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.
Friday, September 10, 2010
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!!!
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