Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day...
Valentine's Day came quick this year. Maybe it's just because I had Chase 8 weeks ago.
I decided to take Chase to get some photos done up as cupid to surprise Mickey. It'd make for a great gift in my eyes. Maybe I just wanted them for myself.. But Mickey got me Tivo for a Valentine's gift.. Maybe he got that for himself, though he'll never admit it.. ha ha ha ha..
Don't get me wrong, I love it.. I just need a new huge screen HD tv now to enjoy with some kick ass surround sound system... hint hint.. Ok... my birthday is coming up in a month... hee hee...
So this place I took Chase was called, "The Picture People". They are located all over the US. And it's definately not easy to pick out just one photo. Not at all. And they aren't exactly cheap. But when I think about it.. It's only about 3 dollars more per 8x10 than the lab I use for my photos.
Here's a little insight to all you who love to get professional photos done. If you are the tiniest bit computer savvy. DON'T fall for the full packages any photo studio offers. Seriously. If you have a scanner. Only purchase the 8 x 10's. Then scan it into your computer, and print 5 x 7's or wallets sizes out of your printer. Good photo printers are cheap, and the quality is awesome!! But you can't scan a wallet or 5 x 7 and make it look good when you print it out, and you can't print it 8 x 10....
The other two photos I bought..
aaaahhhhhhhhhhh....
Thursday, February 3, 2005
what's all the fuss about??
I was just inspired by
... She was writing about frustrations on motherhood. I personally never thought I could be frustrated, but I was wrong. Monday, Chase was having a bad day. I still think he's teething. But no matter what I did, he would not stop crying.
I was about to pull my hair out. Already 3 pm and I had not had a bite to eat. Every time Chase would fall asleep and I'd try to lay him down, he'd wake up and cry. It was the first time I felt like yelling.. STOP CRYING! I wish he could tell me what's wrong.
He's been fine since then.. But last night, again, he was having some issues.. Screaming like he's in pain. I'm not sure what's wrong. I think I have a good idea though. I've noticed if he doesn't get to sleep during the day, he's fussy at night. And come to think about it.. He maybe slept a total of an hour from 10am till midnight. Definately needed some sleep! But once he got to sleep, he didn't wake up until 6:30 am, and that was probably me checking to see if he had a dirty diaper, then it woke him up.. Poor little guy.
nap time for Chase
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Chase sees himself..
Chase is finally at the point where he smiles because he wants to. It's amazing to see his face light up and this huge smile clear across his face when we talk to him. It's beautiful!
Yesterday Chase was in his swing before Mickey went to work. He started to get a little impatient, then Mickey showed him a mirror. Chase stoppedd his little whining, and look at himself.. Cooed.. Smiled. Made faces.. and just chatted away at himself. It was the funniest thing.
He's definately going to be a ham.. enjoying the spotlight, the center of attention.. Of course he is..after all...look who his parents are.. ha haha..
Monday, January 31, 2005
The heart specialist update..
Ok.. note to self...Next time I know I've got to take Chase to visit the heart specialist..It's not a good idea to put any lotions or oils on him.. DUH... it's really obvious now that I think about it.. but at the time.. I just bathed him, and rubbed him down with lotion for his little mini massage.
We got to the specialist a little late. It was raining, and of course they couldn't make a parking structure in the building we needed to go into.. It was across the street, attached to it's twin building. Needless to say by the time we figured out where to go, it was a little passed our appointment time. Fortunately, there was still one person ahead of us, and it didn't seem to matter much.
Chase has been staying up most of the afternoon now. So he was wide awake for his appointment. He's 10 pounds 6 ounces and 23 inches long now. He's growing very quickly! The nurse needed to do his EKG, and while she was hooking all these little wires to him, I was getting sad. Then I couldn't help but laugh becuase the little wiggle worm, was wiggling his way out of them. Dumb me, with the lotion, made those little sticky things not stick. I told her I could wipe him down, so the lotion is mostly removed, but before I even blinked an eye, the test was completed. She then checked his lung compacity and air intake by putting this little tiny band (much like a blood pressure band) around his ankle, and that too was done quickly.
The doctor finally came in. And said he looked great! Said everything was going well. and that the hole in his heart was at least half the size as when he was born. But she still wanted to do a sonogram to see it.
It was neat. We got to see his heart. The hole. How his heart was pumping blood. She said it was unlikely that he would be going into any cardiac arrest now. And that it's a good possibilty the hole will completely close up on it's own, with no surgeory required. So we'll need to go back for a follow up visit in 6 months.
That was great news. She said he'll be able to play sports and do all the normal stuff with no worries. But since he does have VSD, we need to keep a card on us incase he needs any treatments . So any dental work, anything having to do with his lungs or throat and any gastro stuff will require a dose of anti-biotics first.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
talking babies..
So I don't exactly know when it is that a child starts talking. Most books are just guide lines, and I'm quickly learning that just because someone has written or spoken about the developmental milestones to use as guidelines are not absolute truth. Each individual will develop at his own pace. Some quicker, some later. That doesn't mean the late bloomer is less smarter.
I seem to remember Drew was born saying "Mawm". All the nurses at the hospital couldn't believe it. He was talking by 6 months. And actually carrying kid conversations by 1 year. And Chase.. I think he was born saying "Owww". And now when he's crying, I swear I hear him saying "Mamma", "Dad" and "Hungry". Of course, a parent can make whatever it is they want to out of a cry or a coo and gurggle.
I know of some children over a year, who still don't talk. But can communicate whatever way it is that they developed with thier Mothers.
I recently went to Mickey's work to show off the baby. And one of the women there, was telling me that she taught her daughter sign language, so that she would be able to communicate with her, and know what was wrong or needed. I found this fascinating. Something new for me to try.
Mickey bought me a book of signing for infants. And much to my surprise, they say that you can start teaching your child to sign at 7 months. Now, I'm hoping to be able to communicate with Chase way before then, and that he will be talking of some kind. Actually, I think he communicates with me pretty good now.
I was hoping to teach him to sign now. While he can't talk. But I guess I was just kidding myself. I dont know what I was thinking. I found some useful hand gestures, that I'm using while I'm talking to him. For hungry, tummy ache, bottle.. Maybe, by some chance.
I guess what I'm wondering is that if I teach him to sign, do you think it will impair his ability to speak later? I wouldn't mind teaching him to sign as a second language, like Spanish, French and Italian. But I'm starting to think, maybe he'll just point and sign instead. Any opinions on this would be great.
? Chase in his first pair of jeans ?
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
things i had to find out for myself..
Ever need to go to a baby shower and wonder what would be the perfect gift? Are you an expectant first time Mother and aren't exactly sure what you need for your little arrival?
I was over whelmed with all the things I could buy while I was pregnant. I wanted everything. Cute things... Things that seemed necessary... Educational stuff.. Diaper stuff... etc.. ( by the way, there seems to be alot more cute clothes out there for little girls, than little boys). I bought a few newborn outfits, till Gina told me how big her kids were when they were born, and that she had to bring them home in 6 month sizes. So I made sure I had a few bigger sizes, then I had a feeling I'd have the baby earlier, so I bought a couple preemie things too.
I feel like I wasted alot of money on stuff I didn't even use.. or need. And there's stuff I never got that I wish I did.
So.. here are my tips for all of you out there.
Onesies.. you really can not have enough of them. The long sleeve ones with that can cover the hands were most useful, to the newborn.
The front snappy shirts are were my fave. Because of the belly button healing. But they slide up, so they aren't great for the night. But are perfect now, because Chase doesn't really like clothes. So a shirt and a diaper is his fave way to be.
Little hand mittens so they don't scratch thier faces. But after a few weeks. I stopped putting them on. Not just because Chases hands are soo big, but because he was constantly trying to stick his hands in his mouth. And then I found out that it's important for them to be able to suck on their hands / fingers for their developement.. Besides, all he did was suck on his hands while he was in my belly.
All those cute little clothes, WASTE of money. The babies are too delicate to put in and take out of them. I mean, 3-6 months is a different story, but those newborn ones...I did'nt use too much and now he's outgrown them.
Not to mention those outfits with collars, or snap in the back.. Big no no. At least for me. All the babies do is lay. It's very uncomfortable for them to lay on them. At least that's what I think.
Those sweet pea sleepers.. the long gowns. My favorite. I didn't have enough of them, so I went to buy more. Very easy to change the baby.
Socks.. Plain little white booties. All those other cute ones.. way too tight, leaving marks on Chase's legs.
Wash cloths and recieving blankets.. From my baby showers, I got soooo many. Over 20. We thought, what the heck are we going to do with all these blankets.. And now, I think I need to go buy more, becuase I go through soooo many.
But those soft blankets..I still have packed away, becuase up to 3 months, the babies shouldn't lay on any soft bedding, because of SIDS.
Little pants... I only had 3 of them. I love them. They are like little sweats or something easy to get on and take off, and for him to sleep in.
The baby bath robe.. I love it!!
Bibs.. you can't have too many!
Little beanie style hats.. LOVE them.
Diapers... Pampers newborns were the only ones that didn't leak. But Luvs were the only ones that had a little cut out for the belly button.
Books... I read to Chase every day. And I only got one book of Childrens stories for the baby shower. So I spent a ton of money at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon buy books.
I didn't get any scrap books or photo albums.. Much to my disappointment.
My fave.baby wipes are made by Johnson's and Johnsons.
My fave. baby care products are by Aveeno. I dont care much for the other stuff.
Hmm... I sure there's more.. but that's all I can think of for now 
Monday, January 24, 2005
teeth or no teeth...?
Well... after a weekend of fussiness, I took Chase to the doctors this morning. Just to be sure he didn't have an ear infection and find out if he was teething or not.
First of all. I really like our pediatrician. I could not have found a better one. The whole pediatric center is great, run by 4 doctors. Our doctor though is pregnant. She told me today that she's hoping to work till the end of Feb. Apparently she's having some complications with her pregnancy. Her due date isn't until May. So I'm hoping the covering pediatrician is as wonderful and patient as she is.
Chase has gained more weight! He weighed in at 10 pounds .09 ounces. And she's says he's doing very well. There were no signs of any infection. And while she can't seem to explain all the drool so soon, she doesn't think he's teething. Though I beg to differ, should he pop out some teeth in the next month, would not surprise me.
She did mention that Chase's heart mummur was louder. And offered up a couple different possibilites as to why. She said that when the holes close up as they heal, the sound gets louder. Or it could be that she examined him sitting up on my lap, instead of laying down, which just made it louder than before. She didn't think there was anything to worry about. But still, we have our appointment with the heart specialist on Friday. It, of course, just gave me something more to worry about.
I take a deep breath, and try not to worry. I suffer from minor bouts of anxiety as it is..
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The baby gets a bath..
I know.. I've been meaning to fill everyone in on the details of the birthing experience, but it just seems like one things happens after another, and then before you know it, 5 1/2 weeks past.
So here are the quick updates, and I promise soon, the whole experience will be posted.
Chase went to his follow up one month appointment last week. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces. and 22.25 inches long. He's a big guy. Even the cashier at Target thought he was at least 2 months yesterday when we went to pick up some diapers.
He's developing rather quickly. Since he was about 2 days old, he's been lifting his head. He now holds his head up for awhile, and can turn it from side to side. Of course we have to be quick, because he's sooo wiggley, we dont want anything happening to him.
He's very strong. If he's laying on his back and you put your fingers in front for him to cluch on to, he will try to pull himself up. And if his feet are near anything, he'll extend and push himself up or forward, or away.
He hates being wet. But the pee pee king, pees sooo much , we are constantly changing his diaper, and he doesn't always like that, even more so than he hates being wet. With a little luck, I'm hoping as soon as he's able to sit up by himself, I can start potty training him.. (yeah right).
His eyes are still very blue, and his hair is finally coming in. It looks like it's going to be a medium blonde. Very fine.. At times I think it will be curly and other times I think it's going to be straight.
He got his first real bath the other day. He seemed to like it alot. Unlike the first sponge bath I gave him. The second the water hit his skin, he screamed as if someone was hurting him. But now, he takes his bath.. I put him in his robe, I give him a little massage, then I dress him. He loves it.
Here he is waving hi... hee hee.
We've gone through about 4 or 5 different formulas. Right now he's on this Alimentum. Not cow's milk, and not soy milk. It's expensive and it has the worst smell.. Hopefully after his next Dr. appointment, they'll swith him to something else.
This coming Friday is his follow up appointment with the heart specialist. They'll be checking up on his VSD. She told us at the hospital when he was first born, that this is rather common and isn't really anything to worry about, but I'm a worry wart to begin with, so all I do is worry.
We have a new nickname for him. The drooly king. Because he drools sooo much. And he seems to be showing the signs of teething. I know it sounds impossible, but this whole weekend he's been slightly fussy. Drooling soo much he doesn't know what to do with it, and has even swallowed too much drool at was, he's coughed to clear his throat. He does'nt have a fever, but anything that goes near his face/mouth, automatically goes into his mouth for him to suck on. He's starting to suck on his fingers, slowly trying to find his thumb, but he's already given himself two arm hickeys sucking soo hard while being burped or in his sleep. (silly little guy). He went to bed last night sort of tugging at his throat, and this morning he was tugging at his ears.
But the thing that seems most amazing is that there appears to be a tooth cutting through. Really, on the bottom there is a white dot poking out. And when I run my fingers across it, it's hard like a tooth. Gina mentioned it might be a mouth ulcer. I'm not familar with what mouth ulcers look like. But I'm almost positive this is a tooth. Not just that one, but one on the top and one next to this one, seem to look like they are breaking through. I tried calling the doctors exchange, but only the doctor on call for the weekend will return the call. He hasn't been fussy much today, so first thing tomorrow morning I'm calling the doctors office trying to get him in to have it checked out.
He's starting to wake up now.. I'll post more later. Have a lovely day!!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
It's been a trying past 2 weeks...
I'm not sure if I should rename this blog or add new entries to my "day in the life..." blog, since I had my baby 2 weeks ago..
I've meant to update this blog, telling the whole birthing experience, but 2 days after we were released from the hospital we had to go back in so Chase could under go photo therapy for jaundice. The pediatrician who was on staff at the hospital never mentioned to us that Chase had any sort of jaundice or what to look for if it got worse.
At his follow up appointment everything was going good. He grew almost 2 inches but lost a couple ounces of weight. Then the doctor mentioned she wanted me to go to the hospital to get his blood drawn to check his billirubin count, the jaundice level.
I didn't know how they with drew blood from infants, but they lance thier feet, the heels, then squeeze the blood out into a little vial. It was tramatic for me. No joke, I cried when he screamed.
Less than 2 hours later I recieved a call from the doctor. His billi level was at 17.4, she wanted to admit him right away into the hospital. I live 22 miles from the hospital I delivered at. The pediatrician is right next to the hospital. My heart dropped because I wasn't sure what was going on. And jumped into my car to head back to the hospital.
We got there around 4:45pm on Tuesday evening. After they admited us from the paperwork, it took almost 2 hours of us waiting in the admiting area before we got a room. You'll understand once you read the whole birthing experience.. The hospital experience was nothing shy of a Twilight Zone experience, and this was proving to be nothing short of the same thing.
Once we were taken to our room, the nurse was yelling at me because we were admited at 5:05 pm and it was well after 7pm before we got to our room. I started yellling back in tears it wasn't our fault.
The doctor was waiting for us, not understanding why it took us so long, but alas we were there. They stripped him of all his clothes, covered up his eyes and stuck him under the lights. They had a bed for me next to him. I spent the next 2 days crying my eyes out. Feeding him every 2 hours, not sleeping, just reading to him... talking to him and holding his hand.
The next morning my mom came to visit us. She brought me some food. I still couldn't eat. They took his blood again in the morning. His billi level dropped to 13. Good sign.
Then my mom noticed a huge spider on the floor near the baby. It was a baby trantula. No joke. Once the nursing staff got a look at it.. they could not believe thier eyes. One nurse trying stepping on it.. but it jumped onto the sheet covering half the baby thing. After a few stomping attempts they finally killed it. The doctor happened to be there and immediately ordered the cleaning lady into to clean the room.
I had to leave for an hour to go to my doctor on Wed. to get my staples removed. I"ve forgotten that I had a c-section. My adrenaline kicked in, and you'd never be able to tell I just had major surgeory. My doctor yelled at me for driving. Explaining that I shouldn't been moving too much or driving for 3-4 weeks. Oooops. I've had no help, and no rest since the day I brought the baby home from the hospital. And now it's no different. I just hope that I healed properly, and at my next doctor appointed, I dont find out I damaged myself.
I cried having to leave the baby.. I cried at my doctors office...and cried when I got back to the baby.
Thursday morning they bled him again... His billi level was down to 10. Good news , we get to go home. But they shot him up with anti-biotics (because of his VSD) in preparation for his circumcision. They did the circumsion at 10 am.. And we got the official discharge papers at 4pm-ish. YEAY..
Here's a photo of Chase in his car seat at the hospital, as I was telling him we are going home:
I love this little guy.. He's the best thing in the whole world. Aside from last night..he's never been a fussy baby.
We had our first appointment with our new pediatrician, who located alot closer, the next city over , a couple days ago.
We checked his billi levels again, and got a call that it had went up slightly. But they tell me not to worry. Just that we are going to monitor him. And that even with the levels he was at before, they probably wouldn't have chosen the billi lights. Only that he was 3 weeks early, is why the first pediatrician chose to do it.
He's still at 21 inches, but had lost a few more ounces. Not quite a pound, but still enough to be concerned. Now we are feeding every 3 hours. Trying to make sure he gets enough sleep. And looking forward to every poopy diaper I get. They pass the billirubin through the stool.
I think this whole experience has proven quite tramatic for me. But for Chase, he still smiles and flashes his dimples.. He's very alert. Has been lifting his head since I"ve brought him home. And even rolls on his side already. This are things they are supposed to start doing at 3 weeks to 1 month. And he's still considered a preemie, which they say usually takes preemies longer to catch up. I'm amazed every day.
He loves hearing baby Beethoven.. Which by the way, he shares a birthday with Beethoven. And he lovees being read to. He stays awake usually for about 2 to 3 hours at a time. But today, he's been catching up on his sleep, becuase I dont think he got very much sleep at all yesterday or last night.
We've got a doctors appointment very early tomorrow morning. To check his weight. We are hoping for some weight gain.. And to ask more questions to our concerns..
So... I'll catch up on the whole birthing experience very soon. Things seem to becoming a little more settled and routine.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year!!
Monday, December 20, 2004
Birth announcement...
Hi everyone...
It finally happened! 3 weeks early, but it happened. Via emergency ( or very quick ) C-Section...
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 6:52pm I gave birth to Chase Michael. 8 pounds 2 ounces, 19.5 inches long.
I'll be posting the whole experience , which is nothing short of a Twilight Zone episode over the next week. For now, while I collect my thoughts and try to cut down the whole 20+ page novel, I've put together a quick story told with photos .
Enjoy, and the full story will arrive soon...
Drew just arrived at the hospital 15 mins before surgery....
Mickey gets there just in time to turn into the "marshmellow man", take a few pictures, then off we go...
ok... I guess I'm ready... let's go.........
half a day old... the first photo comes..
a day old.. my first photo by myself...
Santa Clause happened to be at the hospital, and my big brother Drew too..
I dont know why they like this silly little hat...
everyone was really worried this crazy cat, Shibby would'nt like me.. but she came right up and gave me a big ole kitty kiss as soon as I got home.. she's been very protective of me since...
more to come....
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
No relief in sight... UGH..
Ok, I think I'm fairing very well throughout this pregnancy. It's getting difficult to move around, that's to be expected. It's getting harder to get comfortable, and to sleep... all to be expected. Even heartburn, I expected.. But what I didn't expect, is how horrible this heart burn is...
There seems to be no relief at all. I've tried tums, several different varietys. I chew the maximum amount. I already went through the bottle of mylanta my doctor prescribed for me during my earlier visits. I just bought a bottle of mylanta at the drug store, and still it doesn't help. I haven't taken the maximum dosage, because I'm afraid to. But I've taken more than half the daily dosage.
I just read the label on the Mylanta, and see that one of the main ingredients is Aluminum. That terrifies me. Really. I hear that aluminum in products can lead to Alzheimers .. I use deodorant from Orgins that doesn't contain any aluminum. I especially didn't want to use it during my pregnancy, now I feel like I've just regressed in what I didn't want to use for whatever reasons I may I have had.
I belong to several baby websites.. babyfit, baby zone, baby center, etc.. that are all geared towards healthy pregnancies. I've read all the articles I could possibly find on heartburn. I only eat small meals.. I dont eat late at night.. In fact, I just drink water, and that alone will trigger heartburn. I dont know what to do...
My throat is soo sore from all the reflux burning. I mentioned to my doctor last visit that I had heartburn and she just said " take some tums" great.. It's gotten sooo bad this past week, it's not even funny. It's something I'll definately bring to her attention again on my next visit, but that's about 10 away... OUCH.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me??
I've even read Louise Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life" and turned toward the beliefs that cause heartburn, and it says Fear.. OK.. I get the mantra... perhaps I need to recite it more, but I'm too forgetful..
Monday, December 6, 2004
The latest...
Well, I had my doctors appointment on Friday. Everything went well. But the baby is laying breech. She said it didn't matter because we were doing a c-section anyway. But I think it's putting alot of stress on my body. I haven't evenly distrubuted the weight. It's mostly in my belly. Though I'm starting to see some weight gain on my legs and thighs. Or it could be my knees and ankles and feet just starting to swell slightly.
I've gained 35 pounds so far. She tells me not to gain anymore weight, ha ha ha... How can I prevent that from happening?? I've still got 3 weeks to go!!
She's estimating that the baby weighs about 7 pounds already. Sheesh.. My first son Drew was 7 pounds 6 ounces when he was born. So this is going to be one big baby!
I'm starting to get very uncomfortable. I can't sleep a full night. Can't sit to long, becuase the baby has not dropped, and laying sideways, he's pushing right up on my lungs and rib cage.. OUCH. He gets the hiccups alot, I'm wondering if there is anything to worry about? Or if it's just normal...
I still dont think I can physically carry this baby till Jan. 3rd. But the doctor assures me if I go into labor before 36 weeks, she will try everything to stop it. Good thing I'm at 35 weeks now. She suggested two dates for the c-section, one in December and then Jan. 3rd. I might take her up on that December delivery.
I've got crazy heartburn. I try everything they suggest, small meals.. nothing spicy.. simply drinking water can trigger it. I can't take vitamins anymore or iron pills becuase they make me sick. So I'm trying to eat as nutritious as I can. Not always easy.
I'm still working, but I think I need to take some time off, becuase I'm starting to waddle around, and even lifting a couple plates is becoming somewhat of a challenge. I just can't afford to take time off yet.
Trying to Christmas shop and prepare for the baby's arrivals is proving to be a challenge in itself. It will all be worth it in a couple weeks, I know. I'm anxious. I want to hold him, see him, play with him, get to know him.. I want to be able to walk normal again. ha ha ha ha..
I dont see the doctor again until December 17th. I thought I'd be seeing the doctor once a week, but I guess the 2 week mark is good enough for her. But if I dont feel better by the end of the week, I'll schedule an appointment later this week ... OUCH...
Monday, November 22, 2004
almost no more itching...
I think I figured out a sort of cure for my itchy stretching skin.. Olive Oil. I know, it sounds weird, but while I was itching like crazy, none of these lotions I had bought for my skin or for stretch marks worked. I finally marched into my kitchen, got about a tablespoon of olive oil, and slathered it all over my belly. Voila! The itching finally stopped.
I figured it must be good for you, because sooo many products contain olive oil. The only down side to it, is that olive oil has a slight scent. So I tend to only use it a couple times a week and in the evening , unless I'm going to shower soon after.
Another thing I found that works is Palmers Bottom Butter, made for babies with diaper rash. Yes, the bottom butter on my belly.. What a relief. And it's got a slight cocoa butter smell, I love it. And no more itch.
I was thinking.... babies are constantly gaining weight, or losing weight, stretching and growing. And these baby products seem to prevent stretch marks, so I started using the baby products which are all mostly under 10 dollars, as to products that are made for preventative stretch marks priced started 25 dollars and higher, which main ingredient is water, so it's not really even potent enough to do anything.
We'll see... I don't seem to have stretch marks at least not bad enough to notice, so far. Just itch,, itch, itch. Still... stretch marks can come after the baby is delivered and the skin is shrinking...
Sunday, November 21, 2004
5:30 am ???
I went to my doctors appointment on Friday. My blood pressure is normal. My weight gain is normal. Though I'm carrying 140 pounds, it's starting to take it's toll on my bones...
I think my belly is huge. Even my doctor thinks I'm huge. But she says I'm really normal size, it's just that I'm small that makes it seem like I'm bigger than I am. I jokingly said, "while we are in the operating room if you were to pull out two babies, it wouldn't surprise me at all" . She laughed and said that in her entire career that's happened to her once. Only one baby showed up on the ultra sounds. Only one heart beat was dectected. But when the time came, there was two babies there.. I guess no matter how great technology is, there's always another possibility.
We found out that if everything goes according to schedule, I need to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am. (oh boy) . For prep. The actual c-section will start about 8 am. There will be 3 people there working on me, 3 people working on the baby, 2 people rotating, and me and Mickey in the room. The whole thing should take about 30-45 mins. I forgot to ask whether I can take in some head phones or not. I'll get to spend some time with the baby for the first hour, then they will take him and make sure everything is ok.. And within 2 hours I should get him back, providing Mickey is around, because of all the pain medicine and anti-biotics I'll be on will probably knock me out for a few hours.
I don't know if they serve vegetarian food though. Though they said it was ok to bring outside food in. So hopefully I won't starve while I'm there. Or my family will be nice enough to grab me Taco Bell or Pizza Hut from time to time.. ha ha ha. I think I stayed in the hospital for 3 days last time. I didn't think to ask her about how long I'll be there this time. I hear it's 3-4 days though.
I'm on week 33 now. 5 more weeks till the scheduled delivery date. After 34 weeks the baby is quite capable of surving should he be born then. Almost full considered full term. My next doctors appointment is scheduled for Dec. 3rd. We'll see then if anything has changed.
I'm finally off the anti-biotics, but this stupid cough still lingers about , more so than I'd like. sigh.. I look at myself in the mirror when I get out of the shower and I think I look like a pod. It's quite fascinating. I stare at my belly when the baby moves and it's almost like he's trying to break out his little pod. ha ha ha ha.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
I never really noticed just how big the size difference is between me and Mickey. I mean, I know he's alot bigger than me. But because I spend all my time in high shoes, I forget how small it is that I am.
I'm often reminded. Him standing next to me when we are near a mirror. Or when he's standing next to me when I'm not in my shoes.
I think I'm taller than I am. Really, once my doctor said I'm 5'1 another time she said I was 5'3. I was meeting with an agent one time and they asked me how tall I was. I kinda laughed and said, I dont know.. 5'3 or 5'1. And he laughed and said, what do you mean. So I explained to him about how I got two different measurement reads. And then he said, well how tall do you think you are, and I replied 5'5. ha ha ha. It was funny at the moment. I think I want to write that into a script one day .
Oct. 29, 2004
I'm wearing 4" shoes in this photo, and Mickey is probably not standing straight up. His whole hand is almost as big as my whole belly. ha ha ha ha..
I wonder how big this baby is going to be???
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Hospital tour...
So last Saturday we did a tour of the hospital that I'll be delivering at. They offer this Mommies to be, baby shower and tour. They sent us a confirmation letter a week earlier, our time was 12:00-2:00 pm. We get there about 20 mins. early, only to find out it's over!! OVER??? what?? Apparently we weren't the only couple to get a wrong time.. There were about 4 other couples.
They decided they had to do the shower and tour again, becuase someone messed up. And this was the last tour until Jan. 2005. We started backwards.. did the tour, then recieved the info. Only when we got back for the lecture part, there were even more couples waiting.
They gave out little gifts.. Either she really liked us, or felt really bad, because we ended up getting about 4 little presents. I left them for the other couples though. Not that I meant to be undeserving or anything, but honestly, I have enough of what they were giving out. And I'm really particular about what kind of bottles I'm going to be using, so I figured I'd leave it for someone else less fortunate.
Aside from that, the hospital is pretty small. It's the same hospital where I gave birth to Drew, but I never had the tour before. There are 2 beds per room, so I might be sharing my room with someone.
For the first 24 hours following my C-Section, I wont be able to have the baby in my room unless someone is there with me. It makes sense, but I'm kinda hoping Mickey will be able to be there at least the first 24 hours so that I can have the baby near by. Even if I wont be able to walk, and will probably be loaded up with drugs and anti biotics.
5 more weeks. The time is passing by quickly, and yet it's going by super slow. I'm getting nervous.. excited.. anxious..
I still question whether I'll be carrying full term. I'm starting to feel as though my blood pressure might be rising. At least I'm started to get a little puffy. My feet are starting to puff up after work. I feel pressure in my knees now. I can't get comfortable or sleep longer than an hour at a time at night. Sometimes I wake with my partially being on my belly. Maybe I'm not exactly on my belly, but it sure feels that way. I wait till the baby starts moving around to comfort me and let me know that I haven't hurt him.
Not too much longer now!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
one shouldn't complain...
I ache, I ache, I ache... I can't remember when the last time I had a good night sleep was.. the only thing that makes it worth is, is after I toss and turn for a bit, my baby will move around or kick or just let me know he's still there, doing ok...
I'm getting sooo huge though... 38 inches around my belly... 137 pounds is what I weigh... I can't sit for long periods of time, though being on my feet for 6-8 hours while I run around the bar at work doesn't seem to cause me much discomfort...
But the heart burn... yuck... I take a tums or two, and it will go away...Though I've noticed that when I take them, my baby seems to be less active the following day.. If I grin and bear it, it will usually go away after a few minutes. Though I seem to get heartburn after drinking cold water while I'm in bed.... weird..
I went to an inexpensive clothing store today that caters to women in the x, xx, and xxl sizes. The tops or sweaters I found that I like were too small for me.. I'm getting depressed... These maternity clothes that once fell off me, are starting to get too small for me. I've got 7 weeks left, if I carry full term. I dont want to spend more money buying expensive maternity clothes... sigh...
Just a few more weeks... I know.. I"m excited, but starting to get nervous... I can't wait!!
something else they never warn you about...
Ok.. pregnancy is a time of... well hosting a life.. growing a life... it's an amazing and rewarding time. And as much as you read about pregnancy, as many storie as your friends or stranges share with you, and even if you've already had children... no two pregnancies are the same.. all experiences are new.
Some things people don't share with you. Why?? Who knows, maybe they haven't experienced certain things.. Or maybe they just want to share with positive things of pregnancy, becuase if you share any of the ugly, maybe people would have second thoughts about pregnancy.. and you know...since they did it , you should have to do it.. Ok, maybe not, but it's a funny , conspirating thought..
Here's something most people don't talk about, Flatuence.. By nature, I'm not a very "gassy" person. In fact over the years, my son Drew would wait around to hear me pass a little toot, and should one ever happen, he'd giggle on the floor for hours...
To fart is human. We all do it. Some of us can raise there proud heads once released, while others hang thier heads in shame.. Some giggle... Some run away..
In new relationships, to fart is unheard of.. why? I'm not sure, unless it's a killer stink bomb, it should be disregarded. Though people will try to hold it in and give themselves stomach aches holding it in, until they can get to a bathroom or away from thier dates, or mates. I know people who've been together forever and still have a problem passing gas in front of each other...
Well.. Big joke is on me. I never pass gas. I'll rephrase, I never usually pass gas. But I have. It's been funny, it's been deadly.. But almost always expected and/or controllable.. That has become a thing of the past.
Being pregnant has been a rather "gassy" experience for me. Not during the day, but at night, while I'm sleeping.. Not smelly, just loud toots. It's embarrassing. And it's uncontrollable! I dont even feel it coming on.. just tooooooooooooot... and there it is. I've woken myself up. I've woken my cat.. I'm surprised Mickey has not been blown off the bed... ha ha ha ha.. But really... usually I'm forewarned.. Now I'm not, it just happens.. Involuntary flatuence.. No one ever warned me of that...
Monday, November 8, 2004
Spinal block vs. Epidural
I talked to my doctor about what sort of numbing process she'll be using during my c-section. Epidural or spinal block. She says she'll be doing a spinal block. Though I didn't ask her why, I've read it's the preferred choice amongst doctors with c-section proceedures.
Has anyone had either or both of these before? What is the difference? And do you have a preference?
I was also wondering if anyone has had more than one c-section? And if so, if anyone could tell me about the healing process/time for thier second one? And for anyone who has had a c-section.. were you awake or knocked out the surgeory? And any advice to share with me about what to expect?
Thanks!! 
Sunday, November 7, 2004
My feet are shrinking...
Ok, so we all know first hand or heard or read that pregnancy has different effects on people. Some get moody.. some get sick.. some gain alot of weight.. some dont gain enough weight... some get stretch marks... some have complications... others have a flawless and perfect pregnancy...
I'm right on target with my weight gain. Not too much, not too little. Though the weight has been putting a strain on my tiny frame, becuase this is the most weight my body has ever had to carry.
So far, I dont seem to be having complications. And none of the problems I had with my first pregnancy. Just the pinched siatic nerve, that made me have to take some tylenol with codeine (the mild number 3's) for about 2 days, then it completely wiped out all the pain.
I was completely nauseaus in the beginning, from month 2 or 3 until about 6. Pickle juice was my saviour.
I'm starting to find it getting uncomfortable for me to sit, or lay down. Being up and walking around has been a relief to me. They baby is starting to put some pressure on my lungs which make it sometimes difficult to get a good breath. And I'm so scared when I sleep that I"m going to twist the wrong way while trying to turn over and get comfortable, that a good night sleep in virtually no exsistent. (think of it this way... when you aren't pregnant, you are free to roll over, twist about, in ways you'll never even notice. hips first, shoulders later, or whatever... when you are pregnant, you have to make one careful move, full body).
My skin suffered some mild break outs in the begining... And maybe the last few weeks ago. But no where near what I've seen the hormones do to some people.
It's getting close, they have scheduled the c-section for Jan. 3rd if I carry full term. I'm starting to waddle like a duck, which makes people laugh. And I see my belly getting sooo huge, I can't imagine it can grow any bigger.
But one thing that baffles me, is that I heard you can grow up to one full shoe size during pregnancy that doesn't shrink after the baby comes. When shopping for some flat shoes ( all my shoes are 5 inch platforms, becuase I'm so small) , so that I could work comfortably in.. I bought a half a size bigger. I noticed that they slip off my feet. So I've had to dig through my closet looking for shoes I can wear without worry and it seems that ALL my shoes have gotten too big for me. Even the ones that were a little tight before I got pregnant!
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