In nine days, I am going to meet my baby face to face. Even as I type this, I can't believe it's going to happen already. It's been the longest nine months of my life, nine months of anticipating and preparing. But still, it seems like a dream.
At today's appointment with the doctor, my parents got to see a glimpse of their grandchild. They were amazed by it all - seeing the baby's profile, arms and legs. FeeNo's weight today - about 6 pounds. Things look good for my c-section next week, pending an amnio on Wednesday.
I'll say this now and I am sure I will again: thanks to everyone for all the prayers and good wishes. It's been a long journey, a scary one most of the time, but everyone's encouragement has been helpful.
Showing posts with label ultrasound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ultrasound. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
FeeNo Wants Out!
How did it get to be October already? Holy moly!
My parents arrive tomorrow. Together, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of FeeNo. I tell you, it's going to be like an I Love Lucy episode, where everything is rehearsed and then, someone will totally freak out about the entire situation. Of course, this will only happen if I actually go into labor, and I might, since FeeNo's head is way down, ready to come out.
Not much going on otherwise. I saw the doctor today and the countdown to FeeNo has started - 16 days until my scheduled c-section. Things are looking very good - the doc even joked that I am no longer a high risk pregnancy.
I didn't have a growth ultrasound today, so I don't know how much FeeNo weighs today. I suspect the weight is at about six pounds, since I seem to have put on FOUR POUNDS in a week. FOUR POUNDS!
Oh well, what can you do?
I'm so excited, I don't even care.
Here is a clip of what could possibly happen in the next few days with Mike and my parents. Enjoy!
My parents arrive tomorrow. Together, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of FeeNo. I tell you, it's going to be like an I Love Lucy episode, where everything is rehearsed and then, someone will totally freak out about the entire situation. Of course, this will only happen if I actually go into labor, and I might, since FeeNo's head is way down, ready to come out.
Not much going on otherwise. I saw the doctor today and the countdown to FeeNo has started - 16 days until my scheduled c-section. Things are looking very good - the doc even joked that I am no longer a high risk pregnancy.
I didn't have a growth ultrasound today, so I don't know how much FeeNo weighs today. I suspect the weight is at about six pounds, since I seem to have put on FOUR POUNDS in a week. FOUR POUNDS!
Oh well, what can you do?
I'm so excited, I don't even care.
Here is a clip of what could possibly happen in the next few days with Mike and my parents. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Insomnia + Back Pain = A Very Irritable Annie
Okay people, we're in the homestretch.
It looks like FeeNo will be making a grand entrance on October 19th (as long as my amnio on the 17th shows mature lungs). That's only three weeks away. THREE WEEKS AWAY.
I spoke to my doctor yesterday during my appointment and told him that Mike and I were leaning toward a scheduled c-section because we would rather schedule it than have to have an emergency one. The doctor agreed (coincidentally, they had already sent me the order via US Mail earlier this week, so it was a done deal) and as long as I don't go into labor beforehand, my doctor is definitely going to do the honors of making me a mom.
I have terrible back pain. Last night, it was so terrible I was almost reduced to tears. I have insomnia. Today, I was awake at four in the morning, tossing and turning, and finally got up at five to read and watch shows I had DVR'ed during the week. When I do sleep, I have the craziest dreams (they are all pregnancy related - if you want details, email me). I am snapping at poor Mike. Then I fel bad about it. My stomach weighs a ton (even though my overall weight gain is 8 pounds) and I am in the bathroom constantly, it seems. And my indigestion doesn't seem to be getting any better.
FeeNo wants out of my belly already. There is constant movement in there. And the poor kid is running out of room. Yesterday's weight was 5 pounds, 1 ounce.
I can't believe I'm going to be a mom in less than a month. I'm very excited, but in all honestly, I am scared out of my mind.
It looks like FeeNo will be making a grand entrance on October 19th (as long as my amnio on the 17th shows mature lungs). That's only three weeks away. THREE WEEKS AWAY.
I spoke to my doctor yesterday during my appointment and told him that Mike and I were leaning toward a scheduled c-section because we would rather schedule it than have to have an emergency one. The doctor agreed (coincidentally, they had already sent me the order via US Mail earlier this week, so it was a done deal) and as long as I don't go into labor beforehand, my doctor is definitely going to do the honors of making me a mom.
I have terrible back pain. Last night, it was so terrible I was almost reduced to tears. I have insomnia. Today, I was awake at four in the morning, tossing and turning, and finally got up at five to read and watch shows I had DVR'ed during the week. When I do sleep, I have the craziest dreams (they are all pregnancy related - if you want details, email me). I am snapping at poor Mike. Then I fel bad about it. My stomach weighs a ton (even though my overall weight gain is 8 pounds) and I am in the bathroom constantly, it seems. And my indigestion doesn't seem to be getting any better.
FeeNo wants out of my belly already. There is constant movement in there. And the poor kid is running out of room. Yesterday's weight was 5 pounds, 1 ounce.
I can't believe I'm going to be a mom in less than a month. I'm very excited, but in all honestly, I am scared out of my mind.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Moving Legs and Arms
At today's doctor's visit, FeeNo was a ball of energy. During my entire ultrasound, FeeNo kept moving around, punching his arms and kicking his legs.
In the end, we were able to come to these conclusions: the child is very healthy and active at 34 weeks. And, apparently, experiencing a growth spurt. Today's weight: 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Up from last week's 4 pounds, 2 ounces.
A nice healthy jump that isn't a reflection of my diabetic woes.
I also had a growth spurt: a weight gain of 2 pounds, most of which is baby. Obviously.
I am feeling pretty good, if a bit tired from time to time. I've spent most of this week "nesting" starting with the cleaning of my kitchen cabinets and ending with the cleaning out of dresser drawers. The doctor says this is all perfectly normal, that I'm just getting ready for FeeNo's arrival.
Now, every week, the doctor and I go through pretty much the same things: how I feel, my blood pressure, the baby, my blood sugars. I keep a log of my blood sugars, writing down as many as 10 blood sugar readings in a single day. Then, the doctor and I go through the numbers and figure out if I should make any changes in my food and/or insulin intake during the day. Most of the time, it's been pretty easy to manage because my control has been pretty good.
Today, however, was different. After reading my fasting blood glucose levels, the doctors says to me "I see you were 102 the other day. And 105 the day before that. That's high." Now, for any diabetic out there, those numbers are actually within range. They are pretty much perfect numbers. But for pregnant diabetics, doctors like to see fasting numbers below 95. The doctor expressed concern over increasing my insulin intake overnight, as it might make me too low (which is worse than a high at this point). So he said we should reevaluate the numbers next week and see what's going on.
I have read on other diabetic pregnancy blogs something similar. And the reactions have always been the same: WHAT? HOW CAN 102 BE HIGH? I AIM FOR THIS NUMBER ALL THE TIME! But I guess the rules change when you are pregnant.
That being said, if my fasting numbers don't decrease, I may need to have a c-section afterall. I appreciate the doctor being so cautious with me. But man, now I have c-sections on the brain again.
I shouldn't complain, though. This kid is healthy, active, and growing. I shouldn't be concerned about having to have a cut on my belly, right? I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about that.
In the end, we were able to come to these conclusions: the child is very healthy and active at 34 weeks. And, apparently, experiencing a growth spurt. Today's weight: 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Up from last week's 4 pounds, 2 ounces.
A nice healthy jump that isn't a reflection of my diabetic woes.
I also had a growth spurt: a weight gain of 2 pounds, most of which is baby. Obviously.
I am feeling pretty good, if a bit tired from time to time. I've spent most of this week "nesting" starting with the cleaning of my kitchen cabinets and ending with the cleaning out of dresser drawers. The doctor says this is all perfectly normal, that I'm just getting ready for FeeNo's arrival.
Now, every week, the doctor and I go through pretty much the same things: how I feel, my blood pressure, the baby, my blood sugars. I keep a log of my blood sugars, writing down as many as 10 blood sugar readings in a single day. Then, the doctor and I go through the numbers and figure out if I should make any changes in my food and/or insulin intake during the day. Most of the time, it's been pretty easy to manage because my control has been pretty good.
Today, however, was different. After reading my fasting blood glucose levels, the doctors says to me "I see you were 102 the other day. And 105 the day before that. That's high." Now, for any diabetic out there, those numbers are actually within range. They are pretty much perfect numbers. But for pregnant diabetics, doctors like to see fasting numbers below 95. The doctor expressed concern over increasing my insulin intake overnight, as it might make me too low (which is worse than a high at this point). So he said we should reevaluate the numbers next week and see what's going on.
I have read on other diabetic pregnancy blogs something similar. And the reactions have always been the same: WHAT? HOW CAN 102 BE HIGH? I AIM FOR THIS NUMBER ALL THE TIME! But I guess the rules change when you are pregnant.
That being said, if my fasting numbers don't decrease, I may need to have a c-section afterall. I appreciate the doctor being so cautious with me. But man, now I have c-sections on the brain again.
I shouldn't complain, though. This kid is healthy, active, and growing. I shouldn't be concerned about having to have a cut on my belly, right? I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about that.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Jenny McCarthy I'm Not...
...But I am certainly experiencing many of the things she did while she was pregnant. I will spare you guys the details, but if you are curious, pick up a copy of her book, Belly Laughs. I read it many months ago and now, I find myself picking it up to read a chapter here and there. It reads comically, but very truthfully. Even the stuff your own mother won't tell you!
This week's update is more of the same. FeeNo is still thumb/hand sucking. Weight - 4 pounds, 2 ounces. Very healthy.
I am still awaiting the results of my preeclampsia test - hopefully, I'll know by this afternoon. I lost a pound at this week's appointment. Not too much swelling in my legs. Blood pressure was okay. Blood sugars in check.
I feel bad that I haven't been posting much lately - only pregnancy updates. I will try to post more often - I have plenty to write about, including the disappointing season finale of Rescue Me, but I will save it for another day. Next week sometime...
This week's update is more of the same. FeeNo is still thumb/hand sucking. Weight - 4 pounds, 2 ounces. Very healthy.
I am still awaiting the results of my preeclampsia test - hopefully, I'll know by this afternoon. I lost a pound at this week's appointment. Not too much swelling in my legs. Blood pressure was okay. Blood sugars in check.
I feel bad that I haven't been posting much lately - only pregnancy updates. I will try to post more often - I have plenty to write about, including the disappointing season finale of Rescue Me, but I will save it for another day. Next week sometime...
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
It's Raining, It's Pouring, Annie is Snoring
Or so I'm told. Poor Mike hasn't had a good night's sleep in about three nights. But then again, he won't go sleep in the guest room. So it's not really my fault now, is it?
At my 32 week check up today, I learned that I gained 3 pounds! In a week! Things are still looking pretty good, but I have to do a test next week for preeclampsia, which makes me a little nervous (due to being 32 weeks pregnant and the fact that my legs are swelling - ick!).
No growth ultrasound this week, but I did get to hear FeeNo's heartbeat (in the 130s - nice and healthy) and see a little bit of this growing baby. Still has a big head. Right hand is still covering the face. Legs continue to kick. The lungs are practicing breathing and the heart looks so cool pumping away in the chest.
Next week, in addition to the preeclampsia test, another growth ultrasound, which should give us an indication of FeeNo's weight. Less than 60 days to my due date. I can remember when it was over 200 days. Not much more to go until Mike and I get to meet FeeNo face to face.
As soon as FeeNo is born, Mike wants to discuss the baseball playoffs - never mind this baby has a 50% chance of being female.
Me - after giving FeeNo a kiss, I think I'll give him a kick. Just like he does to me every night at 4 am. :)
At my 32 week check up today, I learned that I gained 3 pounds! In a week! Things are still looking pretty good, but I have to do a test next week for preeclampsia, which makes me a little nervous (due to being 32 weeks pregnant and the fact that my legs are swelling - ick!).
No growth ultrasound this week, but I did get to hear FeeNo's heartbeat (in the 130s - nice and healthy) and see a little bit of this growing baby. Still has a big head. Right hand is still covering the face. Legs continue to kick. The lungs are practicing breathing and the heart looks so cool pumping away in the chest.
Next week, in addition to the preeclampsia test, another growth ultrasound, which should give us an indication of FeeNo's weight. Less than 60 days to my due date. I can remember when it was over 200 days. Not much more to go until Mike and I get to meet FeeNo face to face.
As soon as FeeNo is born, Mike wants to discuss the baseball playoffs - never mind this baby has a 50% chance of being female.
Me - after giving FeeNo a kiss, I think I'll give him a kick. Just like he does to me every night at 4 am. :)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
I Have an Awesome Baby
Guess what FeeNo did?
Turned around and got into the right position - all on his own!
At my appointment yesterday, we found out that FeeNo is no longer in breech position, so while we still have a scheduled c-section on the calendar, it's very likely that I am going to go into labor on my own and have this baby naturally.
It took me the entire week to wrap my arms around the idea of having a c-section and now I am told that it may not even happen. No complaints, but I have learned over the last 7 months that things can change daily.
I'm feeling pretty good this week - no indigestion, although my back is starting to hurt a little bit and I get some leg cramps from time to time. I gained another pound - I think that makes it a total of 2 or 3 pounds gained over the course of the pregnancy.
I am almost finished with the baby's room. I only have a few more finishing touches and then I can start to snap pictures. My mother has some things in Florida for the room, so it won't be entirely finished until she arrives in early October. But it looks like a room for a baby.
A room for my baby.
Wow.
Here's a picture from yesterday - I know it looks like the last one, but it's a new one. Really. And I guess FeeNo likes sucking his thumb. Thay may explain the hiccups I feel everyday.
FeeNo at 31 weeks.
Turned around and got into the right position - all on his own!
At my appointment yesterday, we found out that FeeNo is no longer in breech position, so while we still have a scheduled c-section on the calendar, it's very likely that I am going to go into labor on my own and have this baby naturally.
It took me the entire week to wrap my arms around the idea of having a c-section and now I am told that it may not even happen. No complaints, but I have learned over the last 7 months that things can change daily.
I'm feeling pretty good this week - no indigestion, although my back is starting to hurt a little bit and I get some leg cramps from time to time. I gained another pound - I think that makes it a total of 2 or 3 pounds gained over the course of the pregnancy.
I am almost finished with the baby's room. I only have a few more finishing touches and then I can start to snap pictures. My mother has some things in Florida for the room, so it won't be entirely finished until she arrives in early October. But it looks like a room for a baby.
A room for my baby.
Wow.
Here's a picture from yesterday - I know it looks like the last one, but it's a new one. Really. And I guess FeeNo likes sucking his thumb. Thay may explain the hiccups I feel everyday.
FeeNo at 31 weeks. Thursday, August 23, 2007
So You Really Think FeeNo is a Boy?
Right now, the poll shows that the majority think FeeNo is a boy.
Interesting, because initially, people thought FeeNo was a girl.
Weight yesterday - 2 pounds, 15 ounces. Baby looked good, except still giving us the spine. No pictures to show for it. Maybe FeeNo will cooperate in two weeks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
I have gained back the two pounds I had lost. So I have gained a total of one pound this entire pregnancy. Blood pressure was good. And the doctor decreased some of my insulin intake since my blood sugars have been dipping a little bit. Overall, not a bad visit.
Ten more weeks until my due date, although it appears FeeNo may have to come early. He is in breech position (which explains all the spine shots the last few weeks) and if he doesn't flip himself over the doctor has scheduled a c-section for mid-October. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that yet, but as long as FeeNo is okay, that's all I really care about.
More on that in the coming days.
For now, if you haven't voted in the poll, please do so.
Interesting, because initially, people thought FeeNo was a girl.
Weight yesterday - 2 pounds, 15 ounces. Baby looked good, except still giving us the spine. No pictures to show for it. Maybe FeeNo will cooperate in two weeks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
I have gained back the two pounds I had lost. So I have gained a total of one pound this entire pregnancy. Blood pressure was good. And the doctor decreased some of my insulin intake since my blood sugars have been dipping a little bit. Overall, not a bad visit.
Ten more weeks until my due date, although it appears FeeNo may have to come early. He is in breech position (which explains all the spine shots the last few weeks) and if he doesn't flip himself over the doctor has scheduled a c-section for mid-October. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that yet, but as long as FeeNo is okay, that's all I really care about.
More on that in the coming days.
For now, if you haven't voted in the poll, please do so.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Better Late Than Never
I finally scanned the ultrasound picture from three weeks ago.
Here is FeeNo, sucking on a thumb:
How awesome is that?
Oh, and I am feeling better today. Thanks for the comments and phone calls from everyone to make sure I was okay. :)
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
I Made it to 28 Weeks!
Yipee!!
I made it into my third trimester. The headaches, although still present from time to time, are not as intense as they used to be. My blood pressure is steady. And my blood sugars are within range.
FeeNo continues to grow. At my ultrasound today, Mike and I learned that the baby has gained another 11 ounces, for a total of 2 pounds, 5 ounces. FeeNo is the 40th percentile at this point of the pregnancy, a number that made the doctor very happy.
And while the baby increased in weight, I lost 2 pounds. The doctor told me not to worry since I am sure to gain it back and then some over the last trimester.
No photo to show off today (and yes, I realize I have not posted the picture from two weeks ago yet) because the child had his back to us for the majority of the ultrasound. When FeeNo turned around and we caught a glimpse of his face, he proceeded to cover his face with his hand. It was very Sean Penn-like. And then, as the technician was measuring FeeNo's leg, I got a nice, strong kid. Boy or girl, this baby is definitely going to be a handful. I can sense it already!
We also got a tour of the Labor & Delivery unit, complete with a visit to the baby nursery. I saw a fresh little one: she was screaming and crying. And so tiny. But - wow! - so beautiful. I was literally taken aback and when I saw Mike's face, I knew he was thinking the same thing: in a few short months: that's going to be our baby, kicking and screaming.
Excitement is building. It's starting to become more concrete and less abstract.
Sheesh, I need to finish up the nursery.
I made it into my third trimester. The headaches, although still present from time to time, are not as intense as they used to be. My blood pressure is steady. And my blood sugars are within range.
FeeNo continues to grow. At my ultrasound today, Mike and I learned that the baby has gained another 11 ounces, for a total of 2 pounds, 5 ounces. FeeNo is the 40th percentile at this point of the pregnancy, a number that made the doctor very happy.
And while the baby increased in weight, I lost 2 pounds. The doctor told me not to worry since I am sure to gain it back and then some over the last trimester.
No photo to show off today (and yes, I realize I have not posted the picture from two weeks ago yet) because the child had his back to us for the majority of the ultrasound. When FeeNo turned around and we caught a glimpse of his face, he proceeded to cover his face with his hand. It was very Sean Penn-like. And then, as the technician was measuring FeeNo's leg, I got a nice, strong kid. Boy or girl, this baby is definitely going to be a handful. I can sense it already!
We also got a tour of the Labor & Delivery unit, complete with a visit to the baby nursery. I saw a fresh little one: she was screaming and crying. And so tiny. But - wow! - so beautiful. I was literally taken aback and when I saw Mike's face, I knew he was thinking the same thing: in a few short months: that's going to be our baby, kicking and screaming.
Excitement is building. It's starting to become more concrete and less abstract.
Sheesh, I need to finish up the nursery.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
My Child
My child proved to be extremely difficult today at the doctor. Instead of cooperating so Mike and I could see his profile, FeeNo curled up into a little ball and only showed us glimpses of hands, arms, legs, and a big head. Therefore, no pictures from this ultrasound. I hope FeeNo cooperates next month.
While a little on the small side (FeeNo measures about 22 and a half weeks, while I am 24 weeks along), we are told not to be concerned since the baby has always been on the small side, but is progressing at a good rate. Heartrate today was 146. Still in great shape.
In the three weeks since my last appointment, I haven't gained any weight. So I am still down 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. This time, the doctor told me not to worry (he didn't encourage any gain on my part), because I will start to put on more weight over the next few weeks.
I'm almost out of my second trimester and it still amazes me that I am actually growing a little person inside me - a little person that could possibly have Mike's knowledge of all things Star Trek, my ability to sing almost any Barry Manilow song, and the Cuban and Irish traits of chatter.
Mike and I have upgraded our Netflix membership so we can watch 24 constantly. If FeeNo likes it, we'll watch it. Let's just call it one of the first sacrifices we are making for the child. :)
While a little on the small side (FeeNo measures about 22 and a half weeks, while I am 24 weeks along), we are told not to be concerned since the baby has always been on the small side, but is progressing at a good rate. Heartrate today was 146. Still in great shape.
In the three weeks since my last appointment, I haven't gained any weight. So I am still down 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. This time, the doctor told me not to worry (he didn't encourage any gain on my part), because I will start to put on more weight over the next few weeks.
I'm almost out of my second trimester and it still amazes me that I am actually growing a little person inside me - a little person that could possibly have Mike's knowledge of all things Star Trek, my ability to sing almost any Barry Manilow song, and the Cuban and Irish traits of chatter.
Mike and I have upgraded our Netflix membership so we can watch 24 constantly. If FeeNo likes it, we'll watch it. Let's just call it one of the first sacrifices we are making for the child. :)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
FeeNo at 20 Weeks
Wow!
As an aside, the doctor told me that it seems I am not gaining enough weight. WHAT? I was told to GAIN WEIGHT! Hahahahahaha, I love it!
FeeNo has a profile! And a little nose!
Check it out:
As an aside, the doctor told me that it seems I am not gaining enough weight. WHAT? I was told to GAIN WEIGHT! Hahahahahaha, I love it!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
FeeNo, The Dinosaur
I finally got around to scanning the latest ultrasound picture of FeeNo.
Once again, the child does not want to pose.
Here, you can see FeeNo with head down, probably trying to figure out how to get out of my belly.
Once again, the child does not want to pose.
Here, you can see FeeNo with head down, probably trying to figure out how to get out of my belly.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
17 Weeks
I just realized that I haven't written in over a week -- that's a long time for me!
I've been so busy with... I don't know... life, I guess.
But I'm here. I'm around. I'm good.
Saw FeeNo today. Things look good, people, real good! Right now, FeeNo weighs about 5 ounces and is 5.5 inches long. I got to see the legs and arms (the ultrasound tech measured all the bones!) plus the entire face. I am amazed at how technology works and how I am able to see this little... person... growing inside of me!
Oh yes, and the heart... it continues to beat strong - 149 beats today.
The allergies are nearly gone. Either that, or the Claritin has really kicked in. And the heat rash/eczema is starting to subside.
The only thing I need is for this belly of mine to grow. Right now, I am not really showing - I've only gained two pounds and that was after I lost 12 in the first trimester - but I can literally feel my waist expanding. Anything with a zipper and button is uncomfortable, but maternity clothes are way too big still. Plus, let's face it: they are hideous. Somehow, pants with an elastic waist are not "cute". They are not "fashionable" either.
Just one more thing I am going to have to figure out.
I've been so busy with... I don't know... life, I guess.
But I'm here. I'm around. I'm good.
Saw FeeNo today. Things look good, people, real good! Right now, FeeNo weighs about 5 ounces and is 5.5 inches long. I got to see the legs and arms (the ultrasound tech measured all the bones!) plus the entire face. I am amazed at how technology works and how I am able to see this little... person... growing inside of me!
Oh yes, and the heart... it continues to beat strong - 149 beats today.
The allergies are nearly gone. Either that, or the Claritin has really kicked in. And the heat rash/eczema is starting to subside.
The only thing I need is for this belly of mine to grow. Right now, I am not really showing - I've only gained two pounds and that was after I lost 12 in the first trimester - but I can literally feel my waist expanding. Anything with a zipper and button is uncomfortable, but maternity clothes are way too big still. Plus, let's face it: they are hideous. Somehow, pants with an elastic waist are not "cute". They are not "fashionable" either.
Just one more thing I am going to have to figure out.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tales of Allergies, Rashes and Babies
Today, I am 15 weeks pregnant.
That's almost four months, people. And still so much more to go.
Over the last few weeks, my pregnancy symptoms have subsided - I haven't had nausea in weeks. No vomitting either. And the constant fatigue - it's pretty much gone. Everyone has told me that this is the time when I will feel the best. And actually, I do. I feel... normal again.
Of course, this is all relative. Just as all these pregnancy symptoms subside, I am faced with another challenge: spring has sprung! There is pollen everywhere! My allergies are under attack and it's not pretty. My sneezing was so out of control one day last week (I sneezed six times in a row!), even Mike got scared. Sleep at night was tough, since I was congested.
I finally caved in and started on Claritin. One a day and it's helping.
Then - the heat rash/eczema that has taken over my arms. Every year, I got it. And somehow, every year I am surprised by it. Itch, itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch.
It's getting better too.
I had a doctor's appointment today. Again, no weight gain (yeah!). All my other ailments are in check too (double yeah!). And when the doctor called for a quick ultrasound, just to check FeeNo's heartbeat, the kid did it again - turned its back on me. Maybe it's the rash on my arms that disgust FeeNo. Or maybe my sneezing is keeping him up at night. I don't know.
I did, however, receive one of the most touching cards this week. Disguised as FeeNo, my mother sent me a mother's day card. In it, she wrote how much FeeNo loved me and couldn't wait to meet me. I must have cried for nearly an hour after reading it. I hope my mother is right about FeeNo cause if you let these ultrasounds tell the story, it would certainly be different.
That's almost four months, people. And still so much more to go.
Over the last few weeks, my pregnancy symptoms have subsided - I haven't had nausea in weeks. No vomitting either. And the constant fatigue - it's pretty much gone. Everyone has told me that this is the time when I will feel the best. And actually, I do. I feel... normal again.
Of course, this is all relative. Just as all these pregnancy symptoms subside, I am faced with another challenge: spring has sprung! There is pollen everywhere! My allergies are under attack and it's not pretty. My sneezing was so out of control one day last week (I sneezed six times in a row!), even Mike got scared. Sleep at night was tough, since I was congested.
I finally caved in and started on Claritin. One a day and it's helping.
Then - the heat rash/eczema that has taken over my arms. Every year, I got it. And somehow, every year I am surprised by it. Itch, itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch.
It's getting better too.
I had a doctor's appointment today. Again, no weight gain (yeah!). All my other ailments are in check too (double yeah!). And when the doctor called for a quick ultrasound, just to check FeeNo's heartbeat, the kid did it again - turned its back on me. Maybe it's the rash on my arms that disgust FeeNo. Or maybe my sneezing is keeping him up at night. I don't know.
I did, however, receive one of the most touching cards this week. Disguised as FeeNo, my mother sent me a mother's day card. In it, she wrote how much FeeNo loved me and couldn't wait to meet me. I must have cried for nearly an hour after reading it. I hope my mother is right about FeeNo cause if you let these ultrasounds tell the story, it would certainly be different.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
On Being the Worst Mother in the World
Today, I had an appointment with the doc. I am doing well: no weight gain, even though I am already in my second trimester, my blood pressure is great, and my blood sugars are excellent. The doc was pleased and at this point, asked me to rest as often as possible and continue taking care of myself as I have been.
FeeNo is also looking pretty good: another strong heartbeat and progressing as should be expected.
The child is already showing signs of being difficult - first, FeeNo didn't want to move. He didn't want to face us. He was laying there, all curled up, with his legs in the air (yes, we got to see the legs, but they were crossed - we either have a very demure girl or an extremely shy boy in there).
When FeeNo finally started moving, he kept turning his back on us, never allowing for a good picture.
I hope this difficult stage only lasts while in utero, because I am sure that FeeNo is going to be facing all kinds of paparazzi upon arrival. Not only does FeeNo have grandparents that are going to be all over him, he also has aunts, uncles, and countless friends who are going to be snapping picture after picture. This kid better get used to the attention.
I finally scanned and posted all pictures of my ultrasounds. Unfortunately, I can't figure any of them out. I can't see a single image (except for the third picture), so I have to go based on what the ultrasound tech and Mike say.
March 13 - first pic. At this point, FeeNo is just a blob.
April 25 - third pic. This is a picture of FeeNo's face. You can make out where his eyes, nose and mouth are (on the right hand side). It's definitely a face only a mother could love - and it totally freaks me out!
April 25 - third pic. According to the tech and Mike, this is FeeNo's profile. I can't see a darn thing. I am told he is facing toward the upper left of the pic and that you can see the profile of his face. Tell me, people, can you see that?
FeeNo is also looking pretty good: another strong heartbeat and progressing as should be expected.
The child is already showing signs of being difficult - first, FeeNo didn't want to move. He didn't want to face us. He was laying there, all curled up, with his legs in the air (yes, we got to see the legs, but they were crossed - we either have a very demure girl or an extremely shy boy in there).
When FeeNo finally started moving, he kept turning his back on us, never allowing for a good picture.
I hope this difficult stage only lasts while in utero, because I am sure that FeeNo is going to be facing all kinds of paparazzi upon arrival. Not only does FeeNo have grandparents that are going to be all over him, he also has aunts, uncles, and countless friends who are going to be snapping picture after picture. This kid better get used to the attention.
I finally scanned and posted all pictures of my ultrasounds. Unfortunately, I can't figure any of them out. I can't see a single image (except for the third picture), so I have to go based on what the ultrasound tech and Mike say.
March 13 - first pic. At this point, FeeNo is just a blob.
April 10 - second pic. Today, we heard the heartbeat, nice and strong. The kid wouldn't hold still for the picture. He kept twisting and turning.
April 25 - third pic. This is a picture of FeeNo's face. You can make out where his eyes, nose and mouth are (on the right hand side). It's definitely a face only a mother could love - and it totally freaks me out!
April 25 - third pic. According to the tech and Mike, this is FeeNo's profile. I can't see a darn thing. I am told he is facing toward the upper left of the pic and that you can see the profile of his face. Tell me, people, can you see that?And, please, tell me: am I the worst mother in the world for not knowing what I am looking at in the picture?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
FeeNo has rhythm... or something
So we went to the doc yesterday for an ultrasound and check up. Everything looks pretty good so far: FeeNo is over an inch long and is growing right on schedule. Heart beat is really strong too - THUMP THUMP THUMP - at 175.
The only thing is that the kid would not sit still for a picture! Somersaults in my belly! Rolling from side to side. Up and down. The kid was all over the place.
I think it might have something to do with the kid being part Cuban. I think the kid is going to be a great dancer, maybe modeling some people on Dancing With the Stars. Mike swears the kid was dancing the paso doble.
The only thing is that the kid would not sit still for a picture! Somersaults in my belly! Rolling from side to side. Up and down. The kid was all over the place.
I think it might have something to do with the kid being part Cuban. I think the kid is going to be a great dancer, maybe modeling some people on Dancing With the Stars. Mike swears the kid was dancing the paso doble.