So... we are planning on getting sheep! We have land (about 4 acres), and Adam has built a fence, and everything is in process for us to get sheep this summer to raise and then sell.
But that's not really what my post is about.
Adam typically works Monday through Thursday out of town, comes home Thursday night, and has Friday through Sunday off. But their company is really busy right now, so he's been working Monday through Friday out of town. This is less than ideal for me, because it means I'm a "single mom" for an extra day every week (and that extra day does make a difference!), but it's also not cool for Adam, because he has less time at home to get everything done that he normally gets done. :-/ He started to mow last weekend, but a belt broke on the mower, so he had to stop. So now our grass is really long. Like, really long. Joe said to me yesterday, "I like that your lawn looks like a hayfield." Ha! So it's too bad we don't have sheep yet to help us with our hayfield of a lawn.
...for those of you who have never let your lawn get to that point, or who have never seen a hayfield ( = me before I moved to Wisconsin!), basically our grass is going to seed, so it has wheat-like tops on it. Crazy!
24.5.13
14.5.13
Breastfeeding With a Passion
It's been difficult for me to figure out how to say what I want to say. While I disagree with mothers who voluntarily formula-feed their babies, I don't want my words to come across as judgmental at all. I think there are great mothers who breastfeed and great mothers who formula-feed. Especially for those mothers who tried to breastfeed but couldn't, please know that I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. As one of my friends said, things don't always go the way you planned, even though that can be hard to accept.
I hope my passion is not offensive, but that it rather encourages people to learn more or ask questions or maybe just consider breastfeeding if they never thought they would. That being said...
I love breastfeeding. It was difficult (painful and sleep-depriving) the first six weeks or so. Thankfully, it did get easier (even though when you hear that and your toes curl in pain when your baby latches on during those first six weeks, you don't believe it) and now Declan latches on, pain-free, like a pro.
I think that many mothers and mothers-to-be just are not as informed about breastfeeding as they could be. I always knew that I would breastfeed my children, that was never a question for me, but once I researched and learned more, I became passionate about it.
I understand that some women can't physically breastfeed for one reason or another, and I'm so glad we have formula for those instances. What I don't understand is women who just choose to formula feed without giving breastfeeding their best effort first. I hope that doesn't sound judgmental - I'm just saying I don't understand it. Why would I voluntarily choose an option that requires more effort and much more money when there is a nutritionally superior (and vastly cheaper) option available? Granted I'm biased in favor of breastfeeding, but voluntarily formula-feeding just doesn't make logical sense to me.
Anyway, I wanted to offer four tips that I have either learned from experience (you know, because after four months I'm an old hand at breastfeeding! ha!) or have read and incorporated successfully.
1. Just because your baby is eating all the time does NOT mean you don't have enough milk.
Declan breastfed about every two to three hours until he was about two-and-a-half months old, and I know without doubt that I had enough milk, because I was dealing with oversupply. With breastfeeding, you can't really measure how much milk your baby is getting each time they eat, so they may be just eating smaller amounts more frequently. Obviously I would see a doctor if your baby isn't gaining weight or seems unhealthy for one reason or another (which, if that was the case, you could try supplementing breastfeeding with formula while trying to increase your supply, I know one of my friends did that). And if you think that your milk supply seems to be decreasing, it may just be normalizing to the amount your baby actually needs to eat (see this page for additional info).
2. If you are pumping and not getting very much milk, try adjusting the pump.
Maybe this is TMI, but I have one flat and one inverted nipple - in other words, my nipples don't stick out. Because of this, I can't always tell if I'm "centered" properly in the pump. I have found that if I adjust my position in the pump (up or down, make sure it's not too tight, etc) I can get a lot more milk.
3. If you are concerned about milk supply, drink more water.
I have noticed, when pumping, that my milk seems more plentiful when I am staying hydrated. I guess it makes sense - you need liquid to make liquid! I think the key here is to drink water, not soda or coffee (caffeine actually dehydrates you!). I'm not sure about juice, milk, decaf tea or herbal tea, whether they would be hydrating or not. I mean, I'm not saying you have to drink only water, I'm just saying drink more water than you are already drinking. Probably drink more water than you think you need to.
And my last tip?
4. Don't give up without a fight! Obviously, the most important thing is your baby's health, so if you can't breastfeed, I say purchase that formula with confidence, knowing you are doing what's best for your baby. However, don't give up breastfeeding at the first sign of difficulty, or if it's hard the first few weeks. Find help and support, do research, ask questions, try different things. If you can do it, it really is best for you and your baby :-)
Kellymom.com is a great breastfeeding resource... lots of information!!
Ok... I got that off my chest (ha, breastfeeding... chest... punny, right?) I hope I haven't offended any mothers out there. I still want to be friends, even if you disagree with me :-)
So, for anyone who reads this: Did you/do you breastfeed or forumla-feed your baby/ies? Why did you make that decision? For those that breastfeed/fed, I'm also curious to know how long your baby/ies were breastfed, if you don't mind sharing! If you haven't had kids yet, which do you think you'll choose to do and why?
I hope my passion is not offensive, but that it rather encourages people to learn more or ask questions or maybe just consider breastfeeding if they never thought they would. That being said...
I love breastfeeding. It was difficult (painful and sleep-depriving) the first six weeks or so. Thankfully, it did get easier (even though when you hear that and your toes curl in pain when your baby latches on during those first six weeks, you don't believe it) and now Declan latches on, pain-free, like a pro.
I think that many mothers and mothers-to-be just are not as informed about breastfeeding as they could be. I always knew that I would breastfeed my children, that was never a question for me, but once I researched and learned more, I became passionate about it.
I understand that some women can't physically breastfeed for one reason or another, and I'm so glad we have formula for those instances. What I don't understand is women who just choose to formula feed without giving breastfeeding their best effort first. I hope that doesn't sound judgmental - I'm just saying I don't understand it. Why would I voluntarily choose an option that requires more effort and much more money when there is a nutritionally superior (and vastly cheaper) option available? Granted I'm biased in favor of breastfeeding, but voluntarily formula-feeding just doesn't make logical sense to me.
Anyway, I wanted to offer four tips that I have either learned from experience (you know, because after four months I'm an old hand at breastfeeding! ha!) or have read and incorporated successfully.
1. Just because your baby is eating all the time does NOT mean you don't have enough milk.
Declan breastfed about every two to three hours until he was about two-and-a-half months old, and I know without doubt that I had enough milk, because I was dealing with oversupply. With breastfeeding, you can't really measure how much milk your baby is getting each time they eat, so they may be just eating smaller amounts more frequently. Obviously I would see a doctor if your baby isn't gaining weight or seems unhealthy for one reason or another (which, if that was the case, you could try supplementing breastfeeding with formula while trying to increase your supply, I know one of my friends did that). And if you think that your milk supply seems to be decreasing, it may just be normalizing to the amount your baby actually needs to eat (see this page for additional info).
2. If you are pumping and not getting very much milk, try adjusting the pump.
Maybe this is TMI, but I have one flat and one inverted nipple - in other words, my nipples don't stick out. Because of this, I can't always tell if I'm "centered" properly in the pump. I have found that if I adjust my position in the pump (up or down, make sure it's not too tight, etc) I can get a lot more milk.
3. If you are concerned about milk supply, drink more water.
I have noticed, when pumping, that my milk seems more plentiful when I am staying hydrated. I guess it makes sense - you need liquid to make liquid! I think the key here is to drink water, not soda or coffee (caffeine actually dehydrates you!). I'm not sure about juice, milk, decaf tea or herbal tea, whether they would be hydrating or not. I mean, I'm not saying you have to drink only water, I'm just saying drink more water than you are already drinking. Probably drink more water than you think you need to.
And my last tip?
4. Don't give up without a fight! Obviously, the most important thing is your baby's health, so if you can't breastfeed, I say purchase that formula with confidence, knowing you are doing what's best for your baby. However, don't give up breastfeeding at the first sign of difficulty, or if it's hard the first few weeks. Find help and support, do research, ask questions, try different things. If you can do it, it really is best for you and your baby :-)
Kellymom.com is a great breastfeeding resource... lots of information!!
Ok... I got that off my chest (ha, breastfeeding... chest... punny, right?) I hope I haven't offended any mothers out there. I still want to be friends, even if you disagree with me :-)
So, for anyone who reads this: Did you/do you breastfeed or forumla-feed your baby/ies? Why did you make that decision? For those that breastfeed/fed, I'm also curious to know how long your baby/ies were breastfed, if you don't mind sharing! If you haven't had kids yet, which do you think you'll choose to do and why?
26.3.13
Update on life
It's hard to believe that Declan is almost three months old already! He's gotten so big and is such a sweetie. I've been fortunate enough to take 13 weeks off, but that means I go back to work on Monday. :-( it has been so great being with Declan all the time, it's going to be hard to be away from him at all; but at least it'll only be a few days a week. I just love being a mom. It feels so right and natural. Adam is a great dad, and Declan loves spending time with him.
I guess I could go on, but I'll end with this - Adam got me an iPad for Easter!! It is so fun, and it allows me to go online when I'm feeding Declan. We'll see how I do on keeping up with posts now... Who knew that having a kid would take up so much of your free time!? (Joke) :-)
I guess I could go on, but I'll end with this - Adam got me an iPad for Easter!! It is so fun, and it allows me to go online when I'm feeding Declan. We'll see how I do on keeping up with posts now... Who knew that having a kid would take up so much of your free time!? (Joke) :-)
12.1.13
Declan's Birth Story
So I've been MIA recently due to the arrival of Declan Bruce on December 28, 2012!! And pictures will have to wait until I get on our other computer, but for now I wanted to at least get his birth story typed up before I forget things!!
So to recap: December 26 - my doctor said I probably wouldn't go into labor that week. My mom arrived from California.
December 27 - I stayed home from work trying to let my hip rest and heal. I told my mom we would finish packing my hospital bag the next day. Went to bed around 10 but didn't fall asleep.
December 28 - At 1 AM, I had to go to the bathroom really badly. I got up and rushed to the bathroom and just made it before my water broke, although my pajamas got soaked. Yes, I was apparently part of the 10% of women whose water breaks first, just like in the movies. I got giggly and excited at this point, and headed back to my bedroom to put on some clean pajamas and try to sleep since I hadn't had any contractions yet and my amniotic fluid was clear and odorless. Adam was sleeping in the living room because his hip was hurting (and because I took up the whole bed with all my pillows) and caught me walking back to our bedroom naked. He had just woken up, and he asked me why I was taking a shower in the middle of the night. I was too giggly to answer for a minute, so I didn't say anything, and then finally I said, "I think my water broke." That really woke him up, and he came in and laid down and talked with me for a little bit. I called my doula to let her know my water had broken, but she didn't answer, so I texted her. Contractions still hadn't started. I called her again, still no answer, and finally she called back. She told me she was going through something personal (I won't put it on here) and couldn't actually come assist me during labor... and her back-up was also not available! I felt bad for what she was going through, but I was also very frustrated and disappointed - how could my doula not be there? For months, we had counted on having her there! So Adam said he would call the other doula we had interviewed to see if she might be able to come help us last minute. This is still at about 1:20 AM, so he said he would wait to call her so it wasn't so middle-of-the-night. Somewhere around that time, more of my amniotic fluid leaked out - thankfully I had put down some puddle pads so I didn't make a mess!
At 1:30 AM, my contractions started. They were very small and I was just "pretty sure" I was getting contractions. But I knew at that point I wouldn't really be able to sleep, and I didn't want to lay down anymore anyway. So I started walking and Adam put on Captain America to watch to pass the time. I was semi-timing my contractions and they were about 30 seconds long but not too close together. I made it to my favorite part of the movie, which is near the beginning, before I lost interest and had to handle my contractions. I tried a variety of positions, but the ones that worked best were walking and sitting on the toilet. I also got in the shower a couple of times, which was helpful. I tried doing some vocalization in the shower but just wasn't feeling it. We woke my mom around 4:30, and called the doula shortly after that. She didn't answer, so Adam texted her telling her our doula couldn't make it and could she come help us? She called back maybe 20 minutes later and said she could come - HOORAY!! I don't remember what time she arrived, because I was still walking a lot through my contractions and getting very focused. Our doula, Megan, arrived somewhere between 5:30 and 6. I was very focused at this point and Adam was updating her on my labor so far and the timing of the contractions. I was handling some contractions on all fours on the bed, and wanted pressure on my lower back for the pain, so Adam, Megan, and my mom took turns pressing on the area. Just before 6:30, they thought it might be a good time to head to the hospital, which is about 20 minutes away. Adam asked me if I wanted to leave and I said something like, "That's fine." Megan helped me get dressed and Adam and my mom packed the car. I was sitting sideways in the front seat and had some really strong contractions in the car. I also burped a few times and I remember wondering if I was in transition! We got to the hospital at about 7 AM and someone came out with a wheelchair to take me up to the birthing center. They took me straight into an LDR room and did a vaginal exam to see where I was - the nurse said I was between 5 and 6. I almost felt like I was ready to push, so I thought wow, only 5 or 6? I handled some more contractions on the toilet and in the shower (they had a great shower with three shower heads, one aimed directly at your lower back!), and on all fours with more pressure. It felt like 15 minutes and three contractions later when I was ready to push, but apparently it was more like an hour and a half. During this time I started doing vocalizations... the best description I have for them would be "roars." Nice and low pitched but very intense! My throat hurt afterward. The nurse checked me again and said I was at 9 with a lip, but I could start pushing if I wanted to, which I really did. I pushed on all fours and with an egg-shaped labor ball, but it didn't feel very effective, and my doula suggested I push in a squatting position for a few contractions. She or Adam would stand behind me to support me while I pushed and that way they could help me lay down between contractions. The nurse suggested a different way to push that might work better, so I tried it and it felt like it was working. I remember doing a lot of pushing in those positions, and still wanting a lot of counterpressure on my back. I could tell my doula was getting up on the bed and leaning on my back with all of her upper body weight to give me the pressure I wanted, which I really appreciated! The doctor came in a couple of times, and he wanted to see the progress I was making with pushing, so he had me lay on my side for a couple of pushes, with people holding my legs as necessary. I didn't think I would want to push in that position, but once I was there I LOVED it because I could rest very easily between contractions. When his head was crowning, my doctor said I was going to tear, and would I rather tear or have an episiotomy? I really didn't want an episiotomy, but I just couldn't make a decision in my frame of mind, so my doula suggested perineal massage to help, which they did. I think the doctor offered a local anasthetic for him crowning, but I refused. Finally, after about an hour and a half of pushing, Declan Bruce was born! They gave him to me right away and he was very calm and alert. He cried some but for the most part he was just hanging out with Mom :-) He arrived at 9:53 AM on December 28, 2012 (which is Adam's mom's birthday and my grandma's birthday, and the day before my birthday!), 7 lb 15 oz, 21 inches long.
I'm very proud of myself for giving birth naturally with no pain medication - that was my goal and I achieved it :) That being said, I can definitely understand why some women get epidurals!
Other interesting things: Apparently, after his head came out, his shoulders didn't follow immediately, so they were coaching me to really push to get the rest of him out because he was starting to have trouble breathing (I think the umbilical cord was getting pinched?). Once he was born, the umbilical cord was already not pulsing, so my mom cut the cord.
Also, I lost a lot of blood during labor and just afterward. The nurse said that a normal amount of blood loss is up to 150 (whatever measurement they use) and I lost about 700. So even though the placenta delivered fine shortly after Declan was born, they eventually did give me some pitocin to help stop the bleeding, because it wasn't slowing on its own. My doctor said that that sometimes happens with quick labors, that the uterus gets "lazy" afterward... I thought, goodness, it wasn't lazy throughout my pregnancy, I got so many Braxton-Hicks contractions! But about 20 minutes after the pitocin, my bleeding slowed enough that they let me take a shower to clean off. I also had two tears with some stiches. But it was definitely worth it, and in the end I'm glad I didn't get an episiotomy.
Another funny thing - there were three Megans in the room while I was giving birth - me, my doula, and the labor nurse! At one point, just after Declan was born, I remember someone saying, "Megan, do you have any scissors?" And I thought, "I'm pretty sure all I have is my baby."
I believe it was later in he day on the 28th that I realized my back felt sore and bruised where I had been getting the counter pressure, and on the 29th I had a large swollen area there! After some ice and ibuprfin the swelling went way down and the pain was gone; however, two weeks later I still have some slight swelling!!
And where did his name come from? Well, I found Declan online and just thought it was awesome - a strong solid name, but uncommon. And Bruce is my brother's middle name (and apparently my uncle's middle name, my great-grandpa's first name, my great-uncle's middle name, and my second cousin's husband's name... even more of a family name than I realized!!)
So I think that's it... Declan is now here, home, and healthy! Pictures will come soon :-)
So to recap: December 26 - my doctor said I probably wouldn't go into labor that week. My mom arrived from California.
December 27 - I stayed home from work trying to let my hip rest and heal. I told my mom we would finish packing my hospital bag the next day. Went to bed around 10 but didn't fall asleep.
December 28 - At 1 AM, I had to go to the bathroom really badly. I got up and rushed to the bathroom and just made it before my water broke, although my pajamas got soaked. Yes, I was apparently part of the 10% of women whose water breaks first, just like in the movies. I got giggly and excited at this point, and headed back to my bedroom to put on some clean pajamas and try to sleep since I hadn't had any contractions yet and my amniotic fluid was clear and odorless. Adam was sleeping in the living room because his hip was hurting (and because I took up the whole bed with all my pillows) and caught me walking back to our bedroom naked. He had just woken up, and he asked me why I was taking a shower in the middle of the night. I was too giggly to answer for a minute, so I didn't say anything, and then finally I said, "I think my water broke." That really woke him up, and he came in and laid down and talked with me for a little bit. I called my doula to let her know my water had broken, but she didn't answer, so I texted her. Contractions still hadn't started. I called her again, still no answer, and finally she called back. She told me she was going through something personal (I won't put it on here) and couldn't actually come assist me during labor... and her back-up was also not available! I felt bad for what she was going through, but I was also very frustrated and disappointed - how could my doula not be there? For months, we had counted on having her there! So Adam said he would call the other doula we had interviewed to see if she might be able to come help us last minute. This is still at about 1:20 AM, so he said he would wait to call her so it wasn't so middle-of-the-night. Somewhere around that time, more of my amniotic fluid leaked out - thankfully I had put down some puddle pads so I didn't make a mess!
At 1:30 AM, my contractions started. They were very small and I was just "pretty sure" I was getting contractions. But I knew at that point I wouldn't really be able to sleep, and I didn't want to lay down anymore anyway. So I started walking and Adam put on Captain America to watch to pass the time. I was semi-timing my contractions and they were about 30 seconds long but not too close together. I made it to my favorite part of the movie, which is near the beginning, before I lost interest and had to handle my contractions. I tried a variety of positions, but the ones that worked best were walking and sitting on the toilet. I also got in the shower a couple of times, which was helpful. I tried doing some vocalization in the shower but just wasn't feeling it. We woke my mom around 4:30, and called the doula shortly after that. She didn't answer, so Adam texted her telling her our doula couldn't make it and could she come help us? She called back maybe 20 minutes later and said she could come - HOORAY!! I don't remember what time she arrived, because I was still walking a lot through my contractions and getting very focused. Our doula, Megan, arrived somewhere between 5:30 and 6. I was very focused at this point and Adam was updating her on my labor so far and the timing of the contractions. I was handling some contractions on all fours on the bed, and wanted pressure on my lower back for the pain, so Adam, Megan, and my mom took turns pressing on the area. Just before 6:30, they thought it might be a good time to head to the hospital, which is about 20 minutes away. Adam asked me if I wanted to leave and I said something like, "That's fine." Megan helped me get dressed and Adam and my mom packed the car. I was sitting sideways in the front seat and had some really strong contractions in the car. I also burped a few times and I remember wondering if I was in transition! We got to the hospital at about 7 AM and someone came out with a wheelchair to take me up to the birthing center. They took me straight into an LDR room and did a vaginal exam to see where I was - the nurse said I was between 5 and 6. I almost felt like I was ready to push, so I thought wow, only 5 or 6? I handled some more contractions on the toilet and in the shower (they had a great shower with three shower heads, one aimed directly at your lower back!), and on all fours with more pressure. It felt like 15 minutes and three contractions later when I was ready to push, but apparently it was more like an hour and a half. During this time I started doing vocalizations... the best description I have for them would be "roars." Nice and low pitched but very intense! My throat hurt afterward. The nurse checked me again and said I was at 9 with a lip, but I could start pushing if I wanted to, which I really did. I pushed on all fours and with an egg-shaped labor ball, but it didn't feel very effective, and my doula suggested I push in a squatting position for a few contractions. She or Adam would stand behind me to support me while I pushed and that way they could help me lay down between contractions. The nurse suggested a different way to push that might work better, so I tried it and it felt like it was working. I remember doing a lot of pushing in those positions, and still wanting a lot of counterpressure on my back. I could tell my doula was getting up on the bed and leaning on my back with all of her upper body weight to give me the pressure I wanted, which I really appreciated! The doctor came in a couple of times, and he wanted to see the progress I was making with pushing, so he had me lay on my side for a couple of pushes, with people holding my legs as necessary. I didn't think I would want to push in that position, but once I was there I LOVED it because I could rest very easily between contractions. When his head was crowning, my doctor said I was going to tear, and would I rather tear or have an episiotomy? I really didn't want an episiotomy, but I just couldn't make a decision in my frame of mind, so my doula suggested perineal massage to help, which they did. I think the doctor offered a local anasthetic for him crowning, but I refused. Finally, after about an hour and a half of pushing, Declan Bruce was born! They gave him to me right away and he was very calm and alert. He cried some but for the most part he was just hanging out with Mom :-) He arrived at 9:53 AM on December 28, 2012 (which is Adam's mom's birthday and my grandma's birthday, and the day before my birthday!), 7 lb 15 oz, 21 inches long.
I'm very proud of myself for giving birth naturally with no pain medication - that was my goal and I achieved it :) That being said, I can definitely understand why some women get epidurals!
Other interesting things: Apparently, after his head came out, his shoulders didn't follow immediately, so they were coaching me to really push to get the rest of him out because he was starting to have trouble breathing (I think the umbilical cord was getting pinched?). Once he was born, the umbilical cord was already not pulsing, so my mom cut the cord.
Also, I lost a lot of blood during labor and just afterward. The nurse said that a normal amount of blood loss is up to 150 (whatever measurement they use) and I lost about 700. So even though the placenta delivered fine shortly after Declan was born, they eventually did give me some pitocin to help stop the bleeding, because it wasn't slowing on its own. My doctor said that that sometimes happens with quick labors, that the uterus gets "lazy" afterward... I thought, goodness, it wasn't lazy throughout my pregnancy, I got so many Braxton-Hicks contractions! But about 20 minutes after the pitocin, my bleeding slowed enough that they let me take a shower to clean off. I also had two tears with some stiches. But it was definitely worth it, and in the end I'm glad I didn't get an episiotomy.
Another funny thing - there were three Megans in the room while I was giving birth - me, my doula, and the labor nurse! At one point, just after Declan was born, I remember someone saying, "Megan, do you have any scissors?" And I thought, "I'm pretty sure all I have is my baby."
I believe it was later in he day on the 28th that I realized my back felt sore and bruised where I had been getting the counter pressure, and on the 29th I had a large swollen area there! After some ice and ibuprfin the swelling went way down and the pain was gone; however, two weeks later I still have some slight swelling!!
And where did his name come from? Well, I found Declan online and just thought it was awesome - a strong solid name, but uncommon. And Bruce is my brother's middle name (and apparently my uncle's middle name, my great-grandpa's first name, my great-uncle's middle name, and my second cousin's husband's name... even more of a family name than I realized!!)
So I think that's it... Declan is now here, home, and healthy! Pictures will come soon :-)
26.12.12
The Un-Update
39 weeks today! Hip still not good. Better than it was initially but it still hurts :-( I got in to see the chiro on Friday, which I think helped, but now it's kind of plateau-ing. This really needs to get better. And Adam's knees are bothering him - so we are both LAME (get it!!). Saw the doctor last Wednesday, measured 37 cm, was up to about 151 lbs. Baby was still really high. Went again today, still measured 37 cm, lost about a pound and a half (which both the nurse and the doctor said was unusual over the holidays!), and had my first vaginal exam (I was too curious to wait until next week)... the exam confirmed pretty much what I was thinking - 1cm dilated, 0% effaced, and Baby is at -4 station (is that wording right?). So the doctor said he probably won't come this week. Which is somewhat disappointing, because obviously I want to meet him, but it's also kind of a good thing (if he's right), because it will hopefully give my hip more time to heal before labor. My doctor will also be gone the 1st and 2nd, may be here on the 3rd, so part of me is also hoping that Baby decides to come when he's around so I don't have to deal with a random doctor for delivery!! Kathryn said that if Baby was born on the 5th, he and Rowan would be exactly 10 months apart, which would be kind of cool :) Anyway... that's me trying to look at the bright side!! Oh also, I had a slight pinkish discharge Christmas morning (TMI, I know), and the doctor said that's a good sign - means my cervix is getting ready for labor.
Christmas was good. I got some really nice glass mixing bowls (they were on my wish list!) and an entire waterless cooking pot and pan set from Adam, and an ice cream maker (also on my wish list!!) from Roger and Diane. I think Adam really liked his gifts, too.
My mom gets in to Milwaukee tonight. It will be really nice having her here. I pick her up tonight, and Erin is coming with me so I'm not by myself. Adam would not do very well sitting in the car for three hours with his injured legs.
Annnnnnd three days until my birthday!! :-D
Christmas was good. I got some really nice glass mixing bowls (they were on my wish list!) and an entire waterless cooking pot and pan set from Adam, and an ice cream maker (also on my wish list!!) from Roger and Diane. I think Adam really liked his gifts, too.
My mom gets in to Milwaukee tonight. It will be really nice having her here. I pick her up tonight, and Erin is coming with me so I'm not by myself. Adam would not do very well sitting in the car for three hours with his injured legs.
Annnnnnd three days until my birthday!! :-D
17.12.12
It's not what you think...
So yesterday at church, I was trying to rush from one building to another before Sunday school. I'm sure you can imagine how good I am at rushing while walking right now (aka I probably think I'm rushing but I'm moving at the same exact speed as when I'm not rushing)... but anyway, "rush" I did, and I think I pulled a muscle in my left hip. It's very uncomfortable and it's making me limp, but I'm sure because of my unborn child people just think it's the pregnant waddle. I'm not waddling!! If I was waddling, or it was due to my pregnancy, I'd be ok with that, and I would admit it... but since I'm just limping, I don't want people to think I'm waddling when I'm not yet!! Silly but frustrating. And painful. I just hope it feels better before I go into labor, because I don't want to have to deal with this limp AND, you know, giving birth.
Unrelated, yesterday (for a while, actually) I wanted chocolate-covered pretzels. My favorites are at Trader Joe's, but it's been a while since I've been there, so I checked at our local grocery store. The only ones I could find were chocolate-flavored covered pretzels... super sketchy!! What does chocolate-flavored even mean besides GROSS/fake?? So I decided to make my own! I think I can figure out a better way, but what I did was melt chocolate chips with a little bit of butter, drop a pretzel into the choclate-filled bowl, and then fished it out with a fork to tap off the excess, and let it set/cool on wax paper. It took a while, but it got me some chocolate covered pretzels! I probably should have done the rods/stick pretzels so I could dip them easier... maybe next time :)
Unrelated, yesterday (for a while, actually) I wanted chocolate-covered pretzels. My favorites are at Trader Joe's, but it's been a while since I've been there, so I checked at our local grocery store. The only ones I could find were chocolate-flavored covered pretzels... super sketchy!! What does chocolate-flavored even mean besides GROSS/fake?? So I decided to make my own! I think I can figure out a better way, but what I did was melt chocolate chips with a little bit of butter, drop a pretzel into the choclate-filled bowl, and then fished it out with a fork to tap off the excess, and let it set/cool on wax paper. It took a while, but it got me some chocolate covered pretzels! I probably should have done the rods/stick pretzels so I could dip them easier... maybe next time :)
14.12.12
My Visit to Cairo
I mean to the Chiro... pretty much the same thing, right? ;-D
Apparently I don't have any torque in my uterus, which is good. And, once again, he said I don't need to change or remove anything, yay! He asked me if I had any varicose veins (no) or if I have noticed any swelling in my legs at the end of the day (no again). I told him I had gained weight in my legs (besides boobs and baby/belly, that's where my weight gain has been), but he said that is fine/normal. And he said my weight gain - about 33 pounds all told as of my last appointment - is fine. He again predicted a fast labor/birth, so I'm hoping he's right! Not TOO fast, but I'd rather not be in labor for more than 24 hours...
Hospital birth class tonight and tomorrow... it would be really good if Baby waited until at least after this weekend to show up so we can take the tour and know where to go in the hospital when he arrives :)
Apparently I don't have any torque in my uterus, which is good. And, once again, he said I don't need to change or remove anything, yay! He asked me if I had any varicose veins (no) or if I have noticed any swelling in my legs at the end of the day (no again). I told him I had gained weight in my legs (besides boobs and baby/belly, that's where my weight gain has been), but he said that is fine/normal. And he said my weight gain - about 33 pounds all told as of my last appointment - is fine. He again predicted a fast labor/birth, so I'm hoping he's right! Not TOO fast, but I'd rather not be in labor for more than 24 hours...
Hospital birth class tonight and tomorrow... it would be really good if Baby waited until at least after this weekend to show up so we can take the tour and know where to go in the hospital when he arrives :)
Pregnancy Math
37 weeks + 2 days =
Greek yogurt for breakfast = bad heartburn
Cheddar Cheese + bread = really bad heartburn
7up = temporary relief
Having Baby = Relief until next pregnancy!!
 |
| My shirt doesn't quite cover the belly... don't worry, I have a tank top on underneath |
Cheddar Cheese + bread = really bad heartburn
7up = temporary relief
Having Baby = Relief until next pregnancy!!
12.12.12
Ready to go/37 weeks
I finally got Baby's car seat installed (thank you, fire department!!), so he can officially arrive any day now. When that will be however, is still a mystery... it would have been awesome if he arrived today - 12/12/12 - but since it's already late afternoon, I think we'll have to wait at least one more day.
Had my 37 week appointment yesterday. I didn't have the doctor check my dilation/effacement because I didn't want to stress myself out unnecessarily. I might have him check if I get to 40 weeks, we'll see. But he measured me and I was at 35 cm (same as last time!), Baby's heartbeat was 148. He predicted that Baby will be around 8 pounds, and said that he seems like he is still head down. Not much else to say, 38 week appointment next Wednesday if I don't have Baby before then. I think he'll wait until after that, but what do I know! :-)
That's about it... except a random customer I was helping said, "You're just so cute!" to me, which made me smile.
Had my 37 week appointment yesterday. I didn't have the doctor check my dilation/effacement because I didn't want to stress myself out unnecessarily. I might have him check if I get to 40 weeks, we'll see. But he measured me and I was at 35 cm (same as last time!), Baby's heartbeat was 148. He predicted that Baby will be around 8 pounds, and said that he seems like he is still head down. Not much else to say, 38 week appointment next Wednesday if I don't have Baby before then. I think he'll wait until after that, but what do I know! :-)
That's about it... except a random customer I was helping said, "You're just so cute!" to me, which made me smile.
6.12.12
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)