40 weeks: STILL PREGNANT
There are some things I'll miss about being pregnant: sympathy all the time ...what I don't understand is how new moms don't get more sympathy- they're losing sleep and have it at least AS rough as a pregnant person (minus the inability to move); elastic waist bands; not having to suck in; the ability to eat whatever whenever I want (not that I really took that much advantage of it); feeling her move around MOST of the time; most of the attention I got (people always smiling at me and so pleasant and excited about what is to come for us).
I'm excited for: SEEING HER, starting traditions, doing really fun things with her and her cousins like sleepovers and baking and shopping, watching/seeing Jamie with her.
I FINALLY delivered Miss Vera Kay Kapplinger Nov. 2 (due date Oct. 30). Best day of my life to date. :) This pregnancy is OVER- peace! :)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
39 wks...joy ride's over Omar...
39 weeks: weight = 79.6 kg, barely dropped, still swollen, emotionally labile (spontaneously crying without warning or cause), but overall feel good this week
Jamie reports the birthing process is not a beautiful thing...instead, it's like watching a dog rip up your favorite stuffed animal. Haha...nice Jamie.
People remain annoying and likely will be until I deliver. "you're still here." EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Really? Do people think I want to hear that or that I didn't know it? I'm not even due yet! Oh, and a new favorite, "you're still working???" I have to say it again...really? What would I do at home? Pace around waiting for her to come. No thanks, I'll pass the time at work and save my PTO for post-partum. And please, save your breath with the anecdotes- everything people told me (have sex! stimulate your nipples, walk, jump on the trampoline, eat this, eat that)- all BOLOGNA!! The likelihood that any of that garbage works is probably sheer coincidence. Keep your ridiculous coincidental anecdotes for induction to yourself...cause you sound really stupid when you say that crap out loud. I have also been getting daily texts and phone calls- did you have her? What's funny (well, not really) about that is that they're from people I'm really close with, like I wouldn't send them a text when the deed is done.
These skin tags make me crazy. I hope they go away after delivery.
Right now I have a whole mix of emotions (besides labile...haha). Some days I'm super excited and ready for her to come out and other days I don't feel like I'm ready at all. It's a little overwhelming to think I/we will be responsible for a human life. Hope we don't screw it up. :/ Overall, I'm pretty anxious about birth- the unknown is a pretty awful feeling...more because I know all the possible complications and every birth experience is different. I wonder what mine will be like?
Jam, Ryan, Bennett, and I went to a med school Halloween party. Again, another one of those moments I really needed to be drunk for to have any fun. All those little kids (ages 21-24, aka babies). Normally I wouldn't care how old anyone was, but the fact that I was pregnant and sober made me feel REALLY old and thus I was treated that way. Nonetheless, Jamie and I went as bacon and an egg. It was pretty cute (for the 15 minutes we spent to make them). Bennett and Ryan went as an epididymis and testicle (Bennett was on Ryan's back...pretty funny but a total shit costume...no one had any idea what they were). That was the other problem, the med students were in anatomy so people came as weird anatomic structures- really? Such odd/awkward people...
The nursery is finally completely finished- I whipped out the black toule crib skirt Mom started and hung it up. Whoop! It's so cute!!
So sweet. My patients and co-workers have been really sweet and sympathetic that I haven't delivered yet. The guys keep informing me I must feel terrible (please, you have NO idea and I wouldn't assume how any pregnant person feels and lastly open your trap about it...could be dangerous...haha).
Jamie reports the birthing process is not a beautiful thing...instead, it's like watching a dog rip up your favorite stuffed animal. Haha...nice Jamie.
People remain annoying and likely will be until I deliver. "you're still here." EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Really? Do people think I want to hear that or that I didn't know it? I'm not even due yet! Oh, and a new favorite, "you're still working???" I have to say it again...really? What would I do at home? Pace around waiting for her to come. No thanks, I'll pass the time at work and save my PTO for post-partum. And please, save your breath with the anecdotes- everything people told me (have sex! stimulate your nipples, walk, jump on the trampoline, eat this, eat that)- all BOLOGNA!! The likelihood that any of that garbage works is probably sheer coincidence. Keep your ridiculous coincidental anecdotes for induction to yourself...cause you sound really stupid when you say that crap out loud. I have also been getting daily texts and phone calls- did you have her? What's funny (well, not really) about that is that they're from people I'm really close with, like I wouldn't send them a text when the deed is done.
These skin tags make me crazy. I hope they go away after delivery.
Right now I have a whole mix of emotions (besides labile...haha). Some days I'm super excited and ready for her to come out and other days I don't feel like I'm ready at all. It's a little overwhelming to think I/we will be responsible for a human life. Hope we don't screw it up. :/ Overall, I'm pretty anxious about birth- the unknown is a pretty awful feeling...more because I know all the possible complications and every birth experience is different. I wonder what mine will be like?
Jam, Ryan, Bennett, and I went to a med school Halloween party. Again, another one of those moments I really needed to be drunk for to have any fun. All those little kids (ages 21-24, aka babies). Normally I wouldn't care how old anyone was, but the fact that I was pregnant and sober made me feel REALLY old and thus I was treated that way. Nonetheless, Jamie and I went as bacon and an egg. It was pretty cute (for the 15 minutes we spent to make them). Bennett and Ryan went as an epididymis and testicle (Bennett was on Ryan's back...pretty funny but a total shit costume...no one had any idea what they were). That was the other problem, the med students were in anatomy so people came as weird anatomic structures- really? Such odd/awkward people...
The nursery is finally completely finished- I whipped out the black toule crib skirt Mom started and hung it up. Whoop! It's so cute!!
So sweet. My patients and co-workers have been really sweet and sympathetic that I haven't delivered yet. The guys keep informing me I must feel terrible (please, you have NO idea and I wouldn't assume how any pregnant person feels and lastly open your trap about it...could be dangerous...haha).
Sunday, October 17, 2010
38 wks...feelings on turning 80 years old overnight...
38 weeks pregnant = morphing in to a geriatric patient overnight. All of my joints hurt; I'm actually looking forward to and only wear "comfy" shoes (the stilettos have been collecting dust for some time now); I move at snail pace; I'm either sleeping or wish I was sleeping virtually every minute of the day... I'm not incontinent...yet anyway but I am up 11 times/night to pee. The only perk of being pregnant at this point is knowing the fact that these things will go away after delivery...hopefully. :)
Well, we FINALLY cleaned our disgusting cars out. Jamie tosses in the car seat base, and much to our EXTREME disappointment the car seat itself doesn't fit in the car!!! What?!?! I had never thought about the car seat not fitting behind the seats- wtf! Our little Mazda 3 hatchback = :( Jamie has to put his seat so far back it doesn't fit behind his seat or in the middle (it's all kiddy-wompus there). So it's behind the passenger seat which is very erect and almost in the dashboard...guess mom will be sitting in the back seat with Omar. How annoying!! We did venture out for a couple days to look at other vehicles but seriously, with all the things going on currently, we just didn't have the energy/time to buy/trade a new vehicle. Sucks. I mean why not buy a house, have a baby, start school, and buy a car. Oi!
This week I finished decorating nursery and Nolie brought up the bassinette. Very exciting! Jam continues to plug away at basement- sheet-rocking. I am so thankful for him- he truly is amazing- always there for me and then so smart to be useful around the house, and so rarely complains. Fantastic.
I CAN.NOT.WAIT to get body back. This has been an amazing experience but I'm ready for it to be done. My emotions have been oc as well...oi oi oi- crying spontaneously for no reason and feeling like I could any time = not fun. And, to top it all off, I have leaky boobs = awesome.
I've lost 0.4 kg (aka fluid...ha! I knew it!). The midwives still haven't checked my effacement/dilation because it doesn't matter! I could have no progression and deliver tomorrow or have some progression and deliver in 2 weeks so there really is no need to go fishing around in there making me uncomfortable...and the midwife said, "well, I know I don't care...haha" And can I just tell you how annoying everyone is?? With constant commentary, every day and many times a day, "you're still here?? (well I'm due in 2 weeks jackass!)" Or "oh she's still so high!" "you're still pregnant! (duh)"...blah blah...shut up people! That doesn't make anyone feel good. How would you like me to state the obvious- oh, you're still chubby; and yup, you're still annoying.
This week, I slept in the recliner. It's comfy thank goodness.
Well, we FINALLY cleaned our disgusting cars out. Jamie tosses in the car seat base, and much to our EXTREME disappointment the car seat itself doesn't fit in the car!!! What?!?! I had never thought about the car seat not fitting behind the seats- wtf! Our little Mazda 3 hatchback = :( Jamie has to put his seat so far back it doesn't fit behind his seat or in the middle (it's all kiddy-wompus there). So it's behind the passenger seat which is very erect and almost in the dashboard...guess mom will be sitting in the back seat with Omar. How annoying!! We did venture out for a couple days to look at other vehicles but seriously, with all the things going on currently, we just didn't have the energy/time to buy/trade a new vehicle. Sucks. I mean why not buy a house, have a baby, start school, and buy a car. Oi!
This week I finished decorating nursery and Nolie brought up the bassinette. Very exciting! Jam continues to plug away at basement- sheet-rocking. I am so thankful for him- he truly is amazing- always there for me and then so smart to be useful around the house, and so rarely complains. Fantastic.
I CAN.NOT.WAIT to get body back. This has been an amazing experience but I'm ready for it to be done. My emotions have been oc as well...oi oi oi- crying spontaneously for no reason and feeling like I could any time = not fun. And, to top it all off, I have leaky boobs = awesome.
I've lost 0.4 kg (aka fluid...ha! I knew it!). The midwives still haven't checked my effacement/dilation because it doesn't matter! I could have no progression and deliver tomorrow or have some progression and deliver in 2 weeks so there really is no need to go fishing around in there making me uncomfortable...and the midwife said, "well, I know I don't care...haha" And can I just tell you how annoying everyone is?? With constant commentary, every day and many times a day, "you're still here?? (well I'm due in 2 weeks jackass!)" Or "oh she's still so high!" "you're still pregnant! (duh)"...blah blah...shut up people! That doesn't make anyone feel good. How would you like me to state the obvious- oh, you're still chubby; and yup, you're still annoying.
This week, I slept in the recliner. It's comfy thank goodness.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
37 wks...anytime now Omar...
Boz and Lisa get married!! Jamie and I trekked to Sioux Falls this weekend to celebrate with the roomies. I was a little nervous being so far away from home in the event I went in to labor but I have been feeling pretty good. I did not go in to labor while there...haha...obviously. I also didn't have a super amazing time...sometimes one just needs to be drunk to have fun...this was one of those times. :)
Back to see the midwives at 37 wks: 4.5lb wt gain in one week!! I about crapped myself after hearing that. My excuse? Must be fluid overloaded...haha...though my fingers DO look like sausages and my ankles no longer exist. I hadn't really been swollen prior to this and I'll be honest...it's not super. My shoes are so tight and socks leave horrible marks in my legs = gross.
I'm not sleeping well at all... :( Thus I have decided I would rather be waking up and tired cause of a little baby than me just feeling uncomfortable.
We got nursery chair finally. We are super amped about it...it's so comfy! Woo hoo! It was the last thing we needed before finishing the nursery. Now we are ready...haha.
Got a call this week from Jenny...she informed us after their 3rd IVF (this one was secret) they are preggers with TWINS (and 12 wks!!!!). We honestly could not be more excited or happy for them. Great great news. :):):)
I finally finished all of my thank you's, but I anticipate the almost constant need to "finish" them as gifts trickle in. I probably won't really be done until Omar is 1.
Hoooooooly Moses, I am really really draggin ass, draggin ass, draggin ass... Seems so counter-intuative to be so exhausted so close to delivering. Why would my body poop itself out before the baby even gets here?? Odd... I have been having lots more contractions, particularly with walking/standing, but nothing regular and nothing painful.
Jamie diagnosed me with carpal tunnel this week. My hands/arms kept falling asleep when I sleep since I tuck my arms in to my sides so tight. Really? Really? This is SOOOO annoying. Definitely
Mayo's new birth center opened this week. Whoop de whoop! Thanks for waiting Omar!! I took a tour and am REALLY hoping for one of the 2 big rooms with the huge ass hydrotherapy tubs. First come, first serve. Here's hopin.
Our car seat/travel system has arrived, thus we are OFFICIALLY READY TO HAVE A BABY! :)
Back to see the midwives at 37 wks: 4.5lb wt gain in one week!! I about crapped myself after hearing that. My excuse? Must be fluid overloaded...haha...though my fingers DO look like sausages and my ankles no longer exist. I hadn't really been swollen prior to this and I'll be honest...it's not super. My shoes are so tight and socks leave horrible marks in my legs = gross.
I'm not sleeping well at all... :( Thus I have decided I would rather be waking up and tired cause of a little baby than me just feeling uncomfortable.
We got nursery chair finally. We are super amped about it...it's so comfy! Woo hoo! It was the last thing we needed before finishing the nursery. Now we are ready...haha.
Got a call this week from Jenny...she informed us after their 3rd IVF (this one was secret) they are preggers with TWINS (and 12 wks!!!!). We honestly could not be more excited or happy for them. Great great news. :):):)
I finally finished all of my thank you's, but I anticipate the almost constant need to "finish" them as gifts trickle in. I probably won't really be done until Omar is 1.
Hoooooooly Moses, I am really really draggin ass, draggin ass, draggin ass... Seems so counter-intuative to be so exhausted so close to delivering. Why would my body poop itself out before the baby even gets here?? Odd... I have been having lots more contractions, particularly with walking/standing, but nothing regular and nothing painful.
Jamie diagnosed me with carpal tunnel this week. My hands/arms kept falling asleep when I sleep since I tuck my arms in to my sides so tight. Really? Really? This is SOOOO annoying. Definitely
Mayo's new birth center opened this week. Whoop de whoop! Thanks for waiting Omar!! I took a tour and am REALLY hoping for one of the 2 big rooms with the huge ass hydrotherapy tubs. First come, first serve. Here's hopin.
Our car seat/travel system has arrived, thus we are OFFICIALLY READY TO HAVE A BABY! :)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
36 wks- slowing down...
Cassie Medema...my knight in shining armor came to my rescue with her little man E-dogg. She came whizzing through our house like my auntie Diane minus all the throwing away dinger does. She buzzed around me, running circles around me and got so much done!! We got decor up on the wall and put stuff away...basically got settled in my house. So so so appreciative of her weekend here and what a weight off my shoulders. :)
I'm really starting to slow down. It's no longer possible to be productive past 8pm. Super tired but can't sleep...I actually started writing notes for this post from 3am to 4:30am...my back hurts so I can't get comfortable in bed. It's so annoying and frustrating. Everyone says, "you just wait...this is the beginning..." I think I've mentioned how obnoxious those statements are...I'd rather be tired and waking up to a baby than just uncomfortable, tired, and not able to sleep. At least that's what I think anyway cause I've not had the first and if Omar comes out with horns and vocal cords, I'm sure I'd be wishing to be uncomfortable.
I'm feeling AND looking really big, and undesirable and swollen. Bums me out.
Selma, Kenny, and Sarah came over for a belly cast party. :) It was pretty fun! Definitely a 3-person job. I had to lather up in vaseline and sit there in my undies...kinda odd but I've gotten to the point where I don't really give a shit. I decided on a hand-over-boobs position...definitely don't need a cast of how big and saggy the girls are, so a little lift/boost was exactly what I needed. Slathered in vaseline- a REAL sexpot. :) To get my whole belly I had to either stand or go on my knees so I chose kneeling...however after about 30 minutes, I started to feel queasy and dizzy...nearly passing out. A bit rough...Sarah sprinted to get me water, cool washcloth and fanning me...haha...Kenny and Selma continued working like busy little bees. :) Despite all that, it was fun- a different experience that's for sure. I didn't decorate it. Plan to put Omar's little feet in ink and stamp the belly once she's out and probably take pics of her in the belly part, but we'll see. Otherwise I'm not sure what I'm going to do with that big 'ol cast. :)
It's so much fun to put the nursery together and really get it ready for use. Cassie helped me pick out a bunch of stuff and after unpacking/washing all the new goodies from showers, I feel much more prepared. I REALLY love all the teeny tiny onesizies- they are sooooooo small...crazy to think something that small would even fit her and I won't be convinced until she's out and wearing them. :)
Jam and I made a run to the cities to pick up the breast pump, hit up IKEA, and while up there got to meet Amy's baby Sophia...crazy/awful she was born at the end of March and we are just now meeting her. She is so adorable- looks just like Amy with Ben's eyes. :)
Finally took some couple pics together. Got some cute ones though there are several more I would like to take with him...we'll see if we get around to that before she's born.
Jam finished the rough-in...and passed inspection- whoop! Now for the sheet-rocking, mudding and taping. Oi, what a project.
We had Bosley's wedding at the end of this week in Sioux Falls. Thankfully Jamie wasn't in the wedding which would have required our presence MUCH earlier than we showed up (right in time for the ceremony on Saturday). Probably would have had more fun if I could have drank...so instead I indulged on candy...haha.
My dogs are barkin!! The poor high arches of my feet are barely supporting all this added weight these days. What's worse (which is arguable) is that I don't really have any shoes with arch supports since they are so cheap...plentiful and cheap. Basically work has been a little rough though I thankfully get to sit quite a bit.
Only 4 weeks left!!! I think she's coming early. I was sure she'd be late earlier in the pregnancy but the closer I get to due date, and yet we're still not logistically ready for her to be here, I keep thinking she'll come. Or it could be the fact that the last 10 people I've spoken to delivered early on their first. So I guess it's more oober hoping she comes early.
What's left that's big...write down birth plan, pre-register at Mayo, order car seat/travel system, clean, thank-you's and finish basement...haha...guess we will prioritize. :)
36 wk prenatal check: 24 lbs weight gain total, picture perfect course which I'm so thankful for, GBS testing- turned out positive- boo!, HEAD DOWN! woo hoooooo!!! weekly check-ups now
Worries: tearing, not knowing what to expect for labor, hoping there are no horns, having everything ready, when I want guests after she's born, breastfeeding, my emotions after birth...afraid I won't have a connection with her right away
I'm really starting to slow down. It's no longer possible to be productive past 8pm. Super tired but can't sleep...I actually started writing notes for this post from 3am to 4:30am...my back hurts so I can't get comfortable in bed. It's so annoying and frustrating. Everyone says, "you just wait...this is the beginning..." I think I've mentioned how obnoxious those statements are...I'd rather be tired and waking up to a baby than just uncomfortable, tired, and not able to sleep. At least that's what I think anyway cause I've not had the first and if Omar comes out with horns and vocal cords, I'm sure I'd be wishing to be uncomfortable.
I'm feeling AND looking really big, and undesirable and swollen. Bums me out.
Selma, Kenny, and Sarah came over for a belly cast party. :) It was pretty fun! Definitely a 3-person job. I had to lather up in vaseline and sit there in my undies...kinda odd but I've gotten to the point where I don't really give a shit. I decided on a hand-over-boobs position...definitely don't need a cast of how big and saggy the girls are, so a little lift/boost was exactly what I needed. Slathered in vaseline- a REAL sexpot. :) To get my whole belly I had to either stand or go on my knees so I chose kneeling...however after about 30 minutes, I started to feel queasy and dizzy...nearly passing out. A bit rough...Sarah sprinted to get me water, cool washcloth and fanning me...haha...Kenny and Selma continued working like busy little bees. :) Despite all that, it was fun- a different experience that's for sure. I didn't decorate it. Plan to put Omar's little feet in ink and stamp the belly once she's out and probably take pics of her in the belly part, but we'll see. Otherwise I'm not sure what I'm going to do with that big 'ol cast. :)
It's so much fun to put the nursery together and really get it ready for use. Cassie helped me pick out a bunch of stuff and after unpacking/washing all the new goodies from showers, I feel much more prepared. I REALLY love all the teeny tiny onesizies- they are sooooooo small...crazy to think something that small would even fit her and I won't be convinced until she's out and wearing them. :)
Jam and I made a run to the cities to pick up the breast pump, hit up IKEA, and while up there got to meet Amy's baby Sophia...crazy/awful she was born at the end of March and we are just now meeting her. She is so adorable- looks just like Amy with Ben's eyes. :)
Finally took some couple pics together. Got some cute ones though there are several more I would like to take with him...we'll see if we get around to that before she's born.
Jam finished the rough-in...and passed inspection- whoop! Now for the sheet-rocking, mudding and taping. Oi, what a project.
We had Bosley's wedding at the end of this week in Sioux Falls. Thankfully Jamie wasn't in the wedding which would have required our presence MUCH earlier than we showed up (right in time for the ceremony on Saturday). Probably would have had more fun if I could have drank...so instead I indulged on candy...haha.
My dogs are barkin!! The poor high arches of my feet are barely supporting all this added weight these days. What's worse (which is arguable) is that I don't really have any shoes with arch supports since they are so cheap...plentiful and cheap. Basically work has been a little rough though I thankfully get to sit quite a bit.
Only 4 weeks left!!! I think she's coming early. I was sure she'd be late earlier in the pregnancy but the closer I get to due date, and yet we're still not logistically ready for her to be here, I keep thinking she'll come. Or it could be the fact that the last 10 people I've spoken to delivered early on their first. So I guess it's more oober hoping she comes early.
What's left that's big...write down birth plan, pre-register at Mayo, order car seat/travel system, clean, thank-you's and finish basement...haha...guess we will prioritize. :)
36 wk prenatal check: 24 lbs weight gain total, picture perfect course which I'm so thankful for, GBS testing- turned out positive- boo!, HEAD DOWN! woo hoooooo!!! weekly check-ups now
Worries: tearing, not knowing what to expect for labor, hoping there are no horns, having everything ready, when I want guests after she's born, breastfeeding, my emotions after birth...afraid I won't have a connection with her right away
33-35 wks...showered with love
So not too many changes from last week...back pain, not sleeping and still whining about it.
We're getting ready to put our birth plan together. Basically, there isn't a whole lot of requirements/needs. I'm just going to see how things go. I'm going to try to do things as natural as I can...obviously not opposed to drugs. One of the reasons I love the midwives is they really try to offer all the natural-esk type pain control/birthing strategies. The main fear for me is tearing something fierce. Sometimes I feel guilty even saying that- like I should be concerned about pain, and Omar coming out ok, etc. Those are fears too, but I know that my support staff like the midwives, nurses, loved ones will take care of and/or relieve those. I'm actually not that worried that Omar will make it out alright...it's not like it's the 1900's and I'm delivering in the hay barn or anything. I feel confident that no matter what happens, it's something the docs/staff will have seen before and be able to deal with...I guess that's a lot of trust, but I wouldn't want it any other way seriously. There's only so many things we have control over and only so many things one can worry about. I'm not really a worry-wart...think I'll leave that to Jamie. :)
I continue to amaze myself...haha...no, I'm just kidding. I continue to be productive and am so thankful I feel well enough to do so. I finished the painting I wanted to get done- this time the bedroom. Figured I wouldn't feel well for the whole pregnancy and once Omar gets here, I can tell you with confidence there will be no projects of that magnitude underway. And, I also wanted to get shit up on the walls/decorated so I don't have to think about that garbage either...stay tuned, Cassie Medema is due to arrive in one week to whip the decor into shape! :)
Week 34 was ABSOLUTELY INSANE. I had all 3 showers in one week. Lisa Barnes and Sarah Shaikoski, my two PA colleagues threw my work shower at Victoria's, a fantastic Italian restaurant. Who came: Kristin Holst and Lynn Sobeck from the secretaries, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Cassivi, Kari, Samantha, and Stacey from the trailer (oral maxo-facial girls), and then Amy and Charlie from the CA's/Mayo 12. They picked up a Daube's cake which was AMAZING- chocolate and unbelievable. Lisa had a couple games planned- word scramble, ? gummy bears in a bottle without going over (I was 2 over!!), memory game, and draw a baby on a paper plate on your head. :) I was/am so overwhelmed with gratitude- so surprised at everyone's generosity. I work with the best people!
That was Monday...and work the rest of the week so OOBER insane- there was only 3 of us there. I covered 2 surgeons including clinic + my clinic 4 days in a row = threats of inducing early labor and a VERY tired momma.
Saturday was the Otterness shower hosted by Kenny and Sarah at Sarah's. Appetizers/snacks littered the table. :) Who came: Ghetto and Jess, Grandma O, Deb, Diane, Jody, Grandma B, Phyllis, Selma, Mom, Sarah, Kenny, Cindy and her mom Barb. Sarah had a really fun memory game planned- matching (which I was terrible at d/t pregnant brain)...and then a candy bar went with each topic (like butterfinger for Delivery Doctor and Skor for Conception)- it was hilarious! :) Again, I was beyond spoiled with fantastic gifts. Some of my favs were the "Omar" blankie from Ariane and Steph, and Selma's homeade hats, though there were many super presents.
Sunday was the Kapplinger shower at Becky's during the Kapplinger reunion. I just love Jamie's family- they always think hard about what I would want and really tailor things to me. Who came: Grandma K, Kathy, Annette, Paula, Becky, Grandma O, Sue, Sheena, Anna, Ava, Nolie, Jill, and Jenny. The decorations were black and white and green (just like the nursery!!). The gifts for the games were gourmet foods cause Jill knows how much I love food. :) Jenny planned the funniest game- she put together cut-outs from pics of Jamie and I of our eyes, noses, mouth, hair styles, and accessories (like the bike helmet) and people had to create Omar...it was so hilarious. :) We also fed Jamie, Elijah, Mitch, and Kim baby food while they were blindfolded...pretty priceless reactions (bananas, peas, beef and gravy, mac and cheese). We are so blessed to have all these fantastic people in our lives. Can't wait for Omar to meet them all. :)
Mom and I started tackling some sewing projects including whipping up curtains, a valance, an ottoman, and a fabric board. We still have the black toule crib skirt to put together. :) Thank goodness she's so creative. :)
We ordered the sectional and nursery chair- wooooooo hooooo!!! :)
At 35 weeks I started experiencing braxton hicks, which I'm sure I was having before but now is much more noticable. Kind of exciting actually- uterine contractions, despite their useless nature, seems like progress to me. :) Omar does seem to have a preference to the area just under my right rib cage...little turkey. And the turd has been scratching my cervix with her little OR NOT fingernails- EXTREMELY uncomfortable, as one could imagine. Definitely stops me in my tracks while simultaneously cringing and holding the bottom of my belly up...which has prompted several strangers to see if I was ok. Needless to say I spared them the details of explaining the sensation of what feels like a squirrel trying to claw its way out of an enclosed space and simply responded, "yup" and waddled away.
We're getting ready to put our birth plan together. Basically, there isn't a whole lot of requirements/needs. I'm just going to see how things go. I'm going to try to do things as natural as I can...obviously not opposed to drugs. One of the reasons I love the midwives is they really try to offer all the natural-esk type pain control/birthing strategies. The main fear for me is tearing something fierce. Sometimes I feel guilty even saying that- like I should be concerned about pain, and Omar coming out ok, etc. Those are fears too, but I know that my support staff like the midwives, nurses, loved ones will take care of and/or relieve those. I'm actually not that worried that Omar will make it out alright...it's not like it's the 1900's and I'm delivering in the hay barn or anything. I feel confident that no matter what happens, it's something the docs/staff will have seen before and be able to deal with...I guess that's a lot of trust, but I wouldn't want it any other way seriously. There's only so many things we have control over and only so many things one can worry about. I'm not really a worry-wart...think I'll leave that to Jamie. :)
I continue to amaze myself...haha...no, I'm just kidding. I continue to be productive and am so thankful I feel well enough to do so. I finished the painting I wanted to get done- this time the bedroom. Figured I wouldn't feel well for the whole pregnancy and once Omar gets here, I can tell you with confidence there will be no projects of that magnitude underway. And, I also wanted to get shit up on the walls/decorated so I don't have to think about that garbage either...stay tuned, Cassie Medema is due to arrive in one week to whip the decor into shape! :)
Week 34 was ABSOLUTELY INSANE. I had all 3 showers in one week. Lisa Barnes and Sarah Shaikoski, my two PA colleagues threw my work shower at Victoria's, a fantastic Italian restaurant. Who came: Kristin Holst and Lynn Sobeck from the secretaries, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Cassivi, Kari, Samantha, and Stacey from the trailer (oral maxo-facial girls), and then Amy and Charlie from the CA's/Mayo 12. They picked up a Daube's cake which was AMAZING- chocolate and unbelievable. Lisa had a couple games planned- word scramble, ? gummy bears in a bottle without going over (I was 2 over!!), memory game, and draw a baby on a paper plate on your head. :) I was/am so overwhelmed with gratitude- so surprised at everyone's generosity. I work with the best people!
That was Monday...and work the rest of the week so OOBER insane- there was only 3 of us there. I covered 2 surgeons including clinic + my clinic 4 days in a row = threats of inducing early labor and a VERY tired momma.
Saturday was the Otterness shower hosted by Kenny and Sarah at Sarah's. Appetizers/snacks littered the table. :) Who came: Ghetto and Jess, Grandma O, Deb, Diane, Jody, Grandma B, Phyllis, Selma, Mom, Sarah, Kenny, Cindy and her mom Barb. Sarah had a really fun memory game planned- matching (which I was terrible at d/t pregnant brain)...and then a candy bar went with each topic (like butterfinger for Delivery Doctor and Skor for Conception)- it was hilarious! :) Again, I was beyond spoiled with fantastic gifts. Some of my favs were the "Omar" blankie from Ariane and Steph, and Selma's homeade hats, though there were many super presents.
Sunday was the Kapplinger shower at Becky's during the Kapplinger reunion. I just love Jamie's family- they always think hard about what I would want and really tailor things to me. Who came: Grandma K, Kathy, Annette, Paula, Becky, Grandma O, Sue, Sheena, Anna, Ava, Nolie, Jill, and Jenny. The decorations were black and white and green (just like the nursery!!). The gifts for the games were gourmet foods cause Jill knows how much I love food. :) Jenny planned the funniest game- she put together cut-outs from pics of Jamie and I of our eyes, noses, mouth, hair styles, and accessories (like the bike helmet) and people had to create Omar...it was so hilarious. :) We also fed Jamie, Elijah, Mitch, and Kim baby food while they were blindfolded...pretty priceless reactions (bananas, peas, beef and gravy, mac and cheese). We are so blessed to have all these fantastic people in our lives. Can't wait for Omar to meet them all. :)
Mom and I started tackling some sewing projects including whipping up curtains, a valance, an ottoman, and a fabric board. We still have the black toule crib skirt to put together. :) Thank goodness she's so creative. :)
We ordered the sectional and nursery chair- wooooooo hooooo!!! :)
At 35 weeks I started experiencing braxton hicks, which I'm sure I was having before but now is much more noticable. Kind of exciting actually- uterine contractions, despite their useless nature, seems like progress to me. :) Omar does seem to have a preference to the area just under my right rib cage...little turkey. And the turd has been scratching my cervix with her little OR NOT fingernails- EXTREMELY uncomfortable, as one could imagine. Definitely stops me in my tracks while simultaneously cringing and holding the bottom of my belly up...which has prompted several strangers to see if I was ok. Needless to say I spared them the details of explaining the sensation of what feels like a squirrel trying to claw its way out of an enclosed space and simply responded, "yup" and waddled away.
Friday, September 10, 2010
32 wks: a turn...
For once, I'm starting to look forward to the end of this whole pregnancy thing. It makes me a little sad to say that given things have been going well and this is such a beautiful experience.
BUT the lack of sleep because of this darn bladder is not so much fun. At least at this point I'm heading to the bathroom in a comatose state and sleeping in between the 2-4 piss breaks. What I find soooooo annoying- "Kara, this will be forever!" "This is just the beginning..." "Welcome to motherhood." Blah, blah blah. People, I realize I will be tired for a long time, but it doesn't mean I can't hate it...and hate it for a long time, and complain about it.
I've started with this pretty hanous back pain now too, particularly in bed. I've got a body pillow on either side of me and 2 pillows under my head. It's getting so hard to get comfortable.
I'm DYING to lay on my belly. I do (well, DID) EVERYTHING on my stomach. I heard it's super odd the first time laying on the belly after birth...but I can't wait! :)
Pressure, pressure, pressure. Now I'm experiencing this low pubic/cervical pressure. Worst movement is standing on one foot, like when I put my socks on- it feels like my pubic bone may simply come apart. Basically, this is NOT an enjoyable sensation.
For some reason I've convinced myself that Omar is coming early. Why do I think that, particularly when Otterness' and Kapplingers are always late? I have no idea. Maybe I just HOPE it so much, I've kinda psyched myself out. Nonetheless, at this point, I'm freakin out a little cause we are NOT ready for her yet. So HOLD ON Omar- as much as I "think" you're coming early, you need to wait until we're ready. Thanks. :)
Hailey has picked out some names for Jamie and I: Chloe, Sue, and Sil (Sil is her fav, stating, "Mom, it IS a BEAUTIFUL name." :) Jamie likes Sil...I think just to annoy me.
BUT the lack of sleep because of this darn bladder is not so much fun. At least at this point I'm heading to the bathroom in a comatose state and sleeping in between the 2-4 piss breaks. What I find soooooo annoying- "Kara, this will be forever!" "This is just the beginning..." "Welcome to motherhood." Blah, blah blah. People, I realize I will be tired for a long time, but it doesn't mean I can't hate it...and hate it for a long time, and complain about it.
I've started with this pretty hanous back pain now too, particularly in bed. I've got a body pillow on either side of me and 2 pillows under my head. It's getting so hard to get comfortable.
I'm DYING to lay on my belly. I do (well, DID) EVERYTHING on my stomach. I heard it's super odd the first time laying on the belly after birth...but I can't wait! :)
Pressure, pressure, pressure. Now I'm experiencing this low pubic/cervical pressure. Worst movement is standing on one foot, like when I put my socks on- it feels like my pubic bone may simply come apart. Basically, this is NOT an enjoyable sensation.
For some reason I've convinced myself that Omar is coming early. Why do I think that, particularly when Otterness' and Kapplingers are always late? I have no idea. Maybe I just HOPE it so much, I've kinda psyched myself out. Nonetheless, at this point, I'm freakin out a little cause we are NOT ready for her yet. So HOLD ON Omar- as much as I "think" you're coming early, you need to wait until we're ready. Thanks. :)
Hailey has picked out some names for Jamie and I: Chloe, Sue, and Sil (Sil is her fav, stating, "Mom, it IS a BEAUTIFUL name." :) Jamie likes Sil...I think just to annoy me.
29-31 wks: you win some, you lose some
Winning the stretch mark battle, losing the hemorrhoid battle. NOTE: this may be more information than you ever wanted to know about me...if you can't stomach this brutal reality, move on to the next topic. :) Let's be real, most of the people reading this have hemorrhoids...and now I have joined this elitist group (elite- cause it sounds so much better...haha). Seriously disappointed though, in all honesty. I have even been making a very concious effort to NOT strain. Damn that extra blood supply to my rectum during pregnancy. Scary part? I haven't even pushed a child out yet...basically I'm doomed. So far only one annoying abnormality, thankfully. Guess I'll just focus on the winning...cause this game isn't over...
Well, the back pain has kicked in. It's getting a little more difficult to sleep, thus the body pillows have been busted out and become my new bed companion. I'm only really sleeping about 3-4 hours at a time, getting up a couple times a night (more to stretch my back then anything). The pain is probably more cause I've basically stopped moving- haven't exercised in weeks cause it's just so much more work- it's amazing how much this amount of weight gain makes a difference. I did seek out the chiropracter though.
Productivity is high...but only every other day. I can get a ton done- gardening/caring for veggies, cleaning, painting, etc but the next day I'm virtually comatose.
We started our prenatal classes!!! Initially I wasn't going to sign us up for the classes cause I kinda know what to expect during the labor process. I did it cause I was hoping Jam could learn a little more and have some idea of what to expect while I'm writhing in pain as our baby girl enters this world. In reality, Jam and I both have been learnin a lot, even though we're the delinquent couple in class (constantly laughing and responding inappropriately). Its great to learn about the logistics and specifically what Mayo offers. Obviously the breathing/relaxation exercises are also useful...though I don't really anticipate laughter/giggling during the real thing. :) The classes have made me realize we're getting close to the BIG day...a little frightening since there is so much I would like to do before she gets here...besides the fact that I have nothing but painted walls and a couple summer outfits for her. The classes have also brought to light the labor process including info on drugs and alternative methods to anesthesia. This has made me question whether or not I want an epidural (aka stuck on my back in bed). I really can't imagine I'll be able to sit still. Still thinking about it, but soon we will complete/fill out our birth plan (stay tuned).
Weight at 31.5 wks: +20.5 lbs
Omar has been very alien-esk these days. She's big enough in the small space to roll and squirm around as opposed to swim freely. She's quite partial to the tiny, nearly non-existant space under my right ribs...oh but she's attempting to make space there...turkey. What's terrible is that occassionally when I bend over I feel like I may snap her tiny leg in half when it's under my ribs...oi- move Omar! So funny- I frequently chillax at home with my belly hangin out and because she's so alien-esk we can WATCH her move now...which really grosses Jam out. "Gross! Cover that up!" he says. :) haha...
Work has been very busy lately too. Sarah has quit so we're short staffed and then everyone has been taking loads of vacation too so... The surgeons too are urging me to tie up every loose end I've had since I started 2 years ago. I think I'll remind them that they waited that long, another 3 months won't hurt...I AM coming back. They have been cute though- always inquiring about my well-being and how the pregnancy is going. Dr. Deschamps continues to tell me, "good job." haha...makes me laugh every time. :) Dr. Nichols keeps asking me anxiously if I'm going into labor (just cause I'm touching my belly).
We've made some progress on the house...the rough-in is nearly complete. The painting is almost done- including the nursery, bathroom, and bedroom. I have bought the fabric for the curtains in the nursery...soon I will bust out more domestic skills and learn to sew. :)
Felix and a friend came to visit which was really super...especially since we haven't seen him since the wedding. :)
Well, the back pain has kicked in. It's getting a little more difficult to sleep, thus the body pillows have been busted out and become my new bed companion. I'm only really sleeping about 3-4 hours at a time, getting up a couple times a night (more to stretch my back then anything). The pain is probably more cause I've basically stopped moving- haven't exercised in weeks cause it's just so much more work- it's amazing how much this amount of weight gain makes a difference. I did seek out the chiropracter though.
Productivity is high...but only every other day. I can get a ton done- gardening/caring for veggies, cleaning, painting, etc but the next day I'm virtually comatose.
We started our prenatal classes!!! Initially I wasn't going to sign us up for the classes cause I kinda know what to expect during the labor process. I did it cause I was hoping Jam could learn a little more and have some idea of what to expect while I'm writhing in pain as our baby girl enters this world. In reality, Jam and I both have been learnin a lot, even though we're the delinquent couple in class (constantly laughing and responding inappropriately). Its great to learn about the logistics and specifically what Mayo offers. Obviously the breathing/relaxation exercises are also useful...though I don't really anticipate laughter/giggling during the real thing. :) The classes have made me realize we're getting close to the BIG day...a little frightening since there is so much I would like to do before she gets here...besides the fact that I have nothing but painted walls and a couple summer outfits for her. The classes have also brought to light the labor process including info on drugs and alternative methods to anesthesia. This has made me question whether or not I want an epidural (aka stuck on my back in bed). I really can't imagine I'll be able to sit still. Still thinking about it, but soon we will complete/fill out our birth plan (stay tuned).
Weight at 31.5 wks: +20.5 lbs
Omar has been very alien-esk these days. She's big enough in the small space to roll and squirm around as opposed to swim freely. She's quite partial to the tiny, nearly non-existant space under my right ribs...oh but she's attempting to make space there...turkey. What's terrible is that occassionally when I bend over I feel like I may snap her tiny leg in half when it's under my ribs...oi- move Omar! So funny- I frequently chillax at home with my belly hangin out and because she's so alien-esk we can WATCH her move now...which really grosses Jam out. "Gross! Cover that up!" he says. :) haha...
Work has been very busy lately too. Sarah has quit so we're short staffed and then everyone has been taking loads of vacation too so... The surgeons too are urging me to tie up every loose end I've had since I started 2 years ago. I think I'll remind them that they waited that long, another 3 months won't hurt...I AM coming back. They have been cute though- always inquiring about my well-being and how the pregnancy is going. Dr. Deschamps continues to tell me, "good job." haha...makes me laugh every time. :) Dr. Nichols keeps asking me anxiously if I'm going into labor (just cause I'm touching my belly).
We've made some progress on the house...the rough-in is nearly complete. The painting is almost done- including the nursery, bathroom, and bedroom. I have bought the fabric for the curtains in the nursery...soon I will bust out more domestic skills and learn to sew. :)
Felix and a friend came to visit which was really super...especially since we haven't seen him since the wedding. :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
26-28 weeks...a whole lot to say
So much to say...mostly cause I was at a conference this week in Boston requiring constant attention and learning...ummmm yeah right. To keep myself awake during this rather painful experience, I started jotting down everything on my mind (that I could remember...ha!).
I find it so odd so many people ask me, "how are you doing in this heat?" I hadn't really thought about it I guess, as awful hot/humid it's been. Are they expecting me to say something different than they feel not being pregnant? It's over a 100 degree heat index and I can eat the air it's so humid- how the hell do you think I'm coping? Probably the same as you...miserable. :) But upon further examination, I realized they're not crazy to ask me...cause in fact, without even knowing it, I've been pretty much avoiding the outdoors, when I usually can't wait to get outside to lay in the sun. I think the inability to 1) lay comfortably even in a bed, and 2)lay on my belly, really pretty much limits my options there as far as sunbathing goes. The shade is nice though. :) I have also started to find myself wanting to lounge around in just my undies and T-shirt, or comfy pants and a bra...when usually it's all about the sweats. Actually it's kinda nice to be on the warm end for once. :)
I was out in Boston/Connecticut for about 2 weeks total the month of July so our besties out here, got "meet" Omar. Their reactions were so silly. Scott all of a sudden became very concious of his driving ability (as he should since he's the worst driver ever and I fear for my life nearly every time I enter his car), not doing stupid things...I thought it was so sweet...I didn't even think he'd think about it. Kelly would ask questions and seemed like she wanted to feel, but didn't want to creep me out or anything by touching my belly. Denise, Dave, and Danielle were inquistive but also didn't rush to be hands on. I just grabbed Linds' hand to feel Omar one day...she was probably weirded out but never said anything. :) Ariane and Matty were a whole nother story. I stayed with Ari for 5 nights and the whole time we were together, she was lovin up Omar and constantly had her hand on my belly. It was really cute. :) Both her and Matty were all about talkin to her, givin her the love. :) It was tough to be away from Jamie for my 10 day conference; he sure missed his girls. :) He was so excited to read her books when we got home and that he definitely did. :) My first evening back, it was like I'd never left Ariane since Jam had his hand on my belly the whole time...but Omar really went nuts for him. She was SUPER squirrely and excited to be back with Dad. And I love that even still, Jamie is enthraled by her movements, still saying, "woah!" or "wow!" every time. He never passes up an opportunity to feel her. :) And he texted me while away, "Congratulations. We are in the third trimester!" How cute!!
Now as I am a bit bigger, though I'm still not THAT big, perfect strangers cater to me...offering their seats on the T in Boston whenever I boarded. It's really kind, but at the same time I laugh cause it's not like I'm an invalid or 9 months pregnant with some ridiculous waddle (I know I will be acquiring). Everyone does whatever the prego girl wants to do or eat. In fact, my friends again are so funny, cause they're all kinda odd around me until I say, "I'm the same person guys! ...just with baby on board...that doesn't morph me in to some random girl." None of them have kids or are even really around kids/infants/prego people...in fact most of them aren't even married yet. My friends from home are very different in that respect cause most of them have been there. It's just interesting to note the difference.
Well, unfortunately as early as 26 weeks, I'm starting to get a little more uncomfortable...but mostly in my back. I'm having a hard time doing anything for very long before my back reminds me to move my ass, which is probably not a bad thing to be reminded of...it's basically like an anticoagulation technique my body has inherited..."move your ass or you're going to get a clot!" haha... I was just hoping the aching/pain would hold off for a while yet. Oh well...can't complain too much since things have been going pretty smoothly.
I passed my sugar test!!!! Woo hoo!!! And at 28 weeks I had gained 16.5 lbs total which I'm pretty pleased about. A little bummed about my ass jiggling every time I pick up the pace walking briskly or running (which is more like shuffling oddly), and the thighs which have resumed their dimple status after so much hard work to improve that...oh well...at least I know I'm capable of tightening and toning up and it's actually something I WANT to do (but after the baby of course). :)
LOVE LOVE LOVE all the movement! Omar is the perfect age (well, as of yet anyway :)) that she's big enough and small enough to feel her move all the time. This is DEFINITELY my fav part about being pregnant. :) I am constantly touching my belly...and really mean constantly...cause I can. :)
Name considerations at this point (though we still haven't really agreed on anything): Lenora (Leni, which Jamie HATES Leni), Vera, Charlotte (Charlie, which we both like but I KNOW it's going to be an up and coming trend), Bentley, and Arwyn.
Still no change in appetite, which I won't complain about. There's nothing worse than feeling hungry constantly and then feeling guilty when I eat (cause I can tell you, fruit/veggies are not the usual snack of choice).
Kenny had some super great news to share. She's pregnant!!! And due on my birthday. :) We are so happy for them! And we hope everything goes wonderful/smoothly.
SOOOOOOOO I meant it when I said I had a whole lot to say...cause I'm about half way done. :) Take a coffee break and possibly a nap.
At home- BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY...did I mention BUSY? Jamie started the basement!!! It was a promise/expectation that the living area would be done prior to Omar entering this world. :) I started on the nursery- painting painting painting...and I really LOVE the green I picked out. The light grey unfortunately took on a light green appearance due to the lighting but it doesn't look bad... I've been really excited/anxious about starting it. Besides painting and working around the house, my first veggie garden ("the talk of the neighborhood" according to my neighbor Harvey) is producing quantities of food I can't keep up with. I have no idea what to do with it all...have never canned nor seen anyone can, nor know what the hell I'm doing. After reading some and talking to many (like someone is going to have some kind of "quick solution" for me) I sort out what needs to be done. With trepidation, I make pickles (cucumber and zucchini), can tomatoes, make homeade salsa, shred and freeze zucchini, blanch and freeze green beans and peas. We love the fresh veggies but this garden business is a lot of work. (see garden entry for more details). Nesting has set in my friends. I stopped planning weekends and visits with friends. I really just want to be home, particularly with Jamie. I feel completely asocial. Jamie has all his meet the med/phd students parties which I normally would love to go to, but have been pretty much outright refusing to attend...sorry Sugar. At least he's being a social butterfly. :)
I started registering. "Oi" is the only thing that really comes to mind here. 1) I have NO idea what I need...this isn't like registering for wedding gifts...ie picking out whatever the hell you WANT...there's a lot more pressure here since these products are for my baby and selecting the cheapest or cutest things are not always the best selections. Thankfully Sarah bought me a FANTASTIC book called Baby Bargains (with parent and product reviews with prices listed, and everything you need or could buy for your baby). 2) everything is SOOOO expensive! I know everyone has always said- babies are expensive, but seriously, BABIES ARE EXPENSIVE!! Good thing I had Sarah with me...I was like the husband with the laser gun that just shot the scan bars after she pointed and said, "one of these. two of these." Super. Great. Looks good. :) I haven't bought much for her yet, which is surprising to most people...unless it's too adorable/trendy/original to pass up, or it's on crazy clearance. :)
Regular shirts are not really fitting anymore so unfortunately, I had to go buy some more maternity clothes. Boo! Definitely not feeling that cute anymore, despite not even being ultra huge yet.
Cutest thing...the other day I was at Otter and Sarah's (per the norm), playing with Hailey (4yo) when she asks in the sweetest voice, "Kara?" "Yes honey." "What is your baby doing?" "I think she's sleeping honey." "Oh. (pause) What is she doing tomorrow morning?" "(haha) Probably sleeping sweetie." So friggin adorable. :)
I find it so odd so many people ask me, "how are you doing in this heat?" I hadn't really thought about it I guess, as awful hot/humid it's been. Are they expecting me to say something different than they feel not being pregnant? It's over a 100 degree heat index and I can eat the air it's so humid- how the hell do you think I'm coping? Probably the same as you...miserable. :) But upon further examination, I realized they're not crazy to ask me...cause in fact, without even knowing it, I've been pretty much avoiding the outdoors, when I usually can't wait to get outside to lay in the sun. I think the inability to 1) lay comfortably even in a bed, and 2)lay on my belly, really pretty much limits my options there as far as sunbathing goes. The shade is nice though. :) I have also started to find myself wanting to lounge around in just my undies and T-shirt, or comfy pants and a bra...when usually it's all about the sweats. Actually it's kinda nice to be on the warm end for once. :)
I was out in Boston/Connecticut for about 2 weeks total the month of July so our besties out here, got "meet" Omar. Their reactions were so silly. Scott all of a sudden became very concious of his driving ability (as he should since he's the worst driver ever and I fear for my life nearly every time I enter his car), not doing stupid things...I thought it was so sweet...I didn't even think he'd think about it. Kelly would ask questions and seemed like she wanted to feel, but didn't want to creep me out or anything by touching my belly. Denise, Dave, and Danielle were inquistive but also didn't rush to be hands on. I just grabbed Linds' hand to feel Omar one day...she was probably weirded out but never said anything. :) Ariane and Matty were a whole nother story. I stayed with Ari for 5 nights and the whole time we were together, she was lovin up Omar and constantly had her hand on my belly. It was really cute. :) Both her and Matty were all about talkin to her, givin her the love. :) It was tough to be away from Jamie for my 10 day conference; he sure missed his girls. :) He was so excited to read her books when we got home and that he definitely did. :) My first evening back, it was like I'd never left Ariane since Jam had his hand on my belly the whole time...but Omar really went nuts for him. She was SUPER squirrely and excited to be back with Dad. And I love that even still, Jamie is enthraled by her movements, still saying, "woah!" or "wow!" every time. He never passes up an opportunity to feel her. :) And he texted me while away, "Congratulations. We are in the third trimester!" How cute!!
Now as I am a bit bigger, though I'm still not THAT big, perfect strangers cater to me...offering their seats on the T in Boston whenever I boarded. It's really kind, but at the same time I laugh cause it's not like I'm an invalid or 9 months pregnant with some ridiculous waddle (I know I will be acquiring). Everyone does whatever the prego girl wants to do or eat. In fact, my friends again are so funny, cause they're all kinda odd around me until I say, "I'm the same person guys! ...just with baby on board...that doesn't morph me in to some random girl." None of them have kids or are even really around kids/infants/prego people...in fact most of them aren't even married yet. My friends from home are very different in that respect cause most of them have been there. It's just interesting to note the difference.
Well, unfortunately as early as 26 weeks, I'm starting to get a little more uncomfortable...but mostly in my back. I'm having a hard time doing anything for very long before my back reminds me to move my ass, which is probably not a bad thing to be reminded of...it's basically like an anticoagulation technique my body has inherited..."move your ass or you're going to get a clot!" haha... I was just hoping the aching/pain would hold off for a while yet. Oh well...can't complain too much since things have been going pretty smoothly.
I passed my sugar test!!!! Woo hoo!!! And at 28 weeks I had gained 16.5 lbs total which I'm pretty pleased about. A little bummed about my ass jiggling every time I pick up the pace walking briskly or running (which is more like shuffling oddly), and the thighs which have resumed their dimple status after so much hard work to improve that...oh well...at least I know I'm capable of tightening and toning up and it's actually something I WANT to do (but after the baby of course). :)
LOVE LOVE LOVE all the movement! Omar is the perfect age (well, as of yet anyway :)) that she's big enough and small enough to feel her move all the time. This is DEFINITELY my fav part about being pregnant. :) I am constantly touching my belly...and really mean constantly...cause I can. :)
Name considerations at this point (though we still haven't really agreed on anything): Lenora (Leni, which Jamie HATES Leni), Vera, Charlotte (Charlie, which we both like but I KNOW it's going to be an up and coming trend), Bentley, and Arwyn.
Still no change in appetite, which I won't complain about. There's nothing worse than feeling hungry constantly and then feeling guilty when I eat (cause I can tell you, fruit/veggies are not the usual snack of choice).
Kenny had some super great news to share. She's pregnant!!! And due on my birthday. :) We are so happy for them! And we hope everything goes wonderful/smoothly.
SOOOOOOOO I meant it when I said I had a whole lot to say...cause I'm about half way done. :) Take a coffee break and possibly a nap.
At home- BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY...did I mention BUSY? Jamie started the basement!!! It was a promise/expectation that the living area would be done prior to Omar entering this world. :) I started on the nursery- painting painting painting...and I really LOVE the green I picked out. The light grey unfortunately took on a light green appearance due to the lighting but it doesn't look bad... I've been really excited/anxious about starting it. Besides painting and working around the house, my first veggie garden ("the talk of the neighborhood" according to my neighbor Harvey) is producing quantities of food I can't keep up with. I have no idea what to do with it all...have never canned nor seen anyone can, nor know what the hell I'm doing. After reading some and talking to many (like someone is going to have some kind of "quick solution" for me) I sort out what needs to be done. With trepidation, I make pickles (cucumber and zucchini), can tomatoes, make homeade salsa, shred and freeze zucchini, blanch and freeze green beans and peas. We love the fresh veggies but this garden business is a lot of work. (see garden entry for more details). Nesting has set in my friends. I stopped planning weekends and visits with friends. I really just want to be home, particularly with Jamie. I feel completely asocial. Jamie has all his meet the med/phd students parties which I normally would love to go to, but have been pretty much outright refusing to attend...sorry Sugar. At least he's being a social butterfly. :)
I started registering. "Oi" is the only thing that really comes to mind here. 1) I have NO idea what I need...this isn't like registering for wedding gifts...ie picking out whatever the hell you WANT...there's a lot more pressure here since these products are for my baby and selecting the cheapest or cutest things are not always the best selections. Thankfully Sarah bought me a FANTASTIC book called Baby Bargains (with parent and product reviews with prices listed, and everything you need or could buy for your baby). 2) everything is SOOOO expensive! I know everyone has always said- babies are expensive, but seriously, BABIES ARE EXPENSIVE!! Good thing I had Sarah with me...I was like the husband with the laser gun that just shot the scan bars after she pointed and said, "one of these. two of these." Super. Great. Looks good. :) I haven't bought much for her yet, which is surprising to most people...unless it's too adorable/trendy/original to pass up, or it's on crazy clearance. :)
Regular shirts are not really fitting anymore so unfortunately, I had to go buy some more maternity clothes. Boo! Definitely not feeling that cute anymore, despite not even being ultra huge yet.
Cutest thing...the other day I was at Otter and Sarah's (per the norm), playing with Hailey (4yo) when she asks in the sweetest voice, "Kara?" "Yes honey." "What is your baby doing?" "I think she's sleeping honey." "Oh. (pause) What is she doing tomorrow morning?" "(haha) Probably sleeping sweetie." So friggin adorable. :)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Weeks 21-25: movement and nesting
I FELT HER MOVE FINALLY!!!!!!! At 21 weeks, while I was lying in bed, waiting for Jamie to get out of the shower, I felt Omar for the first time. It was so amazing. It was just like everyone had said- that it feels kind of like gas but not. So happy. :):):) The next evening Jamie even got to feel her move- the look on his face was priceless- sheer surprise with a smile, "wow! was that it? (making sure we were on the same page...)" She doesn't move very often now...mostly at night when I'm lying in bed.
All of a sudden I've turned from a social butterfly with a need to galavant about, filling my day with loads of activities of which HOME was last on my list places I wanted to be ---> to the COMPLETE opposite. I no longer feel like leaving my house...not even to shop (dare I say)!!! This MUST be the "nesting" thing I've heard about. Never thought I'd be in this position. Starting to really get excited about registering, the nursery, setting up daycare, working in my garden
All of a sudden I've turned from a social butterfly with a need to galavant about, filling my day with loads of activities of which HOME was last on my list places I wanted to be ---> to the COMPLETE opposite. I no longer feel like leaving my house...not even to shop (dare I say)!!! This MUST be the "nesting" thing I've heard about. Never thought I'd be in this position. Starting to really get excited about registering, the nursery, setting up daycare, working in my garden
Week 20: just not fair...
Week 20: Kind of a rough week, family-wise...Kenny has been really down about not getting pregnant, and I am "getting" to hear about how she relates to every other female that's had a miscarriage...I'm sad for her. Hoping she starts to feel better soon. Jenny also called with terrible news- she had been pregnant with triplets, but unfortunately in her 7th week she lost them. We are all devastated. Jamie is particularly handling the situation with difficulty. We had a doppler ultrasound the day after her news and though we were extremely happy to hear Omar's heartbeat, it was bittersweet knowing Jenny and Tyler won't have that same experience. It's not fair. People who couldn't give 2 shits about having kids are carelessly/thoughtlessly procreating- neglecting their children or putting them up for adoption. How is it worthless people can make babies? It should be in their genetic makeup that if their IQ is less than x or if they suck at life, they would be unable to procreate...and smart, amazing potential people who are productive in society should be able to get pregnant pretty much on demand. That's how it SHOULD be.
Hailey asks, "Kara, when is your baby coming out?" :) She's excited for a new girl cousin.
Hailey asks, "Kara, when is your baby coming out?" :) She's excited for a new girl cousin.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Week 19: maternity shopping...for the birds
Let me just vent a while about maternity shopping. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and kick up your feet...
Who in the hell designs maternity clothes? No one. Or at least no one anyone has heard of. Moreover, no one who has a friggin clue about fashion. Who says that because you're pregnant and need to buy a temporary wardrobe that you can't be cute and pregnant? WTF?!?! I just don't understand. I have seriously contemplated starting my own maternity line- cute and affordable. Listen, I don't need the ultimate quality here, just some nice softer fabric (not weird patterned polyester) and cute designs, and OPTIONS!! Again, just because this wardrobe is temporary, this doesn't mean we should be forced to choose from 5 items. Really, there is NOTHING to pick from. Even stores that have maternity lines have literally 2-3 racks or a tiny corner of the store with a couple items. Oh! I'm sorry the 6 ugly shirts you have to pick from don't suit my taste and I'm NOT spending money on some fugly temporary wardrobe. Unacceptable. The disappointment was profound. PROFOUND! What was really interesting was that the lines seemed to appeal to those age groups in say, their 40's-50's...but you don't really see a lot of that age group pregnant now do you. So let's get some young, proactive people on board here to pump out some decent lines. And the selection...COME ON!!!! If I'm having a hard time choosing a pair of pants from a selection of 20 when I'm not with child, how in the hell am I supposed to select a pair of pants when there are 2 styles and 3 colors? Really? Really? Apparently when females get pregnant, we no longer have the wide variety of body types. "Make it work." "It's temporary; just get it." Are just a few of the phrases I've heard. Excuse me? You would never say that when you were out shopping for yourself when you're not preggers, so how could you speak such blasphemy to me? And me, of all people. Don't say that shit to me. It only makes me more angry about the situation presenting itself to me.
Obviously my experience, even at the MOA was memorable, but not a good memorable...more like a nightmare.
Problem 1) I went with no plan and alone. I had NO idea what stores to go to or where they were. Basically I walked about 12 miles that day and didn't even spend my allotted allowance for clothes. Did you hear that? I didn't even spend all the money I had to spend. THAT is how bad it was.
Problem 2) I had no moral support to get me through this "tough time" of bad shopping. I was in so much shock, I could barely function. It was like an alcoholic getting lost in a liquor store...how is that possible? Ok, bad analogy...my humor has suffered during this pregnancy. :)
Problem 3) My shoulders/upper back hurt soooooo bad, I was literally almost crying. Apparently I need to acquire either a new bra with ginormous straps or acquire someone to carry my boobs while I walk around.
Problems 4-10) Maternity shopping sucks. See above complaints.
Solution 1: CALL IN THE TROOPS!! Thank God, my sister randomly was in the cities. Basically I begged her to "save me" at the MOA. She put on her cape and came to my rescue. After arriving I hear, "Kara! I did NOT come all this way to hear you bitch the whole time. It can't be that bad." Oh oh oh, was she wrong. It was that bad and shortly she was brought up to speed and had a take-back to those previously mentioned comments. After Cinnabun and a lengthy shoulder rub from my favorite sister, we rallied to finish the excursion.
Solution 2: Buy a size bigger...should last for most of the pregnancy and as I near the end, pick up some true maternity items. (Except for the pants...those I need now.)
HOW WE ENDED OUR MOA TRIP: With the sales executive at Motherhood Maternity telling me "good luck finding a bra with those proportions." Really? JUST what I needed to hear. Awesome. See below for further complaints on this topic.
BOOBS: An E, really? I'm 5 friggin months and a 34 E, a measured 34 E. This makes me want to cry because these knockers are only going to get MUCH bigger, especially when I'm breast feeding. Already my shoulders and back have been suffering. :( I understand and can appreciate I do NOT have the biggest rack in the world so WHERE IN THE HELL do these big busted beauties shop? Unfortunately, it's not the E that makes it difficult to find a bra...it's the ratio of a 34 to an E. "Good luck." So I start a little online searching. Nordstroms is literally the only department store that carries this size...for $70 minimum. UGH!! Screw job. So I seek out cheaper options on the internet- online shopping at a bra place. Ok, again, when I shop for bras (as do MOST females), we pick out 20 bras, annoyingly and frustratingly try them all on, doing the jump and jiggle, and bend-over test to find MAYBE 1 bra that works...how in the hell do they expect me to order a bra online???? Brings tears to my eyes. Oh, and after 34DD, would you expect me to be a 34DDD or a 34E? This site had 34DDD and 34DDDD and then 34E, but that was the only size that went so high with the quadruple lettering...THANK YOU for making my life even more confusing. Decision: avoid buying a bra as long as possible and hope they stop growing until I need nursing bras...and pray that I don't bust out of every shirt I own (pun intended). So get on the prayers sisters!!!
Enough about shoppping...for now anyway.
Throughout this whole pregnancy I have felt rather on top of the world. No, really, I've felt like Mary, like "the chosen one." I've felt like I am the priviledged one who was allowed to be pregnant (which is not too far from the truth in some senses). And then I look around and see 1 trillion females with belly bumps or kids on their hips. Sadly, I'm humbled and brought back to reality. So many females (gazillions in fact) have gone through this same experience, but no one really talks about it that much. That fact is kind of mind boggling to me- how is it that when we are creating life inside us, no one talks about it, but when a friend of a friend said something that may have been interpreted as sassy, the whole world knows. So odd, our culture. Creating life vs friend of a friend's sassy misinterpreted sassy comment...hmmmm... So, the more I think about it, the more I realize I'm not special, but I do smile because I AM in fact honored to experience this amazing, life-altering event of creating/incubating life. Wow. :)
Other than a horrid shopping experience, big boobs, and my newly humbled state, I've felt well- tired but incubating life is a lot of work ;)
Who in the hell designs maternity clothes? No one. Or at least no one anyone has heard of. Moreover, no one who has a friggin clue about fashion. Who says that because you're pregnant and need to buy a temporary wardrobe that you can't be cute and pregnant? WTF?!?! I just don't understand. I have seriously contemplated starting my own maternity line- cute and affordable. Listen, I don't need the ultimate quality here, just some nice softer fabric (not weird patterned polyester) and cute designs, and OPTIONS!! Again, just because this wardrobe is temporary, this doesn't mean we should be forced to choose from 5 items. Really, there is NOTHING to pick from. Even stores that have maternity lines have literally 2-3 racks or a tiny corner of the store with a couple items. Oh! I'm sorry the 6 ugly shirts you have to pick from don't suit my taste and I'm NOT spending money on some fugly temporary wardrobe. Unacceptable. The disappointment was profound. PROFOUND! What was really interesting was that the lines seemed to appeal to those age groups in say, their 40's-50's...but you don't really see a lot of that age group pregnant now do you. So let's get some young, proactive people on board here to pump out some decent lines. And the selection...COME ON!!!! If I'm having a hard time choosing a pair of pants from a selection of 20 when I'm not with child, how in the hell am I supposed to select a pair of pants when there are 2 styles and 3 colors? Really? Really? Apparently when females get pregnant, we no longer have the wide variety of body types. "Make it work." "It's temporary; just get it." Are just a few of the phrases I've heard. Excuse me? You would never say that when you were out shopping for yourself when you're not preggers, so how could you speak such blasphemy to me? And me, of all people. Don't say that shit to me. It only makes me more angry about the situation presenting itself to me.
Obviously my experience, even at the MOA was memorable, but not a good memorable...more like a nightmare.
Problem 1) I went with no plan and alone. I had NO idea what stores to go to or where they were. Basically I walked about 12 miles that day and didn't even spend my allotted allowance for clothes. Did you hear that? I didn't even spend all the money I had to spend. THAT is how bad it was.
Problem 2) I had no moral support to get me through this "tough time" of bad shopping. I was in so much shock, I could barely function. It was like an alcoholic getting lost in a liquor store...how is that possible? Ok, bad analogy...my humor has suffered during this pregnancy. :)
Problem 3) My shoulders/upper back hurt soooooo bad, I was literally almost crying. Apparently I need to acquire either a new bra with ginormous straps or acquire someone to carry my boobs while I walk around.
Problems 4-10) Maternity shopping sucks. See above complaints.
Solution 1: CALL IN THE TROOPS!! Thank God, my sister randomly was in the cities. Basically I begged her to "save me" at the MOA. She put on her cape and came to my rescue. After arriving I hear, "Kara! I did NOT come all this way to hear you bitch the whole time. It can't be that bad." Oh oh oh, was she wrong. It was that bad and shortly she was brought up to speed and had a take-back to those previously mentioned comments. After Cinnabun and a lengthy shoulder rub from my favorite sister, we rallied to finish the excursion.
Solution 2: Buy a size bigger...should last for most of the pregnancy and as I near the end, pick up some true maternity items. (Except for the pants...those I need now.)
HOW WE ENDED OUR MOA TRIP: With the sales executive at Motherhood Maternity telling me "good luck finding a bra with those proportions." Really? JUST what I needed to hear. Awesome. See below for further complaints on this topic.
BOOBS: An E, really? I'm 5 friggin months and a 34 E, a measured 34 E. This makes me want to cry because these knockers are only going to get MUCH bigger, especially when I'm breast feeding. Already my shoulders and back have been suffering. :( I understand and can appreciate I do NOT have the biggest rack in the world so WHERE IN THE HELL do these big busted beauties shop? Unfortunately, it's not the E that makes it difficult to find a bra...it's the ratio of a 34 to an E. "Good luck." So I start a little online searching. Nordstroms is literally the only department store that carries this size...for $70 minimum. UGH!! Screw job. So I seek out cheaper options on the internet- online shopping at a bra place. Ok, again, when I shop for bras (as do MOST females), we pick out 20 bras, annoyingly and frustratingly try them all on, doing the jump and jiggle, and bend-over test to find MAYBE 1 bra that works...how in the hell do they expect me to order a bra online???? Brings tears to my eyes. Oh, and after 34DD, would you expect me to be a 34DDD or a 34E? This site had 34DDD and 34DDDD and then 34E, but that was the only size that went so high with the quadruple lettering...THANK YOU for making my life even more confusing. Decision: avoid buying a bra as long as possible and hope they stop growing until I need nursing bras...and pray that I don't bust out of every shirt I own (pun intended). So get on the prayers sisters!!!
Enough about shoppping...for now anyway.
Throughout this whole pregnancy I have felt rather on top of the world. No, really, I've felt like Mary, like "the chosen one." I've felt like I am the priviledged one who was allowed to be pregnant (which is not too far from the truth in some senses). And then I look around and see 1 trillion females with belly bumps or kids on their hips. Sadly, I'm humbled and brought back to reality. So many females (gazillions in fact) have gone through this same experience, but no one really talks about it that much. That fact is kind of mind boggling to me- how is it that when we are creating life inside us, no one talks about it, but when a friend of a friend said something that may have been interpreted as sassy, the whole world knows. So odd, our culture. Creating life vs friend of a friend's sassy misinterpreted sassy comment...hmmmm... So, the more I think about it, the more I realize I'm not special, but I do smile because I AM in fact honored to experience this amazing, life-altering event of creating/incubating life. Wow. :)
Other than a horrid shopping experience, big boobs, and my newly humbled state, I've felt well- tired but incubating life is a lot of work ;)
Week 18: It's a ....
My appetite is back to normal, but with a few food aversions (mostly the things giving me reflux like pizza and anything red peppers).
BEST WEEK EVER!!! We had the ultrasound this week...
Current stats: Baby girl 10 oz, me = 152 lbs, boobs = 34E, yes, a FUCKING E!!!
BEST WEEK EVER!!! We had the ultrasound this week...
Current stats: Baby girl 10 oz, me = 152 lbs, boobs = 34E, yes, a FUCKING E!!!
Week 17: just our anniversary... :)
Not much new to report this week. I feel great. No cravings this week. I'm getting very anxious for movement since this is about the time I may start to feel Omar squirrel around. Nothing yet though. I've still got minor complaints (of course...haha) of back, tailbone, and ligament pain, but it's not too bad.
It was our 4 yr wedding anniversary this week. We didn't have any plans which was exactly the kind of plans we wanted. :) Perfect. :) I'd say after 9 years of dating and 4 years of marriage, this was my favorite anniversary- with a home, a baby on board, and my hubby, I could think of nothing more I could have wanted.
It was our 4 yr wedding anniversary this week. We didn't have any plans which was exactly the kind of plans we wanted. :) Perfect. :) I'd say after 9 years of dating and 4 years of marriage, this was my favorite anniversary- with a home, a baby on board, and my hubby, I could think of nothing more I could have wanted.
Week 16: first belly pics
HEY!!!! Ooooo! I'm feeling good! In fact, I don't even feel pregnant other than my front side seems to be growing exponentially.
Minor complaints (cause there's always something to complain about...haha)- a little round ligament and back pain have started.
Super excited we received a couple of gifts- one from Ariane (a frame for our ultrasound pic) and one from Amy (belly lotion, toy clips, and onesies). Gifts sure do make this whole thing seem more real because to date I have not bought anything for Omar.
I took my first set of pregnancy belly pics.
Getting settled in our house sure takes time, but we're totally loving having our own place. Jamie and I spent a day working VERY hard outside. Picked up a truckload of black dirt to make my 10x20 ft veggie garden. Let me tell you unloading that was a total bitch. About 1/2 way through Jamie was sitting on the cab taking a break as I continued to shovel dirt off the truck in my barefeet. Jamie comments, "I hope no one drives by and sees my barefoot and pregnant wife unloading this dirt while I'm sitting here watching." Hahaha. We also got a truckbed full of rock to unload in the front for landscaping. Anywho, I got my veggies planted and was happy as can be. For my first garden, I planted 3 tomato plants (cherry, beefsteak, and a Roma type), 4 cucumber plants (2 to eat and 2 to pickle...so I suppose I should learn how to do that), a blackberry and raspberry bush, peas, green beans, 1 yellow squash, 1 zucchini, 2 red pepper, 2 yellow pepper, 3 chiles, 1 jalapeno, and 1 poblano, and 3 onions (yes, don't mock me and my 3 onions... I just wanted something underground). :) VERY excited. :)
Minor complaints (cause there's always something to complain about...haha)- a little round ligament and back pain have started.
Super excited we received a couple of gifts- one from Ariane (a frame for our ultrasound pic) and one from Amy (belly lotion, toy clips, and onesies). Gifts sure do make this whole thing seem more real because to date I have not bought anything for Omar.
I took my first set of pregnancy belly pics.
Getting settled in our house sure takes time, but we're totally loving having our own place. Jamie and I spent a day working VERY hard outside. Picked up a truckload of black dirt to make my 10x20 ft veggie garden. Let me tell you unloading that was a total bitch. About 1/2 way through Jamie was sitting on the cab taking a break as I continued to shovel dirt off the truck in my barefeet. Jamie comments, "I hope no one drives by and sees my barefoot and pregnant wife unloading this dirt while I'm sitting here watching." Hahaha. We also got a truckbed full of rock to unload in the front for landscaping. Anywho, I got my veggies planted and was happy as can be. For my first garden, I planted 3 tomato plants (cherry, beefsteak, and a Roma type), 4 cucumber plants (2 to eat and 2 to pickle...so I suppose I should learn how to do that), a blackberry and raspberry bush, peas, green beans, 1 yellow squash, 1 zucchini, 2 red pepper, 2 yellow pepper, 3 chiles, 1 jalapeno, and 1 poblano, and 3 onions (yes, don't mock me and my 3 onions... I just wanted something underground). :) VERY excited. :)
Week 15: Mother's Day
Sunday was Mother's Day. Jamie bought me THE sweetest card which made me cry in the Mall of America, and along with that he gave me the over-the-ear Bose headphones I've been wanting for a super long time. The perfect present is what he gave me. This way Omar can listen to tunes too. How thoughtful! That is why I love that man. :)
We had the Breast Cancer Walk at the Mall of America as well. What a profound experience. 7500 people did the run along with Jamie and Otter (who got 18th or so), and over 30,000 people did the walk. A sea of pink and all for one cause...simply amazing.
While at the MOA, I picked up a belly band and sleep bras. The belly band is an elastic band placed over an open zipper/button so I can wear my regular pants longer. The problem? Who the hell wants to see (via spandex) that my fly is wide open...not exactly difficult to see when all the shirts I have are tight. With loose shirts, they work great though.
Seems my cravings change...this week is creamy soups including broccoli and cheese, french onion, and cream of chicken and wild rice. :) Fantastic
Got crackin on the lotion application. Twice a day to the belly and boobs. Gotta do my best at preventing those stretch marks.
Current stats: 150 lbs (5 lb weight gain), and boobs are bigger :)
We had the Breast Cancer Walk at the Mall of America as well. What a profound experience. 7500 people did the run along with Jamie and Otter (who got 18th or so), and over 30,000 people did the walk. A sea of pink and all for one cause...simply amazing.
While at the MOA, I picked up a belly band and sleep bras. The belly band is an elastic band placed over an open zipper/button so I can wear my regular pants longer. The problem? Who the hell wants to see (via spandex) that my fly is wide open...not exactly difficult to see when all the shirts I have are tight. With loose shirts, they work great though.
Seems my cravings change...this week is creamy soups including broccoli and cheese, french onion, and cream of chicken and wild rice. :) Fantastic
Got crackin on the lotion application. Twice a day to the belly and boobs. Gotta do my best at preventing those stretch marks.
Current stats: 150 lbs (5 lb weight gain), and boobs are bigger :)
Week 14: EAST COAST VISITOR!! :)
Yup, Steph came for a visit!!! We were so amped to see her, but still so exhausted. We closed on Friday and picked up Steph on Saturday. Poor girl is all I have to say. WELCOME to our messy home with crap everywhere, no food, and no fun = theme of the week. Her visit consisted of conferencing, lots of cooking of wonderful food (Jamie was thankful!), and TV.
It was SUPER great to start turning the corner and feeling better so I could eat wonderful amazing food that I had missed so much. :) Oh food, welcome back, how I've longed for you. :) Eating with a vengence too- this week my appetite was that of a teenage boy again. My fatigue and GERD have also improved. Woo hoo!!!
I LOVE TRIMESTER 2!!!!! :):):)
It was SUPER great to start turning the corner and feeling better so I could eat wonderful amazing food that I had missed so much. :) Oh food, welcome back, how I've longed for you. :) Eating with a vengence too- this week my appetite was that of a teenage boy again. My fatigue and GERD have also improved. Woo hoo!!!
I LOVE TRIMESTER 2!!!!! :):):)
weeks 12-13: extreme fatigue
Well holy smokes...it was during this time, Jamie and I moved onto the next phase in life = homeowners. Packing wasn't really in the cards...thinking we could just laundry-basket-move. Well that's great and all, but unpacking clusterfuck laundry baskets into a place where I have no idea where things are going is not the brightest idea we've had. Nonetheless that didn't stop us from doing just that- laundry-basket-moving...idiots. Thank goodness for Kenny and Brad who came to help us one day...Kenny and I packed and the boys loaded the vehicles and then they unloaded while we unpacked. It was pretty slick. Unfortunately there was a TON left to do, and we were left to it alone. I, feeling pretty terrible and so super exhausted, along with Jamie, packed up our belongings and moved on. It was really rough- we were so tired, and basically at each other's throat by the end of the week. So so so happy to be in our own place. :)
I hate reflux. My symptoms = bloating, belching, and a constant dull epigastric ache = blah! This really makes me finicky...and I'm still not cooking...poor Jamie.
All I want is chocoloate milk and pop tarts, and OJ too. No meat, no broccoli. And for dessert? Tums.
Still sooooooo tired.
I CAN.NOT.GET.RID of these tensions headaches. I have at least one a week. :( Dr Zimmer got another visit and I hit up an hour long massage too...cracking wins for the best treatment.
I met with Tiffany, my personal trainer to discuss a workout regimen fit for a pregnant lady. Basically it's ok to work out like I was but beware of loose joints, dizziness, and balance issues. Alrighty then. Now if I can just acquire the motivation...
We had a Doppler US which was really great. Each time we're in for a visit, I just feel so much better. Progress, progress. :) This one hit a little close to home, particularly for Jamie. Sadly, this week we found out Jenny and Tyler lost the twins, thus making our experience pretty bittersweet and emotional. It's hard to be happy when someone we love will never have what we are experiencing... And then to think we have a world full of undeserved/unwanted pregnancies...pretty much makes me/us sick. So on that chipper note...
Continuing to dream about a boy.
I hate reflux. My symptoms = bloating, belching, and a constant dull epigastric ache = blah! This really makes me finicky...and I'm still not cooking...poor Jamie.
All I want is chocoloate milk and pop tarts, and OJ too. No meat, no broccoli. And for dessert? Tums.
Still sooooooo tired.
I CAN.NOT.GET.RID of these tensions headaches. I have at least one a week. :( Dr Zimmer got another visit and I hit up an hour long massage too...cracking wins for the best treatment.
I met with Tiffany, my personal trainer to discuss a workout regimen fit for a pregnant lady. Basically it's ok to work out like I was but beware of loose joints, dizziness, and balance issues. Alrighty then. Now if I can just acquire the motivation...
We had a Doppler US which was really great. Each time we're in for a visit, I just feel so much better. Progress, progress. :) This one hit a little close to home, particularly for Jamie. Sadly, this week we found out Jenny and Tyler lost the twins, thus making our experience pretty bittersweet and emotional. It's hard to be happy when someone we love will never have what we are experiencing... And then to think we have a world full of undeserved/unwanted pregnancies...pretty much makes me/us sick. So on that chipper note...
Continuing to dream about a boy.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Weeks 9-11...behind already
Ugh...I SO knew I was ambitious with my weekly updates for this experience...figures I would fall behind. Nonetheless, not a lot of change in these weeks so I really don't feel that guilty lumping them together.
My teenager skin is finally clearing up...thank you Jesus.
I've taken on the napping habits of a 2 year old. The BIGGEST problem right now- so flippin tired. I'm realizing this will be my new baseline however it's taking some adjusting to say the least. I basically go to work, come home eat, and nap for 1.5-2 hours, continue my waste-of-life existence on the couch and hit the sack around 10pm. RIVETING is probably the only word that comes to mind, I realize. I know, folks...it's a story worth telling. :)
I must mention I'm quite pleased I have NOT taken on the voiding habits of a 2 year old as well. No frequency- yes!
My appetite as changed from yucks if I eat to yucks if I wait to long to eat. I still have a fairly uncomfortable belly as far as food goes, but find myself being quite hungry, particularly in the 10-11th weeks. If I don't eat, I feel sick so snacks have taken over my desk, bag, and home. Applesauce, pretzels, string cheese, yogurt, and cereal, along with nutri-grain and fiber one bars are the snack choices.
This new and kind of annoying "symptom" of belching has begun. I'm not sure if this is my manifestation of acid reflux or what...but feeling like I need to have a "good burp" all the time is pretty much a nuisance to say the least. This particularly is a problem at night. The issue is that I have to eat before going to bed or I'll wake up hungry and feeling sick in the night, but eating and then lying down is a perfect recipe for reflux...thus propped sleeping has been prompted.
I'm sleeping well at night, getting up once a night to empty my bladder in a comatose, sleep-walking state. Sleeping on my belly has become a little more tricky since my tummy has gotten bigger...so I've taken a liking (well, not really, but there's not a whole lot of alternatives at this point) to my right side.
Names and a nursery are at the forefront of my mind. I've picked out the color scheme for the nursery (yes, before we even know what it is...cause it doesn't matter) including a bright apple green wall with a black and white theme including one wall with black stripes and the other 2 walls white. Then I will accent with bright pink or bright blue, depending on the sex. We are at least agreeing on girl names for now, but every boy name is a battle. There is actually not one boy name he likes...good thing we've got 29 more weeks to decide. :) Baby Bargains is a book from Sarah which has been superb reading- giving us ideas on all the things we need to buy (frightening actually). Kenny also gave us a pregnancy journal so we are able to read every night what happened that day- regarding Omar and me...kinda cool. :)
Think this weekend I'll break down and take a 12-week pregnancy pic.
Current weight: 143lbs, boobs enlarging (will be shopping soon), and pants getting tighter, and totally think my ass is getting bigger though there is outright refusal to agree from Jamie (too bad he's not a convincing liar)...SO, ensuring I try to get active 30 minutes a day...although this doesn't seem like much, when all you want to do is sleep it's like pulling teeth to get my ass moving.
My teenager skin is finally clearing up...thank you Jesus.
I've taken on the napping habits of a 2 year old. The BIGGEST problem right now- so flippin tired. I'm realizing this will be my new baseline however it's taking some adjusting to say the least. I basically go to work, come home eat, and nap for 1.5-2 hours, continue my waste-of-life existence on the couch and hit the sack around 10pm. RIVETING is probably the only word that comes to mind, I realize. I know, folks...it's a story worth telling. :)
I must mention I'm quite pleased I have NOT taken on the voiding habits of a 2 year old as well. No frequency- yes!
My appetite as changed from yucks if I eat to yucks if I wait to long to eat. I still have a fairly uncomfortable belly as far as food goes, but find myself being quite hungry, particularly in the 10-11th weeks. If I don't eat, I feel sick so snacks have taken over my desk, bag, and home. Applesauce, pretzels, string cheese, yogurt, and cereal, along with nutri-grain and fiber one bars are the snack choices.
This new and kind of annoying "symptom" of belching has begun. I'm not sure if this is my manifestation of acid reflux or what...but feeling like I need to have a "good burp" all the time is pretty much a nuisance to say the least. This particularly is a problem at night. The issue is that I have to eat before going to bed or I'll wake up hungry and feeling sick in the night, but eating and then lying down is a perfect recipe for reflux...thus propped sleeping has been prompted.
I'm sleeping well at night, getting up once a night to empty my bladder in a comatose, sleep-walking state. Sleeping on my belly has become a little more tricky since my tummy has gotten bigger...so I've taken a liking (well, not really, but there's not a whole lot of alternatives at this point) to my right side.
Names and a nursery are at the forefront of my mind. I've picked out the color scheme for the nursery (yes, before we even know what it is...cause it doesn't matter) including a bright apple green wall with a black and white theme including one wall with black stripes and the other 2 walls white. Then I will accent with bright pink or bright blue, depending on the sex. We are at least agreeing on girl names for now, but every boy name is a battle. There is actually not one boy name he likes...good thing we've got 29 more weeks to decide. :) Baby Bargains is a book from Sarah which has been superb reading- giving us ideas on all the things we need to buy (frightening actually). Kenny also gave us a pregnancy journal so we are able to read every night what happened that day- regarding Omar and me...kinda cool. :)
Think this weekend I'll break down and take a 12-week pregnancy pic.
Current weight: 143lbs, boobs enlarging (will be shopping soon), and pants getting tighter, and totally think my ass is getting bigger though there is outright refusal to agree from Jamie (too bad he's not a convincing liar)...SO, ensuring I try to get active 30 minutes a day...although this doesn't seem like much, when all you want to do is sleep it's like pulling teeth to get my ass moving.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Week 8- PURE JOY!
Monday we learned the greatest news of all- Jenny and Tyler are pregnant!!! ...and maybe with twins. With the amount of emotional stress those two went through to get to this point, it sure is a beautiful, BEYOND elated moment and we are SOOOOO happy for them. Obviously, we have not busted out, "HEY US TOO!!" though I wanted to...give these cats a while to experience their pure joy and pray to God that it stays that way through the whole pregnancy (for both of us!) :)
Tuesday was my birthday...basically work sucked but Jam and I ventured to the Olive Garden and then home to cozy on the couch...and I got some beautiful flowers. :)
Thursday, March 25, we got to visualize Omar for the first time. We met with one of the midwives, Candi who was very sweet. We are super elated to have gone the midwife route- just seems like more our style. It was so nice that by the end of our appointment she asked, "Is there anything about you two that you would like us to know to make this experience what you want it to be?" How great is that? I mean, we didn't have anything to say but I still thought it was a nice gesture I'm sure is much less often asked from an OB doc. The ultrasound was surreal- I've done them before on people along with the fetal heart tones, so it wasn't my first experience but crazy weird for it to be me and that wild tiny parasite is growing inside me! We were also able to hear the heart beat too. A priceless experience. Jamie described the ultrasound experience as "scary." :) Oh Jamie.
By the end of this week, we thought since this thing is finally for really realz, we could probably tell our parents. Everyone was very excited. I told Mom, Rhan, and Selma Thurs, and the Kapplingers (excluding Jenny/Tyler) on Saturday, and the whole Otterness clan on Sunday. I was trying to think of a jazzy, cool way to deliver this news but ultimately the amount of work it was going to take for a possible botched delivery deterred me and the standard plain ol' verbal method sufficed. I don't think there was one person that was expecting the news which always makes it a little more fun. :)
Tuesday was my birthday...basically work sucked but Jam and I ventured to the Olive Garden and then home to cozy on the couch...and I got some beautiful flowers. :)
Thursday, March 25, we got to visualize Omar for the first time. We met with one of the midwives, Candi who was very sweet. We are super elated to have gone the midwife route- just seems like more our style. It was so nice that by the end of our appointment she asked, "Is there anything about you two that you would like us to know to make this experience what you want it to be?" How great is that? I mean, we didn't have anything to say but I still thought it was a nice gesture I'm sure is much less often asked from an OB doc. The ultrasound was surreal- I've done them before on people along with the fetal heart tones, so it wasn't my first experience but crazy weird for it to be me and that wild tiny parasite is growing inside me! We were also able to hear the heart beat too. A priceless experience. Jamie described the ultrasound experience as "scary." :) Oh Jamie.
By the end of this week, we thought since this thing is finally for really realz, we could probably tell our parents. Everyone was very excited. I told Mom, Rhan, and Selma Thurs, and the Kapplingers (excluding Jenny/Tyler) on Saturday, and the whole Otterness clan on Sunday. I was trying to think of a jazzy, cool way to deliver this news but ultimately the amount of work it was going to take for a possible botched delivery deterred me and the standard plain ol' verbal method sufficed. I don't think there was one person that was expecting the news which always makes it a little more fun. :)
Week 7: more people and lesson learned
So this week was FULL of nausea- before, after, during eating...didn't matter. By the end of the week I even got a tension headache, but since I can't take crap for it, I meerly suffered (and received several neck rubs from the hubs). But it wasn't all boo friggin who...we got to tell some of our closest friends about this super fantastic endeavor we've embarked on. Anj, Jess, our Sioux Falls peeps, and many of our closest east coast besties found out. It was so nice to get to share the news and receive sheer excitement and congratulations. :)
Sunday night, however, I learned my lesson. I remember...thinking back to PA school during OB with Lord parading around the front of the room thrusting her varicose vein legs up on the desk in front of me...gee, sure wish I could forget that... Anyway, I recall (though sadly this was after the fact) Prof Lord saying, 'Pregnancy is not a good time to try new foods'...followed by a Sally Sue story (who had been knocked up by Jimmy of course) and how she got some scandalous STD...haha- true story (about Sally Sue), but come on people, that is NOT where I was going with this. So we were out at my brother's place gabbing when he busts out this meat, cheese, and crackers. Way love and I was starving since the previous scalloped potatoes and ham (classic Midwest funeral dish) weren't filling nor appetizing. Anyway...so he tells us it's buffalo meat (tasted a lot like a little spicier summer sausage)...and based on the fact I now know what it tastes like suggests to you folks, I gave it a whirl. It was really good actually. Didn't think anything of it until about 2:30am when the sharpest, death-like gas cramps tore me out of sleep. PURE agony. Curse words, curse words, rolling around holding my belly waiting for the gas to move, along with the pain, to a new spot in my stomach. Holy shit I thought I was dying...ok, so a bit dramatic, but you gather it sucked. Finally I just got up and moved hunched over into the bathroom to the toilet. UGH, ahh!, curse curse curse. See, I can't push to make things move along because the ligaments attached to my uterus are stretching now and it's painful to push...which pain is worse I guess. It was give and take. The gas rumbled like a train...I could literally feel it work it's way through every single million inches of intestines. (Warning, about to get graphic.) Then poop poop poop, GAS- ah, yes! Then, like my ever so proper husband says, "I was pissin out my ass." Haha...I realize that that's totally not a lady-like thing to say, but really the whole scene was not lady-like so there's no need to sugar coat it. 30 friggin minutes my near-naked body shivered and writhed in pain on that cold porcelain toilet. Back to sleep and up again to finish off. Whew! Needless to say- lesson learned. Do not try new or exotic things while pregnant...it doesn't end well.
Sunday night, however, I learned my lesson. I remember...thinking back to PA school during OB with Lord parading around the front of the room thrusting her varicose vein legs up on the desk in front of me...gee, sure wish I could forget that... Anyway, I recall (though sadly this was after the fact) Prof Lord saying, 'Pregnancy is not a good time to try new foods'...followed by a Sally Sue story (who had been knocked up by Jimmy of course) and how she got some scandalous STD...haha- true story (about Sally Sue), but come on people, that is NOT where I was going with this. So we were out at my brother's place gabbing when he busts out this meat, cheese, and crackers. Way love and I was starving since the previous scalloped potatoes and ham (classic Midwest funeral dish) weren't filling nor appetizing. Anyway...so he tells us it's buffalo meat (tasted a lot like a little spicier summer sausage)...and based on the fact I now know what it tastes like suggests to you folks, I gave it a whirl. It was really good actually. Didn't think anything of it until about 2:30am when the sharpest, death-like gas cramps tore me out of sleep. PURE agony. Curse words, curse words, rolling around holding my belly waiting for the gas to move, along with the pain, to a new spot in my stomach. Holy shit I thought I was dying...ok, so a bit dramatic, but you gather it sucked. Finally I just got up and moved hunched over into the bathroom to the toilet. UGH, ahh!, curse curse curse. See, I can't push to make things move along because the ligaments attached to my uterus are stretching now and it's painful to push...which pain is worse I guess. It was give and take. The gas rumbled like a train...I could literally feel it work it's way through every single million inches of intestines. (Warning, about to get graphic.) Then poop poop poop, GAS- ah, yes! Then, like my ever so proper husband says, "I was pissin out my ass." Haha...I realize that that's totally not a lady-like thing to say, but really the whole scene was not lady-like so there's no need to sugar coat it. 30 friggin minutes my near-naked body shivered and writhed in pain on that cold porcelain toilet. Back to sleep and up again to finish off. Whew! Needless to say- lesson learned. Do not try new or exotic things while pregnant...it doesn't end well.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Week 6: and the _______ sets in
1. and the _fatigue__ sets in...wow. Really tired this week but could have been the fact that we were house shopping like marathoners and actually bought a house!!!! Kinda crazy and pretty amazing timing honestly. It's a brand new development in Kasson close to my mom/aunt/uncle/kids and Otter and Sarah. It's about 15 minutes from work or so. On a private road, away from train tracks and McDonalds (as Hailey, my 4 yo niece noted). :) Happy that horrible house-buying selection process is over, but moving is yet to come...ugh... Pretty sure this fatigue is going no where quickly.
2. and the __nausea__sets in. BOO!!! No barfy just icky sicky. Nothing sounds good- though I could always eat cereal and pizza. Makes it tough to workout in the am like I'm used to and like to since I feel like garbage until after lunch (when there is no motivation left to hit the gym). ...go away.
3. and the __excitement__sets in. Jamie and I are actually starting to get a little excited about the pregnancy...not that we weren't before- it's just a little more real now. This runty is hangin on, so the longer it hangs, the more excited we are getting. :) I finally got to dish the news to Kenny and Brad this weekend...not quite the same excitement but she came around after the initial shock. The only people that know are Sarah, Otter, Kat, Liz, a handful of work people (just cause I can't keep a secret...and I guess neither could Jamie!), and now Kenny and Brad. We are waiting to tell the family until after my ultrasound on the 25th- so Easter time...trying to think of a clever way to tell people...hmmmm...the wheels are turning. :)
4. and the __allergies__set in. OOOOO weeeee- I'm not sure what the hell I'm allergic to in the middle of winter but this allergy attack sure took the wind out of my sails. Lucky co-workers got a snot-faced, half alive, coughing piece of pleasure pie, that is for sure! :)
Remain with sore, bigger boobs, sensitive nipples, gas, teenager skin, and my belly is getting bigger (but maybe that's cause I just stopped sucking in so much...hmmmm...a real possibility here). :)
Oh! And I almost forgot! I met with the nurse this week- ha! clearly it was an impactful visit. :) Jam was oober pissed he wasn't allowed in the room. Why? Who knows... I think it should be the option of the pregnant lady if the husband can attend or not cause really all we did was talk about my medical history, and then she delved into his family medical history and where he was born and shit. WHAT?! I have no idea! Does that make me a bad wife? I knew the state at least. :) Whatever, there's 9 months to fill that crap out...PS- if you needed to know those types of things, maybe you should have allowed him in the room. It was just an informative session anyway- giving me the "do not do this this this this this" bible and some pamphlets. Cool. At least now I have proof that I'm NOT screwing up this child, since it is a clear concern of Jamie's. :) Read the book baby! :) And then I was forced to donate 9 tubes of blood- and the interesting thing is that they didn't even do any kind of confirmation testing like another urine evaluation or a blood hCG level...so basically that lady just took my word that I had a positive HyVee brand test at home (and just 1 test). Ok then. :) But what I DID find out from the blood work was not that I am actually with child, but I do NOT have HIV or syphilis- SCORE!!!!! :) I also do not have a urine infection- craaaazy, since I'm not having symptoms- right on point there- thanks! But is she pregnant? Well, uh...she told us she was. I bet if I told you I didn't have HIV or syphilis you would have still tested me... Just sayin...
2. and the __nausea__sets in. BOO!!! No barfy just icky sicky. Nothing sounds good- though I could always eat cereal and pizza. Makes it tough to workout in the am like I'm used to and like to since I feel like garbage until after lunch (when there is no motivation left to hit the gym). ...go away.
3. and the __excitement__sets in. Jamie and I are actually starting to get a little excited about the pregnancy...not that we weren't before- it's just a little more real now. This runty is hangin on, so the longer it hangs, the more excited we are getting. :) I finally got to dish the news to Kenny and Brad this weekend...not quite the same excitement but she came around after the initial shock. The only people that know are Sarah, Otter, Kat, Liz, a handful of work people (just cause I can't keep a secret...and I guess neither could Jamie!), and now Kenny and Brad. We are waiting to tell the family until after my ultrasound on the 25th- so Easter time...trying to think of a clever way to tell people...hmmmm...the wheels are turning. :)
4. and the __allergies__set in. OOOOO weeeee- I'm not sure what the hell I'm allergic to in the middle of winter but this allergy attack sure took the wind out of my sails. Lucky co-workers got a snot-faced, half alive, coughing piece of pleasure pie, that is for sure! :)
Remain with sore, bigger boobs, sensitive nipples, gas, teenager skin, and my belly is getting bigger (but maybe that's cause I just stopped sucking in so much...hmmmm...a real possibility here). :)
Oh! And I almost forgot! I met with the nurse this week- ha! clearly it was an impactful visit. :) Jam was oober pissed he wasn't allowed in the room. Why? Who knows... I think it should be the option of the pregnant lady if the husband can attend or not cause really all we did was talk about my medical history, and then she delved into his family medical history and where he was born and shit. WHAT?! I have no idea! Does that make me a bad wife? I knew the state at least. :) Whatever, there's 9 months to fill that crap out...PS- if you needed to know those types of things, maybe you should have allowed him in the room. It was just an informative session anyway- giving me the "do not do this this this this this" bible and some pamphlets. Cool. At least now I have proof that I'm NOT screwing up this child, since it is a clear concern of Jamie's. :) Read the book baby! :) And then I was forced to donate 9 tubes of blood- and the interesting thing is that they didn't even do any kind of confirmation testing like another urine evaluation or a blood hCG level...so basically that lady just took my word that I had a positive HyVee brand test at home (and just 1 test). Ok then. :) But what I DID find out from the blood work was not that I am actually with child, but I do NOT have HIV or syphilis- SCORE!!!!! :) I also do not have a urine infection- craaaazy, since I'm not having symptoms- right on point there- thanks! But is she pregnant? Well, uh...she told us she was. I bet if I told you I didn't have HIV or syphilis you would have still tested me... Just sayin...
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Week 5
This is the week I found out about baby!! I've decided to document each week- how I'm feeling both physically and emotionally.
Physical:
SORE boobs!! I'm now wearing a bra at all times (even sleeping) because 1) it feels better, and 2) for prevention of further migration south;
BRAIN DEAD. Holy Moses, I cannot remember anything! This is actually frightening given the short-term memory loss of my husband...this better resolve or we are totally shit up a crick without paddles (cause we forgot them!);
Funky appetite. Started out all ravishing, eating everything in sight and an endless attempt to fill my hollow leg. Now it's finicky...can't eat as much, things don't taste as good
GAS...more of it. :)
TIRED. Can't tell if it's the madness that has been the last 2 weeks looking for houses aggressively and tending a plethora of basketball games and not being home last weekend...or if some of it's the pregnancy. Seems a bit crazy to think a tiny sesame seed could make me tired...though I'm sure that's not the first "crazy" of pregnancy.
Emotionally:
So far so good- I feel pretty great actually. I'm not super labile (yet), sitting more on the positive "i love life" side. Jamie has been great and it just started. I can already tell he's going to be a super support through this whole process.
We are trying to think of a name for baby in-utero...we kinda like Omar (for now)...makes me smile.
Yesterday I had spent the day with some girlfriends and Jamie texted, "miss you and Omar." So cute. :) He was following me home later that evening and I get a text that says, "hey speedracer, you have my child on board." Haha.
We have not told many people and if it were up to Jamie NO ONE would know. You know me...with this super power of talking, it's VERY hard to suppress...it's not like I carry cryptonite in my pocket. So, right now, for my sanity Sarah and Otter know (largely because Sarah's been through this and they were with us at the cabin when I was expressing the possibility) and yesterday I told Kathy and Liz (cause I just needed to share with people, and Kat's 20 weeks pregnant right now). I'm not ready to tell the whole world given the possibility of this whole thing not working out since it's so early but it IS fun if a few people know. :) I wanted to tell Kenny but she's got some semi-related issues going on...didn't seem like a good time. And the Kapplingers are greatly anticipating Jenny's in-vitro implantation this Wednesday (when I meet the midwives' nurse). Really really hoping it works out for them!! In a couple weeks, God willing, we will be able to tell people. Our midwife appointment is Mar 25...couldn't think of a better birthday present myself. :)
In the meantime, we are distracting ourselves with buying a house. Exhausting work but we look forward to having our own place! We don't want to get too excited about this pregnancy yet since, like most in this situation, we worry about miscarriage.
I also think about how it would be nice to be blissfully naive about all the problems that can happen in a pregnancy...however, medical training has stolen that away from me. Oh well...we'll take it as it comes and pray for a healthy baby.
Physical:
SORE boobs!! I'm now wearing a bra at all times (even sleeping) because 1) it feels better, and 2) for prevention of further migration south;
BRAIN DEAD. Holy Moses, I cannot remember anything! This is actually frightening given the short-term memory loss of my husband...this better resolve or we are totally shit up a crick without paddles (cause we forgot them!);
Funky appetite. Started out all ravishing, eating everything in sight and an endless attempt to fill my hollow leg. Now it's finicky...can't eat as much, things don't taste as good
GAS...more of it. :)
TIRED. Can't tell if it's the madness that has been the last 2 weeks looking for houses aggressively and tending a plethora of basketball games and not being home last weekend...or if some of it's the pregnancy. Seems a bit crazy to think a tiny sesame seed could make me tired...though I'm sure that's not the first "crazy" of pregnancy.
Emotionally:
So far so good- I feel pretty great actually. I'm not super labile (yet), sitting more on the positive "i love life" side. Jamie has been great and it just started. I can already tell he's going to be a super support through this whole process.
We are trying to think of a name for baby in-utero...we kinda like Omar (for now)...makes me smile.
Yesterday I had spent the day with some girlfriends and Jamie texted, "miss you and Omar." So cute. :) He was following me home later that evening and I get a text that says, "hey speedracer, you have my child on board." Haha.
We have not told many people and if it were up to Jamie NO ONE would know. You know me...with this super power of talking, it's VERY hard to suppress...it's not like I carry cryptonite in my pocket. So, right now, for my sanity Sarah and Otter know (largely because Sarah's been through this and they were with us at the cabin when I was expressing the possibility) and yesterday I told Kathy and Liz (cause I just needed to share with people, and Kat's 20 weeks pregnant right now). I'm not ready to tell the whole world given the possibility of this whole thing not working out since it's so early but it IS fun if a few people know. :) I wanted to tell Kenny but she's got some semi-related issues going on...didn't seem like a good time. And the Kapplingers are greatly anticipating Jenny's in-vitro implantation this Wednesday (when I meet the midwives' nurse). Really really hoping it works out for them!! In a couple weeks, God willing, we will be able to tell people. Our midwife appointment is Mar 25...couldn't think of a better birthday present myself. :)
In the meantime, we are distracting ourselves with buying a house. Exhausting work but we look forward to having our own place! We don't want to get too excited about this pregnancy yet since, like most in this situation, we worry about miscarriage.
I also think about how it would be nice to be blissfully naive about all the problems that can happen in a pregnancy...however, medical training has stolen that away from me. Oh well...we'll take it as it comes and pray for a healthy baby.
Original stats
To document the drastic changes Omar caused...I must report my pre-pregnancy stats.
Weight: 144.8lbs
Size: 8 (or 29)
Bra: 34DD, slightly south
Top: Medium/Large (depending if boobs contribute due to style of shirt)
Piercings: belly button, ears
Tattoos: lower back
Overall I'm in the best shape I've been in since early college which I'm stoked about. I am fully aware this is a body-altering experience thus it's a GOOD thing I'm in great shape...though I'm a little depressed this "best state ever" condition not being lived out a little longer...especially given a couple of my new purchases for the summer. Hopefully those amazing new pieces will only collect dust for one year...pulling em out the first summer post-pregnancy (a goal!!!). :)
Stay tuned for post-pregnancy stats.
Weight: 144.8lbs
Size: 8 (or 29)
Bra: 34DD, slightly south
Top: Medium/Large (depending if boobs contribute due to style of shirt)
Piercings: belly button, ears
Tattoos: lower back
Overall I'm in the best shape I've been in since early college which I'm stoked about. I am fully aware this is a body-altering experience thus it's a GOOD thing I'm in great shape...though I'm a little depressed this "best state ever" condition not being lived out a little longer...especially given a couple of my new purchases for the summer. Hopefully those amazing new pieces will only collect dust for one year...pulling em out the first summer post-pregnancy (a goal!!!). :)
Stay tuned for post-pregnancy stats.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
of course I forgot one...
...of course I forgot one of my shopping rules...
10. IS IT MEANT TO BE?: This one I love...if it's in my size it was meant to be, if not, I probably wouldn't have made it look good. :) haha... It's another firm shopping rule I live by. It's REALLY meant to be if the last one is in your size...in fact, you probably don't even need to try it on- that is a sign from God right there. :)
Funny thing is, sometimes I really do feel designers are designing specifically for me. :) Like today for instance, the stars aligned and I was united with a little shorts jumpsuit that looks like an old swimsuit from the era where curves were embraced and full thighs were sexy. I picked the trendy number out, and it was available in my size (a sign!). When I slipped it on, the angels sang from the heavens. Immediately I smiled, a little nervous at first since I get a little self-conscious about my thighs. I stepped out of the dressing room (for a little person-to-person validation (besides the angels)). The dressing lady took one look and was like, "that is SO cute!!" Cha-ching! Done. :) There was another girl (about 14 years old and 60 pounds) trying on this very outfit...while her friend commented how after seeing me, she knew her little friend did not have the body-type for this number. :) It's those moments that I live for...reasons I love shopping... Sometimes it's just right. :) And if an experience like that doesn't give you confidence, I don't know what will. ROCK IT! :)
10. IS IT MEANT TO BE?: This one I love...if it's in my size it was meant to be, if not, I probably wouldn't have made it look good. :) haha... It's another firm shopping rule I live by. It's REALLY meant to be if the last one is in your size...in fact, you probably don't even need to try it on- that is a sign from God right there. :)
Funny thing is, sometimes I really do feel designers are designing specifically for me. :) Like today for instance, the stars aligned and I was united with a little shorts jumpsuit that looks like an old swimsuit from the era where curves were embraced and full thighs were sexy. I picked the trendy number out, and it was available in my size (a sign!). When I slipped it on, the angels sang from the heavens. Immediately I smiled, a little nervous at first since I get a little self-conscious about my thighs. I stepped out of the dressing room (for a little person-to-person validation (besides the angels)). The dressing lady took one look and was like, "that is SO cute!!" Cha-ching! Done. :) There was another girl (about 14 years old and 60 pounds) trying on this very outfit...while her friend commented how after seeing me, she knew her little friend did not have the body-type for this number. :) It's those moments that I live for...reasons I love shopping... Sometimes it's just right. :) And if an experience like that doesn't give you confidence, I don't know what will. ROCK IT! :)
shopping with Kara...what IS she thinking??
So I was shopping at the Mall of America today and all of sudden, while picking out the latest trendy item, I realized, "holy crap, my brain is constantly going when I'm shopping." There is a lot to think about...maybe I'm the only one that thinks this much...or maybe it's the elitist of the shoppers...or maybe everyone thinks this much. It's not just about 'do I look fat in this?' Oh no, there's far more on the mind to a skilled shopper than that. Here's what I think about.
1. TRENDS: What are the latest trends? And more importantly what are the up and coming trends? I prefer not to be joining the END of a trend (which thereby makes it rather untrendy). Now some of this can't be helped and the location in which one resides must be taken into consideration...since I live in the middle of nowhere "the latest trend" is relative being that it usually starts overseas and the next year hits the coasts and major cities, and lastly the middle of nowhere about 12 years after it really was the trend. But does it matter one could ask? Not in MN, because people here live are clad in Farm-Fleet or Polaris attire no matter what's in style. In fact, if you dress trendy people automatically assume you are from anywhere but here? Haha...it IS true- I've been asked many times where I was from and the sheer look of shock appears when I say MN. It cracks me up. :) Ok, ok...back to trends. I refuse to jump on board with overly trendy things like UGGs, though I do own a couple pair of skinny jeans I will admit. Bottom line: I want to be the one setting the trend and rockin the weird.
2. HAIR COLOR: What will my hair color be when I'm trying to wear this amazing item? It seems odd to some, but my hair color changes each season, depending greatly on my mood. :) Sounds a little silly, but I can't dominate a hot pink tank while I'm sportin red hair...and I prefer not to wear much white/beige/tan when I have platinum hair...it makes sense right? :)
3. IS IT WORTHY?: Whenever I'm shopping I just pick out whatever I like, not looking at price tags. UNLESS I'm in a store I've never been in- then I pick out something cheaper-looking like a tank top and scope out the price...if it's ridonculous I smile and walk in one of 2 directions- to the clearance rack or simply out the door. :) After squeezing myself into these "chosen" articles, I look in the mirror- typically in a head cocked (or taco-head) fashion and stand on my tiptoes (or no reason...it just happens...I think I feel skinnier that way). If it's a potential buy, I ask myself, "what would I pay for this?" based on how it looks. If it looks amazing, it's more obviously, but if it's just so-so, I hope I got it off the clearance rack...haha. Then I look at the tag...if it's more than I think it's worthy of based on how it looks on me, I just put it back, but if it's less...that garment is comin home with mama. :) It works super well!
4. Of course, HOW GOOD DO I MAKE THIS PIECE OF CLOTHING LOOK?: Haha... :) Every person has this thought- it's the staple to shopping...does this piece of clothing make me look fat or does it compliment my amazing assets? I firmly believe clothes are meant to compliment what God has given you. It's a matter of finding a designer that has the knack to do that for you. Who gives a shit what the tag says- people don't walk around with their clothes inside out, leaving tags/sizes exposed. Be aware of your shape and the styles that flatter your body. Also be aware of fabrics- clingy vs baggy, etc. There are perks to both depending on your trouble spots. Wear what fits you! And buy what you feel amazing in! If you have confidence in the outfit you're rocking- everyone will think you look good.
5. IN A BIND: There's nothing worse than when you're shopping for that perfect red slinky dress for under $50 and after searching high and low, even going in to stores you would be embarrassed to see anyone you knew in, and you CAN.NOT.FIND.THE.DAMN.THING!!! It's a given, if I'm looking for it, I won't find it. Thus I try to anticipate WELL in advance events coming up and keep my eyes peeled for classic items and amazing pieces every time I shop. You never know when you're going to need that flawless bright green silk number...so better get it now, you'll thank yourself later. It's so much less stressful. Another idea to cope with this bind- try not to have super strict expectations of something you want to find.
6. Just say NO to online shopping: I know it's super popular, but unless you don't mind sending boxes of stuff back, which you know never happens as much as it should, it's just too easy to a) spend loads of money, b) buy things that don't fit you well, and c) keep that stuff that doesn't fit you well because it's too much work or you forgot or you'll regift it or "muh, I alreay paid for it might as well keep it." Unless it's something you already own and you want to replace it knowing exactly how it fits you (or another exception I would let go is a MAD STEAL :))- just say no.
7. WILLING TO SHOP = SWEET FINDS: Listen people, you have to be willing to paruse through racks and racks of clothes to find that perfect item. Patience is key. Bathroom breaks BEFORE entering the store are an ABSOLUTE. Snacks and drinks packed with a definite UNDERSTANDING that this may take all day are necessary. The feeling you get when you stumble upon "THE ITEM" with a disheartened, I'm-leaving-in-one-minute-cause-I-haven't-found-shit-in-the-last-hour-I've-been-searching attitude is so absolutely worth it. You WILL be smiling and your heart will likely be racing (at least that's what it's like for me). :)
8. SHOP OFTEN: I need not say more. :)
The places I heart the most- H&M, Forever 21, Heritage, DSW shoe warehouse, Target, Old Navy, Aldo, and any outlet. ;)
Lastly...
9. DEATH OR BLISS?: Will my husband kill me when I come home with these stellar finds and is it worth it? :) (whisper)- it's almost always worth it ;)
And THAT is only shopping for clothes!! :) Shoes is a lot the same...I just mostly pick the ugliest, most odd-looking shoe that fits. :)
(sigh) I love shopping. :)
1. TRENDS: What are the latest trends? And more importantly what are the up and coming trends? I prefer not to be joining the END of a trend (which thereby makes it rather untrendy). Now some of this can't be helped and the location in which one resides must be taken into consideration...since I live in the middle of nowhere "the latest trend" is relative being that it usually starts overseas and the next year hits the coasts and major cities, and lastly the middle of nowhere about 12 years after it really was the trend. But does it matter one could ask? Not in MN, because people here live are clad in Farm-Fleet or Polaris attire no matter what's in style. In fact, if you dress trendy people automatically assume you are from anywhere but here? Haha...it IS true- I've been asked many times where I was from and the sheer look of shock appears when I say MN. It cracks me up. :) Ok, ok...back to trends. I refuse to jump on board with overly trendy things like UGGs, though I do own a couple pair of skinny jeans I will admit. Bottom line: I want to be the one setting the trend and rockin the weird.
2. HAIR COLOR: What will my hair color be when I'm trying to wear this amazing item? It seems odd to some, but my hair color changes each season, depending greatly on my mood. :) Sounds a little silly, but I can't dominate a hot pink tank while I'm sportin red hair...and I prefer not to wear much white/beige/tan when I have platinum hair...it makes sense right? :)
3. IS IT WORTHY?: Whenever I'm shopping I just pick out whatever I like, not looking at price tags. UNLESS I'm in a store I've never been in- then I pick out something cheaper-looking like a tank top and scope out the price...if it's ridonculous I smile and walk in one of 2 directions- to the clearance rack or simply out the door. :) After squeezing myself into these "chosen" articles, I look in the mirror- typically in a head cocked (or taco-head) fashion and stand on my tiptoes (or no reason...it just happens...I think I feel skinnier that way). If it's a potential buy, I ask myself, "what would I pay for this?" based on how it looks. If it looks amazing, it's more obviously, but if it's just so-so, I hope I got it off the clearance rack...haha. Then I look at the tag...if it's more than I think it's worthy of based on how it looks on me, I just put it back, but if it's less...that garment is comin home with mama. :) It works super well!
4. Of course, HOW GOOD DO I MAKE THIS PIECE OF CLOTHING LOOK?: Haha... :) Every person has this thought- it's the staple to shopping...does this piece of clothing make me look fat or does it compliment my amazing assets? I firmly believe clothes are meant to compliment what God has given you. It's a matter of finding a designer that has the knack to do that for you. Who gives a shit what the tag says- people don't walk around with their clothes inside out, leaving tags/sizes exposed. Be aware of your shape and the styles that flatter your body. Also be aware of fabrics- clingy vs baggy, etc. There are perks to both depending on your trouble spots. Wear what fits you! And buy what you feel amazing in! If you have confidence in the outfit you're rocking- everyone will think you look good.
5. IN A BIND: There's nothing worse than when you're shopping for that perfect red slinky dress for under $50 and after searching high and low, even going in to stores you would be embarrassed to see anyone you knew in, and you CAN.NOT.FIND.THE.DAMN.THING!!! It's a given, if I'm looking for it, I won't find it. Thus I try to anticipate WELL in advance events coming up and keep my eyes peeled for classic items and amazing pieces every time I shop. You never know when you're going to need that flawless bright green silk number...so better get it now, you'll thank yourself later. It's so much less stressful. Another idea to cope with this bind- try not to have super strict expectations of something you want to find.
6. Just say NO to online shopping: I know it's super popular, but unless you don't mind sending boxes of stuff back, which you know never happens as much as it should, it's just too easy to a) spend loads of money, b) buy things that don't fit you well, and c) keep that stuff that doesn't fit you well because it's too much work or you forgot or you'll regift it or "muh, I alreay paid for it might as well keep it." Unless it's something you already own and you want to replace it knowing exactly how it fits you (or another exception I would let go is a MAD STEAL :))- just say no.
7. WILLING TO SHOP = SWEET FINDS: Listen people, you have to be willing to paruse through racks and racks of clothes to find that perfect item. Patience is key. Bathroom breaks BEFORE entering the store are an ABSOLUTE. Snacks and drinks packed with a definite UNDERSTANDING that this may take all day are necessary. The feeling you get when you stumble upon "THE ITEM" with a disheartened, I'm-leaving-in-one-minute-cause-I-haven't-found-shit-in-the-last-hour-I've-been-searching attitude is so absolutely worth it. You WILL be smiling and your heart will likely be racing (at least that's what it's like for me). :)
8. SHOP OFTEN: I need not say more. :)
The places I heart the most- H&M, Forever 21, Heritage, DSW shoe warehouse, Target, Old Navy, Aldo, and any outlet. ;)
Lastly...
9. DEATH OR BLISS?: Will my husband kill me when I come home with these stellar finds and is it worth it? :) (whisper)- it's almost always worth it ;)
And THAT is only shopping for clothes!! :) Shoes is a lot the same...I just mostly pick the ugliest, most odd-looking shoe that fits. :)
(sigh) I love shopping. :)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
where to go...
Ugh...it's been a while since my last entry and mostly cause I'm not sure where to go with this thing. Don't get me wrong, I've got plenty to write about... I initially wanted to start writing about growing up and the madness that leads me to today, but then I wanted to share my random thoughts too long for a facebook update...hmmm...
I think I will devote my next couple, or several, or even many entries to some of the travel experiences I have had. Now most of these experiences have been with Jamie...it's how I knew we could get married actually...I can tolerate him traveling, cause when you travel you are put in every circumstance from extremely stressful to pure bliss. See, the thing is with us is that different things stress us out, thus allowing the other (carefree) one to point out the sheer ridiculousness going on thereby leading to laughter (well, not usually right away). :) I bust Jamie's balls a lot, but it's more for the laughs...I don't mean anything by it. :)
See, Jamie and I studied abroad together in Scotland in the spring of 2004, which was THE most amazing thing I have done to date...please recommend it to all of your children or yourselves or whomever- it's a once in a lifetime experience you will never have the opportunity to do again. And don't carry on about the money bullshit cause I was supporting myself in college...it's a beautiful thing called loans, and these loans are TOTALLY worth it. :)
While overseas I did quite a bit of journaling...see I only journal when I'm going on vacation...the rest of my monotonous, mundane (haha...yeah right) life I don't feel the need to journal about cause you know someone would find it and feelings would be hurt, blah blah blah...it would just be a venting catalog anyway, that's all. Anywho...I filled 2 journals while traveling Europe...unfortunately at this very moment I cannot find the first one (stay tuned...in probably 1 years' time, I will have found it...haha), but I will share (pretty much verbatim) some of my entries. Here we go...Kapplinger (well, Otterness/Kapplinger) adventures- ALL ABOARD!!!! :)
I think I will devote my next couple, or several, or even many entries to some of the travel experiences I have had. Now most of these experiences have been with Jamie...it's how I knew we could get married actually...I can tolerate him traveling, cause when you travel you are put in every circumstance from extremely stressful to pure bliss. See, the thing is with us is that different things stress us out, thus allowing the other (carefree) one to point out the sheer ridiculousness going on thereby leading to laughter (well, not usually right away). :) I bust Jamie's balls a lot, but it's more for the laughs...I don't mean anything by it. :)
See, Jamie and I studied abroad together in Scotland in the spring of 2004, which was THE most amazing thing I have done to date...please recommend it to all of your children or yourselves or whomever- it's a once in a lifetime experience you will never have the opportunity to do again. And don't carry on about the money bullshit cause I was supporting myself in college...it's a beautiful thing called loans, and these loans are TOTALLY worth it. :)
While overseas I did quite a bit of journaling...see I only journal when I'm going on vacation...the rest of my monotonous, mundane (haha...yeah right) life I don't feel the need to journal about cause you know someone would find it and feelings would be hurt, blah blah blah...it would just be a venting catalog anyway, that's all. Anywho...I filled 2 journals while traveling Europe...unfortunately at this very moment I cannot find the first one (stay tuned...in probably 1 years' time, I will have found it...haha), but I will share (pretty much verbatim) some of my entries. Here we go...Kapplinger (well, Otterness/Kapplinger) adventures- ALL ABOARD!!!! :)
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