So, it looks like mommy is posting the pics.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
It's a..........
So, did you log on this evening hoping to find out what we found out at our ultrasound today? Are you wondering if it's a girl or a boy? Hmmmm......do I tell you?
Well, some already know, so we might as well spill the beans. We are having a girl. The daddy will be putting some pics from the ultrasound on later, as the doctor burned some pictures to a CD for us, which is really cool. The doctor says he's 99% sure it's a girl. We'll still pick out a boys name just in case of that 1%.
She's an active little one. Always moving around....hmmmm....wonder who she gets that from......could it be from mommy?
We went to Target tonight and the daddy bought a bib that is purple w/ flowers that says I Love My Daddy. How sweet! I think she'll be a daddy's girl.
You better believe that grandma Miller is pretty happy.
Well, some already know, so we might as well spill the beans. We are having a girl. The daddy will be putting some pics from the ultrasound on later, as the doctor burned some pictures to a CD for us, which is really cool. The doctor says he's 99% sure it's a girl. We'll still pick out a boys name just in case of that 1%.
She's an active little one. Always moving around....hmmmm....wonder who she gets that from......could it be from mommy?
We went to Target tonight and the daddy bought a bib that is purple w/ flowers that says I Love My Daddy. How sweet! I think she'll be a daddy's girl.
You better believe that grandma Miller is pretty happy.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Surprise!
Ok - I know people are waiting for Thursday and me to post if we know what we are having or not.
You know - being open to the fact that we woud like to find out the sex of our child has been met with quite a bit of criticsm. There are many people out there that feel strongly that you need to be "surprised" and will go on to lecture me about why I should wait.
Well, screw you! This is our kid and we'll do what we want.
I usually meet those arguments by saying that I will be surprised on December 29th and I am sure I don't need any more at the birth than will already be there (you crap on the table you know -- did you know that? If you didn't that would sure be a surprise.)
This last week has been torture knowing I can find out soon, but I am just not quite there. No one can tell me I will not be surprised. The anticipation is already built and building more. I compared the wait to Christmas presents (since that was recent). I feel like when I was a kid and my brother & I would cut the tape (or remove & replace it gently) in order to take a peek at our presents. I was still going to like the present just as much and there were going to be presents from Santa that I didn't know anything about, but that present from mom & dad I could find out and enjoy thinking about for the upcoming days until I could actually open it and play with it.
Now, on Thursday I get to take a peek at our baby and make sure there is only one in there. Now wouldn't that be a surprise if there are two. We get to find out what sex the child is and plan for that and dream about that little boy or little girl for the next 20 weeks). We get to find out if we are on target for May 21 due date or if the doctor will change that. So, many surprise in one day -- gosh! I'm excited! Seriously.
At the birth I'll be surprised by the contractions -- have no idea what that's going to be like -- and we have no idea how the father will respond to those things. Plus, the biggest surprise of all will be what day will it all happen; there are so many it could be. I mean, I could be in the middle of a therapy session and need to go (although the kids are kinda hoping I have to leave from work and will know that I am going into labor.) I'll have finger & toes to count on the day of the birth, and will the baby have no hair, lots of it, just a little? I don't know. It'll be a surprise.
Plus, there are lot of surprises that could happen that are not exactly favorable. Like problems with the birth or tearing or needing an episiotomy (ouch - some not so fun surprises). Or will my milk be in and I can nurse right away - I don't know. Will I have my own doctor or will it be in the middle of a Saturday night and I get some other doctor? Will I be nice to the daddy or will I yell at him a lot for making me go through all the pain? Maybe the daddy will pass out like some daddies do. Wow -- so many surprises. Some that will be surprises for sure, and so that may or may not happen. All in one day.
So, we are taking the time to enjoy the surprise of finding out if we are having a boy or a girl now. Although I am tempted to keep it a surprise from all of you. Teehee!
Actually, it has not been the immediate family that has lectured me. I think they understand it doesn't matter what they say, we decided to do this and we will. So, why bother lecturing us (plus, I think they all want to know too.)
We'll see who is right. The daddy's family is pretty much convinced it will be a boy unless they are proved differently (see, daddy is the youngest of 4 boys with 2 nephews -- odds are in the favor of a boy in that family.) But my family, on the other hand, is convinced it's a girl, mainly because I was so sick, plus that fast heartbeat is supposed to be for a girl (doctor says that by 20 weeks it slows a bit, we'll see how much).
So, in 2 more days we'll find out our surprise. I wish I could move it up. I have nothing to do these next coupld of days.......but no, I have to wait 2 more days. Maybe the baby is not going to be cooperative and we won't find out. If that happens I will be convinced that the baby just wants to torture mommy. I'm already convinced the baby doesn't like me because it made me so sick for about 4 months and now that is pretty much gone (not quite though, some still comes back) I have awful constipation and heartburn (every day!, heart burn in the evening mainly.) If that is the case and the baby likes screwing with mommy, I could be in for A LOT of surprises.
You know - being open to the fact that we woud like to find out the sex of our child has been met with quite a bit of criticsm. There are many people out there that feel strongly that you need to be "surprised" and will go on to lecture me about why I should wait.
Well, screw you! This is our kid and we'll do what we want.
I usually meet those arguments by saying that I will be surprised on December 29th and I am sure I don't need any more at the birth than will already be there (you crap on the table you know -- did you know that? If you didn't that would sure be a surprise.)
This last week has been torture knowing I can find out soon, but I am just not quite there. No one can tell me I will not be surprised. The anticipation is already built and building more. I compared the wait to Christmas presents (since that was recent). I feel like when I was a kid and my brother & I would cut the tape (or remove & replace it gently) in order to take a peek at our presents. I was still going to like the present just as much and there were going to be presents from Santa that I didn't know anything about, but that present from mom & dad I could find out and enjoy thinking about for the upcoming days until I could actually open it and play with it.
Now, on Thursday I get to take a peek at our baby and make sure there is only one in there. Now wouldn't that be a surprise if there are two. We get to find out what sex the child is and plan for that and dream about that little boy or little girl for the next 20 weeks). We get to find out if we are on target for May 21 due date or if the doctor will change that. So, many surprise in one day -- gosh! I'm excited! Seriously.
At the birth I'll be surprised by the contractions -- have no idea what that's going to be like -- and we have no idea how the father will respond to those things. Plus, the biggest surprise of all will be what day will it all happen; there are so many it could be. I mean, I could be in the middle of a therapy session and need to go (although the kids are kinda hoping I have to leave from work and will know that I am going into labor.) I'll have finger & toes to count on the day of the birth, and will the baby have no hair, lots of it, just a little? I don't know. It'll be a surprise.
Plus, there are lot of surprises that could happen that are not exactly favorable. Like problems with the birth or tearing or needing an episiotomy (ouch - some not so fun surprises). Or will my milk be in and I can nurse right away - I don't know. Will I have my own doctor or will it be in the middle of a Saturday night and I get some other doctor? Will I be nice to the daddy or will I yell at him a lot for making me go through all the pain? Maybe the daddy will pass out like some daddies do. Wow -- so many surprises. Some that will be surprises for sure, and so that may or may not happen. All in one day.
So, we are taking the time to enjoy the surprise of finding out if we are having a boy or a girl now. Although I am tempted to keep it a surprise from all of you. Teehee!
Actually, it has not been the immediate family that has lectured me. I think they understand it doesn't matter what they say, we decided to do this and we will. So, why bother lecturing us (plus, I think they all want to know too.)
We'll see who is right. The daddy's family is pretty much convinced it will be a boy unless they are proved differently (see, daddy is the youngest of 4 boys with 2 nephews -- odds are in the favor of a boy in that family.) But my family, on the other hand, is convinced it's a girl, mainly because I was so sick, plus that fast heartbeat is supposed to be for a girl (doctor says that by 20 weeks it slows a bit, we'll see how much).
So, in 2 more days we'll find out our surprise. I wish I could move it up. I have nothing to do these next coupld of days.......but no, I have to wait 2 more days. Maybe the baby is not going to be cooperative and we won't find out. If that happens I will be convinced that the baby just wants to torture mommy. I'm already convinced the baby doesn't like me because it made me so sick for about 4 months and now that is pretty much gone (not quite though, some still comes back) I have awful constipation and heartburn (every day!, heart burn in the evening mainly.) If that is the case and the baby likes screwing with mommy, I could be in for A LOT of surprises.
Probability
So, here I am before 7 am on a day off and I find myself dreaming about eye color probablility because of something my MIL said. She commented about hoping to get a blue-eyed, blond-haired grandchild. When you consider that her other grandchildren had parent(s) with brown hair & brown eyes, we are the first chance at that happening (she could have another chance at it if Tony & Carol decide to have children).
Anyways, the daddy has blond hair with blue eyes; I have blond hair with green/hazel eyes. Had we both had blue eyes, there would be a very good chance of having a blue eyed child. It all has to do with the amount of melanin in the eye iris. (Blue has very little; brown has a lot; other colors fall in between on a spectrum.) Check out this to read about it. It says that most babies to a brown-eyed parent and blue-eyed parent will have brown eyes, but that was not true in our family (dad=brown, mom=blue). If I am not mistaken, I believe both my sisters have blue eyes and my brother has brown and I have green/hazel. Which makes me believe that my father was not homozygous for brown (I believe his parents were brown & blue) and making my father fall on the spectrum.
So, because the daddy has blue and I'm on the spectrum -- we really could have a child with any eye color. And you can't tell at birth because most caucasian babies are born with blue eyes and they can change if/when their eyes begin to produce melanin.
Now hair color is a little different, but not much. We were both born with blond hair naturally. Actually, mine was pretty platinum as a child and darkened into a dishwater (dark) blond as I grew older. The daddy has blond hair (darker blond now) as well. Blond hair is a recessive trait and since we both have it, there is a pretty good chance that our children will have blond hair when they are younger (and will get darker as they get older as we did and most people d0.)
Blood type -- well, this one is very easy. We are both positive, so the baby will be positive. And we are both O, so there are no other options for all of "our" children to have O+ as their blood type, that is unless I'm doing the mailman, but our mailman is a woman, so that wouldn't work out either. :)
So, yes, there is a chance of having a blue-eyed, blond-haired child, but also not. Isn't science fun?
Anyways, the daddy has blond hair with blue eyes; I have blond hair with green/hazel eyes. Had we both had blue eyes, there would be a very good chance of having a blue eyed child. It all has to do with the amount of melanin in the eye iris. (Blue has very little; brown has a lot; other colors fall in between on a spectrum.) Check out this to read about it. It says that most babies to a brown-eyed parent and blue-eyed parent will have brown eyes, but that was not true in our family (dad=brown, mom=blue). If I am not mistaken, I believe both my sisters have blue eyes and my brother has brown and I have green/hazel. Which makes me believe that my father was not homozygous for brown (I believe his parents were brown & blue) and making my father fall on the spectrum.
So, because the daddy has blue and I'm on the spectrum -- we really could have a child with any eye color. And you can't tell at birth because most caucasian babies are born with blue eyes and they can change if/when their eyes begin to produce melanin.
Now hair color is a little different, but not much. We were both born with blond hair naturally. Actually, mine was pretty platinum as a child and darkened into a dishwater (dark) blond as I grew older. The daddy has blond hair (darker blond now) as well. Blond hair is a recessive trait and since we both have it, there is a pretty good chance that our children will have blond hair when they are younger (and will get darker as they get older as we did and most people d0.)
Blood type -- well, this one is very easy. We are both positive, so the baby will be positive. And we are both O, so there are no other options for all of "our" children to have O+ as their blood type, that is unless I'm doing the mailman, but our mailman is a woman, so that wouldn't work out either. :)
So, yes, there is a chance of having a blue-eyed, blond-haired child, but also not. Isn't science fun?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Feeling the Baby Move
Ok - I know I just felt it for sure just a bit ago. It was several kicks or whatever. Last time I was in to the doctor he asked if I had felt it yet and I was not sure. And I have been very diligent about trying to pay attention if I feel the baby. I have thought maybe I felt the baby when I was lecturing in my class or driving home from classes & was singing xmas carols in the car. Actually -- all those times are around this time......around 6:30......which is precidely what time it is now.
But this time it felt different, maybe because I am lying down, there the other times I was standing up or sitting.
It was kinda neat.
But this time it felt different, maybe because I am lying down, there the other times I was standing up or sitting.
It was kinda neat.
Monday, December 19, 2005
I am Sooooooo Normal.....
Ok - if the doubt was ever in my head that I was experiencing things that were normal - well, after reading Belly Laughs - I realize my pregnancy is Sooooo normal.
I've never been through this before, so how was I to know.
I blogged about the recommendation to read this book and I am so glad I did.
Don't think you have time to read it? Think again. It took all of an hour and half to read her series of short essays. They were right to the point, can't really say short & sweet, because frankly they were anything but sweet. I like her crudeness and frankness. Finally! Someone says it just how it is.
I am about halfway through my pregnancy and have experienced about 75% of it; I could totally relate.
I had been reading other books to gather more information and honestly -- this short crass book gave me as much information -- maybe more. You definitly have to read it!
I have her next book requested from the library and should be arriving any day now, something to read over xmas break.
I like that the last 2 pages are advice to the daddies. I photcopied it and left it on the daddy's computer keyboard -- some place I am sure he will see it very soon.
Thanks for the recommendation Steph!
Family Baby Blessing
I put this out there once before about baptism (on my other blog), but that was before we got pregnant. The daddy & are not practicing any organized religion, and do not feel it is right to baptize our children into an organized religion that we are not practicing. We will not start practicing just so that we can baptize our child either, that just seems silly.
Having grown up with the Catholic guilt, and working hard to shed that guilt, I struggle with the fact that we will be "expected" to baptize our children. The daddy and I have spen much time talking about this over the years, and now that in another 5 months there will be a child in our lives we have to decide just how we want to approach this.
I know that not baptizing will be upsetting to some family members, but we have talked about doing a Family Baby Blessing instead. I am reading up about it. We do want to raise our child to have faith, be spiritual, and strive to be a good, honest person in all that they do. We don't need an organized religion to teach that to our child.
We believe in the basic fundamentals that most religions (Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Jewish) have in common. These religions just might use different words or names to describe them. We plan to teach our children these fundamentals.
A lot of our beliefs will probably have a Christian influence, as that is what we were raised, but we do not discount the beliefs of parellell religious influences. If later on in life our child chooses to be baptized or join an organized religion they will have the learned they core fundamentals from us and can make a choice that is best suited to them.
Having grown up with the Catholic guilt, and working hard to shed that guilt, I struggle with the fact that we will be "expected" to baptize our children. The daddy and I have spen much time talking about this over the years, and now that in another 5 months there will be a child in our lives we have to decide just how we want to approach this.
I know that not baptizing will be upsetting to some family members, but we have talked about doing a Family Baby Blessing instead. I am reading up about it. We do want to raise our child to have faith, be spiritual, and strive to be a good, honest person in all that they do. We don't need an organized religion to teach that to our child.
We believe in the basic fundamentals that most religions (Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Jewish) have in common. These religions just might use different words or names to describe them. We plan to teach our children these fundamentals.
A lot of our beliefs will probably have a Christian influence, as that is what we were raised, but we do not discount the beliefs of parellell religious influences. If later on in life our child chooses to be baptized or join an organized religion they will have the learned they core fundamentals from us and can make a choice that is best suited to them.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
19 weeks
I have started my 19th week. Almost halfway there.
The baby is supposed to be about 6 inches long now. Pretty amazing to think that there is something 6" inside of me and weighs about 8 1/2 ounces.
Next week the baby should be about 6 1/2" long and 10 1/2 ounces.
They measure the first 20 weeks from the crown to the rump -- so in actuality, the baby is longer than 6".
The baby is supposed to be about 6 inches long now. Pretty amazing to think that there is something 6" inside of me and weighs about 8 1/2 ounces.
Next week the baby should be about 6 1/2" long and 10 1/2 ounces.
They measure the first 20 weeks from the crown to the rump -- so in actuality, the baby is longer than 6".
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Seeing Double
No, nothing is wrong with my vision. I'm not exactly seeing double, expect on the size tag of the new bras I had to buy. Yes, I am now carrying around DD's. I was spilling out of the regular D's and there is just the tiniest bit extra room in the doubles - so I guess I get a little room as my milk keeps coming in. Hopefully these will be the only new ones I have to buy until I have to get breastfeeding ones.
Xmas Baby Presents
We had xmas with the in-laws last night and there was a present under the tree for the new baby from their new grandparents -- a Carter's recieving blanket (yellow w/ duckies) and a book called Baby: An Owner's Manual (it's a book that reads like a car manual, specifically bought for car-minded daddy).
And my gift from Lisa, Chris, & Travis was a gc to Babies'R'Us. Guess I'll be picking up some stuff there. I did register @ Babies'R'Us on Amazon and @ Target.
And my gift from Lisa, Chris, & Travis was a gc to Babies'R'Us. Guess I'll be picking up some stuff there. I did register @ Babies'R'Us on Amazon and @ Target.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Expanding......
I think it's about time I went and bought some new bras. I was doing ok with my normal ones for a while, as I had lost weight before getting pregnant. And as we all know that when you lose weight the first thing to go is your boobs. So, I was able to fit into them for wuite a while as I filled them out again, but now I am spilling out. It's frustrating that I will buy a couple new bras and my boobs will only get bigger as my milk comes in and I nurse and I'll have to buy more (but then it will be nursing bras.)
My stomach is rounding nicely. You can't tell as much when I am fully clothed, but take the clothes off and I am all boobs and belly and I am only going to get bigger.
My stomach is rounding nicely. You can't tell as much when I am fully clothed, but take the clothes off and I am all boobs and belly and I am only going to get bigger.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Baby Classes
Well, the daddy was registered for an Expectant Fathers class, but the instructor fell ill and they are rescheduling. This is in Edina.
I just registered us for the Birth, Babies, & Beyond class -- a childbirth class. This will be the class we learn Lamaze in. We are registered for 2 all-day Saturday classes. The April Tuesday & Thursday classes just would have been inconvenient. This one is in Owatonna.
We might also register for a Child Passenger Safety class (1.5 hours) and a Breastfeeding: Good Start class (2.5 hours). They are both up in Burnsville.
There are tons of classes out there. We can do Child/Infant CPR, classes on C-sections, lots of classes to do afterwards with the baby, and a Safe Baby Class (on preparing the house for the baby).
S0, we'll see. We'll just start with the Expectant Father and the Birth, Babies & Beyond classes and go from there.
I just registered us for the Birth, Babies, & Beyond class -- a childbirth class. This will be the class we learn Lamaze in. We are registered for 2 all-day Saturday classes. The April Tuesday & Thursday classes just would have been inconvenient. This one is in Owatonna.
We might also register for a Child Passenger Safety class (1.5 hours) and a Breastfeeding: Good Start class (2.5 hours). They are both up in Burnsville.
There are tons of classes out there. We can do Child/Infant CPR, classes on C-sections, lots of classes to do afterwards with the baby, and a Safe Baby Class (on preparing the house for the baby).
S0, we'll see. We'll just start with the Expectant Father and the Birth, Babies & Beyond classes and go from there.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Cloth Diapers (Places to Buy)
This post is basically for me to remember (or for you is you wish to buy us cloth diapers):
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Kushies @ Kidsurplus.com $7.94 (Infant 10-22 lbs.)
Kushies @ Kidsurplus $5.59 (Infant 10-22 lbs.) (Toddler, 22-45 lbs.)
Kushies @ Kidsurplus $6.30 (Infant under 22 lbs.)
Infant Diaper (10-22 lbs.)$6.00, Toddler (22-45lbs.) $6.50 @ Chooseydiapers.com
Kissaluvs Contour @ softbunz.com (any size $5.99), Not Sure I Like These, need pins
Fitted Diapers @ Clothdiapers.com (Small $7, Medium $7.50, Large $8)
Cutie Baby Diapers @ usdiaper.com ($4-$8)
Kushies @ Thanksmama.com $5.49 (Infant & Toddler)
AIO (All-in-One's)
Kushies Newborn (4-10 lbs.) $7.95 @ Chooseydiapers.com Kushies Infant (10-22 lbs.) $9.25
Small All-Together $9, Medium $9.50, Large $10 (with snaps, not velcro, 7-13 lbs.) @ Chooseydiapers.com
All-In-One's @ Clothdiapers.com, Small $9, Medium $9.50, Large$10)
Diaper Liners
Kushies 10-pk Diaper Liners @ Kidsurplus $8.15 (Newborn)
Kushies 10-pk Diaper Liners @ Kidsurplus.com $10.15 (Infant/Toddler)
Cloth Doublers @ Clothdiapers.com $8.95 for 12
Ecobunz Heavy-Wetter 4 Layer Doubler - Small $2, 2-Layer Small $1.50
Diaper Wraps
Kushies Infant Wrap ($6.39) @ Kidsurplus.com
Gerber Vinyl Wraps (3-pack, $3.99) @ Clothdiapers.com
Green Earth Diaper Covers ($6.00) @ babycottonbottoms.com
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Kushies @ Kidsurplus.com $7.94 (Infant 10-22 lbs.)
Kushies @ Kidsurplus $5.59 (Infant 10-22 lbs.) (Toddler, 22-45 lbs.)
Kushies @ Kidsurplus $6.30 (Infant under 22 lbs.)
Infant Diaper (10-22 lbs.)$6.00, Toddler (22-45lbs.) $6.50 @ Chooseydiapers.com
Kissaluvs Contour @ softbunz.com (any size $5.99), Not Sure I Like These, need pins
Fitted Diapers @ Clothdiapers.com (Small $7, Medium $7.50, Large $8)
Cutie Baby Diapers @ usdiaper.com ($4-$8)
Kushies @ Thanksmama.com $5.49 (Infant & Toddler)
AIO (All-in-One's)
Kushies Newborn (4-10 lbs.) $7.95 @ Chooseydiapers.com Kushies Infant (10-22 lbs.) $9.25
Small All-Together $9, Medium $9.50, Large $10 (with snaps, not velcro, 7-13 lbs.) @ Chooseydiapers.com
All-In-One's @ Clothdiapers.com, Small $9, Medium $9.50, Large$10)
Diaper Liners
Kushies 10-pk Diaper Liners @ Kidsurplus $8.15 (Newborn)
Kushies 10-pk Diaper Liners @ Kidsurplus.com $10.15 (Infant/Toddler)
Cloth Doublers @ Clothdiapers.com $8.95 for 12
Ecobunz Heavy-Wetter 4 Layer Doubler - Small $2, 2-Layer Small $1.50
Diaper Wraps
Kushies Infant Wrap ($6.39) @ Kidsurplus.com
Gerber Vinyl Wraps (3-pack, $3.99) @ Clothdiapers.com
Green Earth Diaper Covers ($6.00) @ babycottonbottoms.com
Friday, December 09, 2005
Belly Laughs
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Cold Remedies?
So, what cold remedies can I take being pregnant? My head is all stuffed up and my nose is constantly running. I will have to get out my books and see what they say.
I normally would take some echinacea and I read a bunch of articles that say taking it is NOT linked to birth defects or any issues with birthing. Right now it's just been head cold stuff and I do't want it to get worse.
On a positive note, the doctor called yesterday to tell me my results were negative from my quad-screen, which is good. So, no further testing is needed to look for a bunch of stuff, like down syndrome spinal bifida, trisomy 18, etc. Out of all the number he rattled off at me, the one that had the biggest risk was down syndrome and I have less that a quarter of 1 percent (.23% chance to be exact) of having a baby with down syndrome. The rest were even less that that (like 1 in 5000 and 1 in 1000, etc.)
Ok - that's it.
I do have to say that I impressed that the doctor called again. I have had a good experience with this doctor. Sometimes it's a pain when you have to talk to the nurse and she can't answer questions you have and had to check with the doctor and get back to you. So, phone communication directly from im has been nice.
I normally would take some echinacea and I read a bunch of articles that say taking it is NOT linked to birth defects or any issues with birthing. Right now it's just been head cold stuff and I do't want it to get worse.
On a positive note, the doctor called yesterday to tell me my results were negative from my quad-screen, which is good. So, no further testing is needed to look for a bunch of stuff, like down syndrome spinal bifida, trisomy 18, etc. Out of all the number he rattled off at me, the one that had the biggest risk was down syndrome and I have less that a quarter of 1 percent (.23% chance to be exact) of having a baby with down syndrome. The rest were even less that that (like 1 in 5000 and 1 in 1000, etc.)
Ok - that's it.
I do have to say that I impressed that the doctor called again. I have had a good experience with this doctor. Sometimes it's a pain when you have to talk to the nurse and she can't answer questions you have and had to check with the doctor and get back to you. So, phone communication directly from im has been nice.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
First Baby Present
We got our first present for the baby last night from Rebecca & David titled Guess How Much I Love You. I read it to the baby last night. They are supposed to be able to hear now. I try to sing in the car too or when I listen Xmas music. I enjoy singing.
I think I have been feeling the baby kick.....or maybe punch me (it makes the daddy laugh to think of the baby sitting there punching me). I don't think the baby likes me much.....keeps making me sick (although I was fine yesterday and so far so good today!). I was feeling the baby last night when I was teaching......maybe the baby was trying to sleep and I was talking to much......
The daddy thinks it's funny that I say that the baby doesn't like me very much. I think he figures he'll have a partner against me. Wait til that baby & the daddy realize where the food supply comes from....then we'll see who does some partnering. I'm just kidding. I don't really believe the baby doesn't like me, but on those days I am sick it sure doesn't feel like it.
I think I have been feeling the baby kick.....or maybe punch me (it makes the daddy laugh to think of the baby sitting there punching me). I don't think the baby likes me much.....keeps making me sick (although I was fine yesterday and so far so good today!). I was feeling the baby last night when I was teaching......maybe the baby was trying to sleep and I was talking to much......
The daddy thinks it's funny that I say that the baby doesn't like me very much. I think he figures he'll have a partner against me. Wait til that baby & the daddy realize where the food supply comes from....then we'll see who does some partnering. I'm just kidding. I don't really believe the baby doesn't like me, but on those days I am sick it sure doesn't feel like it.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Drano Test
I thought I would try it as we had some Drano here. So, I peed in a cup first and then poured it on top of the Drano in a different cup. I covered my nose and mouth because of the fumes I have read about.
But I think I will keep the results a secret until we find out from the doctor what we are having. I will tell the daddy of course.
Everywhere out there was conflicted on whether or not this works. I was reading out there that scientifically Drano could not produce sex prediction results.
It's an interesting concept. Maybe next we'll have to try the needle or wedding ring hanginng from a string.
I could take a tally or the different results and see what they say. So far I have heartbeat results and Drano results.
They say cravings are based on sex as well, like salt for boys, sweets for girls (I like sweets a lot more and they go down easily, but I wouldn't say I am craving it more, I just like eating it, not really craving them), sour for boys, fruit and OJ for girls, meats and cheeses for boys, and so on.
Where does craving California Rolls fit? I don't think it fits under either.
Here's a whole list of Ways to Tell. Some of those are way out there. Like what does where my pillow is have to do with anything. It's in the same place as before. It would not be goof Feng Shui for me to change the bed to a different area. The flow would totally be off. And it's winter -- my feet are cold and my hands are dry. And "Pregnancy has you looking better than ever", well, not today. I told the daddy he looked nice today and he said I didn't (I am home ill today, slept like crap last night and stomach still doing flips, and awful headaches too) and that I was all puffy and blotchy -- Gee! Thanks.
I think with that list I will get an equal chance of having a boy or a girl.
But I think I will keep the results a secret until we find out from the doctor what we are having. I will tell the daddy of course.
Everywhere out there was conflicted on whether or not this works. I was reading out there that scientifically Drano could not produce sex prediction results.
It's an interesting concept. Maybe next we'll have to try the needle or wedding ring hanginng from a string.
I could take a tally or the different results and see what they say. So far I have heartbeat results and Drano results.
They say cravings are based on sex as well, like salt for boys, sweets for girls (I like sweets a lot more and they go down easily, but I wouldn't say I am craving it more, I just like eating it, not really craving them), sour for boys, fruit and OJ for girls, meats and cheeses for boys, and so on.
Where does craving California Rolls fit? I don't think it fits under either.
Here's a whole list of Ways to Tell. Some of those are way out there. Like what does where my pillow is have to do with anything. It's in the same place as before. It would not be goof Feng Shui for me to change the bed to a different area. The flow would totally be off. And it's winter -- my feet are cold and my hands are dry. And "Pregnancy has you looking better than ever", well, not today. I told the daddy he looked nice today and he said I didn't (I am home ill today, slept like crap last night and stomach still doing flips, and awful headaches too) and that I was all puffy and blotchy -- Gee! Thanks.
I think with that list I will get an equal chance of having a boy or a girl.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
No Bacon!
OK....I tried and it just won't work for me during this pregnancy. The first time I made it I ate one piece with some pancakes, felt fine eating it, then puked it up. Well, that first time was in the evening, when I usually feel my worst, so I thought that might have something to do with it. I've eaten pancakes since then and been fine. But today I made bacon again, the smelled bothered me a little but not too terribly bad, although my whole house still smells like bacon and I made it almost 6 hours ago. I made bacon and then cooked eggs in the bacon grease and then drained most of the grease and made pumpkin pancakes in the pan. It all tasted good. I just ate eggs and a pancake, no bacon except for the grease. And whoops, 10 minutes after eating it all came back up. Boy did that suck.
So, no more bacon at all. And still no garlic. And no smokey restaurants. Guess those are the 3 main triggers that have consistently resulted in me getting really sick.
Other than that, I had not puked since Thanksgiving. So, I made it over a week this time and was pretty happy with that. And generally have been feeling better than I had the previous 3 months.
So, no more bacon at all. And still no garlic. And no smokey restaurants. Guess those are the 3 main triggers that have consistently resulted in me getting really sick.
Other than that, I had not puked since Thanksgiving. So, I made it over a week this time and was pretty happy with that. And generally have been feeling better than I had the previous 3 months.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
16 Week Doctor Visit
It was a short good visit to the doctor. I heard the baby's heartbeat again, this time 170 beats per minute. He said that the heartrate will slow over the next month and will be slower for the 20-week check-up.
I gained weight this month. Basically gained the weight I needed to for this month and what I lost from the 1st trimester. So, I am still supposed to gain a pound a week (average) for the rest of my pregnancy. That should be fine -- the ice cream is going down really easy.
Next month, actually it's this month in 4 weeks, on December 29, we will get to see the baby for the first time. Then we find out for sure that there is only one in there. By the end of December I should really be showing. I teach a couple ladies in my Stress Management class that are pregnant (due 4 and 8 weeks before me) and they started to pop out around 18-20 weeks with their first kid.
I have not seen my family since before we got pregnant, so it might be a little weird that they will see me with a little pouch sticking out.
I also had blooddrawn for the Quad screen. The doctor or his nurse will call me in a week to discuss the results, he says it usually takes around a week to get those results. It's a blood test to look for Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, etc. They will call regardless of the results.
And then at 28 weeks they will do a glucose check, where they check for gestational diabetes.
I gained weight this month. Basically gained the weight I needed to for this month and what I lost from the 1st trimester. So, I am still supposed to gain a pound a week (average) for the rest of my pregnancy. That should be fine -- the ice cream is going down really easy.
Next month, actually it's this month in 4 weeks, on December 29, we will get to see the baby for the first time. Then we find out for sure that there is only one in there. By the end of December I should really be showing. I teach a couple ladies in my Stress Management class that are pregnant (due 4 and 8 weeks before me) and they started to pop out around 18-20 weeks with their first kid.
I have not seen my family since before we got pregnant, so it might be a little weird that they will see me with a little pouch sticking out.
I also had blooddrawn for the Quad screen. The doctor or his nurse will call me in a week to discuss the results, he says it usually takes around a week to get those results. It's a blood test to look for Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, etc. They will call regardless of the results.
And then at 28 weeks they will do a glucose check, where they check for gestational diabetes.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Decisions
There are so many decisions to make. So many decisions people ask me about and then give me their opinion or tell me a story. Some decisions we know what we are going to do and are certain about it, other decisions still need to be looked into more.
The issue is that I am a Pieces through and through and if someone gives a compelling enough argument and I previously had not thought of the issue either way, well, then I am easily swayed. The good thing is that I have not committed to any decisions and you get 9 months to think about some of them.
I know I plan to breastfeed. That's a big question that people always ask. Although I have yet to meet anyone who tried to convince me otherwise. Everyone seems to agree that you should breastfeed. My mom breastfed us and I just grew up knowing that was part of being a mom and having a baby. There are plenty of compelling reasons to breastfeed, but what it comes down to is that I want to do it. All those other positives are just gravy. I am fully aware though, that my child may not be able to digest the protein in breastmilk or that I may not be able produce enough milk (that would be a shame to be carrying these things around so long and not be able to use them for what they were meant for). But for all intensive purposes, unless there is something preventing me from breastfeeding, then I plan to do it.
Now the decision I have not answered for myself is how long do I do it for? My mom stopped around 6 months when we were able to start biting her......ok, that sounds like a good enough reason. I certainly don't like the idea of getting bit. Although others have told me that after a couple bites and you getting startled (which also scares the baby) the baby learns to not do that if they don't want to be scared. I guess it's a Pavlov response. So, I think I will need to do more reading about the benefits of the lengths of breastfeeding. I know I won't breastfeed longer that a year. I will not be a card-carrying member of the La Leche League. Not me. I honestly feel if a child can walk up and get it walk (with ease -- 14-15 months) over to me to get it and certainly when they can put together a 2-3 word sentence to ask for it (18-24 months).
Ok - next decision that I do find opposition to is diapering choices. The poor daddy knows I feel strongly about this one and is struggling with it himself and I think finds himself just saying, "well, the mommy wants to use cloth diapers". He wants whats easiest and I am willing to compromise somewhat, but not fully. If it were up to me, I might just use the cloth folding diapers with pins and covers. The daddy doesn't want pins. I think he may be afraid of sticking himself or the baby. I also think he's afraid that he won't be able to do it right. You gotta remember that I am the oldest of 4 and babysat my whole life and have changed tons of diapers (cloth foldables, cloth velcro, and disposable), the daddy can probably count on one hand how many diapers he has changed and they were probably all disposable. I think he thinks that there are too many steps to cloth diapers, but really it's just the cleaning steps. You gotta remember that you don't have to worry about running out (just throw them in the wash) and you don't have to actually run to the store to get them.
I also don't think he's too hip on touching poop. He doesn't quite realize that doesn't go away with disposable diapers either, as sometimes that stuff is stuck on or it might have run all the way up the baby's back. I think he at first thought I wanted cloth diapers because in the long run it's cheaper. Check out this site for a list of benefits. It costs $1500 for 2 years of diapering, but how many kids do you know that are potty-trained by age 2. I think a figure closer to $2000-$2500 is a more accurate, although I have seen sites that say it costs $1000/year to diaper a baby, put that final total closer at $3000. I think the cost for the 6 dozen prefold is a little high, as at Target the prefolds are $10.29 for 12, which is about $62 for 6 dozen. You don't need to buy as many wraps ro pins, as those can be reused from time to time if they don't need to be cleaned. I have seen on other sites that it cost roughly $150 to start up and you'll end up spending about $300-$400 over the diapering time for the 1st kid. With subsequent kids you just replace a few things and you are good to go. But I know I need to do the all-in-one/velcro route for most of our diapering needs, which will cost more that the pre-folds, but not as much as dispoable. BTW - they do have cloth diaper services out there that do all the cleaning for you & delivery of the diapers and their cost is roughly the same as getting disposable. Although I am not sure if it is available in out area.
But really cost is not what it comes down to. Frankly, it's better for the baby's skin. Their skin can breate easier and babies from cloth diapers tend to have less diaper rash. And these there is the issue that some babies have allergies to the disposables touching their skin. Do you want to be that person that makes your baby breakout and suffer from more rashes because you just don't want to clean off the poop in the toilet?
And without spending a lot of time on the environment - I just want to say that in our disposable society, I think I do my fair share of throwing things away and of waste, but this is one thing we can do to not add more to the waste in our landfills. I feel like I am being a better citizen of this earth if I do not add more disposables to to landfills.
Gosh - this is a LONG post. But I have a lot to say and if you are reading it then that is your choice to read this long of a post
Now, the issue I am really struggling with because I had no opinion of before and was easily convinced momentarily is the issue of a birthing doula/coach. See, my MIL and a SIL are both post-partum doulas, so of course they think the use of doulas is a good idea. My MIL made some good arguments that pushed me to think of it, at least as a birthing coach option. Personally, I feel the reason our society has gone the way of using doulas is because our society has become more mobile and we no longer live close to the person (our own mothers and grandmothers) that served that role in the past. So, do I really need a birthing coach?
I thought about it, read a little bit, and came to the conclusion that I really don't want a stranger trying to help us out. I need a relationship for me to trust them. And honestly, I don't have enough time for all my friends as it is and have felt neglectful, and have no desire this time to be making new friends (that will change later). So I ruled out strangers and feel strongly about that. So, I talked to a friend in the area who had kids of her own in the same hospital I will give birth about doing it and told her to think about it. She did, as said I should talk to her friend (who used to be a birthing doula, but doesn't do it anymore) about the pros & cons of using a friend vs. a stranger. She brought up a valid point about how friends, even though well-intentioned, will have their own agenda and may get wrapped in the birth and not be of as much use as a stranger. She also gave me some other points to think about, which I have.
So, I am at the point of thinking -- why do I want a birthing coach/doula? Do I really need this person? Am I only considering this option because my MIL suggested it? I think I would have not considered it at all if my MIL had not presented me with compelling reasons to do it. My friend said she is willing to do it, and her friend gave her a lot of books on it, I just have to give her the green light. But I'm not so sure. I guess I should make up my mind soon. The daddy & I need to talk about it. If I knew my mom would be here in time I would want her in there, but considering she has a 6 hour drive to the hospital ahead of here once the call is made (plus time to pack, possibly time to finish farm chores or find someone to cover).....the likelihood is slim that she would make it in time to be of much use. I think I will talk to my doctor more about it on Wednesday, I don't mind getting the advice when I ask for it. But I think I am leaning towards not having one, now that I start to consider my feelings and what I think the experience should be like, but maybe the daddy feels differently.
The next decision that I am met with quite a bit of opposition with is the decision to find out the sex of the baby. A LOT of people ask, I think because they are curious on what other people are doing. But there are A LOT of people who then proceed to give me a mini-lecture on wanting the element fo surprise in the delivery room. Yes, we plan to find out, if the baby is cooperative. There will be plenty of surprises in the delivery room. I've never given birth before, this is all new to me. It will all be a surprise. I want to enjoy finding out if it is a she or he, and if I find that out in January or anytime before I give birth, that is what I want. The daddy doesn't seem to care either way and may have preferred that we wait, but he knows that I am a planner and WANT THIS. I know the baby may have their legs crossed or be mooning us and we may not be able to find out at the first ultrasound, but maybe the next time, or maybe we were supposed to wait. But if we can, we will find out. It is our choice, and in the grand sceme of things not a big decision and don't appreciate the mini-lectures.
We still need to talk about options for daycare. Do we want to look in our town or in the town I work in? I'd like to find one that takes teachers kids. I know that they are out there, so it will take some investigating. My friend works for a non-profit that helps match parents with daycares that are a good match for them and I will most likely utilize that service. Do we want an in-home place or a center? How imporatant is it that they will do cloth diapers? Am I willing to allow them to use dispoables? Do I want it close enough to work so that I can breastfeed over my lunch? I know they have to be non-smokers -- for sure -- I will not even consider it if they only smoke outside or it's their spouse that smokes outside. Smoking is NOT ACCEPTABLE to me. I don't care about the issue of pets, as we have 2 cats & a dog and I think it's a good idea for babies & kids to be comfortable around animals and learn to like and respect them. How important is it that they have a curriculum for older children? How do I feel about that?
I noticed at the fair there were several daycare groups and some appeared adequately staffed where others had 8 kids and 2 adults. I don't want that for my kids. Staffing in the home is a little different than when you take them on fieldtrips. Do they have an outside play area set up or do they take them to the park daily? It's important to me that they have something planned each day that the kids can get rid of energy and move around. Kids learn to enjoy outdoor play and exercise through modeling, and that option needs to be present, no exceptions. Since I will be home for the first 3 months and will be looking for a daycare starting end of August, when do I need to start interviewing people? I think I will ask my friend what she notices here in the ways of trends of finding an ideal daycare for an infant and the timing for that.
Name decisions -- we've resigned to limiting our choices once we find out the sex of the child. We will pick out a name for the opposite sex just in case the doctor was wrong. Plus, we reserve the right to change out mind at the time of the birth.
Type of birth is another decision. I don't mean by at home or a water birth or whatever else. We are having our baby in a hospital, final. That may change with later children if we decide to have more, but the first one will be in a hospital. What I mean is vaginal or ceasarean -- honestly I am not opposed to having a ceasarean if I have to (although it has to be a horizontal cut along the bikini line, not vertical; my doctor does horizontal preferably, so that's a good thing for me). I hear from people that they don't want to have a c-section because they won't be able to give birth vaginally later -- which is not true. I just read an article that said 67% of people who have c-sections give birth vaginally to later children and I have seen similar statistics other places. I kinda think I would prefer a big cut in my abdomen rather than a small cut in my vagina. The idea of a episiotomy scares me and I certainly do not want to rip. Ouch! That does not sound fun.
The other decision is about drugs. Normally, I try to refrain from drugs when I am sick and seek natural options. Although I did have to resort to drugs for morning sickness. I held out as long as I could and tried every type of natural thing I could come up with or that was suggested. So, when I got the meds I only take what I need when I am desparate, not anymore or any other times. But when it comes to giving birth, friends who have NOT given birth ask me if I will go without meds and friends who DID give birth tell me about the meds they used and how they were thankful. I need to do more reading. The doc told me about what he normally recommends. I need to read more about each of those options, other options, and decide for myself. But honestly, I think I am leaning towards some type of meds -- just not sure which ones I feel comfortable with. So, more decisions and research.
So, those are the big decisions and there are many small ones. The small ones are easier, I like those ones.
The thing I need to remember is that we are making these decisions. They are not being made by our families or our friends or strangers or books. At the end of each day, we have to implement our decisions. Long after our families & friends have visited, and the books are closed and the strangers walked away, we have to deal with the decisions we made and all the other decisions we will have to make in the future. It kinda neat and scary at the same time, but it's our decision.
--- J
The issue is that I am a Pieces through and through and if someone gives a compelling enough argument and I previously had not thought of the issue either way, well, then I am easily swayed. The good thing is that I have not committed to any decisions and you get 9 months to think about some of them.
I know I plan to breastfeed. That's a big question that people always ask. Although I have yet to meet anyone who tried to convince me otherwise. Everyone seems to agree that you should breastfeed. My mom breastfed us and I just grew up knowing that was part of being a mom and having a baby. There are plenty of compelling reasons to breastfeed, but what it comes down to is that I want to do it. All those other positives are just gravy. I am fully aware though, that my child may not be able to digest the protein in breastmilk or that I may not be able produce enough milk (that would be a shame to be carrying these things around so long and not be able to use them for what they were meant for). But for all intensive purposes, unless there is something preventing me from breastfeeding, then I plan to do it.
Now the decision I have not answered for myself is how long do I do it for? My mom stopped around 6 months when we were able to start biting her......ok, that sounds like a good enough reason. I certainly don't like the idea of getting bit. Although others have told me that after a couple bites and you getting startled (which also scares the baby) the baby learns to not do that if they don't want to be scared. I guess it's a Pavlov response. So, I think I will need to do more reading about the benefits of the lengths of breastfeeding. I know I won't breastfeed longer that a year. I will not be a card-carrying member of the La Leche League. Not me. I honestly feel if a child can walk up and get it walk (with ease -- 14-15 months) over to me to get it and certainly when they can put together a 2-3 word sentence to ask for it (18-24 months).
Ok - next decision that I do find opposition to is diapering choices. The poor daddy knows I feel strongly about this one and is struggling with it himself and I think finds himself just saying, "well, the mommy wants to use cloth diapers". He wants whats easiest and I am willing to compromise somewhat, but not fully. If it were up to me, I might just use the cloth folding diapers with pins and covers. The daddy doesn't want pins. I think he may be afraid of sticking himself or the baby. I also think he's afraid that he won't be able to do it right. You gotta remember that I am the oldest of 4 and babysat my whole life and have changed tons of diapers (cloth foldables, cloth velcro, and disposable), the daddy can probably count on one hand how many diapers he has changed and they were probably all disposable. I think he thinks that there are too many steps to cloth diapers, but really it's just the cleaning steps. You gotta remember that you don't have to worry about running out (just throw them in the wash) and you don't have to actually run to the store to get them.
I also don't think he's too hip on touching poop. He doesn't quite realize that doesn't go away with disposable diapers either, as sometimes that stuff is stuck on or it might have run all the way up the baby's back. I think he at first thought I wanted cloth diapers because in the long run it's cheaper. Check out this site for a list of benefits. It costs $1500 for 2 years of diapering, but how many kids do you know that are potty-trained by age 2. I think a figure closer to $2000-$2500 is a more accurate, although I have seen sites that say it costs $1000/year to diaper a baby, put that final total closer at $3000. I think the cost for the 6 dozen prefold is a little high, as at Target the prefolds are $10.29 for 12, which is about $62 for 6 dozen. You don't need to buy as many wraps ro pins, as those can be reused from time to time if they don't need to be cleaned. I have seen on other sites that it cost roughly $150 to start up and you'll end up spending about $300-$400 over the diapering time for the 1st kid. With subsequent kids you just replace a few things and you are good to go. But I know I need to do the all-in-one/velcro route for most of our diapering needs, which will cost more that the pre-folds, but not as much as dispoable. BTW - they do have cloth diaper services out there that do all the cleaning for you & delivery of the diapers and their cost is roughly the same as getting disposable. Although I am not sure if it is available in out area.
But really cost is not what it comes down to. Frankly, it's better for the baby's skin. Their skin can breate easier and babies from cloth diapers tend to have less diaper rash. And these there is the issue that some babies have allergies to the disposables touching their skin. Do you want to be that person that makes your baby breakout and suffer from more rashes because you just don't want to clean off the poop in the toilet?
And without spending a lot of time on the environment - I just want to say that in our disposable society, I think I do my fair share of throwing things away and of waste, but this is one thing we can do to not add more to the waste in our landfills. I feel like I am being a better citizen of this earth if I do not add more disposables to to landfills.
Gosh - this is a LONG post. But I have a lot to say and if you are reading it then that is your choice to read this long of a post
Now, the issue I am really struggling with because I had no opinion of before and was easily convinced momentarily is the issue of a birthing doula/coach. See, my MIL and a SIL are both post-partum doulas, so of course they think the use of doulas is a good idea. My MIL made some good arguments that pushed me to think of it, at least as a birthing coach option. Personally, I feel the reason our society has gone the way of using doulas is because our society has become more mobile and we no longer live close to the person (our own mothers and grandmothers) that served that role in the past. So, do I really need a birthing coach?
I thought about it, read a little bit, and came to the conclusion that I really don't want a stranger trying to help us out. I need a relationship for me to trust them. And honestly, I don't have enough time for all my friends as it is and have felt neglectful, and have no desire this time to be making new friends (that will change later). So I ruled out strangers and feel strongly about that. So, I talked to a friend in the area who had kids of her own in the same hospital I will give birth about doing it and told her to think about it. She did, as said I should talk to her friend (who used to be a birthing doula, but doesn't do it anymore) about the pros & cons of using a friend vs. a stranger. She brought up a valid point about how friends, even though well-intentioned, will have their own agenda and may get wrapped in the birth and not be of as much use as a stranger. She also gave me some other points to think about, which I have.
So, I am at the point of thinking -- why do I want a birthing coach/doula? Do I really need this person? Am I only considering this option because my MIL suggested it? I think I would have not considered it at all if my MIL had not presented me with compelling reasons to do it. My friend said she is willing to do it, and her friend gave her a lot of books on it, I just have to give her the green light. But I'm not so sure. I guess I should make up my mind soon. The daddy & I need to talk about it. If I knew my mom would be here in time I would want her in there, but considering she has a 6 hour drive to the hospital ahead of here once the call is made (plus time to pack, possibly time to finish farm chores or find someone to cover).....the likelihood is slim that she would make it in time to be of much use. I think I will talk to my doctor more about it on Wednesday, I don't mind getting the advice when I ask for it. But I think I am leaning towards not having one, now that I start to consider my feelings and what I think the experience should be like, but maybe the daddy feels differently.
The next decision that I am met with quite a bit of opposition with is the decision to find out the sex of the baby. A LOT of people ask, I think because they are curious on what other people are doing. But there are A LOT of people who then proceed to give me a mini-lecture on wanting the element fo surprise in the delivery room. Yes, we plan to find out, if the baby is cooperative. There will be plenty of surprises in the delivery room. I've never given birth before, this is all new to me. It will all be a surprise. I want to enjoy finding out if it is a she or he, and if I find that out in January or anytime before I give birth, that is what I want. The daddy doesn't seem to care either way and may have preferred that we wait, but he knows that I am a planner and WANT THIS. I know the baby may have their legs crossed or be mooning us and we may not be able to find out at the first ultrasound, but maybe the next time, or maybe we were supposed to wait. But if we can, we will find out. It is our choice, and in the grand sceme of things not a big decision and don't appreciate the mini-lectures.
We still need to talk about options for daycare. Do we want to look in our town or in the town I work in? I'd like to find one that takes teachers kids. I know that they are out there, so it will take some investigating. My friend works for a non-profit that helps match parents with daycares that are a good match for them and I will most likely utilize that service. Do we want an in-home place or a center? How imporatant is it that they will do cloth diapers? Am I willing to allow them to use dispoables? Do I want it close enough to work so that I can breastfeed over my lunch? I know they have to be non-smokers -- for sure -- I will not even consider it if they only smoke outside or it's their spouse that smokes outside. Smoking is NOT ACCEPTABLE to me. I don't care about the issue of pets, as we have 2 cats & a dog and I think it's a good idea for babies & kids to be comfortable around animals and learn to like and respect them. How important is it that they have a curriculum for older children? How do I feel about that?
I noticed at the fair there were several daycare groups and some appeared adequately staffed where others had 8 kids and 2 adults. I don't want that for my kids. Staffing in the home is a little different than when you take them on fieldtrips. Do they have an outside play area set up or do they take them to the park daily? It's important to me that they have something planned each day that the kids can get rid of energy and move around. Kids learn to enjoy outdoor play and exercise through modeling, and that option needs to be present, no exceptions. Since I will be home for the first 3 months and will be looking for a daycare starting end of August, when do I need to start interviewing people? I think I will ask my friend what she notices here in the ways of trends of finding an ideal daycare for an infant and the timing for that.
Name decisions -- we've resigned to limiting our choices once we find out the sex of the child. We will pick out a name for the opposite sex just in case the doctor was wrong. Plus, we reserve the right to change out mind at the time of the birth.
Type of birth is another decision. I don't mean by at home or a water birth or whatever else. We are having our baby in a hospital, final. That may change with later children if we decide to have more, but the first one will be in a hospital. What I mean is vaginal or ceasarean -- honestly I am not opposed to having a ceasarean if I have to (although it has to be a horizontal cut along the bikini line, not vertical; my doctor does horizontal preferably, so that's a good thing for me). I hear from people that they don't want to have a c-section because they won't be able to give birth vaginally later -- which is not true. I just read an article that said 67% of people who have c-sections give birth vaginally to later children and I have seen similar statistics other places. I kinda think I would prefer a big cut in my abdomen rather than a small cut in my vagina. The idea of a episiotomy scares me and I certainly do not want to rip. Ouch! That does not sound fun.
The other decision is about drugs. Normally, I try to refrain from drugs when I am sick and seek natural options. Although I did have to resort to drugs for morning sickness. I held out as long as I could and tried every type of natural thing I could come up with or that was suggested. So, when I got the meds I only take what I need when I am desparate, not anymore or any other times. But when it comes to giving birth, friends who have NOT given birth ask me if I will go without meds and friends who DID give birth tell me about the meds they used and how they were thankful. I need to do more reading. The doc told me about what he normally recommends. I need to read more about each of those options, other options, and decide for myself. But honestly, I think I am leaning towards some type of meds -- just not sure which ones I feel comfortable with. So, more decisions and research.
So, those are the big decisions and there are many small ones. The small ones are easier, I like those ones.
The thing I need to remember is that we are making these decisions. They are not being made by our families or our friends or strangers or books. At the end of each day, we have to implement our decisions. Long after our families & friends have visited, and the books are closed and the strangers walked away, we have to deal with the decisions we made and all the other decisions we will have to make in the future. It kinda neat and scary at the same time, but it's our decision.
--- J
Saturday, November 26, 2005
And It Just Keep Going
Puked a couple days recently. Damn! Won't it just quit.
Wednesday I go to the doctor again. Just get to hear the heartbeat again. It will be the same visit as the last time. The visit after this one we'll get to see the baby.
I bought one of those baby heart monitors. I tried it last week and couldn't hear anything. Apparently, they don't work so well until 18-20 weeks, some people report it working at 16 weeks. So, tomorrow I start week 16, so we'll see.
I'm not fitting in to many of my regular clothes. Jeans are completly out now. I don't feel like I look to pregnant. I kinda look like a chick with a beer belly.
I am supposed to be able to start feeling some activity from the baby, although the touch is light and may feel like "butterflies in my stomach" or a slight pinch or even the feeling of gas. I think I have felt something, although I could be imagining it.
Got a yoga prenatal DVD to try out. There are certain positions you are not supposed to do when you are pregnant, so I thought it just best to buy a new DVD for pregnant ladies just so I am making sure I am not doing the wrong stuff.
Wednesday I go to the doctor again. Just get to hear the heartbeat again. It will be the same visit as the last time. The visit after this one we'll get to see the baby.
I bought one of those baby heart monitors. I tried it last week and couldn't hear anything. Apparently, they don't work so well until 18-20 weeks, some people report it working at 16 weeks. So, tomorrow I start week 16, so we'll see.
I'm not fitting in to many of my regular clothes. Jeans are completly out now. I don't feel like I look to pregnant. I kinda look like a chick with a beer belly.
I am supposed to be able to start feeling some activity from the baby, although the touch is light and may feel like "butterflies in my stomach" or a slight pinch or even the feeling of gas. I think I have felt something, although I could be imagining it.
Got a yoga prenatal DVD to try out. There are certain positions you are not supposed to do when you are pregnant, so I thought it just best to buy a new DVD for pregnant ladies just so I am making sure I am not doing the wrong stuff.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Feeling Better?
I am starting to feel better. After I got those meds I went a whole week before puking 2 days in a row, then went 3 days before I puked again. Now it has been another 3 days I have lasted (working on the 4th day), although my stomach is not feeling so well (and seems to be getting worse as the morning wanes on) and I've got that nasty sour taste going on in my mouth (which usually means there is a lot of acid in my stomach, which is something I noticed before I get really sick). I may have to go dig around for some Rolaids, try to make everything subside for a while.
My stomach is really starting to pop out and there are fewer and fewer pants I can wear. Maternity pants have too big a stomach, so I don't quite fit in those yet. I can tell already I will have a few choice outfits through the different stages of pregnancy. I am already planning that I will need a new wardrobe this summer, as I will be sick of my clothes. I'm really starting to look like a pregnant lady now. By the time my family sees me for Christmas (another month away) I will really be showing. I am sure I'll be wearing those maternity pants just fine then.
I've been noticing the sore back has been starting. I try to sleep on my side, but I always find myself back on my back at times.
And the constipation just started this weekend......the fatigue comes and goes. When it comes, it hits hard.
I have mentioned to a few people that I don't feel like a woman (or even human at all) lately. You would think bringing a life into this world would make me feel human, but it doesn't. I feel like I am just a vehicle for a creature that is slowly killing me over 9 months.
I watched this episode on Animal Planet about the most extreme moms. I am not sure if these upcoming episodes are the same epsiode or different versions. I think it might be. Anyways, I feel like I am that number 1 mom. I can't remember what kind of insect it was, but basically the babies(many of them!) grow inside the mom and feed on her and when they are ready to strike out on their own she has been eaten and is dead and all that is left of her is this exoskelton. Hmmmmmmm......
But I do feel better than I did the first 12 weeks, but certainly don't feel like my normal self.
My stomach is really starting to pop out and there are fewer and fewer pants I can wear. Maternity pants have too big a stomach, so I don't quite fit in those yet. I can tell already I will have a few choice outfits through the different stages of pregnancy. I am already planning that I will need a new wardrobe this summer, as I will be sick of my clothes. I'm really starting to look like a pregnant lady now. By the time my family sees me for Christmas (another month away) I will really be showing. I am sure I'll be wearing those maternity pants just fine then.
I've been noticing the sore back has been starting. I try to sleep on my side, but I always find myself back on my back at times.
And the constipation just started this weekend......the fatigue comes and goes. When it comes, it hits hard.
I have mentioned to a few people that I don't feel like a woman (or even human at all) lately. You would think bringing a life into this world would make me feel human, but it doesn't. I feel like I am just a vehicle for a creature that is slowly killing me over 9 months.
I watched this episode on Animal Planet about the most extreme moms. I am not sure if these upcoming episodes are the same epsiode or different versions. I think it might be. Anyways, I feel like I am that number 1 mom. I can't remember what kind of insect it was, but basically the babies(many of them!) grow inside the mom and feed on her and when they are ready to strike out on their own she has been eaten and is dead and all that is left of her is this exoskelton. Hmmmmmmm......
But I do feel better than I did the first 12 weeks, but certainly don't feel like my normal self.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Dream Interpretation?
I don't know how a person needs to look into this dream. My dream was of me in the hospital getting ready to give birth. And then it cuts right to the point of after delivery, which was a C-section in the dream (maybe because Alicia & I had talked about C-sections yesterday) and then I asked the daddy if it was really a girl (because we had found out before -- not yet we haven't -that it was a girl, but sometimes they make mistakes) and he said yes and showed her to me (I remember I was pretty out of it).
I asked the daddy what we were going to call her and he said, "How about Kendra?" (Now, I have a dear friend named Kendra who I love very much, but I've shyed away from names that were names of our friends or friends' kids; only family names had we considered. So, I am not sure why her name popped into my head. She lives far from me and I have not talked to her in a while, so maybe I need to talk to her. Although I do think Kendra is a pretty name.)
And then I asked the daddy, "So, you don't want Emma?" (Which is one of the names on our list and a comment by the daddy has really put that name towards the top of my list, but we have decided to reserve the right to pick out a completly different name once we see the baby and it looks like something else would fit better.)
So, we decide to call her Kendra and they take her away while we talk about a middle name (which we have not discussed much at all.) And the daddy & I go back to the "family" maternity room. I say family because it was designed for the whole family and did not look like a hospital room. They had a big bright green tub in there (to help ease the mom in labor) and then there was my choice of "family beds", which were basically a king size bed with a smaller attached bed with higher sides (a crib), so that the parents and child could all stay together.
I had 3 choices of beds I remember, but the 3rd bed did not catch my eye so I did not even look at it. The first bed I saw was this spaceship rocket car bed. It was ridiculous, but the daddy's face lit up when he saw it and the 2nd one was all red, like Ronald Mc Donald's hair (never did decide on a bed). I remember there was also a big TV in the room. And I remember walking over to the full-length mirror (just like the one we have in our hallway) and picking up my top and looking at my big red cut all stiched up on my flabby belly. I remember thinking the doctor made the cut higher than he sid he would and then made a joke to the daddy saying, "Well, there goes my stripping career" and we both laughed.
That part about the "family maternity room" was the strangest part of the dream. We have not seen the maternity rooms, nor have any reason to believe they would be anything but sterile white. So, why the circus of colors?
I asked the daddy what we were going to call her and he said, "How about Kendra?" (Now, I have a dear friend named Kendra who I love very much, but I've shyed away from names that were names of our friends or friends' kids; only family names had we considered. So, I am not sure why her name popped into my head. She lives far from me and I have not talked to her in a while, so maybe I need to talk to her. Although I do think Kendra is a pretty name.)
And then I asked the daddy, "So, you don't want Emma?" (Which is one of the names on our list and a comment by the daddy has really put that name towards the top of my list, but we have decided to reserve the right to pick out a completly different name once we see the baby and it looks like something else would fit better.)
So, we decide to call her Kendra and they take her away while we talk about a middle name (which we have not discussed much at all.) And the daddy & I go back to the "family" maternity room. I say family because it was designed for the whole family and did not look like a hospital room. They had a big bright green tub in there (to help ease the mom in labor) and then there was my choice of "family beds", which were basically a king size bed with a smaller attached bed with higher sides (a crib), so that the parents and child could all stay together.
I had 3 choices of beds I remember, but the 3rd bed did not catch my eye so I did not even look at it. The first bed I saw was this spaceship rocket car bed. It was ridiculous, but the daddy's face lit up when he saw it and the 2nd one was all red, like Ronald Mc Donald's hair (never did decide on a bed). I remember there was also a big TV in the room. And I remember walking over to the full-length mirror (just like the one we have in our hallway) and picking up my top and looking at my big red cut all stiched up on my flabby belly. I remember thinking the doctor made the cut higher than he sid he would and then made a joke to the daddy saying, "Well, there goes my stripping career" and we both laughed.
That part about the "family maternity room" was the strangest part of the dream. We have not seen the maternity rooms, nor have any reason to believe they would be anything but sterile white. So, why the circus of colors?
Friday, November 11, 2005
Glow?
What is this glow that people say pregnant women have? Do I have it? I look in the mirror and don't see it. But whenever someone finds out that I am pregnant they say, "Oh, I knew it. You just have that glow." I really don't get it. I was reading that "the glow" comes from increased oil production that comes with pregnancy. That's not a glow! It means I need to wash my face more so that I am not breaking out or developing copious amounts of blackheads.
Do I have that glow when I just puked (although it's now been a week since I puked -- Thank God!)? How about when I am so exhausted that I just want to pass out?
People talk like this glow things is supposed to be a good thing......well, so far......pregnancy hasn't been that much fun.......Next week I start my 2nd trimester and supposedly things are suppose to get better. They did get better this week, although I still feel like I am not at all myself.....although I am not really myself, I am me and a growing baby.......so, maybe things will feel better soon......
And then people say the 3rd trimester kinda sucks too......so I better enjoy anything good happening during the 2nd trimester.....
Do I have that glow when I just puked (although it's now been a week since I puked -- Thank God!)? How about when I am so exhausted that I just want to pass out?
People talk like this glow things is supposed to be a good thing......well, so far......pregnancy hasn't been that much fun.......Next week I start my 2nd trimester and supposedly things are suppose to get better. They did get better this week, although I still feel like I am not at all myself.....although I am not really myself, I am me and a growing baby.......so, maybe things will feel better soon......
And then people say the 3rd trimester kinda sucks too......so I better enjoy anything good happening during the 2nd trimester.....
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Pregnancy Clothes
Last night we met some friends at Benihana's, which I was a little worried abour because I had not been handling smells well, but I think that the meds really helped. Yesterday I took 2 doses of a 1/4 of a pill.......I wasn't knocked out......still got drowsy, but didn't have the nausea.....
On the way home we stopped at a mall and I picked up some maternity clothes and Yankee Candles.....mmmmmm! Yaknee Candles smell so nice.....
They had a Motherhood Maternity store in the mall, which was finally a plce that I could find some pregnancy tights and underware......I've tried looking at Target, Wal-Mart, & JC Penney and had no luck. After got some maternity clothes at JC Penney I asked if they carried maternity underware or tights (not in the store, but in the catalog) and she directed me to the Motherhood Maternity store.......I had bought a couple maternity skirts, so I needed tights to go with (I like tights better in the winter because they keep me warmer.)
So far I have still been able to wear my normal clothes......I can zip everything up fine.....but I have had to do the rubber band trick that Jenny told me about on my jeans.....I could button them fine, but I don't like feeling anything against my waist right now......and since the waist cinches in smaller than the zippered part being able to let the waist out a bit was nice......It was that Ahhhh! feeling.....Unfortunately a lot of my pants either zip all the wait to the waist or have one of those slider hooks.....I don't have many dress pants that have buttons.......so, we'll see....
On the way home we stopped at a mall and I picked up some maternity clothes and Yankee Candles.....mmmmmm! Yaknee Candles smell so nice.....
They had a Motherhood Maternity store in the mall, which was finally a plce that I could find some pregnancy tights and underware......I've tried looking at Target, Wal-Mart, & JC Penney and had no luck. After got some maternity clothes at JC Penney I asked if they carried maternity underware or tights (not in the store, but in the catalog) and she directed me to the Motherhood Maternity store.......I had bought a couple maternity skirts, so I needed tights to go with (I like tights better in the winter because they keep me warmer.)
So far I have still been able to wear my normal clothes......I can zip everything up fine.....but I have had to do the rubber band trick that Jenny told me about on my jeans.....I could button them fine, but I don't like feeling anything against my waist right now......and since the waist cinches in smaller than the zippered part being able to let the waist out a bit was nice......It was that Ahhhh! feeling.....Unfortunately a lot of my pants either zip all the wait to the waist or have one of those slider hooks.....I don't have many dress pants that have buttons.......so, we'll see....
Saturday, November 05, 2005
That Drug.....
Knocked me on my ass!
I took it at 5pm, and by 7pm I was completly passed out......got up twice in 2 hours, once to go to the bathroom and another to go to the bathroom and to haul myself upstairs and out myself to bed.
I got a lot of sleep, felt very relaxed, and the nausea went away. I'm so happy the nausea went away yesterday. I only took a half a pill......I wonder if I take a 1/4 of a pill is I won't get so knocked out.....I'm concerned that I will fall asleep at work if I take a half a pill......
I took it at 5pm, and by 7pm I was completly passed out......got up twice in 2 hours, once to go to the bathroom and another to go to the bathroom and to haul myself upstairs and out myself to bed.
I got a lot of sleep, felt very relaxed, and the nausea went away. I'm so happy the nausea went away yesterday. I only took a half a pill......I wonder if I take a 1/4 of a pill is I won't get so knocked out.....I'm concerned that I will fall asleep at work if I take a half a pill......
Friday, November 04, 2005
Baby Update
So, we had our 2nd prenatal visit. We got to hear the heartbeat which was pretty cool. The heartbeat was 150 beats per minute. And if you follow those old wives tales, then we are supposed to be having a girl.
Actually according to this Chinese prediction chart, we are having a girl too.
Am I getting my MIL's hopes up yet? We won't have a chance to find out for 2 more months (beginning of January).
Apparently there is some trick you can do with Drano to find out what you are having, as it changes color and you determine what sex it is by what color it turns. Hmmmmm....Interesting.....not sure I want to buy Drano to do a party trick.
Got meds for my nausea....called Promethazine 25mg.....but I take a half a pill.....took one about an hour ago......not noticing too much, but my stomach was starting to get really upset before.....
Am down 2.5 pounds......guess that's not too bad since I have been puking at least once a day.....puking is NOT fun.
Also found out that I don't carry the marker for cystic fibrosis.....and was again confirmed that my blood type is O positive (so is Andy's, so our children will all be O positive)
Next month will be pretty much the same as this one. I'll do lab work (urine again, and then a blood test to look for down syndrome) and then a quick appointment to listen to the heartbeat.
Actually according to this Chinese prediction chart, we are having a girl too.
Am I getting my MIL's hopes up yet? We won't have a chance to find out for 2 more months (beginning of January).
Apparently there is some trick you can do with Drano to find out what you are having, as it changes color and you determine what sex it is by what color it turns. Hmmmmm....Interesting.....not sure I want to buy Drano to do a party trick.
Got meds for my nausea....called Promethazine 25mg.....but I take a half a pill.....took one about an hour ago......not noticing too much, but my stomach was starting to get really upset before.....
Am down 2.5 pounds......guess that's not too bad since I have been puking at least once a day.....puking is NOT fun.
Also found out that I don't carry the marker for cystic fibrosis.....and was again confirmed that my blood type is O positive (so is Andy's, so our children will all be O positive)
Next month will be pretty much the same as this one. I'll do lab work (urine again, and then a blood test to look for down syndrome) and then a quick appointment to listen to the heartbeat.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Nausea Checklist
Ok - here's what I tried:
* Vitamin B6 - noticed no difference either way
* Ginger Ale (real stuff) - gave me lots of 'urps' so that made it worse
* Ginger Tea - noticed no difference either way & don't have a strong taste for ginger
* Saltines - works nicely eating a few of these every hour, I have packages of crackers EVERYWHERE!
* Eating many small meals - same principle as the crackers thing, I have apples, bananas, or yogurt as snacks between meals
* Chiropractic Adjustments - offers temporary relief from nausea & indigestion
* Sea-Bands - just got these yesterday evening, so I will let you know how these work, they work by using accupressure.
Any other ideas?
* Vitamin B6 - noticed no difference either way
* Ginger Ale (real stuff) - gave me lots of 'urps' so that made it worse
* Ginger Tea - noticed no difference either way & don't have a strong taste for ginger
* Saltines - works nicely eating a few of these every hour, I have packages of crackers EVERYWHERE!
* Eating many small meals - same principle as the crackers thing, I have apples, bananas, or yogurt as snacks between meals
* Chiropractic Adjustments - offers temporary relief from nausea & indigestion
* Sea-Bands - just got these yesterday evening, so I will let you know how these work, they work by using accupressure.
Any other ideas?
Reading Old Stuff
I know more & more people are starting to see this blog and may have never read a blog before. So, here are some tips.......If you want to read older stuff (like from last month) look at the sidebar and scroll to Archives and pick the month you want to look at........another tip......you need to register (it's FREE) to leave comments.......you can start your own blog too (it's FREE too).....
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Neglectful of Stuff
So, this nausea thing is getting old. I feel bad physically, but also feel like a bad person. Since I feel like crap most of the time, all I really want to do it sit and stare at the TV and sleep, maybe read a book. Other than that I have been neglectful.
My house is a mess.....well, not really a mess.......but desperately needs to be vaccumed, swept, amd mopped and dusted....boy does it need to be dusted.......and we are having a party this Saturday and it all needs to get done.....
I have been neglectful of my personal blog....hardly type a word on there anymore.....and I haven't read the blogs I normally read.....I just have not been on the computer, which does have it's good side, as I haven't been buying on eBay too much.....
I've been neglectful to friends as well.....usually I am calling people and making plans......I feel like I dropped of the face of the earth.....I kinda have....I just feel like crap so much that I don't want to be a downer.....and I am not sure what things will make feel ill....there are so many smells that get me sick.......
Part of the issue is that I have not told all my friends yet. I am slowly telling them and then I think it makes sense to them and they are happy for me and feel bad that I have been sick.....
I am going to make a better effort to do more things anyways, even if I do feel bad.....
My house is a mess.....well, not really a mess.......but desperately needs to be vaccumed, swept, amd mopped and dusted....boy does it need to be dusted.......and we are having a party this Saturday and it all needs to get done.....
I have been neglectful of my personal blog....hardly type a word on there anymore.....and I haven't read the blogs I normally read.....I just have not been on the computer, which does have it's good side, as I haven't been buying on eBay too much.....
I've been neglectful to friends as well.....usually I am calling people and making plans......I feel like I dropped of the face of the earth.....I kinda have....I just feel like crap so much that I don't want to be a downer.....and I am not sure what things will make feel ill....there are so many smells that get me sick.......
Part of the issue is that I have not told all my friends yet. I am slowly telling them and then I think it makes sense to them and they are happy for me and feel bad that I have been sick.....
I am going to make a better effort to do more things anyways, even if I do feel bad.....
Monday, October 17, 2005
Baby Shower Date Set
Yes, I know it seems early. But hey I'm a planner, would you expect any less?
You're supposed to do it 4-6 weeks before the baby is born, really only giving yourself 3 Saturdays to choose from.
Picking the date turned out to be rather easy because one of the weekends is Easter, another weekend Rebecca already has plans (I may take the NCE test that same weekend), so that left April 8th (Saturday).
So, now the date is set.
You're supposed to do it 4-6 weeks before the baby is born, really only giving yourself 3 Saturdays to choose from.
Picking the date turned out to be rather easy because one of the weekends is Easter, another weekend Rebecca already has plans (I may take the NCE test that same weekend), so that left April 8th (Saturday).
So, now the date is set.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
In the Know
All parents and siblings now know that we are expecting. We plan to tell more family and friends around 12 weeks when we are in our Dr. appt. and get to hear the heart beat.
--- J
--- J
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Was I a Big Baby?
I suppose you might think this is in response to my post about being a weakling, but it's not. I am talking about the actual size I was as a baby, when I was born. We were with some friends last night and they were talking about the size they were as babies and the size that their kids were as babies. So, I figure I should find out for sure how big I was, as well as how big the daddy was.
Weight:
Length:
Head Circumference:
The daddy has a big head, well mine is pretty big too, but his is rather large. I am wondering if we were born big headed or did we just become that way (I suppose the way that is phrased I am opening up a whole can of worms.)
--- J
Weight:
Length:
Head Circumference:
The daddy has a big head, well mine is pretty big too, but his is rather large. I am wondering if we were born big headed or did we just become that way (I suppose the way that is phrased I am opening up a whole can of worms.)
--- J
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Early Girl Names
So, here's a start on girl names. Just like boy names we started out with about 30 and eliminated half of them and this is what we have left. The daddy says I have a strong pull towards Eastern European names for girls.
- Abigail
- Anika
- Arianna
- Cassandra
- Charlotte
- Emily
- Emma
- Hannah
- Isabel
- Jasmine
- Madeline
- Madison
- Samantha
- Tabitha
- Veronika
--- J
Friday, October 07, 2005
Weakling......
So, I've become a weakling. I was probably well on my way, but I think pregnancy has sped that up. I'm tired and always feel like I am on the edge of puking. Things feel so much heavier (actually I read that you get weaker strength-wise while you are pregnant, but the strength is supposed to come back after delivery.) And I guess my eyesight could change (get worse) while I am pregnant and go back to normal after delivery. Plus, not to mention that many foods and smells make me ill. Actually, last night a smell made me ill enough make me puke. It really was not pleasant.
I pretty much only want to eat chicken noodle soup, a plain sandwich, plain noodles or mac-n-cheese, white rice, cereal w/milk.......pretty much anything plain without a lot of flavor....I call them safe foods, actually most of the safe foods are without color too. I do like flavored yogurt and this vanilla, carmel pudding (from Jello, in those individual packages.)
You would think when you get pregnant that you would get stronger in all aspects so that you can protect yourself & your child -- but noooooooo! -- you get sick and weak and lose your vision.
On a slightly different note -- had my doc visit today and everything looks fine so far. Am 8 weeks along. We'll have another appointment in a month and then we will get to hear a heartbeat.
--- J
I pretty much only want to eat chicken noodle soup, a plain sandwich, plain noodles or mac-n-cheese, white rice, cereal w/milk.......pretty much anything plain without a lot of flavor....I call them safe foods, actually most of the safe foods are without color too. I do like flavored yogurt and this vanilla, carmel pudding (from Jello, in those individual packages.)
You would think when you get pregnant that you would get stronger in all aspects so that you can protect yourself & your child -- but noooooooo! -- you get sick and weak and lose your vision.
On a slightly different note -- had my doc visit today and everything looks fine so far. Am 8 weeks along. We'll have another appointment in a month and then we will get to hear a heartbeat.
--- J
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
I Get Concerned Sometimes
I was rushing this morning, trying to get all of my various morning things out of the way. 30 minutes earlier, J went through the same routine -- running out the door in a flurry. How do we do that with a kid? How early do I need to wake up?
It's these things that concern me. Not just this, but all of the time issues.
I work a 'regular' job. I leave the house at 8AM, drive an hour to work, I'm there from 9AM-6PM+, then I drive an hour+ home. On an average night, I get home at about 7:30. What time do young kids go to sleep -- 8:00? So, I get exactly 30 minutes a day to spend with my child.
That sucks. A lot.
How am I going to be an involved parent? How do I create a tight bond with my child when I never get to see him/her?
Moving closer to work isn't an option, and I could never make the type of money I make working closer to home. I could get to work earlier, but I'd still end up being here until 6PM most days. My company talks about flex time, but it's a tough sell for someone that manages people and processes.
I love both of my parents, and would never say anything bad about how they raised me. The did a good job, especially considering I was one of four holigan boys! But I don't remember my dad being around a whole lot when I was younger, and he had the luxury of shorter hours and a short commute.
I want to be there for my kid(s).
The other problem is weekends. For the last 5 years, I've been spending much of my time working on the house or on cars. If that's my only free time, I'm going to want to spend it with my family. Who's going to fix the plumbing if I'm taking junior to a soccer game? (An actual plumber, I suppose...)
I'm VERY EXCITED to be having a baby. But I want to be the best Dad possible. How do I juggle everything?
It's these things that concern me. Not just this, but all of the time issues.
I work a 'regular' job. I leave the house at 8AM, drive an hour to work, I'm there from 9AM-6PM+, then I drive an hour+ home. On an average night, I get home at about 7:30. What time do young kids go to sleep -- 8:00? So, I get exactly 30 minutes a day to spend with my child.
That sucks. A lot.
How am I going to be an involved parent? How do I create a tight bond with my child when I never get to see him/her?
Moving closer to work isn't an option, and I could never make the type of money I make working closer to home. I could get to work earlier, but I'd still end up being here until 6PM most days. My company talks about flex time, but it's a tough sell for someone that manages people and processes.
I love both of my parents, and would never say anything bad about how they raised me. The did a good job, especially considering I was one of four holigan boys! But I don't remember my dad being around a whole lot when I was younger, and he had the luxury of shorter hours and a short commute.
I want to be there for my kid(s).
The other problem is weekends. For the last 5 years, I've been spending much of my time working on the house or on cars. If that's my only free time, I'm going to want to spend it with my family. Who's going to fix the plumbing if I'm taking junior to a soccer game? (An actual plumber, I suppose...)
I'm VERY EXCITED to be having a baby. But I want to be the best Dad possible. How do I juggle everything?
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Making Stuff for Baby
I like making gifts for people and getting homemade gifts from people. Some of my favorite things were made and given to us by someone. There is something so satisfying about saying "I did that." or "So&so made that for me." My favorite wedding present has to be the afghan my grandma made for us. We use it all the time. I have a small picture frame my great-grandfather made in our living room, actually in close proximity to the afghan. Every Christmas, the manger my great-grandfather made comes out. The have this beautiful wooden CD case (huge & heavy) that my parents made for the daddy. This was one of the first homemade gifts he ever got and he sure appreciated something homemade then. The daddy also has some sleeping pants his mother stitched for him. I have an afghan and pillow set my mom crocheted for me that I used all through college, now it sits in a trunk waiting for a cold day (or a room to match). I have several wonderful pictures that my dear friend Jessi drew for me. I look around and there are so many things that people made for me and it's wonderful.
That was a long introduction to say that I hope people continue with that for our children, well, we'll just start with child. But you know what I mean.
I just bought a pattern to make Boppy slipcovers. I have the Boppy, but it's just white with no cover. And we all know that will quickly get dirty. It costs $20 for 2 slipcovers @ Target or $22 for one at Pottery Barn. I think that price is a little nuts. Anyways, I had been looking all over the internet for a free pattern for a boppy cover, but had no such luck. So, I broke down and bought one on eBay. This woman made her own pattern and instructions and is selling them. So, I can't just go to JoAnn Fabrics & buy a pattern. I have read on a few blogs that they bought this exact pattern and it was very easy to make the covers. So, for $10 for the pattern (yikes! I know!) I can use this HUGE box of fabric I have (basically free since it's already paid for and sitting there) and make several covers before baby comes. It doesn't need a zipper (I hate stitching zippers). I imagine it needs snaps or velcro to close it. I plan to make several so that anytime there is one or 2 in the wash I always have a clean one on hand.
With all that said, I have been looking for free patterns for baby stuff online. Basically i decided it was not worth buying any patterns from JoAnn's, as everything they have patterns for I can find for free online. I also found patterns for knitters and crocheters (I have not become one of those yet, so far it just is not working for me - but I know people that like it.)
Here is what I found patterns for: mittens, footies/slippers, hat, bibs, burp cloth, blanket/quilt, diaper covers, AIO diapers, diaper liners, bathrobe/hooded towel, bunting, toys, sweaters, shoes, nursing shirt, & Umbrella stroller accessories.
If anyone wants links to these, please let me know. I can send them to you. The patterns are for sewing, knitting, & crocheting. I think I will have to make the nursing shirts, as I don't like how much they cost in stores and the pattern seems sinple enough.
That was a long introduction to say that I hope people continue with that for our children, well, we'll just start with child. But you know what I mean.
I just bought a pattern to make Boppy slipcovers. I have the Boppy, but it's just white with no cover. And we all know that will quickly get dirty. It costs $20 for 2 slipcovers @ Target or $22 for one at Pottery Barn. I think that price is a little nuts. Anyways, I had been looking all over the internet for a free pattern for a boppy cover, but had no such luck. So, I broke down and bought one on eBay. This woman made her own pattern and instructions and is selling them. So, I can't just go to JoAnn Fabrics & buy a pattern. I have read on a few blogs that they bought this exact pattern and it was very easy to make the covers. So, for $10 for the pattern (yikes! I know!) I can use this HUGE box of fabric I have (basically free since it's already paid for and sitting there) and make several covers before baby comes. It doesn't need a zipper (I hate stitching zippers). I imagine it needs snaps or velcro to close it. I plan to make several so that anytime there is one or 2 in the wash I always have a clean one on hand.
With all that said, I have been looking for free patterns for baby stuff online. Basically i decided it was not worth buying any patterns from JoAnn's, as everything they have patterns for I can find for free online. I also found patterns for knitters and crocheters (I have not become one of those yet, so far it just is not working for me - but I know people that like it.)
Here is what I found patterns for: mittens, footies/slippers, hat, bibs, burp cloth, blanket/quilt, diaper covers, AIO diapers, diaper liners, bathrobe/hooded towel, bunting, toys, sweaters, shoes, nursing shirt, & Umbrella stroller accessories.
If anyone wants links to these, please let me know. I can send them to you. The patterns are for sewing, knitting, & crocheting. I think I will have to make the nursing shirts, as I don't like how much they cost in stores and the pattern seems sinple enough.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
2004 Popular Baby Names
Here's the list.
On the boys list I guess it would only be #1 that I like. On the girls list I like #'s 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 (alternate spelling though), 9 & 10.
I actually like names 9 & 10 so much growing up that I had dolls with those names. I think though that I like 2, 5, & 7 best.
---J
On the boys list I guess it would only be #1 that I like. On the girls list I like #'s 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 (alternate spelling though), 9 & 10.
I actually like names 9 & 10 so much growing up that I had dolls with those names. I think though that I like 2, 5, & 7 best.
---J
Preliminary Boy Names
We just started with boy names, so we'll get to girl names soon enough. I went through the boys names in one book and boy, there are a lot of strange names out there. I made a list of the ones I think are ok and then ran that list by the daddy and eliminated some. This is what we have left (all for first names):
* Caleb/Kaleb
* Hunter
* Isaac
* Jacob
* Conrad
* Lucas/Lukas
* Nathaniel
* Nicholas/Nikolas
* Reese/Rhys
* Shaun/Sean
* Sloan
* Tabor
* Tristan
* Viktor
So, here is a dilemma we are in. The daddy hates alternate spellings on most names, but because our baby will have such a common last name I want it either a common first name with an alternate spelling or an uncommon first name.
Anyone see anything that might cause a kid to get made fun of because of their first name. You know - like Sick Nick? or Fat Matt?
We've got 33 weeks to come up with final names. This is just a start. Stay tuned for girl names.
--- J
* Caleb/Kaleb
* Hunter
* Isaac
* Jacob
* Conrad
* Lucas/Lukas
* Nathaniel
* Nicholas/Nikolas
* Reese/Rhys
* Shaun/Sean
* Sloan
* Tabor
* Tristan
* Viktor
So, here is a dilemma we are in. The daddy hates alternate spellings on most names, but because our baby will have such a common last name I want it either a common first name with an alternate spelling or an uncommon first name.
Anyone see anything that might cause a kid to get made fun of because of their first name. You know - like Sick Nick? or Fat Matt?
We've got 33 weeks to come up with final names. This is just a start. Stay tuned for girl names.
--- J
Friday, September 30, 2005
Ugghh!
My breasts are SOOOOOOOO sore!
I had had a dull headache for 2 days now.
My back is sore.
I am SOOOOOOOO tired.....not just tired, but exhausted.
I've had a little nausea, but not much and never puked.
And some smells really bother me -- like salmon being cooked. I normally like salmon, but last night at a restaurant it was making me sick to smell the salmon being cooked.
Although, compared to some pregnant ladies, I shouldn't be complaining. I am not puking. So, that is a positive and the nausea has not lasted long. The fatigue & sore breasts have not subsided at all since the start.
Right now I am about 7 weeks along. Next Friday we get to meet with the doctor.
--- J
I had had a dull headache for 2 days now.
My back is sore.
I am SOOOOOOOO tired.....not just tired, but exhausted.
I've had a little nausea, but not much and never puked.
And some smells really bother me -- like salmon being cooked. I normally like salmon, but last night at a restaurant it was making me sick to smell the salmon being cooked.
Although, compared to some pregnant ladies, I shouldn't be complaining. I am not puking. So, that is a positive and the nausea has not lasted long. The fatigue & sore breasts have not subsided at all since the start.
Right now I am about 7 weeks along. Next Friday we get to meet with the doctor.
--- J
Sunday, September 25, 2005
This Baby Shower Thing
I am putting this out there right away because I don't want to go through what I did for our wedding. I am not having 4 showers (1 for each family(2), 1 for work, and 1 for friends.) No way. That's crazy.
I want only 1 baby shower and it will be by me. I don't want to have a shower in WI, because I feel like I am just driving the 5.5 across WI to get a bunch of presents. I probably won't invite much extended family to the shower here (probably just my grandma, Aunt Mary and maybe my godmother {Aunt Barb}), as who really wants to drive 5.5 hours for a shower. I sure don't, which is why I never go to them in WI. I usually send a gift though. I am not sure why I get invited to them, because, like i said, I am 5.5 hours away. They must think they have to invite me so that I don't feel left out that I am the only one not invited.
Anyways, I would not be opposed to a Baby Welcoming party in WI, so that people can come meet the little one. But I don't want it to be the big showery type thing. I don't want it to get huge and I would want it to be a family thing. Do you know what I mean? Well, I am just rambling. I am not sure I would even want that. I guess I will see how I feel about being around a lot of people after I have the baby.
I hope this didn't sound harsh, if it did I suppose I can blame it on the hormones. I think I may like having mood swings, although they may get me both into & out of a lot of trouble.
I want only 1 baby shower and it will be by me. I don't want to have a shower in WI, because I feel like I am just driving the 5.5 across WI to get a bunch of presents. I probably won't invite much extended family to the shower here (probably just my grandma, Aunt Mary and maybe my godmother {Aunt Barb}), as who really wants to drive 5.5 hours for a shower. I sure don't, which is why I never go to them in WI. I usually send a gift though. I am not sure why I get invited to them, because, like i said, I am 5.5 hours away. They must think they have to invite me so that I don't feel left out that I am the only one not invited.
Anyways, I would not be opposed to a Baby Welcoming party in WI, so that people can come meet the little one. But I don't want it to be the big showery type thing. I don't want it to get huge and I would want it to be a family thing. Do you know what I mean? Well, I am just rambling. I am not sure I would even want that. I guess I will see how I feel about being around a lot of people after I have the baby.
I hope this didn't sound harsh, if it did I suppose I can blame it on the hormones. I think I may like having mood swings, although they may get me both into & out of a lot of trouble.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Dad's First Post
*SNORK!*
What?
"I said, I'm not sure, but I think I'm pregnant."
Oh, okay.
...
...
What, WTF did she just say?
--
That's how I woke up the other day. I was deep in my slumber, and had no idea what she said for a few minutes. It was early. Very early. I wasn't ready to decide on what cereal to eat, much less comprehend news like this. There should be some kind of warning system for these types of situations. At least give a guy a cup of coffee first...
So, 10 minutes later, she finishes her shower and confirms what she said earlier. The line, the OH SO IMPORTANT LINE, is indeed pink.
I'm still tired, but awakening. Both in the traditional sense, and the why-is-my-heart-beating-so-fast sense. I'm realizing this is real. Even though we made the decision to start trying to get pregnant, it's different when it happens.
It's kinda like getting married. Getting engaged is one thing. But when you send out those invitations, it starts getting real. We're at that point -- there's no turning back, no changing our minds. The date is set.
Throughout the day, I felt like I was having a mild heart attack. I wasn't scared (I'm proud to say that I didn't look up one-way airfare to Mexico a single time), I was excited and confused. I had (have) no idea what to think, or where to start.
But, this is life. As always, I'll figure it out. With a little help from J.
--- A
What?
"I said, I'm not sure, but I think I'm pregnant."
Oh, okay.
...
...
What, WTF did she just say?
--
That's how I woke up the other day. I was deep in my slumber, and had no idea what she said for a few minutes. It was early. Very early. I wasn't ready to decide on what cereal to eat, much less comprehend news like this. There should be some kind of warning system for these types of situations. At least give a guy a cup of coffee first...
So, 10 minutes later, she finishes her shower and confirms what she said earlier. The line, the OH SO IMPORTANT LINE, is indeed pink.
I'm still tired, but awakening. Both in the traditional sense, and the why-is-my-heart-beating-so-fast sense. I'm realizing this is real. Even though we made the decision to start trying to get pregnant, it's different when it happens.
It's kinda like getting married. Getting engaged is one thing. But when you send out those invitations, it starts getting real. We're at that point -- there's no turning back, no changing our minds. The date is set.
Throughout the day, I felt like I was having a mild heart attack. I wasn't scared (I'm proud to say that I didn't look up one-way airfare to Mexico a single time), I was excited and confused. I had (have) no idea what to think, or where to start.
But, this is life. As always, I'll figure it out. With a little help from J.
--- A
Thursday, September 22, 2005
So......
Well, both sets of grandparents (our parents) now know. We told them yesterday. When I called my parents, my mom had walked away from the phone and dad had to get her back and he's says in this little kid voice "I know what you are calling about?" I ask him what it was, and he responded in a sing-songy kiddy voice "Somebody's calling to say their pregnant." It really was very cute.
When we told my MIL, she got this high-pitched happy giggle and said "It's about time."
Today I met with the health education nurse and got my hug book from them to read and talked about how to take care of myself and what to do and not to do. She confirmed that May 21st would be the due date.
She was able to help with some of the fears of miscarriage and tubal pregnancy (which all stemmed from stuff I read in "What to Expect When You're Expecting". So, I feel a little better about those things now.
Oh - and by the way, I saw a picture of my doc. He's younger. No younger than we are, but I wouldn't call him HOT. He's a decent looking guy. Looks like the nice-guy next door type. There is some other doctor there that has looks that creep me out a little, so I am glad I didn't make that choice.
--- J
When we told my MIL, she got this high-pitched happy giggle and said "It's about time."
Today I met with the health education nurse and got my hug book from them to read and talked about how to take care of myself and what to do and not to do. She confirmed that May 21st would be the due date.
She was able to help with some of the fears of miscarriage and tubal pregnancy (which all stemmed from stuff I read in "What to Expect When You're Expecting". So, I feel a little better about those things now.
Oh - and by the way, I saw a picture of my doc. He's younger. No younger than we are, but I wouldn't call him HOT. He's a decent looking guy. Looks like the nice-guy next door type. There is some other doctor there that has looks that creep me out a little, so I am glad I didn't make that choice.
--- J
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Another Positive Test
Had a pee test at the doctors' office and another positive test. Go figure. I have an appointment tomorrow with an ob-gyn nurse to do pre-natal education. Then I have an appointment with the doctor in 2 weeks. I hear my doctor is young & HOT. At least that is what my co-worker's wife said. Not sure how I feel about some hot doctor digging around down there.....Maybe he is not really that hot. Guess we'll see.
--- J
--- J
Monday, September 19, 2005
No Alcohol
People are funny. They think they will know that I am pregnant when I either 1) stop talking about drinking on my personal blog or 2) they don't see me drinking when I am with them.
Well, they are going to be fooled. When I wrote my weekend post on my personal blog I just mentioned a keg of beer and Handgrenades, but I never actually had any alcohol. I am leaving people to assume I did. And while I was there I made my own handgrenades, so know one was aware that there was no alchol in there. They just assume because I am holding a glass with something colored in it than it must be alcohol -- but it's not.
Sneaky. Sneaky.
We'll tell friends around the 2-month marker when we're getting out of the biggest danger of miscarriaging. Gosh! Those baby books really do scare you on all the bad things that could happen.
I think I should just stay home and surf the internet........Nah, I'd get stir-crazy.
--- J
Well, they are going to be fooled. When I wrote my weekend post on my personal blog I just mentioned a keg of beer and Handgrenades, but I never actually had any alcohol. I am leaving people to assume I did. And while I was there I made my own handgrenades, so know one was aware that there was no alchol in there. They just assume because I am holding a glass with something colored in it than it must be alcohol -- but it's not.
Sneaky. Sneaky.
We'll tell friends around the 2-month marker when we're getting out of the biggest danger of miscarriaging. Gosh! Those baby books really do scare you on all the bad things that could happen.
I think I should just stay home and surf the internet........Nah, I'd get stir-crazy.
--- J
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Tests
The first picture is on Thursday when I first found out I am pregnant. The second picture I took today and in that picture the top test is from Thursday and the bottom is from today. You can see that they bottom testhas a darker pregnancy like. Must have plenty of that hormone detected.
--- J
Positive Pregnancy Test
So, it was this past Thursday that we had a positive pregnancy test. It was hard to keep a smile off my face all day. I took another one today (I had bought a 2-pack, so why not use it.) Yes, that one was positive too. I feel better that I had 2 positive pregnancy tests. What would be a the chance of having 2 false-positive pregnancy tests? Plus, my period is almost a week overdo.
So, we're doing this.......
The parents will be pretty excited when they hear, especially my father (he's super excited to become a grandpa for the first time) and my mother-in-law (she sooooo wants another gandchild.) We have not told any of them yet. I think we will wait until after we have our first doctor's appointment. But we'll see.....
From what I figure, the due date should be May 21st. Yes, I know that is one of my sister's b-day. But really, how often is a baby born on their due date?
Yeah!
--- J
So, we're doing this.......
The parents will be pretty excited when they hear, especially my father (he's super excited to become a grandpa for the first time) and my mother-in-law (she sooooo wants another gandchild.) We have not told any of them yet. I think we will wait until after we have our first doctor's appointment. But we'll see.....
From what I figure, the due date should be May 21st. Yes, I know that is one of my sister's b-day. But really, how often is a baby born on their due date?
Yeah!
--- J
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