Wednesday, April 30, 2008

29w6d

I slammed into the third trimester fast and furiously.

I am so exhausted. I’m talking beyond tired. I am so so so so so completely wiped out.

My tail bone is so bad it’s borderline unbearable. I bought an Invalid Ring a.k.a. Donut Pillow because I thought it would give me some relief but it has done absolutely nothing for me thus far.

My acid reflux is at an all time bad as well. I can’t choke down Tums anymore. I almost threw up the other day after trying to eat a few.

On the plus side, I am sleeping relatively well. I am only getting up 2-3 time a night to go to the bathroom which isn’t bad at all. Sometimes I am unable to get back to bed, but my pillows have been my lifesavers. I use the full body pillow, the wedge, a pillow between my legs and a few under my head.

This morning was the first morning I had a leg cramp since the terrible one I had on March 30th. Exactly one month, actually. God bless support hose. I am convinced that is what has alleviated my pain. This morning’s leg cramp was mild enough to go away with a quick jolt out of bed and stretch.

I am officially using nursing bras since they are soft cupped and have no underwire. My breasts are large to begin with and now with the added weight of the milk coming in they are ginormous. Plus last night I realized that the underwire of the bras I was wearing was causing a weird welt looking abrasion on the underside of my right boobie. I think I may have been blocking a milk duct or something. Who knows.

We are getting to that time where Norman had to put in his paperwork to request leave. It’s becoming so real. I am beginning to get a little nervous. I think once we get the nursery completed and take all our baby preparedness classes I should be better. I wonder when I should pack my hospital bag.

Speaking of baby classes, our first one is this Saturday at 9AM-12PM. It’s called Baby Care:
The Baby Care class provides you with the most current information about caring for a newborn. Teaches how “normal” babies look and act, and when to call the pediatrician with concerns. Class includes hands-on practice bathing, dressing and diapering a baby

I am hoping to have the nursery completed by this weekend, at least the majority of it. I promise to post all the stages of progress pics I took. The change has been amazing so far. We still need the closet completed (shelves and bars installed), blinds put up and electrical outlets switched to the new ones. Norman and I also need to finish painting all the moldings, trims, walls and inside the closet. We decided to put our bed in the nursery and use the room we are currently using as our bedroom as a den type room for the computers and baby swings and playpen. We need to make the most of what little space we have and this seems like the best way.

My Baby Shower is rapidly approaching. I can’t wait! I am really excited about it. I know that it is going to be so special. My mom and cousins are working hard to make it unforgettable and I am so thankful for that. I am going to find the time this weekend to buy a dress since if I don’t find one I’ll only have one weekend left before the shower. Maybe I’ll be able to squeeze my feet into some cute shoes, who knows?

Sunday, April 27, 2008

29w3d

It feels like so much has happened since I last posted!

I went to my 7 month appointment with my OB last Thursday and everything was fine. I didn't gain any weight - HOORAY! He thinks I am measuring ahead by 3-4 weeks based on my fundal height. He thought this was the case last time as well. I am now going to begin seeing him every two weeks (I can't believe I am at that stage already). At my next appointment he'll determine if I need an ultrasound to determine just how large the baby is - or if I have a little more amniotic fluid than normal. We shall see.

Speaking of ultrasounds, we had a 4D ultrasound done this past Saturday, here are a few of my favorite shots:

Nugget's Profile



Nugget's Face



Nugget's Foot



Nugget's Face and Hand



Nugget's Face and Hand again



Nugget's Face and Foot



The experience was amazing! I would highly recommend it to anyone who may be considering it and not too sure wether to sped the money or not. My parents come along with us and they loved it as well. I got 60 photos on a CD and a DVD with tons of footage. I am very pleased. Nugget was being a tad uncooperative seeing as how she wanted to show us the back of her head instead of her pretty face. I ended up having to drink a ton of water and eat a chocolate chip cookie to get her to turn around which she eventually did. Funny, I don't think I ever HAD to eat a cookie ever in my life lol

More updates soon.

Monday, April 21, 2008

28w4d

I DO NOT HAVE GESTATIONAL DIABETES!!!!!!!!!!!

I just spoke to my doctor’s office and the nurse confirmed it!!! I am beyond thrilled. I am ecstatic. I am speechless. I am so relieved I feel like crying. I feel like I somehow dodged a bullet. I will work so hard at maintaining low blood sugar numbers anyways – although my stupid One Touch is miserably unreliable!

My nugget is hiccupping as I type. It is such an obvious feeling now – I now realize how many times she has hiccupped in the past and I didn’t put two and two together. It feels like a rhythmic tick…tick…tick…tick… so precious. I am feeling it way low, right on my pubic bone. I was already almost positive she had turned head down already because her kicks are so strong above my belly button, but now I am entirely convinced. I think there is still a chance for her to flip back around but at least for now I don’t think she’s breech.

Ahhhh!! No gestational diabetes!!!!!! Such good news!!! I can’t focus. I feel like I need to go out on the street and scream it as loud as I can to anyone who will listen!!!!!!

Friday, April 18, 2008

28w1d

Today's test was awful. My dad was with me so at least it went by quickly, he was great company.

I was fasting; I arrived at 8:30AM and they took the first draw. I was then given the 100g of glucose and omg it was disgusting to choke down. Twice as much as before, YUCK.

Every hour for the next 3 hours I walked in to the back and the same very nice lady drew my blood. I had my blood drawn 4 times total and have nasty bruises to prove it:



RIght after each draw, I would take my own readings using my nifty One Touch device. According to my readings, I passed the first "fasting" draw, failed the second and third, and passed the fourth and final one with a very low number (yay). So what does this mean? I have no idea. It's my understanding that if you fail 2 of the 4 draws, you technically do have gestational diabetes. I don't see the doctor until next week Thursday and I won't know what the exact results are until then. I can only assume that the One Touch results are rough estimates of the lab's exact readings. My only concern is that according to my One Touch, my blood level after my second draw was slightly above 200...that's HIGH.

I'll have to wait and see.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

28w0d

28 weeks today!

Officially in my 3rd trimester today!

I am going to pick up the prescription for the 3 hour glucose tolerance screen this afternoon. I have an appointment for the screening tomorrow morning at 8:30AM so I need to begin fasting by at least 8:30PM tonight. I honestly don’t know how I’ll do. I have modified my eating and am hoping it’s enough, but the truth of the matter is that if I have gestational diabetes there is nothing I can do because drinking 100mg of glucose will send my sugars sky high. All that matters is that I have already begun making the necessary changes to my diet to ensure that my blood levels are always below 120 two hours after a meal.

I am feeling well, save for a huge pain in my ass – and I mean that literally. I can’t sit anywhere without getting the worst pain in my ass. I think it’s sciatica; it’s painful. I am wondering if one of those hemorrhoid donut pillows will help. I think it’s worth the money to find out.

Our contactor came yesterday and began installing the dry wall in the nursery. He’s coming back today to finish up and hopefully complete the plastering so that we can start priming and painting the room. We are going to be painting in these 2 colors:





The contractor will separate the colors by a molding. I can’t wait to see the finished product. It’s going to be beautiful!

I have my next OB appointment next week Thursday, after which I will need to start seeing him every 2 weeks. I can’t believe I’m at the every 2 weeks stage. Soon it’ll be every week…and before we know it our precious baby girl will be in our arms.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

27w5d

I felt Nugget hiccupping late last night! At first I thought she was poking me with her hands – I can definitely tell when she is kicking me versus punching me…her kicks are so much stronger than her punches. But then I realized that there was a rhythm to the movement; a little thump every 3-4 seconds or so.

I am getting a lot of cramping in my lower back and belly and can definitely feel when she’s laying lower than normal. I get a heavy sensation and feel like I have to walk hunched over to relieve the pressure. RLP is at its worst at night, especially if I try to switch positions too quickly (which is close to impossible these days). I literally feel as though I need a crane to get me out of bed sometimes I am feeling soooo heavy in my abdomen.

My leg cramps thankfully haven’t been an issue since I started wearing support hose. My feet and legs get a little swollen sometimes but nothing terrible.

Norman and I are going to meet with Nugget’s soon to be pediatrician this afternoon. She is so highly recommended and I have a feeling that I am going to love her. I am excited to speak with her and look forward to discussing my concerns, etc.

I found out that the contractor will be coming on Wednesday to finish installing the dry wall, moldings and closet doors and shelves. Norman and I will be buying the (non-toxic) paint very soon. I am excited to finally have a space for all of the baby’s things.

No news regarding the new house – we have a lawyer working for us and as soon as I have a resolution I will let you know. It’s sad because we were supposed to be closing April 30. Such is life.

Monday, April 14, 2008

27w4d

Life is good I must say.

I have the occasional sleepless night, lower back pain and acid reflux but honestly I am doing really well. We are so excited!

Our precious Nugget is so active. Her kicks are so hard that Norman can finally actually SEE her kicking through all my clothes. It’s awesome.

Have I mentioned that my dad bought his granddaughter baby’s first bling?? Diamond studs set in platinum. She is the most loved, spoiled little girl in the world. Her clothes are already overflowing out of her dresser. I think I need a new armoire or something!

In nursery news, I will post before pictures and some progress pictures. We hope to have it done by this weekend but this of course depends on the contractor and when he will be able to actually complete the project.

In gestational diabetes news, I am dying to know for sure one way or the other. In the meantime I have been testing after every meal and I have been doing great. Always well below even what an avarage reading would be. I am trying to take it easy, but I am still being very cautious with regards to what I eat and will continue to do so until the very end.

In baby shower news, I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely fabulous my cousins Karla and Alexandra have been. They have taken this party and spent so much time, effort and love in planning out every detail. It makes me feel so special I just want to cry. Truly. I am just so thankful for everything they have done for me. It’s going to be quite the bash thanks to them! I love you both so much, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

This was just a quick update, I'll be sure to post soon.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

26w6d

My Braxton Hicks contractions have officially begun.

It’s my first time pregnant but I immediately knew I was having a contraction. There is no denying the feeling. It starts off as mild cramping in my lower back and abdomen, then my belly gets as hard as a rock. I’ve never had rock-hard abs before so this in and of itself is a foreign sensation lol

I first noticed the contractions the other night after sex (hi mom) and thought it was just a result of the sex itself. But then last night I got it again and was able to confirm that what I felt the other night was definitely a contraction. Apparently sex can bring on Braxton Hicks. So can a really active baby, and she is so active all the time. Other triggers are if someone touches your belly, a full bladder and dehydration.

Anywhoo, they are more uncomfortable than painful and I only got one big one last night and it eased away after less than a minute. The rule of thumb is go to the hospital if you are having more than 4 Braxton Hicks in an hour.

Food wise I am now excessively paranoid over everything I put in my mouth. This morning I ate my Heritage Flakes, skim milk and a banana. Snack is a low moisture cheese stick. Lunch will be a turkey sandwich. I am on a mission to eat healthy. I haven’t been eating badly, but I have indulged in the occasional cookie and ice cream cone that before I got pregnant I wouldn’t have dreamed of eating. That’s it for that. Funny thing is that I am craving sugar. All I want is sweets and I have never in my life been a sweets person. But I am stronger than the cravings!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

26w5d

I am super bummed but for some reason I knew this would happen.

My glucose screen came back slightly high (146 – it should have been 140 or lower). Now I have to go for the 3 hour screen. I made an appointment for it for next Friday. My dad said he’d join me so at least I will be in good company. I made my appointment for 8:30AM and I have to be fasting. They draw my blood as soon as I get there, then they give me the nasty junk to drink and I have to have my blood drawn again once every 3 hours thereafter.

Here is what the 3 hour screen results should look like:

Interval - Abnormal reading
Fasting - 95 mg/dl or higher
One hour - 180 mg/dl or higher
Two hours - 155 mg/dl or higher
Three hours - 140 mg/dl or higher

Of course I am paranoid now and so I immediately went and bought a One Touch monitor and so far my readings have been perfect. I took my first reading about 3 hours after breakfast and got 80. I took my second reading about 1 hour after lunch and got 100. I had just eaten a banana and everything. These numbers are great. I don’t get it. Oh well.

The doctor did tell me that the one hour test provides a lot of false positives, especially when I am so close to the cutoff.

Fingers crossed that the results of my 3 hour screen are normal.

Monday, April 7, 2008

26w4d

Time continues to fly by.

Nugget is so active. I’m talking non-stop kicking and punching. The minute I lay down she starts big time and I love it. It’s funny because sometimes it gets so intense that my stomach actually turns and I feel as though I’m on a roller coaster – I actually begin to feel nauseous. It’s hard to explain…it’s not a discomfort per se, just an odd sensation.

I am mailing out baby shower invitations tomorrow. I have been getting calls from people asking me when the shower is due to possible conflicts; I figure why wait any longer?

We picked out the colors for the nursery last Friday. We are going to be cleaning out our bedroom and re-painting it this weekend as well. So much to do still. I am going bonkers.

Just about 13 weeks left until D(elivery)-day and I just cannot believe it. THIRTEEN WEEKS!

We are meeting with a highly recommended pediatrician on April 15. I am also really looking forward to our 3D/4D ultrasound on April 26. Then May is a busy month with all of our Childbirth Preparedness classes and my BABY SHOWER on May 17! My nephew is due in early June and on June 14 our friends from Spain are coming to visit. July will be here in the blink of an eye.

In the meantime, I need to plan that mini-vacation I want to take soon and buy a maternity swimsuit.

Friday, April 4, 2008

26w1d

Norman is officially able to feel Nugget move any time I can, yaaayyyy! Her flutters are now definite kicks all the time. So exciting!

We also got our wooden letters for the nursery yesterday. They are white with a pink ribbon w/brown trim:



Her name is Sienna Sofia

Thursday, April 3, 2008

26w0d



Norman and I put together our new Graco SweetPeace swing last night, a gift from my brother and SIL. We love it! It is so adorable. The swing is definitely a pimped out swing. It has a vibrating feature and you can even hook up your ipod to it and play your own music. I'm sure Norman will have Nugget hooked on David Bowie before she can mumble her first words :)

We continued our work around the house yesterday. Norman has been working like a beast these days to try and get everything set for our extended stay with the baby at my parent’s house. I already officially cannot sit on the floor because I get bad lower back pain if I do. I also am getting some minor swelling in my legs again, especially my left one. Yesterday it became painful and I had to go lay down on my left side until the pain subsided.

I start my 3rd trimester in 2 weeks!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

25w6d

I just got back from my glucose screen. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but it wasn’t delightful either. The liquid they gave me to drink resembled a watered down orange syrup that tasted like overly sweet medicine. Yucky. The worst part wasn’t drinking the stuff; it was having to wait an hour for them to take my blood. I wasn’t prepared with a book or magazine or anything so I was bored out of my mind. I think I get the results tomorrow, I’m not sure.

I unpacked Nugget’s changing table last night and I LOVE IT!!! It is beautiful! So mod and chic. My baby girl is already a diva.

Here’s a picture of it:



It’s a side view but you get the idea. We also have the matching crib.

The Salvation Army is picking up all the old furniture in the soon-to-be-nursery tomorrow. We already called the contractor and he should be coming by sometime before the end of next week to start tearing down the panels and installing the dry wall. Norman and I need to go to Sherwin Williams to pick out the paint. It’s going to be another very long weekend filled with tons of work and exhaustion.

I am planning short beach vacation in May. By then we should have the laundry list of things that need to be done completed. I need a vacation.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

25w5d

Karla, I could kill you for your April fool’s prank. You almost gave me a heart attack! But I still love you :)

Today is April 1, 2008. I can’t even believe it. I feel like I just turned 26 a few days ago. My birthday is July 5 and I’ll be 27 this year. Will I be 26 or 27 when I give birth? Maybe I’ll give birth on my birthday, who knows?

Life is still stressful but I am doing well. We rented a pickup truck last night and picked up Nugget’s crib, mattress and changing table. Thankfully my dad has been able to help Norman with all the heavy lifting he’s been doing these days. I feel completely useless. I get tired very quickly and am trying not to exert myself too much. We’re keeping the furniture in their boxes until the nursery is completed. I’ll be sure to take some before pictures of the room we are renovating. It’s going to be quite the transformation.

I just finished buying a bunch of things for Nugget and me from babiesrus.com. I purchased anything on my registry that was under $10, along with a bunch of other miscellaneous items I’m sure I won’t be receiving at my Baby Shower…most folks don’t buy breast pads, nipple salve or breast milk storage bags as baby shower gifts lol

I’ll be sure to update after my glucose screen tomorrow.