Friday night we went to a boat party for my husband's work. My friend Sarah helped me make a Bun in the Oven costume. We painted a box black, made it into an oven, drew a loaf of bread on a brown shirt, cut out a door and put saran wrap on the box so you could see my belly and topped my head with a teapot made of foil. The party was fun and I won most original, which won a target gift card (baby stuff!).
Saturday we went to birth class all day long. The best thing about the whole day is when Dave said at the end of the day " I didn't really realize before today how hard labor can be." This was so good because I finally feel like he will be really supportive. Gone are the days of the comments "Oh, just call me when you're pushing and I'll show up!" :)
I met with my high risk OB doctor today from Madigan. He drove here. He said baby sounds good and he answered some of my questions about labor, which I will go into more detail next post. Then I had a non-stress test and baby hearbeat for half hour was good. Then I had an ultrasound but couldn't see anything because the nurse kept the light on. And just as I think I'm finally leaving the hospital, I think to speak to the EFM coordinator again, who once again, gives me the doom and gloom scenerio and tells me the navy has no problem splitting my husband and I up and that will probably be their course of action. Again, I will explain this later more too. I'm just trying to summarize for now. So....because of that, I waited another two hours to see my primary care doctor to speak to him about his connections to Groton's hospital to discuss their level of care meeting my back needs. Long story short, we are still on hold for if and when we move and where. Gotta love the navy... The EFM people are the clowns, and the heartache is the wait.
More to come, hope you're so curious you'll come back!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Recap
Last week had cord blood to baby blood flow checks and all went well. I also had two ultrasounds which both looked good and I got to see the cutest profile picture yet of Beaner. Until those, I really wasn't for sure if Beaner was super cute. But now I'm convinced. I'm not sure what I wrote last. Two weekends ago we went camping for the first time with our truck and I did really well. 12 hours of great warm sleep, even in a tent!
I had an awesome baby shower yesterday. The only thing that could have made it better is if people actually showed up! Okay, a bit of sarcasm there. Those who did show up were all amazing wonderful women and I am very greatful to have them in my life. My hosts did an amazing wonderful beautiful job. We had great decor, great food, great company, great people on Skype joining us, great games, and great gifts. I just felt somewhat bad that people I really thought were coming did not show. But what can you do?
Thank you to my hosts and all the help! You guys are AMAZING!
This morning I had a home nurse visit me. We talked, did paperwork, and chit chatted for two hours! We talked about everything under the sun and even a little about baby! My nurse is a wonderful sweet black woman. I bring up her color because half our conversation consisted of culture, race, and different areas in the country we have lived where we both had our sets of culture shock. I told her I am from South Dakota and until I moved to SC with my husband, I have probably seen one or two black people in my life! She laughed at me but shared the same stories with me when moving to Washington back in 1991 and being looked at funny because there were so many white people! Then we discussed Seattle itself, bringing ins: all new shocks for both of us: sexual prefereces, politics, religions and lack of. She is a great woman and I feel very comfortable knowing she will be helping me out when baby Bean is born.
This afternoon I went to a non-stress test and we listened to Bean's heart beat for twenty minutes. I had a new nurse this time and we chatted a bit. She didn't say much about the charting and I forgot to ask but I'm sure if all is not well I will be hearing from them. In my non-professional opinion, all looked as it did last week when things were fine so I'm not really worried.
And that's your recap!
I had an awesome baby shower yesterday. The only thing that could have made it better is if people actually showed up! Okay, a bit of sarcasm there. Those who did show up were all amazing wonderful women and I am very greatful to have them in my life. My hosts did an amazing wonderful beautiful job. We had great decor, great food, great company, great people on Skype joining us, great games, and great gifts. I just felt somewhat bad that people I really thought were coming did not show. But what can you do?
Thank you to my hosts and all the help! You guys are AMAZING!
This morning I had a home nurse visit me. We talked, did paperwork, and chit chatted for two hours! We talked about everything under the sun and even a little about baby! My nurse is a wonderful sweet black woman. I bring up her color because half our conversation consisted of culture, race, and different areas in the country we have lived where we both had our sets of culture shock. I told her I am from South Dakota and until I moved to SC with my husband, I have probably seen one or two black people in my life! She laughed at me but shared the same stories with me when moving to Washington back in 1991 and being looked at funny because there were so many white people! Then we discussed Seattle itself, bringing ins: all new shocks for both of us: sexual prefereces, politics, religions and lack of. She is a great woman and I feel very comfortable knowing she will be helping me out when baby Bean is born.
This afternoon I went to a non-stress test and we listened to Bean's heart beat for twenty minutes. I had a new nurse this time and we chatted a bit. She didn't say much about the charting and I forgot to ask but I'm sure if all is not well I will be hearing from them. In my non-professional opinion, all looked as it did last week when things were fine so I'm not really worried.
And that's your recap!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Change, Change, and More Change
Where do I even begin? Do I tell you that we will be moving across the country a week and a half after my due date? Or do I tell you first that I have been bumped up to high risk complicated OB in a matter of days? Or that we bought a new pick up? Okay well, apparently I've just told it all! Details you ask? Okay then, what first?
The baby of course! So yes, little Bean, although still said to be healthy, is having issues. Beaner is tiny, small, ever so little, munchkin, mini me, itty bitty. The last post discussed my doubt in the ultra sound machines. But last week I was sent to Madigan Medical Center in Tacoma (half hour away) to be seen by a high risk OB doctor who did bone growth measurements on Beaner and confirmed that yes, our baby is growing in the 3rd percentile, meaning that only 3% of babies at this stage are this small. Bean has been growing consistently, just very small. So they decided I would be seen at Madigan once a week until delivery to check growth and blood flow between the placenta and the baby.
Then, today, I get a phone call from my hospital OB clinic telling me they are trying to help the driving situation and have re scheduled my next blood flow check appointment from Madigan to Bremerton so that I do not have to drive as far. They said the equipment at Bremerton will be sufficient and I will continue to go to Madigan for the growth chart checks. Then she continued to talk and suddenly, she had me scheduled for five more appointments in the span of two weeks! I was pretty shocked I guess you could say, going from one appointment a week to now three a week. Once a week I will be checked for blood flow from me to the baby, once a week I will have a non-stress test performed on the baby, and the third appointment will be every other week to measure growth and tracking bone length/size of the baby. Plus, I will have additional appointments to do regular OB check ups, labs, and whatever else they decide necessary. I have decided I should probably get a little calendar just to keep track of it all! Beaner moves daily, A LOT! Kicks, rolls, flips, turns, punches--you name it, I feel it. This is a great thing. Also, every time Bean has been checked, heart beat is strong and healthy. So far, I have decided Bean is an anomaly, because he/she is a one of a kind power house in a tiny little body. There is no sign of brain damage, chromosome abnormalities, lack of nutrition or caloric intake, or anything else majorly wrong. Bean is just slow to grow. I hope it stays this way and maybe in a few weeks Bean will become mighty and catch up.
It is official: Bean's first permanent home of record will be Groton, CT. This will be intersesting to see how the next weeks and months play out. We plan to pull away from WA the 1st or 2nd of January (of course, all pending on the condition of the Bean.) This goes hand in hand with the other big change: a pick up. Dave has been wanting a truck for over a year now, searching, running numbers, finding exactly what he likes. With Bean on the way we figured a second vehicle is inevitable. With such a huge move, a truck now made sense to haul our car and two months worth of stuff across country. (We won't settle in Groton until the end of February.) Because we will be traveling in January and February from coast to coast, weather will be an issue and a four wheel drive half ton pick up sounded like the safest bet. Oh! Which brings me to the surprise I discussed last post and haven't told yet. We were very excited to learn that Dave's parents and sister went in on the Britax stroller and car seat together, so thank you to them for such a nice gift! While truck browsing, we brought the car seat along only to find it did not fit in the cab we originally wanted, so we upgraded our needs to a four door truck, seating six. The car seat fits perfectly with room to spare! With my prior sales experience, I decided I "do not negotiate with terrorists" as I told Dave, and I told the dealer what we would pay, not the other way around! So we purchased the exact truck we wanted with the exact features for the exact price Dave was willing to pay (Eleven thousand dollars cheaper!).
So yes, there is a lot of change going on in the Rickenbach family. Feeling little Bean move so much reassures me and makes me think it's just his/her way of telling me "Mom, I'm going to be okay." And I believe it. The doctors say I will most likely not make it to my due date, but all of this is of course up in the air. As my upcoming appointments progress, I will keep you all posted on the status of the Bean. For now, keep saying your prayers and keep on reading!
The baby of course! So yes, little Bean, although still said to be healthy, is having issues. Beaner is tiny, small, ever so little, munchkin, mini me, itty bitty. The last post discussed my doubt in the ultra sound machines. But last week I was sent to Madigan Medical Center in Tacoma (half hour away) to be seen by a high risk OB doctor who did bone growth measurements on Beaner and confirmed that yes, our baby is growing in the 3rd percentile, meaning that only 3% of babies at this stage are this small. Bean has been growing consistently, just very small. So they decided I would be seen at Madigan once a week until delivery to check growth and blood flow between the placenta and the baby.
Then, today, I get a phone call from my hospital OB clinic telling me they are trying to help the driving situation and have re scheduled my next blood flow check appointment from Madigan to Bremerton so that I do not have to drive as far. They said the equipment at Bremerton will be sufficient and I will continue to go to Madigan for the growth chart checks. Then she continued to talk and suddenly, she had me scheduled for five more appointments in the span of two weeks! I was pretty shocked I guess you could say, going from one appointment a week to now three a week. Once a week I will be checked for blood flow from me to the baby, once a week I will have a non-stress test performed on the baby, and the third appointment will be every other week to measure growth and tracking bone length/size of the baby. Plus, I will have additional appointments to do regular OB check ups, labs, and whatever else they decide necessary. I have decided I should probably get a little calendar just to keep track of it all! Beaner moves daily, A LOT! Kicks, rolls, flips, turns, punches--you name it, I feel it. This is a great thing. Also, every time Bean has been checked, heart beat is strong and healthy. So far, I have decided Bean is an anomaly, because he/she is a one of a kind power house in a tiny little body. There is no sign of brain damage, chromosome abnormalities, lack of nutrition or caloric intake, or anything else majorly wrong. Bean is just slow to grow. I hope it stays this way and maybe in a few weeks Bean will become mighty and catch up.
It is official: Bean's first permanent home of record will be Groton, CT. This will be intersesting to see how the next weeks and months play out. We plan to pull away from WA the 1st or 2nd of January (of course, all pending on the condition of the Bean.) This goes hand in hand with the other big change: a pick up. Dave has been wanting a truck for over a year now, searching, running numbers, finding exactly what he likes. With Bean on the way we figured a second vehicle is inevitable. With such a huge move, a truck now made sense to haul our car and two months worth of stuff across country. (We won't settle in Groton until the end of February.) Because we will be traveling in January and February from coast to coast, weather will be an issue and a four wheel drive half ton pick up sounded like the safest bet. Oh! Which brings me to the surprise I discussed last post and haven't told yet. We were very excited to learn that Dave's parents and sister went in on the Britax stroller and car seat together, so thank you to them for such a nice gift! While truck browsing, we brought the car seat along only to find it did not fit in the cab we originally wanted, so we upgraded our needs to a four door truck, seating six. The car seat fits perfectly with room to spare! With my prior sales experience, I decided I "do not negotiate with terrorists" as I told Dave, and I told the dealer what we would pay, not the other way around! So we purchased the exact truck we wanted with the exact features for the exact price Dave was willing to pay (Eleven thousand dollars cheaper!).
So yes, there is a lot of change going on in the Rickenbach family. Feeling little Bean move so much reassures me and makes me think it's just his/her way of telling me "Mom, I'm going to be okay." And I believe it. The doctors say I will most likely not make it to my due date, but all of this is of course up in the air. As my upcoming appointments progress, I will keep you all posted on the status of the Bean. For now, keep saying your prayers and keep on reading!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Frustrating
I have new Beaner pics. Yet, I haven't looked at them once since the Dr.s office yesterday. I don't mean to jump boat or anything, but I think it's time I do what I do best and pursue the answers. I am going to make myself another appointment, tomorrow in fact, in order to discuss with my normal doctor a second consult visit for ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor yesterday was the bearer of bad news, and I'm beginning to get suspicious. He placed our baby below the 10th percentile for fetal growth at this point. This was based on leg/head/stomach measurements. Yet, when those measurements are computed in the GE ultrasound machine, the machine approximates baby weight at 2 pounds. This makes no sense when you begin to research/know/are told that a 2 pound baby at 27 weeks pregnant is perfectly normal. Yet, if the measurements of the baby is small, then how can the baby be 2 pounds and vice versa? Unless.... either 1. something is wrong or 2. the measurements are off. Fundal height is up to date and correct and my weight gain has certainly been obvious and regular, so I really don't know what is going on.
The major questions arise when we look back at the pattern with our ultrasound doctor from the beginning. In the beginning, he said I had a heart shaped uterus. The next appointment that was quickly dismissed and apparently no longer an issue. Then it came up again as something just to keep an eye on. Last appointment he told us the baby was measuring small which is why we went again yesterday to see if growth continued, which it did, just not at the rate he thinks it should be going. Then yesterday he said "Did I mention last time your baby was breached? Well it still is." No, he did NOT mention that. And then I got all concerned about it, except for again if you do the research and gain knowledge from knowledgeable sources (other moms, other nurses, and other doctors) you will find that a breached baby this early is still okay because babies could turn up to 38 weeks and some even days before delivery. So why does this doctor seem so concerned with it?
He seems to be fairly intelligent and he is a nice guy, he is older so he has experience. Which is exactly why I want a second opinion, either from an obgyn ultrasound doctor or a maternal fetal medicine doctor. Yes, they might be annoyed at me about being so direct with my requests when I am not the knowledgeable one, yet, I am the one that will or will not have a baby and that could depend on how involved I choose to be.
The major questions arise when we look back at the pattern with our ultrasound doctor from the beginning. In the beginning, he said I had a heart shaped uterus. The next appointment that was quickly dismissed and apparently no longer an issue. Then it came up again as something just to keep an eye on. Last appointment he told us the baby was measuring small which is why we went again yesterday to see if growth continued, which it did, just not at the rate he thinks it should be going. Then yesterday he said "Did I mention last time your baby was breached? Well it still is." No, he did NOT mention that. And then I got all concerned about it, except for again if you do the research and gain knowledge from knowledgeable sources (other moms, other nurses, and other doctors) you will find that a breached baby this early is still okay because babies could turn up to 38 weeks and some even days before delivery. So why does this doctor seem so concerned with it?
He seems to be fairly intelligent and he is a nice guy, he is older so he has experience. Which is exactly why I want a second opinion, either from an obgyn ultrasound doctor or a maternal fetal medicine doctor. Yes, they might be annoyed at me about being so direct with my requests when I am not the knowledgeable one, yet, I am the one that will or will not have a baby and that could depend on how involved I choose to be.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fast week slow days
Somehow it is already Friday, even though each day seemed to drag on and on and on! I am getting really bored and I don't really feel like cleaning every minute of every day. Therefore, cleaning is still a viable option but not a fun one! I have finally sewed all the squares together for my quilt and have yet to put a backing and maybe a middle in. Once again, I have the time to do it, but now I lack proper motivation. I still feel so good about finally getting the pieces together I am not ready to break into the finish! Same with scrapbooking...I finally finished the year 2008 and now have 2009 to complete, not to mention 2010. However, if I get all my stuff out again, the living room floor will be cluttered for another week or two, and then the vicious cycle of thinking my house is so messy begins again! So I am at a stand still. During the past few days I have worked on my class work, arranged my NFL fantasy teams to be just right, and have caught up on an amazing amount of television, mostly comprised of baby shows and different TV series shows. The weather is nice today but my left lower back/hip seems to think it is okay to stab me like needles, so I haven't done much walking this week. Beaner kicks continually and usually curls into my lower left hip, so I am thinking I might blame the Bean on this back pain! Don't worry, Bean's tough, he/she doesn't mind being blamed. In fact, if I were reading this out loud as I am writing Bean would probably laugh with mischief!
I looked up a moby wrap today. I decided I want to try one out which also made me decide I can make it myself. The video makes it look so fancy and complicated, but it is simply a five yard piece of cloth by 20 inches wide. So basically, to make it, all I have to do is buy a five yard piece of cloth and cut it to the proper width. And viola! I have a baby carrier. But this brings us back to the sewing machine, which means I will have to pull it out again and start this new project when I still haven't finished my quilt! I think to motivate myself maybe I shouldn't start my wrap until I finish my quilt. And really, there is no sewing required even, except I want to make the edges look nice.
When Dave gets home today he said he was going to wash and wax the car. I will be very impressed if this gets done! I will be even more impressed if he can talk me into helping! I have some exciting news but cannot share it this early as of yet. I have to work out some details first then I will share. And no, I still don't know what I am having, no I still don't know where I am moving, and no, I am not having twins. So maybe it is not that exciting, but you'll have to wait till next post to judge the excitement yourself!
I looked up a moby wrap today. I decided I want to try one out which also made me decide I can make it myself. The video makes it look so fancy and complicated, but it is simply a five yard piece of cloth by 20 inches wide. So basically, to make it, all I have to do is buy a five yard piece of cloth and cut it to the proper width. And viola! I have a baby carrier. But this brings us back to the sewing machine, which means I will have to pull it out again and start this new project when I still haven't finished my quilt! I think to motivate myself maybe I shouldn't start my wrap until I finish my quilt. And really, there is no sewing required even, except I want to make the edges look nice.
When Dave gets home today he said he was going to wash and wax the car. I will be very impressed if this gets done! I will be even more impressed if he can talk me into helping! I have some exciting news but cannot share it this early as of yet. I have to work out some details first then I will share. And no, I still don't know what I am having, no I still don't know where I am moving, and no, I am not having twins. So maybe it is not that exciting, but you'll have to wait till next post to judge the excitement yourself!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Baby Gear
Shopping for baby gear can be really fun, especially if you
are a mom-to-be without a job, social agenda, or school! In other words, lately
I have really enjoyed looking at baby items. The number one thing a new parent
must purchase is a car seat. Baby cannot even come home from the hospital
without one!
The journey of car seat searching began several months ago when I made my baby
registries. Without any prior knowledge on the topic, Dave and I chose two car
seats from Babies R Us: one was a stroller car seat combo and the other was a
car seat you leave in your vehicle and cannot carry baby around in. The
stroller combo caught our eye mostly because of the stroller. We liked the
three wheels (or so we thought) and Dave was very excited that the thing had cup
holders! (Yes, let a guy go shopping with you and you find the REAL things that
matter :) !! ) Upon first glance at the car seat, everything appeared to be
'safe' and just fine. To see our pick, go to: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904359
The second car seat we picked out was similar to a Chico, Graco, Evenflo or
Cosco. We liked the size, seeming to be 'safer' than a smaller car seat and
there 'appeared' to be comfy padding and necessary safety features. We
picked one out only with the comparison of the other car seats in the store.
I'm sure our choice looked similar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3882167
Just this week I deleted both car seats from our Babies R Us registry. After a
little more research and suggestions from friends, I decided to add the Combi
Cocorro car seat combo. Without seeing it in person, I have decided that I
love, love, love the color, and the seemingly ease of use and carrying the baby
around were also pluses. The car seat can be taken in and out of the car and
also attached to the cocorro stroller. The Combi is made in Japan. Although
this car seat looks fun and appears to be great in the beginning, I have also
decided against this car seat as well. Why? First of all, I couldn’t find many
tests or reviews on the safety and ratings of this seat. Second, it does not
come with a base which means every time you want to carry baby in it, you must
take it out of the car only to re-strap it in upon your next trip. This didn't
seem as 'safe' to me, because without a base, you have to get it in perfectly
every time to have maximum safety. Also, because it is so compact, I started to
think maybe smaller isn't always better, especially when it comes to keeping
baby safe. I would feel safer with more bulk, more protection. Then, when I
really got picky I decided I didn't like that it doesn't have a sun/wind visor
on it and the stroller itself, other than light weight and easy to haul, really
had no features. I still think this is a neat car seat to look at and probably
easy in terms of carrying weight, but I just wasn't sold. To see the one I thought
I wanted, click here: http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12&Color=7
are a mom-to-be without a job, social agenda, or school! In other words, lately
I have really enjoyed looking at baby items. The number one thing a new parent
must purchase is a car seat. Baby cannot even come home from the hospital
without one!
The journey of car seat searching began several months ago when I made my baby
registries. Without any prior knowledge on the topic, Dave and I chose two car
seats from Babies R Us: one was a stroller car seat combo and the other was a
car seat you leave in your vehicle and cannot carry baby around in. The
stroller combo caught our eye mostly because of the stroller. We liked the
three wheels (or so we thought) and Dave was very excited that the thing had cup
holders! (Yes, let a guy go shopping with you and you find the REAL things that
matter :) !! ) Upon first glance at the car seat, everything appeared to be
'safe' and just fine. To see our pick, go to: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904359
The second car seat we picked out was similar to a Chico, Graco, Evenflo or
Cosco. We liked the size, seeming to be 'safer' than a smaller car seat and
there 'appeared' to be comfy padding and necessary safety features. We
picked one out only with the comparison of the other car seats in the store.
I'm sure our choice looked similar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3882167
Just this week I deleted both car seats from our Babies R Us registry. After a
little more research and suggestions from friends, I decided to add the Combi
Cocorro car seat combo. Without seeing it in person, I have decided that I
love, love, love the color, and the seemingly ease of use and carrying the baby
around were also pluses. The car seat can be taken in and out of the car and
also attached to the cocorro stroller. The Combi is made in Japan. Although
this car seat looks fun and appears to be great in the beginning, I have also
decided against this car seat as well. Why? First of all, I couldn’t find many
tests or reviews on the safety and ratings of this seat. Second, it does not
come with a base which means every time you want to carry baby in it, you must
take it out of the car only to re-strap it in upon your next trip. This didn't
seem as 'safe' to me, because without a base, you have to get it in perfectly
every time to have maximum safety. Also, because it is so compact, I started to
think maybe smaller isn't always better, especially when it comes to keeping
baby safe. I would feel safer with more bulk, more protection. Then, when I
really got picky I decided I didn't like that it doesn't have a sun/wind visor
on it and the stroller itself, other than light weight and easy to haul, really
had no features. I still think this is a neat car seat to look at and probably
easy in terms of carrying weight, but I just wasn't sold. To see the one I thought
I wanted, click here: http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12&Color=7
Four months ago
when we began our car seat shopping, we
really didn’t know what we were getting into, what we needed, or what mattered.
Our first pick came mostly based on the stroller, with the car seat as ‘just a
part’ of the package. The second pick seemed a bit safer as we did read the
features listed and compared it to the car seats next to it. The third pick we
put a little more thought into, mostly seeing convenience, quality, and compact
size.
when we began our car seat shopping, we
really didn’t know what we were getting into, what we needed, or what mattered.
Our first pick came mostly based on the stroller, with the car seat as ‘just a
part’ of the package. The second pick seemed a bit safer as we did read the
features listed and compared it to the car seats next to it. The third pick we
put a little more thought into, mostly seeing convenience, quality, and compact
size.
Four months ago
of course I was pregnant and I knew I would
love this baby no matter what. But the difference today is that I physically
feel the life inside of me moving, kicking, and rolling. I have heard the
heartbeat
and seen the silhouette of our child. I’m not sure if many parents go through
this or not, but when reality sets in and you can feel the life, you start
thinking differently about everything. Now that I ‘look’ pregnant and I feel
the baby every day, there is a new connection. This reality is getting stronger
that one day soon I will have this baby in my arms, on the outside of my body.
And when I think of it like this, I start to really think about safety,
especially when it comes to car seats.
of course I was pregnant and I knew I would
love this baby no matter what. But the difference today is that I physically
feel the life inside of me moving, kicking, and rolling. I have heard the
heartbeat
and seen the silhouette of our child. I’m not sure if many parents go through
this or not, but when reality sets in and you can feel the life, you start
thinking differently about everything. Now that I ‘look’ pregnant and I feel
the baby every day, there is a new connection. This reality is getting stronger
that one day soon I will have this baby in my arms, on the outside of my body.
And when I think of it like this, I start to really think about safety,
especially when it comes to car seats.
Dave and I never
forget about our terrible car-totaling
crash about three years ago. When I think about the damage that happened to the
car and the simple miracle we are okay, I start to think about what if baby was
in the back seat? And when you have lived through such an experience, you can
really picture vividly the reality of the situation. And when I think about
putting our baby in the first car seat, I now cannot see the advantages to that
particular seat. So then I start to research safety ratings, crash tests, and
all the little extras that keep our little bundle of joy safe.
forget about our terrible car-totaling
crash about three years ago. When I think about the damage that happened to the
car and the simple miracle we are okay, I start to think about what if baby was
in the back seat? And when you have lived through such an experience, you can
really picture vividly the reality of the situation. And when I think about
putting our baby in the first car seat, I now cannot see the advantages to that
particular seat. So then I start to research safety ratings, crash tests, and
all the little extras that keep our little bundle of joy safe.
Without knowing
where to go next, I again recruit my
husband, hoping this time he will see more than just the perks of cup holders
on a stroller! This time we do our research. We watch videos, we read reviews,
and we find, simply put, the best. Unfortunately, ‘the best’ also happens to be
the most expensive. I cannot say from my own experience because I have not even
purchased the seat yet, but hours have been poured into reading other parent’s
reviews from various sites. We have
finally decided on a car seat combo that we like, that we trust, that has, over
and over, proven to be the best overall when you read what everyone else says
about it. We really like the Britax Chaperone seat and stroller combo. The
chaperone is a carrying car seat that has a base you install in the car. The
seat itself can be taken on and off the base and easily attached to the
stroller. The stroller itself can be used alone or with the car seat for
various configurations. The car seat has been tested in real collisions,
unlike other car seats that are tested
in lab settings. The car seat itself only weighs 10 pounds, which is comparable
to the ‘lightweight’ Combi. Also, the car seat has the additional features I
liked, with a visor for sun and rain. The stroller has been reviewed as very
well-made, sturdy. The bad reviews say it is bulky and heavy, but that is
almost a welcome thing to us, because we feel that means it is of better
quality and more sturdy. An added benefit to the chaperone is that it can
actually be taken off the base and installed in a second car without the base.
The idea here is if the base is in mommy’s car and daddy has to pick the child
up from daycare but does not have the base, all he has to do is strap the car
seat right into the car!
where to go next, I again recruit my
husband, hoping this time he will see more than just the perks of cup holders
on a stroller! This time we do our research. We watch videos, we read reviews,
and we find, simply put, the best. Unfortunately, ‘the best’ also happens to be
the most expensive. I cannot say from my own experience because I have not even
purchased the seat yet, but hours have been poured into reading other parent’s
reviews from various sites. We have
finally decided on a car seat combo that we like, that we trust, that has, over
and over, proven to be the best overall when you read what everyone else says
about it. We really like the Britax Chaperone seat and stroller combo. The
chaperone is a carrying car seat that has a base you install in the car. The
seat itself can be taken on and off the base and easily attached to the
stroller. The stroller itself can be used alone or with the car seat for
various configurations. The car seat has been tested in real collisions,
unlike other car seats that are tested
in lab settings. The car seat itself only weighs 10 pounds, which is comparable
to the ‘lightweight’ Combi. Also, the car seat has the additional features I
liked, with a visor for sun and rain. The stroller has been reviewed as very
well-made, sturdy. The bad reviews say it is bulky and heavy, but that is
almost a welcome thing to us, because we feel that means it is of better
quality and more sturdy. An added benefit to the chaperone is that it can
actually be taken off the base and installed in a second car without the base.
The idea here is if the base is in mommy’s car and daddy has to pick the child
up from daycare but does not have the base, all he has to do is strap the car
seat right into the car!
Safety 1st
car seats also received high safety
ratings and reviews, but time and again people said they are not as quality
made as the Britax. And I can understand why! What is the third complaint of
Britax? Cost!!! The American-made car seat rated #1 is also the most expensive.
But if you know me, you know I have magical ways of finding deals J. The total
cost for
the car seat and the stroller on the website itself is $538.00!!! This same set
can be found at Amazon for $479.00. But trust me, I don’t stop there! I
searched the Internet far and wide for two hours this morning. I would find
sites that have both, but not sold in a package. I would find discounts, but
then one would be out of stock. I found a really good site, strollers.com that
sells the combo set for $379.00. Now I knew I was getting closer! Oh, I should
mention that Britax.com has a combo special for $299.00 IF you like the only
overstocked color offered, which is navy blue diamonds. The fabric isn’t bad,
but it isn’t my first choice. Which is what sent me searching elsewhere for the
same deal with a different color. Now, the stroller.com site also offered a
promo discount that, viola!—made the combo $303.00 with free shipping! I saw
this and was very excited! Then I saw there were only three left! So I called
the company. After all of that, I find out they haven’t updated their site and
the deal is no longer available for that color! Bummer. But, don’t give up
right? So, then I went to diapers.com and looked around. They offered the
package deal for $379.00. As I was just about to settle and pay the money for
the color I wanted, I had a last minute idea! I called the company, and lo and
behold, they match other dealers! Which means, I have, at last, found my combo
car seat and stroller for $303!! Dave of course made me be open to other combo
brands and to check costs. I found most other combos that would have decent
safety ratings were still going for 250-300 total. So, to have the one I want
and trust, which is originally $538 for $303, I definitely feel safe with this
decision! To see our final decision, visit:
car seats also received high safety
ratings and reviews, but time and again people said they are not as quality
made as the Britax. And I can understand why! What is the third complaint of
Britax? Cost!!! The American-made car seat rated #1 is also the most expensive.
But if you know me, you know I have magical ways of finding deals J. The total
cost for
the car seat and the stroller on the website itself is $538.00!!! This same set
can be found at Amazon for $479.00. But trust me, I don’t stop there! I
searched the Internet far and wide for two hours this morning. I would find
sites that have both, but not sold in a package. I would find discounts, but
then one would be out of stock. I found a really good site, strollers.com that
sells the combo set for $379.00. Now I knew I was getting closer! Oh, I should
mention that Britax.com has a combo special for $299.00 IF you like the only
overstocked color offered, which is navy blue diamonds. The fabric isn’t bad,
but it isn’t my first choice. Which is what sent me searching elsewhere for the
same deal with a different color. Now, the stroller.com site also offered a
promo discount that, viola!—made the combo $303.00 with free shipping! I saw
this and was very excited! Then I saw there were only three left! So I called
the company. After all of that, I find out they haven’t updated their site and
the deal is no longer available for that color! Bummer. But, don’t give up
right? So, then I went to diapers.com and looked around. They offered the
package deal for $379.00. As I was just about to settle and pay the money for
the color I wanted, I had a last minute idea! I called the company, and lo and
behold, they match other dealers! Which means, I have, at last, found my combo
car seat and stroller for $303!! Dave of course made me be open to other combo
brands and to check costs. I found most other combos that would have decent
safety ratings were still going for 250-300 total. So, to have the one I want
and trust, which is originally $538 for $303, I definitely feel safe with this
decision! To see our final decision, visit:
Car seat: Check!
The rest of the baby gear will probably be
used and bough off of Craig’s list, which I am a-okay with! We have a beautiful
brand new bassinet and we will soon have the ‘American Dream’ car seat combo. I
might be eating ramen noodles for the rest of the month, but as long as I take
my prenatals, all will be successful.
The rest of the baby gear will probably be
used and bough off of Craig’s list, which I am a-okay with! We have a beautiful
brand new bassinet and we will soon have the ‘American Dream’ car seat combo. I
might be eating ramen noodles for the rest of the month, but as long as I take
my prenatals, all will be successful.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Outtings
Tuesday morning my friend invited me to Bible study at the church. I went, thinking it would be good to get out of the house and maybe have some daily structure and social connection, other than sitting my house alone all day. I figured there would be about 8-10 people. Nope! We get there and walk into a room with almost fifty women! I guess that 'connection' is available!
Wednesday morning I worked on my quilt quite a bit. As my first quilt ever, things proved difficult when trying to sew strips together both horizontally and vertically! Oh well, the baby probably won't notice the absolute mismatch of corners! The project kept me busy all afternoon at least!
Today, Friday, my eight month pregnant friend Sarah picked me up and we stopped at Starbucks for some pumpkin spice chai teas. Then, we headed over to the base to attend a Budgeting for Baby class. The class was actually very informative and organized: two things I did not expect! At the end of class, they give each expectant mother a gender neutral layette set worth $75.00 and we get to pick out a baby boy or baby girl blanket. Because I do not know what I am having, I chose a baby girl blanket. My mom made me a beautiful baby boy blanket last year and so if it is a boy I will be set! And now if it is a girl I am set! Sarah and I then went to Rumple New Skins, which is a baby store with some new and mostly gently used items. We had a good time just looking around. When we arrived back at my place, I was pleasantly surprised to see the co sleeper/bassinet which my mom had ordered for me was at my door! Sarah and I spent half the time trying to unzip the gear from the bag it came in! The zipper would not budge and for no obvious reason! Finally, (like 20 minutes later) we were able to get started! Two pregnant women bending, twisting, lifting--it would have been a site to behold! But together we managed to assemble into the co sleeping position, which is a rectangle with one side lowered that sits next to the bed. For our moving situation and timing, this is the perfect option for baby right now. We plan to look at cribs when we get to our new place in January and go from there. The co sleeper is very nice and very flexible as far as what you can do with it. We can use it as a bassinet, a small play pen, a traveling bed, or the actual co sleeper. I am excited for Dave to get home and see our hard work and beautiful new gift!
The Nebraska Corn huskers play the Washington Huskies tomorrow in college football, in Seattle. We thought about going but decided our big TV would be just fine, after seeing the tickets began at $125.00!! That is more than we would have to pay to go to an NFL game in Seattle! Go Big Red!
The Colts play on Sunday and Beaner has told me his/her eager anticipation for the game, in hopes that they turn there previous game play around and possibly step it up! So, this weekend will be the Beaner/Mommy/Daddy (?) football weekend. When the games are on, the Bean is kicking!
Wednesday morning I worked on my quilt quite a bit. As my first quilt ever, things proved difficult when trying to sew strips together both horizontally and vertically! Oh well, the baby probably won't notice the absolute mismatch of corners! The project kept me busy all afternoon at least!
Today, Friday, my eight month pregnant friend Sarah picked me up and we stopped at Starbucks for some pumpkin spice chai teas. Then, we headed over to the base to attend a Budgeting for Baby class. The class was actually very informative and organized: two things I did not expect! At the end of class, they give each expectant mother a gender neutral layette set worth $75.00 and we get to pick out a baby boy or baby girl blanket. Because I do not know what I am having, I chose a baby girl blanket. My mom made me a beautiful baby boy blanket last year and so if it is a boy I will be set! And now if it is a girl I am set! Sarah and I then went to Rumple New Skins, which is a baby store with some new and mostly gently used items. We had a good time just looking around. When we arrived back at my place, I was pleasantly surprised to see the co sleeper/bassinet which my mom had ordered for me was at my door! Sarah and I spent half the time trying to unzip the gear from the bag it came in! The zipper would not budge and for no obvious reason! Finally, (like 20 minutes later) we were able to get started! Two pregnant women bending, twisting, lifting--it would have been a site to behold! But together we managed to assemble into the co sleeping position, which is a rectangle with one side lowered that sits next to the bed. For our moving situation and timing, this is the perfect option for baby right now. We plan to look at cribs when we get to our new place in January and go from there. The co sleeper is very nice and very flexible as far as what you can do with it. We can use it as a bassinet, a small play pen, a traveling bed, or the actual co sleeper. I am excited for Dave to get home and see our hard work and beautiful new gift!
The Nebraska Corn huskers play the Washington Huskies tomorrow in college football, in Seattle. We thought about going but decided our big TV would be just fine, after seeing the tickets began at $125.00!! That is more than we would have to pay to go to an NFL game in Seattle! Go Big Red!
The Colts play on Sunday and Beaner has told me his/her eager anticipation for the game, in hopes that they turn there previous game play around and possibly step it up! So, this weekend will be the Beaner/Mommy/Daddy (?) football weekend. When the games are on, the Bean is kicking!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Super Hero
Hobbling down the street and
Trying to take a little breather-
Breaking for the day underneath
The leafy cedar
Looking forward as the hill
Seems always longer
Steeper distant-
Feeling sharp pains every step
Every instant.
Three days now no more relaxing walks
To take-
Inside the house catch your breath-
Catch a break.
Labor and Delivery it's time to plan
A visit-
But not for the big moment "This is it!"
No instead to find out that
The ligament is pulled-
Strained stretched done for now-
The uterus its job to hold.
No more outside walks,
No more cool breeze on the face.
Finding the bed to be
The new molding place.
A day before the party
The graduation the big day-
Where friends and food will gather
Playing games the night away,
And don't think this pregnant lady will
Roll the dice to chance,
A big soft recliner keeps me rollin
The party still will dance.
So no I'm not the super hero
I'm the princess in distress-
And my super hero husband
Did the house chores did the rest.
He cleaned all day and rearranged
My house to hold the fun,
He pampered me and cared for me
And when I thought he's done-
He ran the errands, set the stage
He was the greatest host.
A daddy in the making-
The one I love the most!
The night was such a huge success
The show does go on-
My super hero made it possible to play
Almost till dawn-
And when the guests left for the night
And we went fast asleep-
I knew my super hero was ready,
For any giant future leap.
This Beaner will have the greatest
Daddy of them all,
For all the love he shows mommy
Daddy knows his Daddy call.
Trying to take a little breather-
Breaking for the day underneath
The leafy cedar
Looking forward as the hill
Seems always longer
Steeper distant-
Feeling sharp pains every step
Every instant.
Three days now no more relaxing walks
To take-
Inside the house catch your breath-
Catch a break.
Labor and Delivery it's time to plan
A visit-
But not for the big moment "This is it!"
No instead to find out that
The ligament is pulled-
Strained stretched done for now-
The uterus its job to hold.
No more outside walks,
No more cool breeze on the face.
Finding the bed to be
The new molding place.
A day before the party
The graduation the big day-
Where friends and food will gather
Playing games the night away,
And don't think this pregnant lady will
Roll the dice to chance,
A big soft recliner keeps me rollin
The party still will dance.
So no I'm not the super hero
I'm the princess in distress-
And my super hero husband
Did the house chores did the rest.
He cleaned all day and rearranged
My house to hold the fun,
He pampered me and cared for me
And when I thought he's done-
He ran the errands, set the stage
He was the greatest host.
A daddy in the making-
The one I love the most!
The night was such a huge success
The show does go on-
My super hero made it possible to play
Almost till dawn-
And when the guests left for the night
And we went fast asleep-
I knew my super hero was ready,
For any giant future leap.
This Beaner will have the greatest
Daddy of them all,
For all the love he shows mommy
Daddy knows his Daddy call.
Friday, September 3, 2010
It's Official
My new title: I am officially the coolest house wife ever! In the past two weeks I have baked homemade bread, made homemade blackberry jam (from berries I picked myself!), cleaned the entire house, completed an entire scrap book, set up a mutual fund, opened a savings account, enrolled for a certification class, prepared meals from scratch, created two baby registries, and the icing on the cake: I am now 100% football season ready, after creating my NFL.com fantasy football team!!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOOOO!!!!
So top that June Cleaver! The best thing about finishing college in August is having all the time in the world to watch every preseason and regular season game! This is pretty easy to do with a DVR! :) So I may not make money and I may not be getting any more college education, but I am a highly efficient NFL football game watcher :) Beaner loves it too and I know this for a fact because when big things happen on the big screen, Beaner kicks and flips and cheerleads along! Plus, I think we have telepathy when it comes to football :) So my offical new NFL draft team name is Beaner's Blitzers. If you don't know what a blitz is, that is when the line breaks out of ordinary play in order to surprise or come up behind the quarterback for a sack. :) See, told you I'm the coolest house wife ever!
In other Beaner news: next doctor's appointments are not yet set but soon will be scheduled for three to four weeks out. Until then, I must stock up on the nachos, chicken wings, sparkling alcoholic free punch, and watch the games :)
So top that June Cleaver! The best thing about finishing college in August is having all the time in the world to watch every preseason and regular season game! This is pretty easy to do with a DVR! :) So I may not make money and I may not be getting any more college education, but I am a highly efficient NFL football game watcher :) Beaner loves it too and I know this for a fact because when big things happen on the big screen, Beaner kicks and flips and cheerleads along! Plus, I think we have telepathy when it comes to football :) So my offical new NFL draft team name is Beaner's Blitzers. If you don't know what a blitz is, that is when the line breaks out of ordinary play in order to surprise or come up behind the quarterback for a sack. :) See, told you I'm the coolest house wife ever!
In other Beaner news: next doctor's appointments are not yet set but soon will be scheduled for three to four weeks out. Until then, I must stock up on the nachos, chicken wings, sparkling alcoholic free punch, and watch the games :)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Movement
Movement is occurring everywhere lately. The degree is completed. The future new home is being decided. The numbers on the scale move up. And the Bean moves constantly! All the time. In every direction. Never ending. Seriously! Jumping Bean. So recent entertainment has been performed by taking random objects and placing them on my stomach then watching them jump up and down or get knocked off completely. With no job and no school, what else should I be doing!?
This week I plan to begin the continuation of my quilt. I figure there is no better time than now. I had a check up on Thursday. The next doctor's appointment will be in four weeks, where I will have an ultra sound to check baby's weight, lab work, and the RH shot. Which, I am a bit concerned about. Because they still cannot give a 100% answer on my blood type, I am wondering if the shot is really necessary. As far as I understand, if Dave is positive, and there is the possibility I am negative, then I need the shot. But, if I am positive and Dave is negative, the shot is not necessary. This is also true if I am negative and Dave is negative. Therefore, since I am pretty sure Dave is negative, then I am wondering why I am getting the shot? The question is, how come my doctor has not once asked about Dave's blood type? He does not seem to think it matters but all of my research has been based on the two parents, not just the mother. Getting the shot when unnecessary is not harmful so I guess we are just playing it safe.
The doctor measured my fundal height (the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus) and told me I am exactly where I need to be. Other than that, no new baby news.
I went to a few garage sales yesterday. Because I am unsure of the gender, I have decided to buy for both when I see a deal I cannot resist. Yesterday was eight pairs of little boy shoes in perfect condition! I looked up the costs online and the total was around 160 dollars, when I spent 8! So that was pretty exciting. Of course, if we have a girl I will just have a box of boy stuff ready for the next round :)
Today is house cleaning, ,movie watching, pizza eating day!
This week I plan to begin the continuation of my quilt. I figure there is no better time than now. I had a check up on Thursday. The next doctor's appointment will be in four weeks, where I will have an ultra sound to check baby's weight, lab work, and the RH shot. Which, I am a bit concerned about. Because they still cannot give a 100% answer on my blood type, I am wondering if the shot is really necessary. As far as I understand, if Dave is positive, and there is the possibility I am negative, then I need the shot. But, if I am positive and Dave is negative, the shot is not necessary. This is also true if I am negative and Dave is negative. Therefore, since I am pretty sure Dave is negative, then I am wondering why I am getting the shot? The question is, how come my doctor has not once asked about Dave's blood type? He does not seem to think it matters but all of my research has been based on the two parents, not just the mother. Getting the shot when unnecessary is not harmful so I guess we are just playing it safe.
The doctor measured my fundal height (the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus) and told me I am exactly where I need to be. Other than that, no new baby news.
I went to a few garage sales yesterday. Because I am unsure of the gender, I have decided to buy for both when I see a deal I cannot resist. Yesterday was eight pairs of little boy shoes in perfect condition! I looked up the costs online and the total was around 160 dollars, when I spent 8! So that was pretty exciting. Of course, if we have a girl I will just have a box of boy stuff ready for the next round :)
Today is house cleaning, ,movie watching, pizza eating day!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sound of Silence at a Stand-Off
The 12 day blog withdrawal is officially over. So today I applied for a blog job, and only after doing so did I fail to remember that I don't bother editing, spellchecking, and correcting my errors in my current blog! Wow, when they look at this I'm sure going to look uhnedukayted.
Anyway! My friend is doing well, all things considered. She lost her baby to heaven last week and I think my hormone fits are in direct connection to her situation. That, or this lack of school and job is getting the better of me. Anyone have any suggestions? So far I have the idea to scrapbook, quilt, clean the house to perfection, attempt to find small writing jobs which will pay me enough to buy lunch every day, and I might even take another class in order to keep my brain running!
Here's a good story! (Pregnancy related even!) So upon my doctor's desperate attempt to get me to gain weight, I agreed to see a dietitian. We sat there for an hour going over all the obvious food ideas that I already knew. Then, upon completion of seeing my 'food journal' she suggested the following: "You should increase your calories by your beverages. Since you already drink milk and juice, you should add soda pop to your diet." Umm, really!?!?!? Did you read that!? Yes, my dietitian suggested soda to a pregnant lady! You know, the sugary, caffeinated carbon bubblies that take away from calcium absorption in the bones! Pregnant women are to limit their caffeine intake, sugar is a door opener for gestational diabetes, and the carbonated bubblies eat calcium from my bones! I tell you what! Unless I GET diabetes, I may never step foot into a dietitian's office again!
So, yes, I have not gained the weight they are looking for me to gain. I am trying though still!! I have gained weight though! 13 pounds since the beginning. Baby Beaner is 2 oz. below his necessary weight so I am feeding him more milk and peanut butter. The joys of being a navy housewife with nothing better to do (or required) than to take hand to mouth and stuff face over and over.
Aside from the every day eating frenzy, I work on small tasks. For example, right now I am currently fighting tooth and nail with my school so that, just maybe, I will get my degree this weekend! Yes, that's right, graduation is upon me. However, a $150.30 late fee that they absolutely insist is my fault for tuition, it looms over me like the messenger of death. I am stubborn and upset and absolutely refuse to pay this ridiculous trivial penny ripping scheme. Long story short, the military account that paid for my tuition paid later than should be and I am stuck with the bill. Because I did not certify mail a letter sent back in April, they have no proof the letter was ever sent and therefore, I am a liar and must pay. Lesson: Never trust a company, business, corporation, administration, or the like. You MUST learn that people screw people and there is no longer this thing called forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
See what happens when I don't write for a long time? All the entrapment spews forth and you are left to read the gloriousness of it all.
I do have a positive note though! My sister and brother in law and two nephews came to visit last week. They spent two days at our house and we spent two days camping with them in La Push, Washington, aka Twilight Jacob's werewolf abode. The ocean at La Push is gorgeous. We drove to Cape Flattery, WA, the most northwest point of the United States. Absolutely breathtaking! If I decide not to be lazy later on, I may just post a picture or two of the spectacular views!
Next doctor's appointment: Thursday. Next ultrasound: approximately three weeks. Next snack time: Now. So see you later!
Anyway! My friend is doing well, all things considered. She lost her baby to heaven last week and I think my hormone fits are in direct connection to her situation. That, or this lack of school and job is getting the better of me. Anyone have any suggestions? So far I have the idea to scrapbook, quilt, clean the house to perfection, attempt to find small writing jobs which will pay me enough to buy lunch every day, and I might even take another class in order to keep my brain running!
Here's a good story! (Pregnancy related even!) So upon my doctor's desperate attempt to get me to gain weight, I agreed to see a dietitian. We sat there for an hour going over all the obvious food ideas that I already knew. Then, upon completion of seeing my 'food journal' she suggested the following: "You should increase your calories by your beverages. Since you already drink milk and juice, you should add soda pop to your diet." Umm, really!?!?!? Did you read that!? Yes, my dietitian suggested soda to a pregnant lady! You know, the sugary, caffeinated carbon bubblies that take away from calcium absorption in the bones! Pregnant women are to limit their caffeine intake, sugar is a door opener for gestational diabetes, and the carbonated bubblies eat calcium from my bones! I tell you what! Unless I GET diabetes, I may never step foot into a dietitian's office again!
So, yes, I have not gained the weight they are looking for me to gain. I am trying though still!! I have gained weight though! 13 pounds since the beginning. Baby Beaner is 2 oz. below his necessary weight so I am feeding him more milk and peanut butter. The joys of being a navy housewife with nothing better to do (or required) than to take hand to mouth and stuff face over and over.
Aside from the every day eating frenzy, I work on small tasks. For example, right now I am currently fighting tooth and nail with my school so that, just maybe, I will get my degree this weekend! Yes, that's right, graduation is upon me. However, a $150.30 late fee that they absolutely insist is my fault for tuition, it looms over me like the messenger of death. I am stubborn and upset and absolutely refuse to pay this ridiculous trivial penny ripping scheme. Long story short, the military account that paid for my tuition paid later than should be and I am stuck with the bill. Because I did not certify mail a letter sent back in April, they have no proof the letter was ever sent and therefore, I am a liar and must pay. Lesson: Never trust a company, business, corporation, administration, or the like. You MUST learn that people screw people and there is no longer this thing called forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
See what happens when I don't write for a long time? All the entrapment spews forth and you are left to read the gloriousness of it all.
I do have a positive note though! My sister and brother in law and two nephews came to visit last week. They spent two days at our house and we spent two days camping with them in La Push, Washington, aka Twilight Jacob's werewolf abode. The ocean at La Push is gorgeous. We drove to Cape Flattery, WA, the most northwest point of the United States. Absolutely breathtaking! If I decide not to be lazy later on, I may just post a picture or two of the spectacular views!
Next doctor's appointment: Thursday. Next ultrasound: approximately three weeks. Next snack time: Now. So see you later!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Today's Plans
As you can see, the ultrasound went very well. Apparently I had a few people fooled with the ultrasound pics, as it says 'twin a' and 'twin b' on the bottom. No, there are not twins. One singleton Beaner only. But a healthy Beaner at that!
So today I am going to try on every dress in my closest to see if I have one fitting and that fits! for an outdoor wedding we are going to today. A fellow officer on the boat is getting married. I am not really sure what I have that fits. I plan on getting all dolled up, as of lately, my husband thinks it is quite hillarious to point out all my flaws which come with pregnancy. So, in order to 'knock him off his feet' I plan on playing dress up today and spending the maximum amount of time getting ready. If all goes well and I feel like I did the trick, I will post for you a picture of my efforts! If all does not go well, well then I am not going to let you see!
Apparently I have missed some very important people in the inclusion of this website. In other words, this site is open to the public and if you know of someone who cares to know the ins and outs of my pregnancy, please pass this site along. In the beginning I was more hush hush, but now the market is open! Other than a few immediate relatives, I'm not really sure if you're reading unless you leave me a comment every once in a while! Maybe, if I get really creative and motivated, I will attempt to post a short video of the ultrasound.
We are due December 22nd. My nephew gets married shortly after and there is most likely no way I will be able to travel across the country to make it. December is a big month! Dave will leave and upon his return, we will move out. Still, we do not know where we are going to be sent. Maybe in another month or two. This actually makes things more exciting because everything will be happening at once!
No doctor has mentioned bed rest to me for several weeks, so maybe I'm in the clear!? Still not sure, but it seems like up to this point, things are going way better than anyone projected them to be. So I will hold up my end of the deal and continue to eat all the time, regardless of my hunger level. Apparently that's the only thing I am pointed out on, so yes, the grocery bill will continue to rise and I will continue to eat. I think I am eating double what I am used to eating and the weight is still coming very slowly. It is almost as if I have quadrupled my metabolism over night! Tomorrow I make pot roast. :) If my Grandma and Mom were here, I would have them help me make cabbage burgers, which is the most amazing thing ever and something I seem to want all the time and don't know how to make. I have been trying to talk my brother into coming over to make me eggrolls. He is either really busy or has since begun to ignore my texts! :) I will keep working on him though.
Please continue to keep my dear friend in your prayers, as her, her baby, and her family is always on my heart.
So today I am going to try on every dress in my closest to see if I have one fitting and that fits! for an outdoor wedding we are going to today. A fellow officer on the boat is getting married. I am not really sure what I have that fits. I plan on getting all dolled up, as of lately, my husband thinks it is quite hillarious to point out all my flaws which come with pregnancy. So, in order to 'knock him off his feet' I plan on playing dress up today and spending the maximum amount of time getting ready. If all goes well and I feel like I did the trick, I will post for you a picture of my efforts! If all does not go well, well then I am not going to let you see!
Apparently I have missed some very important people in the inclusion of this website. In other words, this site is open to the public and if you know of someone who cares to know the ins and outs of my pregnancy, please pass this site along. In the beginning I was more hush hush, but now the market is open! Other than a few immediate relatives, I'm not really sure if you're reading unless you leave me a comment every once in a while! Maybe, if I get really creative and motivated, I will attempt to post a short video of the ultrasound.
We are due December 22nd. My nephew gets married shortly after and there is most likely no way I will be able to travel across the country to make it. December is a big month! Dave will leave and upon his return, we will move out. Still, we do not know where we are going to be sent. Maybe in another month or two. This actually makes things more exciting because everything will be happening at once!
No doctor has mentioned bed rest to me for several weeks, so maybe I'm in the clear!? Still not sure, but it seems like up to this point, things are going way better than anyone projected them to be. So I will hold up my end of the deal and continue to eat all the time, regardless of my hunger level. Apparently that's the only thing I am pointed out on, so yes, the grocery bill will continue to rise and I will continue to eat. I think I am eating double what I am used to eating and the weight is still coming very slowly. It is almost as if I have quadrupled my metabolism over night! Tomorrow I make pot roast. :) If my Grandma and Mom were here, I would have them help me make cabbage burgers, which is the most amazing thing ever and something I seem to want all the time and don't know how to make. I have been trying to talk my brother into coming over to make me eggrolls. He is either really busy or has since begun to ignore my texts! :) I will keep working on him though.
Please continue to keep my dear friend in your prayers, as her, her baby, and her family is always on my heart.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back from trip!
Our visit to Orlando was fantastic. I had a few pregnancy issues while there. First off, in the airplane as soon as we touched down in Orlando after an overnight flight, I dashed to the plane's bathroom and motion/hungry/pregnancy/thirsty? sickness set in. As soon as I was finished puking, my nose started to bleed! Helloooooooooo ORLANDOOOO!!!
So anyway, then we got to our resort and instead of taking naps, decided to venture out in the blazing sun and play 18 hole Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf! Although I had four holes in one, Dave still beat me! The rest of the week continued with Walt Disney World, one day at each park. We then spent an entire day at Clearwater Beach and went on a dolphin touring boat which was amazing! Then we drove to Cape Canaveral Florida and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Our final day we spent at Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at the T-Rex restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe). Prior to eating though, I drank my entire glass of iced tea. Having nothing else in my stomach and already an hour over my hunger point, this did not last long! Back to the bathroom and super sick again! Once I sat down though and my food came (lasagna and bread) I was able to not only eat, but polish off the entire meal! This, I must say, is extremely impressive for my small and repulsive appetite! I think, ladies and gentemen, that I may just be getting my appetite back!
When we got home I stepped on the scale to see if the number would please my ever concerned doc! I believe he will be happy the next time he sees me, as that week alone I gained two pounds! And THAT is on top of ALL THAT WALKING!!!
Tomorrow morning is the ultra sound. This will be daddy Dave's first Beaner debut. We are very excited. And yes, I will, in fact, assuming I figure out how.... post the ultrasound picture for all my inquiring Beaner fans (yes, all, seven of you?!)
This week's posts will be brief, as Friday is my final day of school for my Bachelor's Degree! August grad!! YAY!
So anyway, then we got to our resort and instead of taking naps, decided to venture out in the blazing sun and play 18 hole Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf! Although I had four holes in one, Dave still beat me! The rest of the week continued with Walt Disney World, one day at each park. We then spent an entire day at Clearwater Beach and went on a dolphin touring boat which was amazing! Then we drove to Cape Canaveral Florida and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Our final day we spent at Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at the T-Rex restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe). Prior to eating though, I drank my entire glass of iced tea. Having nothing else in my stomach and already an hour over my hunger point, this did not last long! Back to the bathroom and super sick again! Once I sat down though and my food came (lasagna and bread) I was able to not only eat, but polish off the entire meal! This, I must say, is extremely impressive for my small and repulsive appetite! I think, ladies and gentemen, that I may just be getting my appetite back!
When we got home I stepped on the scale to see if the number would please my ever concerned doc! I believe he will be happy the next time he sees me, as that week alone I gained two pounds! And THAT is on top of ALL THAT WALKING!!!
Tomorrow morning is the ultra sound. This will be daddy Dave's first Beaner debut. We are very excited. And yes, I will, in fact, assuming I figure out how.... post the ultrasound picture for all my inquiring Beaner fans (yes, all, seven of you?!)
This week's posts will be brief, as Friday is my final day of school for my Bachelor's Degree! August grad!! YAY!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Short blurb
Super duper tired. Went to submarine picnic this morning. Trying to stay awake, not sure why. Have class right now but too distracted, as we are packing and getting ready for our trip. Sleeping on an airplane is not my best night's rest. Yuck! Back hurts. Not sure why I'm posting today with nothing to say, I guess I wanted to let you know I'm attempting to continue to post :)
Beaner is moving more every day. I think he has perfected the sommersault!
Beaner is moving more every day. I think he has perfected the sommersault!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Ugh
Ugh is the best word to describe how I feel right now. I spent the morning watching TV. Then, I cleaned the bathroom and organized my bedroom. Then, I went to the store and bought snacks for our trip. Now I am once again hungry and thirsty, my back is sore from store and cleaning, and I have no motivation to do anything else, yet, feel too lazy to do nothing. Therefore, I've considered writing one more blog before our trip as doing something. I had the worst nightmare ever the other night. It was so terrible I don't think you want to know, but it was about someone breaking in to kill Beaner while still in my belly. Not fun. Yesterday after the dream, Beaner didn't move barely at all. It freaked me out. But this morning he's been kicking like crazy and continuing to do so! In fact, I'm so surprised by his movement that I want to type faster to get this over with so I can just sit here and feel her move! (Like how I transitioned with him and her? :) )
Tonight we hail the new captain of the boat. This means we welcome him to the crew and go to dinner at his house. I'm kind of looking forward to this. This new captain has done a lot for Dave and I to help us out with baby and my back and I am very thankful for him.
Some people have assumed which sex of baby I want. I actually haven't told anyone if I have a preference. Nor do I intend to now. But what I will say is that not even Dave knows if I have a preference or not. And people cannot tell me that I cannot say "a healthy one" because YES I CAN. and YES I WILL. And, especially, with my history, I am entirely in the right to be able to say that. In fact, anyone is really. But if I must, I will give one cliche, I want a cute baby. :)
I better end this now so I can go start my "online diet journal" which is mandatory homework assigned to me by my doctor! YAY.... (sacrasm drips...) It's a pain in the butt enough finding things I will eat, let alone having to log in every day to record it all! Oh well, it's all for the Bean!
Tonight we hail the new captain of the boat. This means we welcome him to the crew and go to dinner at his house. I'm kind of looking forward to this. This new captain has done a lot for Dave and I to help us out with baby and my back and I am very thankful for him.
Some people have assumed which sex of baby I want. I actually haven't told anyone if I have a preference. Nor do I intend to now. But what I will say is that not even Dave knows if I have a preference or not. And people cannot tell me that I cannot say "a healthy one" because YES I CAN. and YES I WILL. And, especially, with my history, I am entirely in the right to be able to say that. In fact, anyone is really. But if I must, I will give one cliche, I want a cute baby. :)
I better end this now so I can go start my "online diet journal" which is mandatory homework assigned to me by my doctor! YAY.... (sacrasm drips...) It's a pain in the butt enough finding things I will eat, let alone having to log in every day to record it all! Oh well, it's all for the Bean!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Doctor Appointment
Yesterday I saw my doctor. My blood pressure was low, lower than last time. According to my doctor, I have not gained weight in six weeks. I think that's inaccurate, because I have weighed myself same time once a week at home and I have gained a few pounds. I have to see a dietician now and figure out a new eating plan, plus I'm now required to count all of my calories because my doctor is very concerned I am not getting enough. Oh, the good part, we heard Beaner's heartbeat and it was a healthy 156 beats per minute. He was kicking the whole time during listening, so we could 'hear' the kicks too, and actually see them. Doctor seemed surprised at how active the Bean was being. :)
Our trip is fine to go on, he didn't seem very concerned about any of our upcoming adventures. He said to take it easy on the rollercoasters and jerky rides and upside down rides, but otherwise use my judgment.
Yesterday was an amazing festivity of food stuffing. I really tried so after the appointment we ate at the hospital cafeteria. I had mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, a baked chicken leg (GROSS!) cottage cheese (GROSS) lemon cake (GROSS) milk and cranberry juice. This is like, amazing for me. Then, for dinner, it gets even more amazing because I ate the most repulsive piece of fried chicken breast ever! Dave laughed at me the whole time because he said I looked in pain as I was eating it. I hate chicken. But I'm trying, so Beaner, you better be happy! :) The only protein foods that do not gross me out are South Beach Diet protein bars. I think I am going to have to stock up because if I have to eat chicken again... well, I just hope I can find an alternative.
Other than chicken, things are going well. Beaner kicks a lot now. Even though he can't see anything, I think he's excited for his first trip to Disney World. :)
Our trip is fine to go on, he didn't seem very concerned about any of our upcoming adventures. He said to take it easy on the rollercoasters and jerky rides and upside down rides, but otherwise use my judgment.
Yesterday was an amazing festivity of food stuffing. I really tried so after the appointment we ate at the hospital cafeteria. I had mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, a baked chicken leg (GROSS!) cottage cheese (GROSS) lemon cake (GROSS) milk and cranberry juice. This is like, amazing for me. Then, for dinner, it gets even more amazing because I ate the most repulsive piece of fried chicken breast ever! Dave laughed at me the whole time because he said I looked in pain as I was eating it. I hate chicken. But I'm trying, so Beaner, you better be happy! :) The only protein foods that do not gross me out are South Beach Diet protein bars. I think I am going to have to stock up because if I have to eat chicken again... well, I just hope I can find an alternative.
Other than chicken, things are going well. Beaner kicks a lot now. Even though he can't see anything, I think he's excited for his first trip to Disney World. :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Fast food frenzy
I love you too Alex! And yes, mom, I will ask lots of questions!
This morning I woke up and drove straight to McDonalds. Yes, the place I hate, the place I dread, the place my in-laws think is the greatest thing ever, the place I cannot even stand to think about or else I will feel sick. However, I give them props for three things: 1. Orange Hi-C. There is no limit to how much I can drink! 2. smoothies, although, I have not been able to try them yet because everytime I go there for a smoothie their machine is broken, and 3. sausage burritos. For someone who really doesn't like any 'real' food, eggs and sausage and cheese really sound terrible. But, for some reason, I not only tolerate them but at times crave them. So this morning I bought four, thinking I could eat them throughout the day eventually. After church today, we went to Arby's and got junior roast beefs. Another completely nasty not on the list food. However, in the five seconds I saw Arby's and decided I could tolerate it, Dave spun in there so fast, there was no going back! So I ate it in the car on the way home before I changed my mind. This is all in an attempt to gain weight and eat protein and fat. This whole drinking 2 plus quarts of water a day is starting to get to me. I spend more time in the bathroom than anywhere else throughout the day! It's bad enough to have constant pressure on your bladder from baby, but then having a bladder always full! UGH!
I am very worn out and it is only 6:30PM and I have not done much except go to church, eat, and watch movies today. I have yet to pack for our trip and I still have a few chapters to read before I take off, but reading and packing both seem like too much work. I would like to get some fresh air and loosen up my back and go on a walk but I fear having to pee the minute I step out the door. Wow, I'm going to be great fun to my husband in Orlando! :)
My nephew took off for marine basic training today. He plans to visit in November after he graduates, at which time I will be very much bigger. I'm excited for him and to see him after his butt kicking.
As much as I wish Dave would read more baby books (aka pamper pregnant mom books) he does a pretty decent job when he wants too. Today he cleaned the kitchen and living room practically by himself, as I puttered around. I'm happy I have him! Tomorrow is the doctor's appointment! I'm thinking of chugging a gallon of water so we don't have to talk about my inability to gain weight! Oh well, we'll see. If only they made a tasteless pill for that!
This morning I woke up and drove straight to McDonalds. Yes, the place I hate, the place I dread, the place my in-laws think is the greatest thing ever, the place I cannot even stand to think about or else I will feel sick. However, I give them props for three things: 1. Orange Hi-C. There is no limit to how much I can drink! 2. smoothies, although, I have not been able to try them yet because everytime I go there for a smoothie their machine is broken, and 3. sausage burritos. For someone who really doesn't like any 'real' food, eggs and sausage and cheese really sound terrible. But, for some reason, I not only tolerate them but at times crave them. So this morning I bought four, thinking I could eat them throughout the day eventually. After church today, we went to Arby's and got junior roast beefs. Another completely nasty not on the list food. However, in the five seconds I saw Arby's and decided I could tolerate it, Dave spun in there so fast, there was no going back! So I ate it in the car on the way home before I changed my mind. This is all in an attempt to gain weight and eat protein and fat. This whole drinking 2 plus quarts of water a day is starting to get to me. I spend more time in the bathroom than anywhere else throughout the day! It's bad enough to have constant pressure on your bladder from baby, but then having a bladder always full! UGH!
I am very worn out and it is only 6:30PM and I have not done much except go to church, eat, and watch movies today. I have yet to pack for our trip and I still have a few chapters to read before I take off, but reading and packing both seem like too much work. I would like to get some fresh air and loosen up my back and go on a walk but I fear having to pee the minute I step out the door. Wow, I'm going to be great fun to my husband in Orlando! :)
My nephew took off for marine basic training today. He plans to visit in November after he graduates, at which time I will be very much bigger. I'm excited for him and to see him after his butt kicking.
As much as I wish Dave would read more baby books (aka pamper pregnant mom books) he does a pretty decent job when he wants too. Today he cleaned the kitchen and living room practically by himself, as I puttered around. I'm happy I have him! Tomorrow is the doctor's appointment! I'm thinking of chugging a gallon of water so we don't have to talk about my inability to gain weight! Oh well, we'll see. If only they made a tasteless pill for that!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Kicking Bean
Beaner moves around, quite a bit actually. Most of the movements I can only feel with my fingertips, but lately, I can feel kicking or movement just from within! My husband is too impatient to hold his hand there long enough to feel, but soon enough and he won't have to wait too long!
Today was a good day. I got a lot of reading and notetaking done, cleaned house a bit, and scored some free concert tickets for a concert I'm not sure I'll even go too. (Toby Keith and Trace Atkins). There is a tiny chance that we might have family visit this week, assuming they can come see the submarine. But with such a last minute notice this might not all come together. We are busily getting our house in order and working on the very beginnings of packing, as in, we are thinking about it! We pull out of Washington in January and I obviously won't be of much use to pack beginning in November and especially December, so we are trying to get everything ready to go before I become too 'incapable'. :)
Doctor appointment is on Monday. Still attempting to regain my appetite!
And, now, for all this demand to post a blog everyday, how come I no longer receive comments?? Readers! Start typing back :)
Back to class now. Had a great day!
Today was a good day. I got a lot of reading and notetaking done, cleaned house a bit, and scored some free concert tickets for a concert I'm not sure I'll even go too. (Toby Keith and Trace Atkins). There is a tiny chance that we might have family visit this week, assuming they can come see the submarine. But with such a last minute notice this might not all come together. We are busily getting our house in order and working on the very beginnings of packing, as in, we are thinking about it! We pull out of Washington in January and I obviously won't be of much use to pack beginning in November and especially December, so we are trying to get everything ready to go before I become too 'incapable'. :)
Doctor appointment is on Monday. Still attempting to regain my appetite!
And, now, for all this demand to post a blog everyday, how come I no longer receive comments?? Readers! Start typing back :)
Back to class now. Had a great day!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Celebrating with a Coke
Very seldom do I drink caffeine. As in, maybe seven caffeinated beverages in the last 18 weeks. But today called for a Coca Cola. So, I called the doctor today. My lab results are in for the quad screen. The result: NEGATIVE. Which, is positive! Confused? Basically the screen tested for downs, trisnomy two types, and something called afp, (I think). Well, the result is that based on this test, Beaner does not have any of it, so he/she is healthy as far as we know.
Once again, celebrating is worthwhile yes, but still difficult to fully enjoy with my friend knowing her baby is not so fortunate. That is still rough and maybe why I haven't written as much. However, she has told me time and again to continue to share my news and be joyful about it and let her know what is going on.
So here's some new news. We are officially moving from Washington. We have no idea to where yet, as nothing is finalized, but we will be moving the first of February, just one short month after Beaner's debut into the world. This will be quite interesting!!! There will be A LOT to do!
If you didn't know, we also go to Disney World soon. Which means, I better start catching up on my reading for class so I do not slack too much! I still have half of a class to finish in order to graduate and don't want to get behind! Starting at the end of August I should be able to focus more on preparing the house for the move and the baby.
More to come, but I just wanted to give a quick update for my small handful of readers! Oh, and, if you want to share this blog with anyone, I am open and up for that at this point. (Yes mom, you can officially spill the Beaner to the world!)
Once again, celebrating is worthwhile yes, but still difficult to fully enjoy with my friend knowing her baby is not so fortunate. That is still rough and maybe why I haven't written as much. However, she has told me time and again to continue to share my news and be joyful about it and let her know what is going on.
So here's some new news. We are officially moving from Washington. We have no idea to where yet, as nothing is finalized, but we will be moving the first of February, just one short month after Beaner's debut into the world. This will be quite interesting!!! There will be A LOT to do!
If you didn't know, we also go to Disney World soon. Which means, I better start catching up on my reading for class so I do not slack too much! I still have half of a class to finish in order to graduate and don't want to get behind! Starting at the end of August I should be able to focus more on preparing the house for the move and the baby.
More to come, but I just wanted to give a quick update for my small handful of readers! Oh, and, if you want to share this blog with anyone, I am open and up for that at this point. (Yes mom, you can officially spill the Beaner to the world!)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tests
In a way, it almost feels wrong to continue writing about my journey and joys of this pregnancy when I know my friend is going through so much. However, after finally being able to speak to her on the phone, she has assured me that she wants to hear about me, is happy for me, etc. etc. etc. I know this very position because last year after I lost my baby, everyone and their dog got pregnant. She is positive and handling things very well. By the way, she is pregnant with a little girl. Other details than that I still don't feel are mine to tell at this time.
Today is kind of gloomy, both literal and figuratively. I went to the hospital today to get my quad screen run. For those of you who do not know, this is the test where they find out if the baby has any chromosomal abnormalities, such as downs syndrome, AFP is measured, and a few other things. I have been putting this test off because I never wanted to have it done in the first place. Yet, my doctor and husband talked me into it because they say if something is wrong, then during labor they can have the appropriate staff available to immediately care for the baby. With all of my research and experience on this, usually if you are under 35, healthy, no family history of such abnormalities...then the tests are generally negative. I suppose I'm not in high spirits because my best friend fits this category and yet, on the rare occurance things happen, she did not get a clear quad screen, which led to her high risk ultra sound, which led to the knowledge that her baby 99% will not survive, if baby even makes it to birth. I know that everyone tells me things will go fine, but that's what I said to my friend. And now I feel really bad for being so optimistic. But some things are completely out of our control, and in fact, what happened to her is something that happens literally at the time of conception and so nothing could have ever been done to prevent it in the first place.
So here I am, finally getting the screening done. It takes a week to get results. I know my chances are very low to have anything wrong, but having experienced the worst of things in my pregnancy last year, it only makes me wonder if my 'bad things happening to me streak' is over. Then again, they also say that most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a healthy normal baby. So maybe by experiencing this loss already, my slate is clean and ready for something good. But still, it makes me wonder.
Weight gain.... here's an issue that my doctor continually taps on me for. I looked up the average weight gain at 17 weeks, and it said between five and ten pounds. Then, I did a pregnancy weight gain calculator which determined pre pregnancy I was underweight, and currently I am like, 1.6 pounds off on the low end. In other words, the 'calculator' found on thebabycenter.com has determined that I will have to gain 2 pounds a week the rest of pregnancy to weight the proper amount. If you don't know what that means, it means that every other pregnant woman out there has only been told to gain one pound a week from here on out. Now, let me be perfectly clear for my critics out there. I am not afraid to gain weight, it does not bother me to gain weight. It is simply that I either am not eating enough or cannot eat enough to make this happen. I have tried but I guess I have to try harder. I have not gained a pound for the last three weeks when I should have been, but I have lost a pound. This scares me, as I am actually trying. I think just in the last couple of days I may be getting my appetite back. Most foods not only smell bad or sound bad, but they absolutely repulse me. However, as I said, I think this is getting better, as for the last two days I have had a steak and cheese subway sandwich for lunch. This is my effort to get protein, wheat and carbs, and tons of veggies. For the past well, entire pregnancy, chicken was completely out of the question, salad was a no go, hamburgers, french fries or anything greasy I wouldn't even look at, and most meats had to be seriously considered before gagging down. Last night we had spaghetti and it was very good. Tonight I am making tacos. I switched my milk products and am really trying to gain weight. If I could eat tuna everyday I would, except leave it to me to find something I want to eat and cannot eat in such quantities ( mercury in tuna, limited to pregnant women).
In my last several posts I have quit bothering to spell check. So I'm sorry if that bothers you. :) It is time to go make lunch and study for the first test of my last class ever!
Today is kind of gloomy, both literal and figuratively. I went to the hospital today to get my quad screen run. For those of you who do not know, this is the test where they find out if the baby has any chromosomal abnormalities, such as downs syndrome, AFP is measured, and a few other things. I have been putting this test off because I never wanted to have it done in the first place. Yet, my doctor and husband talked me into it because they say if something is wrong, then during labor they can have the appropriate staff available to immediately care for the baby. With all of my research and experience on this, usually if you are under 35, healthy, no family history of such abnormalities...then the tests are generally negative. I suppose I'm not in high spirits because my best friend fits this category and yet, on the rare occurance things happen, she did not get a clear quad screen, which led to her high risk ultra sound, which led to the knowledge that her baby 99% will not survive, if baby even makes it to birth. I know that everyone tells me things will go fine, but that's what I said to my friend. And now I feel really bad for being so optimistic. But some things are completely out of our control, and in fact, what happened to her is something that happens literally at the time of conception and so nothing could have ever been done to prevent it in the first place.
So here I am, finally getting the screening done. It takes a week to get results. I know my chances are very low to have anything wrong, but having experienced the worst of things in my pregnancy last year, it only makes me wonder if my 'bad things happening to me streak' is over. Then again, they also say that most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a healthy normal baby. So maybe by experiencing this loss already, my slate is clean and ready for something good. But still, it makes me wonder.
Weight gain.... here's an issue that my doctor continually taps on me for. I looked up the average weight gain at 17 weeks, and it said between five and ten pounds. Then, I did a pregnancy weight gain calculator which determined pre pregnancy I was underweight, and currently I am like, 1.6 pounds off on the low end. In other words, the 'calculator' found on thebabycenter.com has determined that I will have to gain 2 pounds a week the rest of pregnancy to weight the proper amount. If you don't know what that means, it means that every other pregnant woman out there has only been told to gain one pound a week from here on out. Now, let me be perfectly clear for my critics out there. I am not afraid to gain weight, it does not bother me to gain weight. It is simply that I either am not eating enough or cannot eat enough to make this happen. I have tried but I guess I have to try harder. I have not gained a pound for the last three weeks when I should have been, but I have lost a pound. This scares me, as I am actually trying. I think just in the last couple of days I may be getting my appetite back. Most foods not only smell bad or sound bad, but they absolutely repulse me. However, as I said, I think this is getting better, as for the last two days I have had a steak and cheese subway sandwich for lunch. This is my effort to get protein, wheat and carbs, and tons of veggies. For the past well, entire pregnancy, chicken was completely out of the question, salad was a no go, hamburgers, french fries or anything greasy I wouldn't even look at, and most meats had to be seriously considered before gagging down. Last night we had spaghetti and it was very good. Tonight I am making tacos. I switched my milk products and am really trying to gain weight. If I could eat tuna everyday I would, except leave it to me to find something I want to eat and cannot eat in such quantities ( mercury in tuna, limited to pregnant women).
In my last several posts I have quit bothering to spell check. So I'm sorry if that bothers you. :) It is time to go make lunch and study for the first test of my last class ever!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rollercoaster of Emotions
Before I begin what I really want to say, let me tell you how my weekend went. Dave and I went to my brother's house across the water. We stayed up late grocery shopping and talking. (Okay brother, yes, 10 is late for me!) Saturday morning we headed to Pacific Raceways, where the NHRA race car association? had top fuel, funny car, and alcohol car drag races. If you're like me, you probably have no idea what that all means. Basically, top fuel and funny car race the loudest things on the planet! I think Dave said they run 7,000 horsepower. When you are in the stands and pregnant, this is an interesting experience! My seat was rattling and I'm sure Beaner thought we were launching to outer space with all the crazy noises and vibrations. I had ear plugs in and still have to cover my ears tightly! My whole body shook as the cars whizzed by. I think the best comparison would be to stand in front of a 747 jet engine prior to take off. Even that, I'm not sure, would compare! I was scared I was hurting Beaner, but the doctor said it would be safe and okay. Although race cars are not my thing, it was definitely an experience! Aside it being hot and me being thirsty all day and having to pee every ten minutes, it was a good weekend!
Today I got the worst news ever. And since it is not my news to tell, I will do my best to guard the privacy of the situation. But I cannot help but write about it because it is so near and dear to my heart. My miscarriage last year was probably the hardest thing I have ever been through. But, the sadness I am feeling now for a loved one is even heavier than my own loss. For those concerned, my Beaner is healthy as far as I know and things are going well. However, another little Beaner out there will not be so fortunate. My heart breaks for my dear loved one and there is nothing any of us can do to prevent this upcoming loss. The purpose of sadness like this does not make sense and I don't think it ever will. However, I do know with faith and certainty, through experience, that even when the darkness rises and hope seems lost, the sun always seems to make its way back out again, and hope rides its radiant beams in the midst of the storm, to clear up the rain. It took nearly one year after my loss for the rain to clear and the sun to start beaming again, but the sun did come out. Even the most hopeless situation can turn itself around through time, faith, and hope.
I will leave that as it is for now. But your thoughts and prayers for my friend are all much appreciated. I'm not sure when I will write again, as it is hard to be joyful in your own situation when someone so loved suffers so much.
Today I got the worst news ever. And since it is not my news to tell, I will do my best to guard the privacy of the situation. But I cannot help but write about it because it is so near and dear to my heart. My miscarriage last year was probably the hardest thing I have ever been through. But, the sadness I am feeling now for a loved one is even heavier than my own loss. For those concerned, my Beaner is healthy as far as I know and things are going well. However, another little Beaner out there will not be so fortunate. My heart breaks for my dear loved one and there is nothing any of us can do to prevent this upcoming loss. The purpose of sadness like this does not make sense and I don't think it ever will. However, I do know with faith and certainty, through experience, that even when the darkness rises and hope seems lost, the sun always seems to make its way back out again, and hope rides its radiant beams in the midst of the storm, to clear up the rain. It took nearly one year after my loss for the rain to clear and the sun to start beaming again, but the sun did come out. Even the most hopeless situation can turn itself around through time, faith, and hope.
I will leave that as it is for now. But your thoughts and prayers for my friend are all much appreciated. I'm not sure when I will write again, as it is hard to be joyful in your own situation when someone so loved suffers so much.
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