrual cycles regulate themselves after a pregnancy. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly will also help to promote fertility.
- www.fertilityfactor.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Starting Week 10!
It's week 10, and I'm just starting this page...
We took our pregnancy test 3 weeks ago today. And I only took it to ease my mind. I was sure I wasn't preggo, because those 100 other tests I took were all negative . . . I actually had to have Clint read the test because I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
It's hard to believe that those 3 weeks have come and gone already, yet it seems like there is stiill such a long time to go before we get to meet the baby face to face!
Sure, I've met the baby. Peanut has been giving me indigestion for at least 3 weeks already, and has made me tired for at least 5. But I won't hold that against him/her . . . It's actually kind-of comforting to feel yucky -- that way, I know something's going on in there.
We saw the doctor 2 weeks ago. He seems pretty cool -- though I am breaking one of my rules by seeing a male doctor. It's just not my thing. But he came highly recommended, so we are giving it a go.
At first, we couldn't find a heartbeat -- we found out later that it was because Peanut was so small still! The ultrasound gave us chills and tears when it picked up the 171bpm!
What's the status now? Well, I am still tired. I fall asleep at 7 or 8, naturally wake up at 5, and get tired again around lunch time. They say that will wear off in the next 2 or 3 weeks . . .
I am just now starting to get cravings. Most of what I have been eating has been severely more healthy than my normal diet, but still the kinds of foods I like all the time. It seems like anything I have been eating though, I've wanted with a stronger demand (if we're eating Mexican, it needs to be really spicy, or if we're eating hot dogs, I need lots of ketchup and mustard) Over the weekend, though, I started wanting potato chips. I hate potato chips.
Aversions? I'm glad you asked. Several different smells are getting to me. The seafood area at the grocery store just makes me want to yak. I also can't stand cigarette smoke. And there is some cleaning solution that I can't handle -- I haven't deduced the ingredients yet. Also, the taste of peppermint toothpaste gets to me.
And then there's my body. It is doing some funky things. I haven't gained any weight, but it seems to have re-organized itself. My legs are slimmer, but my belly is bigger. I don't think I should be showing yet, but there is definitely a bump! Jeans do not zip and button, my friends! (I will start a bump album shortly.)
My mind races all day long, too . . . from what I should be eating, to if I'm taking good enough care of us, to how much I don't know about taking care of a baby, to what kind of furniture we should get for Peanut's room . . . I am trying to control my brain, but so far, it is winning.
We took our pregnancy test 3 weeks ago today. And I only took it to ease my mind. I was sure I wasn't preggo, because those 100 other tests I took were all negative . . . I actually had to have Clint read the test because I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
It's hard to believe that those 3 weeks have come and gone already, yet it seems like there is stiill such a long time to go before we get to meet the baby face to face!
Sure, I've met the baby. Peanut has been giving me indigestion for at least 3 weeks already, and has made me tired for at least 5. But I won't hold that against him/her . . . It's actually kind-of comforting to feel yucky -- that way, I know something's going on in there.
We saw the doctor 2 weeks ago. He seems pretty cool -- though I am breaking one of my rules by seeing a male doctor. It's just not my thing. But he came highly recommended, so we are giving it a go.
At first, we couldn't find a heartbeat -- we found out later that it was because Peanut was so small still! The ultrasound gave us chills and tears when it picked up the 171bpm!
What's the status now? Well, I am still tired. I fall asleep at 7 or 8, naturally wake up at 5, and get tired again around lunch time. They say that will wear off in the next 2 or 3 weeks . . .
I am just now starting to get cravings. Most of what I have been eating has been severely more healthy than my normal diet, but still the kinds of foods I like all the time. It seems like anything I have been eating though, I've wanted with a stronger demand (if we're eating Mexican, it needs to be really spicy, or if we're eating hot dogs, I need lots of ketchup and mustard) Over the weekend, though, I started wanting potato chips. I hate potato chips.
Aversions? I'm glad you asked. Several different smells are getting to me. The seafood area at the grocery store just makes me want to yak. I also can't stand cigarette smoke. And there is some cleaning solution that I can't handle -- I haven't deduced the ingredients yet. Also, the taste of peppermint toothpaste gets to me.
And then there's my body. It is doing some funky things. I haven't gained any weight, but it seems to have re-organized itself. My legs are slimmer, but my belly is bigger. I don't think I should be showing yet, but there is definitely a bump! Jeans do not zip and button, my friends! (I will start a bump album shortly.)
My mind races all day long, too . . . from what I should be eating, to if I'm taking good enough care of us, to how much I don't know about taking care of a baby, to what kind of furniture we should get for Peanut's room . . . I am trying to control my brain, but so far, it is winning.
Bedrooms and Upgrades
We have decided that Natalie deserves an upgrade -- she will be moving into the spare bedroom, which is a little bigger than hers currently. Then, the baby will take over her room. She is super excited and would like to be a part of decorating the baby's room . . . however, I will probably have to coach her through this decorating endeavor a little.
Natalie thinks the room should be purple and the theme should be oceanic. I was leaning more towards Winnie The Pooh or Bugs, and I don't think Clint has an opinion whatsoever. We may have to see if Peanut is going to be a boy or a girl before we make a final decision.
Natalie thinks the room should be purple and the theme should be oceanic. I was leaning more towards Winnie The Pooh or Bugs, and I don't think Clint has an opinion whatsoever. We may have to see if Peanut is going to be a boy or a girl before we make a final decision.
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