We'll have to see if I can come up with a better title than "An Update!" haha...
Well, I tried some Greek yogurt, and while I don't think I could eat an entire container plain, with fruit I like it! It is definitely different, more tart than regular yogurt, but I do like it. Adam couldn't believe the amount of protein in it, and one of the flavors I got (honey) has two ingredients: milk and honey. He was impressed by that as well. And I definitely like the 10 extra grams of protein! So I think that will be a regular addition to my diet (at least my pregnancy diet, and maybe beyond!)
Last night I had my first dream about Baby's sex, and in my dream, we were having a girl. I don't necessarily think that that's my intuition and that I'm right, but so far I've mainly just had dreams about being pregnant, not about Baby!! I had quite a few dreams about telling people I was pregnant until we actually told people.
Also, even though I am not really showing yet, I think Baby is starting to rearrange my abdominal organs. My stomach felt kind of funny today, like a muscular thing, not like indigestion or nausea. This has happened once before, although the first time it was PAINFUL, and this time it is just irritating.
Finally, I do think the pure aloe is helping my acne. I'm still red and it's not great, but it's definitely improving. I will keep it up and see how much it helps over time.
That is pretty much it for now!!
9.7.12
5.7.12
14 weeks!
So today I am 14 weeks, 1 day! Today is 7/5/12 - 7+5=12, which is also my favorite addition problem! What a great day! :-D
I think the aloe is helping. Still not great, but I think I can see a difference. We'll see if it really helps if I use it consistently (every day or every other).
I have also noticed that I am more sensitive to heat. I'm not sure if it's because this summer is especially hot (like, record-breaking for Wisconsin hot) and I've been getting more used to the not-as-hot Wisconsin summers, or if it's because I'm pregnant! Usually I wait and wait before turning on the air, but these days I have been giving in a lot more easily.
We spent our 4th of July at home, watched a couple of fireworks shows from our yard, and used snaps, bottle rockets, and sparklers (the good, old-fashioned, metal kind that they don't sell anymore!) to have our own show! Jasp did not like the bottle rockets or these other ones that sound like gunshots that Adam had. I didn't like the "gunshot" ones, either! But we had a very nice, relaxing 4th.
I think that's all I have for now!
I think the aloe is helping. Still not great, but I think I can see a difference. We'll see if it really helps if I use it consistently (every day or every other).
I have also noticed that I am more sensitive to heat. I'm not sure if it's because this summer is especially hot (like, record-breaking for Wisconsin hot) and I've been getting more used to the not-as-hot Wisconsin summers, or if it's because I'm pregnant! Usually I wait and wait before turning on the air, but these days I have been giving in a lot more easily.
We spent our 4th of July at home, watched a couple of fireworks shows from our yard, and used snaps, bottle rockets, and sparklers (the good, old-fashioned, metal kind that they don't sell anymore!) to have our own show! Jasp did not like the bottle rockets or these other ones that sound like gunshots that Adam had. I didn't like the "gunshot" ones, either! But we had a very nice, relaxing 4th.
I think that's all I have for now!
2.7.12
Dermatological Manifestations
So I have had a pretty smooth pregnancy so far, for which I am extremely grateful! However, there is one symptom that I have been experiencing - acne.
Ever since Junior High, I have dealt with acne. Never severe, but mild to moderate acne that is very persistent. I know that my acne is at least partially hormonally related, because going on the Pill helped my pimples and when I stopped taking it to get pregnant, I noticed an increase in pimples. And so, ever since about 5 weeks, I have had an increase in my acne. Not just on my face (although that's the worst!), but also on my shoulders and back, where I don't usually have an issue with pimples. What a pain! I know it's a very common side-effect, but I had hoped that my acne might lessen during pregnancy. So far, I have not been that lucky. And I have read that certain acne treatments are safe during pregnancy, but I am hesitant to use them nevertheless. I have used benzoyl peroxide a handful of times, and I can see results when I do, but I am leaning more towards just dealing with it until after delivery so I don't worry about it affecting Baby's development. The past couple of days I actually used pure aloe vera gel (not the green stuff you use for a sunburn, I am talking about the drinkable, refrigerated kind) on my face to see if dryness was a factor. I can see it helping a little (I think), but still... acne. It's worth it, because it means my hormones are in overdrive making a BABY, but it's still a pain.
Also, this weekend, I think I started to show a little more. I still look pretty much the same and my clothes fit, more or less, but I think my expanding uterus is starting to shift everything else around. I am trying to be conscious about eating enough protein - I don't eat very much meat, so that leaves me with eggs, dairy, beans, and quinoa. Any other non-meat protein source suggestions?
Ever since Junior High, I have dealt with acne. Never severe, but mild to moderate acne that is very persistent. I know that my acne is at least partially hormonally related, because going on the Pill helped my pimples and when I stopped taking it to get pregnant, I noticed an increase in pimples. And so, ever since about 5 weeks, I have had an increase in my acne. Not just on my face (although that's the worst!), but also on my shoulders and back, where I don't usually have an issue with pimples. What a pain! I know it's a very common side-effect, but I had hoped that my acne might lessen during pregnancy. So far, I have not been that lucky. And I have read that certain acne treatments are safe during pregnancy, but I am hesitant to use them nevertheless. I have used benzoyl peroxide a handful of times, and I can see results when I do, but I am leaning more towards just dealing with it until after delivery so I don't worry about it affecting Baby's development. The past couple of days I actually used pure aloe vera gel (not the green stuff you use for a sunburn, I am talking about the drinkable, refrigerated kind) on my face to see if dryness was a factor. I can see it helping a little (I think), but still... acne. It's worth it, because it means my hormones are in overdrive making a BABY, but it's still a pain.
Also, this weekend, I think I started to show a little more. I still look pretty much the same and my clothes fit, more or less, but I think my expanding uterus is starting to shift everything else around. I am trying to be conscious about eating enough protein - I don't eat very much meat, so that leaves me with eggs, dairy, beans, and quinoa. Any other non-meat protein source suggestions?
27.6.12
Natural Childbirth
Thanks to those of you who took the time to read my whole LONG announcement post!
I thought I'd do a whole post updating about where I'm at with natural childbirth. My goal is to have an unmedicated/no interventions birth, and I mentioned this to my doula, who is very supportive. She has loaned me a few books, including the Bradley birth book. I have just started reading it, but so far it seems really good and informative. I have looked into taking the Bradley class, and the only downside is that the closest one to me offering a class at the right time is in Madison, which would be about a 40 minute drive. Doable, although not ideal. That is what we will probably do.
Adam is also very supportive of me having a natural childbirth, which I think will be helpful when the time comes.
For now, I'm trying not to look too far ahead (I know I will need to plan ahead for the class) just so I'm not overwhelmed with too much information all at once. I will probably read through most of the Bradley book sooner rather than later, though.
Speaking of where I am now, Baby has fingerprints and is about 3 inches long! Isn't that amazing?
**I also wanted to say that 2 years ago today I married the man of my dreams, the love of my life, Adam! Time flies when you're in love! We have many adventures to look forward to!! :)
25.6.12
Guess what... (warning: long post!)
April 24, 2012 - Adam and I had just started "trying" to get pregnant. My period was due to start any day, and I was waiting before taking a pregnancy test because I figured it would be negative and I didn't want to waste a test just to have my period start that day (frustrating). I decided I would take the test just so I wasn't sitting around wondering. I could hardly believe when it said "pregnant" (it was a digital test)! So crazy!! So all day at work I was thinking about how I would tell Adam. I am so thankful he was home and not working out of town!! So when I got home (before Adam), I wrapped up the test in tissue paper and hid it in my dresser drawer. When he got home, I said (after we had been talking for a few minutes), "I have a present for you." And just like it was scripted, he said "For me, or for us?" and I said, "For us." I took him into our room and took out the wrapped test. He looked at me, and had NO idea! So he started to unwrap it, and when he finally got to the test, he said, "Shut up!" (that's what he says when he's really surprised) and just stared. Then he kissed me, and just stared at it some more. He was speechless, and neither of us could believe it! How amazing!! And how blessed are we to get pregnant right away, when so many couples try for months or years before they get pregnant!
May 2 - Today I am 5 weeks pregnant, using the free online due-date calculators. Adam had ordered a surprise for me the day we found out, and it came today. So once I got home from kickboxing, he set it up, and took me out to our field, where they are growing winter wheat. He took me to the middle of the ocean of green and said (among many other sweet, romantic things), "To give thanks for and celebrate our baby, how would you like to send off some paper lanterns?" It was SO sweet and perfect! We had watched Tangled and I had told him how I would love to do that (the lanterns), and it was too perfect that we could even do it to celebrate our baby! He took a few pictures, and we sent off two: one for if it's a boy, and one for if it's a girl. I have the BEST husband ever!
May 10 - Today I am 6 weeks and 1 day pregnant :) So far, no nausea (a hint of it this morning, but I've still been able to eat, no problems). Yay! I had my doctor's appointment today to "confirm" my pregnancy, and to schedule my first prenatal appointment. The doctor came in and said "Congratulations!" We talked for a few minutes, reviewed my vitamins/supplements, and he gave me a referral for my OB. First prenatal visit will be May 22, which will be one day before 8 weeks! I'm nervous and excited. He said the first 12 weeks are the most risky for the baby, so I will probably limit who I tell before then. We are going to Hawaii (we leave the 12th) to visit Rob and Jenni (Adam's brother and sister-in-law), and we'll tell them when we are out. Then I will be home in California May 30-June 3, so I'll get to tell my family in person, which is perfect! That will be right after 9 weeks. When I get home, we'll tell Adam's dad and his wife, and his other brother. Then, a few weeks after that, I will tell my job, and then the world! Theoretically, I wouldn't really mind telling "the world" before I tell my job, except that I have Facebook friends from work, and I want to make sure my supervisor hears it from me, not just through the grapevine.
Due date - January 2, 2013. Not exactly when I wanted to be giving birth in Wisconsin (if you have ever talked to me about this, I always said that I would prefer NOT to give birth in the dead of winter!), but I am so thankful for this baby and just trusting that God knows what He's doing! And I'm thankful that I will get to meet this baby sooner than if we had waited to try for a baby due in the spring or summer :) This also means that potentially, I could have our baby on my birthday (December 29). :-)
May 12 - Adam and I told Rob and Jenni the exciting news! They were happy for us and very helpful - they loaned me "What to Expect When You're Expecting," which has been very informative.
May 13 - Adam got me my first Mother's Day gift - a plumeria/puka shell necklace! Thank you! :-D
May 16 - 7 weeks today! I told Adam our baby has already been to 4 states - Wisconsin, obviously, Illinois for the airport, California - layover, and Hawaii!. What a jet-setting little one!
May 18 - I got to see Tricia (a friend I haven't seen in about 4 years!) because her husband, who is in the Coast Guard, is currently stationed in Oahu. We met up at the military hotel and went in the pool and watched some fireworks (which turned out to be a little disappointing but still fun). It was funny because her husband, Mike, was going to get drinks for us, and Adam said he'd have a beer, and I said I would just have a Pepsi or Coke. Mike gave me such a hard time, "Come on, you're in Hawaii, live a little" etc. I was laughing to myself! I think it will be funny once I tell people, I'll text Tricia to tell her why I wasn't drinking that night!
May 19 - Happy Birthday, Rob! Had some nausea today, thankfully still no vomiting! I think it was triggered by the ocean and bright sunlight. I was fine, and the next minute, I was not so fine. I ate a little after that, which also helped.
May 21 - Tomorrow is my first prenatal appointment! Adam should even be able to come with me :-) I talked to the nurse at the appointment desk and I think they might do a sonogram (yay!!). I have something I'd like to do for my family if they do it at this appointment. I will be sure to write all about it tomorrow! A few more hints of nausea, I am keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get any worse :) No real problems eating or keeping food down, but not everything sounds good. For example, I ate a lot of noodles in Hawaii because most other things felt like they wouldn't want to stay in my stomach. Everything else is going great! More updates tomorrow!!
May 22 - Adam got to come with me to our first prenatal appointment. After taking my history and doing a brief exam, they said they could do an ultrasound if I was interested. Um, yes!! So I went down the hall to the ultrasound room, and they did a transvaginal ultrasound, because our little peanut isn't even the size of a peanut yet!! (He or she is closer to the size of a kidney bean, our doctor said). Best of all, we got to see the heartbeat! I was so happy I was laughing, I couldn't believe it!! The tiny little heart beating so fast. Adam and I were just amazed!! They gave us three pictures of our baby (one for Adam, one for me, and one to keep with no fingerprints on it). We're also going to make some more copies. I just can't believe we saw our little baby's tiny heart beating!!! Also, the doctor saw that I have two cysts on my ovary, which he said is really common and should go away after about 11 weeks (I think). They said to limit "bouncing" physical activity until then (the nurse said "like jumping on a trampoline" - I like her!) because it could make it more painful. But because I have two instead of one, the nurse said that I could have had twins! :-o maybe next time? ;-) What a wonderful day!!!
May 23 - 8 weeks today! More nausea last night and today. Still no vomiting. The nausea isn't bad, but it's like taunting me: you might have to throw up, and you're at work! I got some ginger snaps, lemon-ginger tea, and saltines (I tried to go with Goldfish crackers, figuring they were pretty bland, but I am going to try the real-deal saltines to see if it makes any difference). The ginger snaps are good. They tided me over around lunch time, anyway. Sometimes I wonder if I'd feel better if I did throw up, but something tells me that wouldn't really give me relief. I was doing so well the first few weeks! I hope it doesn't get worse than this. My boobs also started hurting last night. Up until now, I've been able to sleep on my stomach still, which has been great. Last night I tried and WOW I could not do it. So that's a bummer.
May 25 - So I got a call last night from my doctor about my lab results. He said that everything looked fine except that I had a high level of bacteria in my urinalysis... so I am at risk for a UTI. I don't think I have one, because I haven't had any of the symptoms, but to prevent it developing, I have to take an antibiotic for a week. I am not really thrilled about it (and with my pregnant hormones I wanted to cry, but I mostly kept it together), but I'd rather take care of it before it gets bad/painful, and the doctor assured me that the antibiotic is not going to harm the baby. It is a little frustrating, though, because ideally I'd rather not take any medicines, but I suppose this one is necessary. I need to be healthy for my baby to be healthy.
I also found out my blood type - A positive. A+ :-D
I am considering hiring a doula to help with natural pain relief techniques during labor. I still have to do some research, but I think Adam and I would both really appreciate it.
May 26 - Went to Trader Joe's to get my cranberry juice. I got two kinds - one is pure cranberry juice, and one is a mix with white grape juice. I tried the pure stuff first and CANNOT STAND IT. I mean I really had to struggle to get a few gulps down. I later got some lemonade to mix with it, which makes it almost tolerable, but still not good. The other one is much more drinkable. I'm going to drink at least some every day. And now I'm about halfway through my antibiotic, so between the crazy strong cranberry juice (which would definitely kill any bacteria in my body!!) and the antibiotic, I am confident that I will pass the next test with flying colors and no UTIs. I also emailed a few doulas and heard back from two so far. One is part of a group of doulas that work in Madison, so I emailed asking if any of them work in my area, and one does (her name is... Megan!). I've emailed her and hope to meet with her soon. The other one I emailed is in Beloit, but apparently she is also due in January so she's not taking any clients at that time (understandably so). She said she could refer me to another doula in the area, so I will start with those two and see where things go. I told Adam some more about them, and although he's not crazy about incurring another expense, I think a doula as a support person, especially since this is my first pregnancy, will be really beneficial.
May 30 - 9 weeks today! When I got to California, my mom picked me up and I didn't want to tell her while she was driving, so I had to wait until she got home. Once we were home, I said "Oh I got some pictures taken last week and I have one for you," and she was expecting to see a picture of me, or me and Adam, but I handed over the ultrasound nonchalantly, and she looked, and put it down and hugged me so hard! And she said "When?" and I said "I'm nine weeks" and she said "When? When are you due?" , and I told her. She was so flustered and excited! Then she took my suitcase upstairs for me, because "maybe I shouldn't be lugging that around" she said!
May 31 - This morning I did the same picture trick for Ken, and he looked at it, and said, "Are you pregnant?" And I said "Yep!" And he chuckled and said congratulations and gave me a hug. Then my brother came to drop Rowan off, and Ken said "did you tell him?" And I said to Ian "I'm pregnant." And he said "Really? That's awesome, congratulations. If it's a boy, you won't need to buy a single thing!" And he said that "McGoughs make really cute babies," talking about Rowan, whom I was feeding at the time! :-) Later that day, I got to tell Kathryn, my grandma, and cousin Mark, and Taryn and Kyle. Taryn said "No way!! No way!" because I had told her we were going to start trying in the summer. So she, Kathryn, and my mom all want to come out, which would be awesome! It was so fun. I came over and gave my cousin a hug near the end of dinner and he said "What's up, Preggo?" :)
June 1 - I went to my dad's, and first I told Siobhan and Sean. It was a good thing I did, because I had Siobhan help me get all the family in the same room before graduation so I could make my announcement. That meant I didn't get to do anything clever or funny, but everyone was still excited when I just said "I'm pregnant!" I got lots of hugs and congratulations. I told them we were not really telling anyone besides family just yet, but my dad was too excited, and told his pastor and his wife. It wasn't really a big deal, especially since they don't know anyone I know anyway.
June 5 - Adam told his dad today. When I came in the house later, he said "Congratulations, mom!" :-)
June 7 - Got my first bigger bra... it is so nice to have a bra that fits again!! Also, I am 10 weeks and 1 day today!
June 9 - First chiropractor appointment since we found out about Baby. I asked the receptionist if I could still be adjusted if I was pregnant, and she said yes (yay!). So I got my adjustment, and talked to my chiropractor (he is also very knowledgeable about alternative health) about my vitamins and supplements I have been taking, and he said everything is looking good :-) He also said that I haven't had a lot of nausea/morning sickness because my GI tract has been handling the baby's waste efficiently. I always take what he says with a grain of salt, because
1. how does he know that for sure, and
2. some of the things he says are pretty extreme
...but it's still reassuring to know that it's ok to not have a lot of morning sickness. I'm still grateful for that! And I've had friends tell me they didn't have any morning sickness, and their kids came out fine, which is also reassuring :-) I am just having a blessed pregnancy so far! Can't wait until my next appointment (and probably ultrasound)!
June 13 - 11 weeks today!! Last night, Adam and I met with doula option #1 - Megan (who is going to be the doula for my friend Ashley!!). I had a lot of questions, because I wanted to know... well, a lot! She was very friendly, informative, helpful, and we both liked her a lot. We are still going to meet with at least one other doula, just to get a feel for how we connect with her. I'm not sure if we will meet with any other doulas, but after these two, we will be praying and making our decision hopefully soon.
June 14 - Meeting with doula option #2 - Denise. We talked with her for maybe 40 minutes or so, and really felt that she's the doula for us. She has a background in massage (and prenatal massage!), and so many other things seemed to just fit. She was also very helpful and informative, and I think she will be a wonderful doula for us!
June 16 - I was laying down on my back, and noticed that where I usually have a "dip" between my hip bones... there is no dip! I felt it, and it feels firm - I am pretty sure that is my uterus/baby condo!! I still don't show when I am standing up, but that is so crazy! I called Adam in to see it, and he can see (and feel!) it, too :)
June 22 - 12 weeks, 2 days! 2nd Dr.'s appointment today. Adam got to come with me again :-) They didn't do an ultrasound, but we got to hear Baby's heartbeat! I couldn't hear it at first, but Adam heard it pretty quickly, then it got louder and I could hear it. It is so reassuring to hear our baby's heart!! We also asked our doctor some questions about how he felt about natural childbirth and avoiding interventions, and he was surprisingly supportive of a natural birth and having us (me) make the decision if there is an option about intervention (e.g. episiotomy). So that was good to find out! We will start telling people this weekend, and making the announcement at our church.
June 25 - If you read through all this (or even if you skipped down! I don't blame you!), we are finally at... today! Now it is public knowledge that I will be having a sweet baby in a little over 6 months! (give or take, obviously). 12 weeks, 5 days today!! Watch for more evenly-spaced-out updates in the weeks and months to come!
May 2 - Today I am 5 weeks pregnant, using the free online due-date calculators. Adam had ordered a surprise for me the day we found out, and it came today. So once I got home from kickboxing, he set it up, and took me out to our field, where they are growing winter wheat. He took me to the middle of the ocean of green and said (among many other sweet, romantic things), "To give thanks for and celebrate our baby, how would you like to send off some paper lanterns?" It was SO sweet and perfect! We had watched Tangled and I had told him how I would love to do that (the lanterns), and it was too perfect that we could even do it to celebrate our baby! He took a few pictures, and we sent off two: one for if it's a boy, and one for if it's a girl. I have the BEST husband ever!
May 10 - Today I am 6 weeks and 1 day pregnant :) So far, no nausea (a hint of it this morning, but I've still been able to eat, no problems). Yay! I had my doctor's appointment today to "confirm" my pregnancy, and to schedule my first prenatal appointment. The doctor came in and said "Congratulations!" We talked for a few minutes, reviewed my vitamins/supplements, and he gave me a referral for my OB. First prenatal visit will be May 22, which will be one day before 8 weeks! I'm nervous and excited. He said the first 12 weeks are the most risky for the baby, so I will probably limit who I tell before then. We are going to Hawaii (we leave the 12th) to visit Rob and Jenni (Adam's brother and sister-in-law), and we'll tell them when we are out. Then I will be home in California May 30-June 3, so I'll get to tell my family in person, which is perfect! That will be right after 9 weeks. When I get home, we'll tell Adam's dad and his wife, and his other brother. Then, a few weeks after that, I will tell my job, and then the world! Theoretically, I wouldn't really mind telling "the world" before I tell my job, except that I have Facebook friends from work, and I want to make sure my supervisor hears it from me, not just through the grapevine.
Due date - January 2, 2013. Not exactly when I wanted to be giving birth in Wisconsin (if you have ever talked to me about this, I always said that I would prefer NOT to give birth in the dead of winter!), but I am so thankful for this baby and just trusting that God knows what He's doing! And I'm thankful that I will get to meet this baby sooner than if we had waited to try for a baby due in the spring or summer :) This also means that potentially, I could have our baby on my birthday (December 29). :-)
May 12 - Adam and I told Rob and Jenni the exciting news! They were happy for us and very helpful - they loaned me "What to Expect When You're Expecting," which has been very informative.
May 13 - Adam got me my first Mother's Day gift - a plumeria/puka shell necklace! Thank you! :-D
May 16 - 7 weeks today! I told Adam our baby has already been to 4 states - Wisconsin, obviously, Illinois for the airport, California - layover, and Hawaii!. What a jet-setting little one!
May 18 - I got to see Tricia (a friend I haven't seen in about 4 years!) because her husband, who is in the Coast Guard, is currently stationed in Oahu. We met up at the military hotel and went in the pool and watched some fireworks (which turned out to be a little disappointing but still fun). It was funny because her husband, Mike, was going to get drinks for us, and Adam said he'd have a beer, and I said I would just have a Pepsi or Coke. Mike gave me such a hard time, "Come on, you're in Hawaii, live a little" etc. I was laughing to myself! I think it will be funny once I tell people, I'll text Tricia to tell her why I wasn't drinking that night!
May 19 - Happy Birthday, Rob! Had some nausea today, thankfully still no vomiting! I think it was triggered by the ocean and bright sunlight. I was fine, and the next minute, I was not so fine. I ate a little after that, which also helped.
May 21 - Tomorrow is my first prenatal appointment! Adam should even be able to come with me :-) I talked to the nurse at the appointment desk and I think they might do a sonogram (yay!!). I have something I'd like to do for my family if they do it at this appointment. I will be sure to write all about it tomorrow! A few more hints of nausea, I am keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get any worse :) No real problems eating or keeping food down, but not everything sounds good. For example, I ate a lot of noodles in Hawaii because most other things felt like they wouldn't want to stay in my stomach. Everything else is going great! More updates tomorrow!!
May 22 - Adam got to come with me to our first prenatal appointment. After taking my history and doing a brief exam, they said they could do an ultrasound if I was interested. Um, yes!! So I went down the hall to the ultrasound room, and they did a transvaginal ultrasound, because our little peanut isn't even the size of a peanut yet!! (He or she is closer to the size of a kidney bean, our doctor said). Best of all, we got to see the heartbeat! I was so happy I was laughing, I couldn't believe it!! The tiny little heart beating so fast. Adam and I were just amazed!! They gave us three pictures of our baby (one for Adam, one for me, and one to keep with no fingerprints on it). We're also going to make some more copies. I just can't believe we saw our little baby's tiny heart beating!!! Also, the doctor saw that I have two cysts on my ovary, which he said is really common and should go away after about 11 weeks (I think). They said to limit "bouncing" physical activity until then (the nurse said "like jumping on a trampoline" - I like her!) because it could make it more painful. But because I have two instead of one, the nurse said that I could have had twins! :-o maybe next time? ;-) What a wonderful day!!!
May 23 - 8 weeks today! More nausea last night and today. Still no vomiting. The nausea isn't bad, but it's like taunting me: you might have to throw up, and you're at work! I got some ginger snaps, lemon-ginger tea, and saltines (I tried to go with Goldfish crackers, figuring they were pretty bland, but I am going to try the real-deal saltines to see if it makes any difference). The ginger snaps are good. They tided me over around lunch time, anyway. Sometimes I wonder if I'd feel better if I did throw up, but something tells me that wouldn't really give me relief. I was doing so well the first few weeks! I hope it doesn't get worse than this. My boobs also started hurting last night. Up until now, I've been able to sleep on my stomach still, which has been great. Last night I tried and WOW I could not do it. So that's a bummer.
May 25 - So I got a call last night from my doctor about my lab results. He said that everything looked fine except that I had a high level of bacteria in my urinalysis... so I am at risk for a UTI. I don't think I have one, because I haven't had any of the symptoms, but to prevent it developing, I have to take an antibiotic for a week. I am not really thrilled about it (and with my pregnant hormones I wanted to cry, but I mostly kept it together), but I'd rather take care of it before it gets bad/painful, and the doctor assured me that the antibiotic is not going to harm the baby. It is a little frustrating, though, because ideally I'd rather not take any medicines, but I suppose this one is necessary. I need to be healthy for my baby to be healthy.
I also found out my blood type - A positive. A+ :-D
I am considering hiring a doula to help with natural pain relief techniques during labor. I still have to do some research, but I think Adam and I would both really appreciate it.
May 26 - Went to Trader Joe's to get my cranberry juice. I got two kinds - one is pure cranberry juice, and one is a mix with white grape juice. I tried the pure stuff first and CANNOT STAND IT. I mean I really had to struggle to get a few gulps down. I later got some lemonade to mix with it, which makes it almost tolerable, but still not good. The other one is much more drinkable. I'm going to drink at least some every day. And now I'm about halfway through my antibiotic, so between the crazy strong cranberry juice (which would definitely kill any bacteria in my body!!) and the antibiotic, I am confident that I will pass the next test with flying colors and no UTIs. I also emailed a few doulas and heard back from two so far. One is part of a group of doulas that work in Madison, so I emailed asking if any of them work in my area, and one does (her name is... Megan!). I've emailed her and hope to meet with her soon. The other one I emailed is in Beloit, but apparently she is also due in January so she's not taking any clients at that time (understandably so). She said she could refer me to another doula in the area, so I will start with those two and see where things go. I told Adam some more about them, and although he's not crazy about incurring another expense, I think a doula as a support person, especially since this is my first pregnancy, will be really beneficial.
May 30 - 9 weeks today! When I got to California, my mom picked me up and I didn't want to tell her while she was driving, so I had to wait until she got home. Once we were home, I said "Oh I got some pictures taken last week and I have one for you," and she was expecting to see a picture of me, or me and Adam, but I handed over the ultrasound nonchalantly, and she looked, and put it down and hugged me so hard! And she said "When?" and I said "I'm nine weeks" and she said "When? When are you due?" , and I told her. She was so flustered and excited! Then she took my suitcase upstairs for me, because "maybe I shouldn't be lugging that around" she said!
May 31 - This morning I did the same picture trick for Ken, and he looked at it, and said, "Are you pregnant?" And I said "Yep!" And he chuckled and said congratulations and gave me a hug. Then my brother came to drop Rowan off, and Ken said "did you tell him?" And I said to Ian "I'm pregnant." And he said "Really? That's awesome, congratulations. If it's a boy, you won't need to buy a single thing!" And he said that "McGoughs make really cute babies," talking about Rowan, whom I was feeding at the time! :-) Later that day, I got to tell Kathryn, my grandma, and cousin Mark, and Taryn and Kyle. Taryn said "No way!! No way!" because I had told her we were going to start trying in the summer. So she, Kathryn, and my mom all want to come out, which would be awesome! It was so fun. I came over and gave my cousin a hug near the end of dinner and he said "What's up, Preggo?" :)
June 1 - I went to my dad's, and first I told Siobhan and Sean. It was a good thing I did, because I had Siobhan help me get all the family in the same room before graduation so I could make my announcement. That meant I didn't get to do anything clever or funny, but everyone was still excited when I just said "I'm pregnant!" I got lots of hugs and congratulations. I told them we were not really telling anyone besides family just yet, but my dad was too excited, and told his pastor and his wife. It wasn't really a big deal, especially since they don't know anyone I know anyway.
June 5 - Adam told his dad today. When I came in the house later, he said "Congratulations, mom!" :-)
June 7 - Got my first bigger bra... it is so nice to have a bra that fits again!! Also, I am 10 weeks and 1 day today!
June 9 - First chiropractor appointment since we found out about Baby. I asked the receptionist if I could still be adjusted if I was pregnant, and she said yes (yay!). So I got my adjustment, and talked to my chiropractor (he is also very knowledgeable about alternative health) about my vitamins and supplements I have been taking, and he said everything is looking good :-) He also said that I haven't had a lot of nausea/morning sickness because my GI tract has been handling the baby's waste efficiently. I always take what he says with a grain of salt, because
1. how does he know that for sure, and
2. some of the things he says are pretty extreme
...but it's still reassuring to know that it's ok to not have a lot of morning sickness. I'm still grateful for that! And I've had friends tell me they didn't have any morning sickness, and their kids came out fine, which is also reassuring :-) I am just having a blessed pregnancy so far! Can't wait until my next appointment (and probably ultrasound)!
June 13 - 11 weeks today!! Last night, Adam and I met with doula option #1 - Megan (who is going to be the doula for my friend Ashley!!). I had a lot of questions, because I wanted to know... well, a lot! She was very friendly, informative, helpful, and we both liked her a lot. We are still going to meet with at least one other doula, just to get a feel for how we connect with her. I'm not sure if we will meet with any other doulas, but after these two, we will be praying and making our decision hopefully soon.
June 14 - Meeting with doula option #2 - Denise. We talked with her for maybe 40 minutes or so, and really felt that she's the doula for us. She has a background in massage (and prenatal massage!), and so many other things seemed to just fit. She was also very helpful and informative, and I think she will be a wonderful doula for us!
June 16 - I was laying down on my back, and noticed that where I usually have a "dip" between my hip bones... there is no dip! I felt it, and it feels firm - I am pretty sure that is my uterus/baby condo!! I still don't show when I am standing up, but that is so crazy! I called Adam in to see it, and he can see (and feel!) it, too :)
June 22 - 12 weeks, 2 days! 2nd Dr.'s appointment today. Adam got to come with me again :-) They didn't do an ultrasound, but we got to hear Baby's heartbeat! I couldn't hear it at first, but Adam heard it pretty quickly, then it got louder and I could hear it. It is so reassuring to hear our baby's heart!! We also asked our doctor some questions about how he felt about natural childbirth and avoiding interventions, and he was surprisingly supportive of a natural birth and having us (me) make the decision if there is an option about intervention (e.g. episiotomy). So that was good to find out! We will start telling people this weekend, and making the announcement at our church.
June 25 - If you read through all this (or even if you skipped down! I don't blame you!), we are finally at... today! Now it is public knowledge that I will be having a sweet baby in a little over 6 months! (give or take, obviously). 12 weeks, 5 days today!! Watch for more evenly-spaced-out updates in the weeks and months to come!
18.6.12
Positive
I was talking to my co-worker today, who said that she felt like she didn't get anything done today. Then she said she had done this one thing (the first step in a few-step process). So I said, "Well, you're a third of the way there!" And she laughed and said, "You're so positive it makes me want to throw up."
:-D
:-D
13.6.12
Heyy
So I like to check my stats. I know my site doesn't get a lot of hits, and that's fine, because it's pretty much "under the radar" for the time being. But I checked today, and just wanted to give a shout out to my readers in Germany and Moldova! Thanks for stopping by :) Hope you have enjoyed reading about my crazy self so far!!
12.6.12
BHE
aka Best Husband Ever :-) My husband is amazing. He is so knowledgeable and skilled. He has done so much work around the house/yard that it's 2/3 new house. This weekend he hooked up our water softener (last weekend he installed it). He has also painted, installed (a lot of) trim, installed wood floor by himself, built an entire shed without blueprints or a real written plan, repiped our basement, built a dog pen, built multiple shelves (1 large one in our living room, in the front closet for shoes, above the stove for storage, above the washing machine/dryer, and our back storage room in the basement), replaced/installed 2 new toilets, and before I got here, had remodeled or mostly remodeled both bathrooms, not to mention all the things I didn't list here. I am so God-lucky to have him as a husband! :-)
5.6.12
Come on...
I don't shave my legs that often (see my Hippie post). However, when I do, I don't cut myself. It has literally been years since I cut myself shaving. I don't even remember the last time it happened... until LAST NIGHT! I was almost done and BAM right on my ankle bone I nicked a little piece of skin off that bled like crazy. I could not believe it! At least now I have an Ariel bandaid keeping it safe and clean :)
4.6.12
California!
AKA my last vacation/trip for a while!!
It feels like I have been gone more than home, recently. But now that I am home from California, I only have two vacation days left, so I will be saving those!! Too bad that means it's June and I can't go do anything for the rest of the year!! But I'm glad I went home, and that we went to Hawaii. Now I will be able to get into the groove at work, which will be a good thing.
Sean's graduation was great! He played a piano solo and gave a speech. I'm so proud of him! It's hard to believe my LITTLE brother (who is 16 and taller than me! has been for a while!) is now a high school graduate!! awwww!!!!! He's a great brother. I'm excited to see what God has planned for him.
Of course, I also got to see Rowan!!! Man, he is so different from when I saw him in March! He was so tiny, and now he is chubby and has dimples and is SO smiley! He is just a sweetie. He took a little nap on my lap, which warmed my heart, of course! I was more than happy to have Rowan time when I was out. We went out to dinner Thursday night (my mom and Ken, Ian and Kathryn, my grandma and cousin, and Taryn and Kyle) and it was really fun. We went to one of my favorite restaurants - Hibachi (like Benihana, a Japanese steak place where they cook right in front of you on a big griddle-surface). Oh that was delicious!!
Saturday, we went to the Huntington Library and walked around the gardens, which are very extensive and just beautiful! Saturday night I spent with Ian & Kathryn (and Rowan) and Sunday, after breakfast, I left for Wisconsin! All in all, it was a great trip. :)
It feels like I have been gone more than home, recently. But now that I am home from California, I only have two vacation days left, so I will be saving those!! Too bad that means it's June and I can't go do anything for the rest of the year!! But I'm glad I went home, and that we went to Hawaii. Now I will be able to get into the groove at work, which will be a good thing.
Sean's graduation was great! He played a piano solo and gave a speech. I'm so proud of him! It's hard to believe my LITTLE brother (who is 16 and taller than me! has been for a while!) is now a high school graduate!! awwww!!!!! He's a great brother. I'm excited to see what God has planned for him.
Of course, I also got to see Rowan!!! Man, he is so different from when I saw him in March! He was so tiny, and now he is chubby and has dimples and is SO smiley! He is just a sweetie. He took a little nap on my lap, which warmed my heart, of course! I was more than happy to have Rowan time when I was out. We went out to dinner Thursday night (my mom and Ken, Ian and Kathryn, my grandma and cousin, and Taryn and Kyle) and it was really fun. We went to one of my favorite restaurants - Hibachi (like Benihana, a Japanese steak place where they cook right in front of you on a big griddle-surface). Oh that was delicious!!
Saturday, we went to the Huntington Library and walked around the gardens, which are very extensive and just beautiful! Saturday night I spent with Ian & Kathryn (and Rowan) and Sunday, after breakfast, I left for Wisconsin! All in all, it was a great trip. :)
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