Well folks, we're currently at T minus 4 days, and boy am I ready to get this show on the road! The baby dropped early last week, so things are very heavy and pressure-filled in yonder pelvic region. It seems like I get a new symptom of discomfort on a daily basis now (cramping, stronger Braxton Hicks, back pain...), as my body is telling me in no uncertain terms that it is preparing for labor. I just hope Kiwi doesn't decide to make an early appearance; hold on till Friday, baby girl.
I did manage to squeeze in a pedicure last week, and am going to get my hair cut today. My hair has gotten so long and thick during this pregnancy, I'm hoping I don't lose too much of it as the hormones get back on track post-delivery.
Other than that, I'm just laying low these days. I'm pretty uncomfortable physically, so am not really cooking and doing much around the house. Our maid service comes tomorrow, and I'll be glad to arrive home from the hospital to a clean house.
If I don't post again for awhile, please send good thoughts my way this Friday. Will post pictures and details about the birth once I'm feeling up to it.
Showing posts with label 3rd Trimester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3rd Trimester. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Oh Happy Day
I'm happy today, in a contented, calm, all-is-right-with-the-world sort of way.
Yesterday, DH surprised me in a wonderful, yet oh-so-him kind of way. I haven't been sleeping too well during this final stretch of pregnancy, and usually get in a nap a day. We were running around doing errands, and my crankiness factor was increasing exponentially relative to every minute that continued to pass without a nap. I felt like a child who needed to be put down, hah!
So when we finally got home, he dropped me off and said he needed to go to an electronics store to return some stuff, and I stayed home and took my nap. When he returned about 30 minutes later, he was asking me when I was gonna get up, etc., which I thought was weird because he usually just lets me do my thing when I'm resting. So I got up since I felt pretty rested anyway, and came downstairs with him. Next thing I know, he's giving me this goofy smile, and after 10 more dense minutes on my part, I finally noticed the little card that he had on the kitchen island.
He had gotten me a little something to commemorate the upcoming milestone in our lives that is a baby. For under the card, was a little gift box...and when I opened it, there it was. A perfect, beautiful, sweet, amazing ring of diamonds and pink sapphires. He explained that he recognizes all the sacrifices I've been making to have a healthy baby (especially with the latest challenges posed with the gestational diabetes meal plan), and wanted to get something for me before it becomes all about baby Kiwi. He can still make me melt, and my pregnancy hormones even made me shed a few tears. He is my husband, and I love him dearly for who he is, and who I am with him.
We've also settled on a name for Kiwi, which I will not share yet. I'm not sure if I'll share her full name since this is still a public blog, and we want to maintain anonymity while still sharing our story. But it was wonderful after receiving the gift from hubby that he called her by the name that's been at the top of our list, but that we had not confirmed with each other yet. So we have a name, a time, and a place that we will meet her. I can't wait.
Yesterday, DH surprised me in a wonderful, yet oh-so-him kind of way. I haven't been sleeping too well during this final stretch of pregnancy, and usually get in a nap a day. We were running around doing errands, and my crankiness factor was increasing exponentially relative to every minute that continued to pass without a nap. I felt like a child who needed to be put down, hah!
So when we finally got home, he dropped me off and said he needed to go to an electronics store to return some stuff, and I stayed home and took my nap. When he returned about 30 minutes later, he was asking me when I was gonna get up, etc., which I thought was weird because he usually just lets me do my thing when I'm resting. So I got up since I felt pretty rested anyway, and came downstairs with him. Next thing I know, he's giving me this goofy smile, and after 10 more dense minutes on my part, I finally noticed the little card that he had on the kitchen island.
He had gotten me a little something to commemorate the upcoming milestone in our lives that is a baby. For under the card, was a little gift box...and when I opened it, there it was. A perfect, beautiful, sweet, amazing ring of diamonds and pink sapphires. He explained that he recognizes all the sacrifices I've been making to have a healthy baby (especially with the latest challenges posed with the gestational diabetes meal plan), and wanted to get something for me before it becomes all about baby Kiwi. He can still make me melt, and my pregnancy hormones even made me shed a few tears. He is my husband, and I love him dearly for who he is, and who I am with him.
We've also settled on a name for Kiwi, which I will not share yet. I'm not sure if I'll share her full name since this is still a public blog, and we want to maintain anonymity while still sharing our story. But it was wonderful after receiving the gift from hubby that he called her by the name that's been at the top of our list, but that we had not confirmed with each other yet. So we have a name, a time, and a place that we will meet her. I can't wait.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
I Guess I'm Nesting
Now that I'm on maternity leave, I have a lot more time for baby stuff (and blogging!) Although my c-section is still a couple of weeks away, I have this overwhelming desire to get everything ready for baby Kiwi NOW. What if she comes early and everything isn't ready? That just would not do. Ah, if you could see the spreadsheets, to-do lists, nursery, closet organizer, and other assorted tools I've been using to get ready, you might think I'm an overly anal mom-to-be. Or not. I just like to think of myself as prepared :)
I had hubby put together the pack and play this morning. This is what we're gonna use as our downstairs bassinet/changing station. It's really cute, and the only thing I have to do is exchange the sheets I bought for them because they really don't match. I stuffed the holder that attaches to it with a bunch of diapers, and don't really know where to put the wipes for now, so they're sitting on top of the changing station. Will have to mull over a better solution for that...
We'll be using a co-sleeper in the bedroom at night, the kind that attaches to the side of your bed with one side down. I've heard rave reviews on these from friends, and am thinking it will be handy for breastfeeding - especially when I'm healing from the c-section. We've assembled it already, and just need to move the night stand on my side of the bed somewhere else and attach the co-sleeper to the bed. I'm also mulling over where to put diapering supplies in the bedroom to make night-time changings convenient. Right now I've got a long, narrow basket inside the co-sleeper with diapers, wipes, and diaper rash ointment, and then I have a changing pad draped over the side of the sleeper itself. I think this will be fine in baby's first weeks, since the sleeper is quite large, but will need to move this stuff out eventually. I guess we'll play that by ear.
Finally, we need to assemble the cradle/swing, stroller (which I think should be a piece of cake), and bouncer. Kiwi will have so many places to sleep and hang out!
I ordered some cute nursing pajamas, a nursing bra that holds a double breast pump in place, and a nice robe online yesterday. The robe I will bring to the hospital, and the other items are for when I get home. I already have a nursing gown that I'll use in the hospital, which I'm thinking will be more comfortable to minimize clothing on the incision site. I need to find/get some granny panties so they will go over the site as well, instead of the low-rise ones I usually wear that would probably hit the site right where it hurts.
I need to go to the store tomorrow to return a duplicate item I got from my baby showers, and to get a few more things that we're still missing: a bottle brush, retractable sun shades for the car, etc. Do you really need to sterilize baby bottles before you use them, or is washing them enough? I have these bottles unpacked in the kitchen but am not sure how to prep them. Maybe I'll just run them through the top rack of the dishwasher? I don't know; I'm just going to have them on-hand in case I need to supplement with formula before my milk comes in or baby is jaundiced, but I do intend on breastfeeding exclusively.
I guess I'll wrap up this post for now, lunch-time beckons. I'm on this stupid meal plan because I got conservatively diagnosed with gestational diabetes, so I have to test my blood sugar 4 times a day and watch my carb intake, etc. No need for meds though, so that's about the only upshot to this whole situation. I can't wait until I have the baby and can eat anything I want! That is just how it should be when you're pregnant, at least some of the time. Ciao for now.
I had hubby put together the pack and play this morning. This is what we're gonna use as our downstairs bassinet/changing station. It's really cute, and the only thing I have to do is exchange the sheets I bought for them because they really don't match. I stuffed the holder that attaches to it with a bunch of diapers, and don't really know where to put the wipes for now, so they're sitting on top of the changing station. Will have to mull over a better solution for that...
We'll be using a co-sleeper in the bedroom at night, the kind that attaches to the side of your bed with one side down. I've heard rave reviews on these from friends, and am thinking it will be handy for breastfeeding - especially when I'm healing from the c-section. We've assembled it already, and just need to move the night stand on my side of the bed somewhere else and attach the co-sleeper to the bed. I'm also mulling over where to put diapering supplies in the bedroom to make night-time changings convenient. Right now I've got a long, narrow basket inside the co-sleeper with diapers, wipes, and diaper rash ointment, and then I have a changing pad draped over the side of the sleeper itself. I think this will be fine in baby's first weeks, since the sleeper is quite large, but will need to move this stuff out eventually. I guess we'll play that by ear.
Finally, we need to assemble the cradle/swing, stroller (which I think should be a piece of cake), and bouncer. Kiwi will have so many places to sleep and hang out!
I ordered some cute nursing pajamas, a nursing bra that holds a double breast pump in place, and a nice robe online yesterday. The robe I will bring to the hospital, and the other items are for when I get home. I already have a nursing gown that I'll use in the hospital, which I'm thinking will be more comfortable to minimize clothing on the incision site. I need to find/get some granny panties so they will go over the site as well, instead of the low-rise ones I usually wear that would probably hit the site right where it hurts.
I need to go to the store tomorrow to return a duplicate item I got from my baby showers, and to get a few more things that we're still missing: a bottle brush, retractable sun shades for the car, etc. Do you really need to sterilize baby bottles before you use them, or is washing them enough? I have these bottles unpacked in the kitchen but am not sure how to prep them. Maybe I'll just run them through the top rack of the dishwasher? I don't know; I'm just going to have them on-hand in case I need to supplement with formula before my milk comes in or baby is jaundiced, but I do intend on breastfeeding exclusively.
I guess I'll wrap up this post for now, lunch-time beckons. I'm on this stupid meal plan because I got conservatively diagnosed with gestational diabetes, so I have to test my blood sugar 4 times a day and watch my carb intake, etc. No need for meds though, so that's about the only upshot to this whole situation. I can't wait until I have the baby and can eat anything I want! That is just how it should be when you're pregnant, at least some of the time. Ciao for now.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
We Have a Date
My last ultrasound (at 34 weeks) showed that the placenta moved a little, but not enough to safely proceed with a natural birth. So we have a date set for the c-section, August 17th.
I am totally ok with going this route (I guess I'd better be, since I don't have a choice!), and am actually looking forward to the big day. If all goes well, I will not go into labor prior to this day, and can avoid having to employ the breathing and relaxation techniques I half-heartedly paid attention to in my childbirth classes. If all goes well, I will show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the given day, have a quick and simple c-section, and meet my baby girl who is unbruised and untraumatized by not having to squeeze through any birth canal. And she will look into my eyes, and we'll share a meaningful "hello". And she will breastfeed. And all will be well. And hubby and I will feel happy and complete.
That's what I'm hoping for, but we'll see what actually happens...
My last day of work is tomorrow, then I'll have a couple weeks to prepare for the big day. I've started doing laundry, and should have the bulk of it finished by today. I also started packing the hospital bag, and would still like to go out and get a robe and some other assorted items. We installed the car seat two nights ago, and I just love seeing it in the car, in its waiting state. It's like it's blinking and there's a sign above it that reads, "all we need is the baby". It makes me feel like a Mom to have it in the back of my car, and it's a cool feeling. We still need to assemble some baby stuff, like the pack and play, swing, bouncer, and stroller. We received most of the big things we registered for, which is awesome. It's lovely to see how people react to you when you are pregnant; it just seems to bring out smiles in all.
Once Kiwi shows up, my Mom will be staying with us for a month to help out. This will be a lifesaver, as DH will not be taking off his extended time until the beginning of September, and she'll be cooking/caring for me and helping with baby as I recover from my c-section (hubby will help with baby on the night shift). Plus it'll be a nice safety net to have someone in the house who's had so many kids herself. We're not nearly as anxious as we would've been since we know she'll be there. Moms are grand :)
So that's the general plan! I'll get onto the computer and post pics once I'm feeling up to it, but it probably won't be right away. I hope all my blog friends are doing well; I read up on your blogs often and still feel a special bond with you all even though I have reached the holy grail of infertility. Fingers crossed for all of you who are still on the journey.
I am totally ok with going this route (I guess I'd better be, since I don't have a choice!), and am actually looking forward to the big day. If all goes well, I will not go into labor prior to this day, and can avoid having to employ the breathing and relaxation techniques I half-heartedly paid attention to in my childbirth classes. If all goes well, I will show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the given day, have a quick and simple c-section, and meet my baby girl who is unbruised and untraumatized by not having to squeeze through any birth canal. And she will look into my eyes, and we'll share a meaningful "hello". And she will breastfeed. And all will be well. And hubby and I will feel happy and complete.
That's what I'm hoping for, but we'll see what actually happens...
My last day of work is tomorrow, then I'll have a couple weeks to prepare for the big day. I've started doing laundry, and should have the bulk of it finished by today. I also started packing the hospital bag, and would still like to go out and get a robe and some other assorted items. We installed the car seat two nights ago, and I just love seeing it in the car, in its waiting state. It's like it's blinking and there's a sign above it that reads, "all we need is the baby". It makes me feel like a Mom to have it in the back of my car, and it's a cool feeling. We still need to assemble some baby stuff, like the pack and play, swing, bouncer, and stroller. We received most of the big things we registered for, which is awesome. It's lovely to see how people react to you when you are pregnant; it just seems to bring out smiles in all.
Once Kiwi shows up, my Mom will be staying with us for a month to help out. This will be a lifesaver, as DH will not be taking off his extended time until the beginning of September, and she'll be cooking/caring for me and helping with baby as I recover from my c-section (hubby will help with baby on the night shift). Plus it'll be a nice safety net to have someone in the house who's had so many kids herself. We're not nearly as anxious as we would've been since we know she'll be there. Moms are grand :)
So that's the general plan! I'll get onto the computer and post pics once I'm feeling up to it, but it probably won't be right away. I hope all my blog friends are doing well; I read up on your blogs often and still feel a special bond with you all even though I have reached the holy grail of infertility. Fingers crossed for all of you who are still on the journey.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Random Thoughts to My Baby Girl
I am just under 32 weeks pregnant today, and as I write this, you're busy squirming around in my belly. I wonder if you're head-down yet, and getting ready to get out of your cozy home and into the real world. You still have several more weeks of cookin' to do, so don't try to head out too soon!
Earlier today, you had the hiccups. This was only the second time I noticed them, and for some reason, it brings me endless entertainment and delight to see my belly bouncing every other second. I just imagine you in there, hiccuping away...maybe with eyes open, checking out the scene. It makes me smile and feel a closeness to you that grows every day.
Daddy is getting really excited with the anticipation of meeting you! He talks to you all the time, and sometimes when you're asleep, his voice seems to wake you up. I can't wait to see how he will be with you, and I'm sure my love for him will only deepen as I watch a new aspect of his personality unfold.
We got to see a preview glimpse of you last weekend in a 3d/4d ultrasound. I think you have my nose and lips...and you had the cutest little chubby cheeks! We saw you yawn a couple times, and even saw you open your eyes! And what a sweet, sweet smile you have. We're in love!
Earlier today, you had the hiccups. This was only the second time I noticed them, and for some reason, it brings me endless entertainment and delight to see my belly bouncing every other second. I just imagine you in there, hiccuping away...maybe with eyes open, checking out the scene. It makes me smile and feel a closeness to you that grows every day.
Daddy is getting really excited with the anticipation of meeting you! He talks to you all the time, and sometimes when you're asleep, his voice seems to wake you up. I can't wait to see how he will be with you, and I'm sure my love for him will only deepen as I watch a new aspect of his personality unfold.
We got to see a preview glimpse of you last weekend in a 3d/4d ultrasound. I think you have my nose and lips...and you had the cutest little chubby cheeks! We saw you yawn a couple times, and even saw you open your eyes! And what a sweet, sweet smile you have. We're in love!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Diagnosis: Placenta Previa
Well, I had another ultrasound yesterday (27 weeks), and my placenta is still covering the ole cervix. This means I am still officially diagnosed with placenta previa, and my doctor has put me on stricter orders than when we found it at 20 weeks. I'm on complete "pelvic rest", which means no sex, no vaginal exams, no exercise (not even walking around the neighborhood), no heavy lifting, or any other activity that is even remotely strenuous. Although I am not on bed rest, my ob has instructed me to work exclusively from home, which I cleared with my management yesterday.
During this extended period at home, I may get into blogging again just to keep me busy aside from the work stuff. I fear I may go stir crazy, but I know that I'm lucky to not be confined to a bed at this point.
So I need to watch out for bleeding, as the placenta could prematurely separate from the uterine lining as the cervix begins to dilate/thin. If it's just spotting, I can call the ob and go from there. But if it's heavier (like a period) then I am to go immediately to the hospital's birthing center and potentially have baby delivered early. And if the placenta has not moved by the next ultrasound (at 34 weeks), then I will have a scheduled c-section. At first I was disappointed about not having a vaginal delivery, but I actually had a dream the other night that I went into labor, and nothing was progressing with a vaginal delivery - so I started hoping for a c-section and was thrilled when the ob decided to go that route! So perhaps a prelude of things to come...
How am I taking this diagnosis? In stride, I think. When I first got diagnosed about this I was pretty concerned and anxious. I did way too much consultation with Dr. Google and started to work myself into quite the tizzy. Now, I feel much better since I am at least starting my third trimester, and every day that goes normally is another day of development for Kiwi. All I want is a healthy baby girl, so I'll do whatever it takes to further that goal.
As I was sitting in the waiting room before the ultrasound, Kiwi was so active! I was quite entertained just watching my belly jump as she went through her various kicks and jabs. And once the ultrasound was going on, the tech kept commenting on how wriggly she was. At the beginning of the appointment, her head was on the right side of my belly, and by the end - her head was on the other side! Another bit of good news is that her development is on track and everything checks out ok with her. Oh, I also had the tech re-validate that she is in fact a girl :) It doesn't hurt to confirm that before I start washing all the cute girlie clothes I've received!
In other pregnancy news, I failed my glucose screening test, so now I have to fast tonight and do the 3-hour version first thing tomorrow morning. Will have to find a good book to keep me company, and hopefully those results will be ok.
Finally, I am just thrilled at the good news that Nina received! Drop on by her blog to catch up.
If anyone has experience with placenta previa or the glucose blood tests, I'd love to hear about it.
During this extended period at home, I may get into blogging again just to keep me busy aside from the work stuff. I fear I may go stir crazy, but I know that I'm lucky to not be confined to a bed at this point.
So I need to watch out for bleeding, as the placenta could prematurely separate from the uterine lining as the cervix begins to dilate/thin. If it's just spotting, I can call the ob and go from there. But if it's heavier (like a period) then I am to go immediately to the hospital's birthing center and potentially have baby delivered early. And if the placenta has not moved by the next ultrasound (at 34 weeks), then I will have a scheduled c-section. At first I was disappointed about not having a vaginal delivery, but I actually had a dream the other night that I went into labor, and nothing was progressing with a vaginal delivery - so I started hoping for a c-section and was thrilled when the ob decided to go that route! So perhaps a prelude of things to come...
How am I taking this diagnosis? In stride, I think. When I first got diagnosed about this I was pretty concerned and anxious. I did way too much consultation with Dr. Google and started to work myself into quite the tizzy. Now, I feel much better since I am at least starting my third trimester, and every day that goes normally is another day of development for Kiwi. All I want is a healthy baby girl, so I'll do whatever it takes to further that goal.
As I was sitting in the waiting room before the ultrasound, Kiwi was so active! I was quite entertained just watching my belly jump as she went through her various kicks and jabs. And once the ultrasound was going on, the tech kept commenting on how wriggly she was. At the beginning of the appointment, her head was on the right side of my belly, and by the end - her head was on the other side! Another bit of good news is that her development is on track and everything checks out ok with her. Oh, I also had the tech re-validate that she is in fact a girl :) It doesn't hurt to confirm that before I start washing all the cute girlie clothes I've received!
In other pregnancy news, I failed my glucose screening test, so now I have to fast tonight and do the 3-hour version first thing tomorrow morning. Will have to find a good book to keep me company, and hopefully those results will be ok.
Finally, I am just thrilled at the good news that Nina received! Drop on by her blog to catch up.
If anyone has experience with placenta previa or the glucose blood tests, I'd love to hear about it.
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