Posts tagged ‘pregnancy’
Third trimester is the hardest
I would trade the first trimester morning (all day) sickness, and constant fear over this emotional craziness. Ive never been so weepy in my entire life! I literally cry every single day over something. Someone hurt my feelings, someone ate the last of something I wanted to eat, I feel fat, I split my pants (yes that really happened.), Im hungry, Im tired, or I just wanted to cry. Its horrible.
Not to mention that I am grumpy at random times. I will wake up and be completley happy and then suddenly for no apparent reason BAM Im grumpy.
Am I the only one? I mean, I love being pregnant. I love feeling his HUGE feet kick me, I love feeling his hiccups, I love everything about this. And I am so thankful to get to be able to grow this human being. But seriously?? COME ON now!! Whats with this hormonal crap??
Week 29, 8 weeks until cerclage removal…
How far along? 29 weeks
Bedrest so far: 9 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 8lbs total. Holy crap…I guess I was destined to gain some weight at some point.
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time. And now, I am needing new bras (again!).
Stretch marks? Yes…Im looking more and more zebra like every day.
Cervical Length?: No clue for this week(Since NewDoc chose not to check), but last week it was 2.1cm-2.5cm and cerclage intact.
Labor signs: I contract a couple times an hour, but they decided that its Non-labor contractions (BHC).
Medications?: Prenatals and zantac and lots and lots of tums!!
Sleep: Im too hot to sleep. Cant get comfortable. My hips are sore and I can barely roll over. I am back to peeing every half hour. And the thirst is ridiculous.
Best moment this week: Seeing my son move around in my belly, feeling him react when I talk to him.
Worst Moment this week: Tons of anxiety….and body aches.
Movement: The kid is a mover and shaker!
Food cravings/aversions: Bad foods, greasy foods, sweets, and Lucky Charms Ice cream.
Belly Button in or out?: Still an innie…with a hole as big as the moon!
Gender: All boy! But ive been dreaming that he’s a girl…..
What I miss: My husband, alot. And wine….I want a glass of red wine. And a quad shot latte….yummmmm
What I am looking forward to: 3D/4D ultrasound this week!!
Weekly Wisdom: Cankles are totally sexy…really, they are!
Milestones: 55 days until my cerclage removal and 56 days until “TERM” gestation. Buying the swing, and starting to set things up for the baby.
Symptoms: No appetite, feeling very very overheated all the time, grumpy and lots of heart burn.
28 weeks…Starting week 8 of “Couch rest”
How far along? 28 weeks
Bedrest so far: 8 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: No clue for this week, but I have an appointment this afternoon, so I will update then.
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time.
Stretch marks? Yes…And I now have an arsenal of Mama BEE balm and lotion to try and head off the rest of them.
Cervical Length?: Not sure…appointment this afternoon and will update then
Labor signs: Some BHC, and lots of pelvic pressure, but hopefully this is normal for this stage of pregnancy.
Medications?: Prenatals and zantac.
Sleep: Im too hot to sleep. Cant get comfortable. And NoNo’s feet are up in my ribs so I just cant breathe.
Best moment this week: No trips to L&D, feeling my son move, making it to the third trimester.
Worst Moment this week: More anxiety and just general body aches and pains.
Movement: THe movement is a lot stronger and I can “force” him to move by poking at him. The movement is becoming more painful for me though! 
Food cravings/aversions: Pickles. Really want a HUGE pickle. And suddenly wanting slurpee’s again.
Belly Button in or out?: Still an innie…but stretched to the limit!
Gender: All boy!
What I miss: Just being able to leave the house for an activity, swimming and taking long hot baths. Mostly I miss my husband.
What I am looking forward to: Continuing to grow this amazing human being! And also going to my 3D/4D ultrasound appointment at the begining of July. And talking to the doctor this afternoon.
Weekly Wisdom: Do not try to shave your girly parts if you cant see them. There is no way to make it look “nice”.
Milestones: THIRD TRIMESTER!!! And beginning of lung maturity. 90% survival rate at this point!!
Symptoms: No appetite, feeling very very overheated all the time, grumpy and lots of heart burn.
27 weeks!!
How far along? 27 weeks
Bedrest so far: 7 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Lost 2 lbs since last week, for a total gain this pregnancy of 3lbs so far. The doctors are requesting me to eat every two hours for awhile to keep my weight up.
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time.
Stretch marks? Yes….its sad and there are more appearing all the time. With all the stripes Ive got, I out rank my husband.
Cervical Length?: 2.76cm-3.0cm, cerclage intact
Labor signs: None thankfully. But my BP was elevated this week.
Medications?: Prenatals and zantac.
Sleep: I need way more sleep now then ever before. It feels like the first trimester all over again. Im taking like two naps a day.
Best moment this week: Seeing my son take practice breaths. Having my baby shower! Nolan’s AbueIsa feeling his kicks.
Worst Moment this week: Anxiety that something is wrong. Having alot of scary moments.
Movement: Less movement this week then ever before. This prompted an extra ultrasound and a biophysical profile. Everything is fine and it turns out that baby is facing my back, thats why Im feeling less.
Food cravings/aversions: Crab dip and olives. Watermelon is once again cravable. Still not too thrilled about most meats.
Belly Button in or out?: Still an innie…but stretched to the limit!
Gender: All boy! And he’s not shy about it! Every ultrasound he has his legs spread eagle and is showing off the goods.
What I miss: Being able to drive, holding a conversation without being out of breath, getting up outta bed without needing assistance.
What I am looking forward to: Continuing to grow this amazing human being! And also going to my 3D/4D ultrasound appointment at the begining of July.
Weekly Wisdom: You need to tell the doctors about both the physical complaints and the psychological ones. They can validate them and help you out.
Milestones: My son is learning to breathe! He is still a thumb sucker and according to the doctor he estimates him to weigh about 2.6lbs!
Symptoms: Yucky stomach, very sensitive gag reflex, tired, back ache, and some abdominal pain, and itchy skin.
Fun Photo Friday…Things that make me smile.
My Delicious husband! Aren't I a lucky lady?
Sorry for the bad quality pic...but me and Baby Giada!
Pack and Play Cuteness!
Cloth diaper goodness!
Dutalier comfort glider! Ahhh.....Squeee!
Now, what things make you smile?
Fear and loathing
Hormones are a biatch. Really. And between the hormones and the deployed spouse I am struggling. Im having a really hard time with missing my Hubby. So I wind up crying. Yup, hormones are a biatch!
Im also dealing with fear. 5 weeks ago we were told horrible news and told we would be lucky to make it to the elusive viability day. Now we have passed 24 weeks comfortably and instead of being more secure I am instead surrounded by fear that since everything is going so well that the other shoe is gonna drop.
I feel like I am trying to fake my way through the positivity. I am shocked whn I feel him kick, like the reassurance that he is still thriving is in itself shocking. Every time I go to the doctor I hold my breath while waiting to hear the bad news, and when it doesnt come I am a little startled. Its scarier for me to be waiting for the bad news then it is to have a plan to deal with it.
Can anyone else relate? I just dont know how to trust in this positivity. Im trying to have faith, really trying.
And the loathing. While at the doctors I overheard a woman excitedly telling her family over the phone that she is “having a BOY!!” She had just left from her ultrasound. And as I felt a smile creep across my face, it was quickly replaced by a scowl. I find myself angry that other women get to enjoy complete and utter happiness at pregnancy news. They dont worry about dead babies, cervical length, cerclages, contractions, or irritable uterus’s. And I loathe them for that. I want pregnancy bliss.
I want to see a positive pregnancy test and feel the confidence that it will turn into a bouncing bundle Of baby.
I want to go into an uktrasound not
Worrying about preterm labor, or a failed cerclage.
I want to plan a baby shower without worrying about having to cancel
It.
And I want more than anything to stop
Worrying about NICU stays, immature lungs, disabilities due to prematurity, and pregnancy complications.
I just want normal. I want my husband. I want my son to be born healthy. And I want some confidence.
We made it another week! 25 Weeks!
How far along? 25 fabulous weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: Now up a total of 4lbs from my prepregnancy weight.
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time. But it is really funny when I put on a “prepregnancy” shirt and it only comes to my belly button!
Stretch marks? Yes….its sad.
Cervical Length?: 3.0cm cerclage intact.
Labor signs: No THANK GAWD! But I get a couple Braxton Hicks every day.
Medications?: Prenatals and Zantac. Nothing else for now!
Sleep: Im tired all the time, but cant seem to sleep much more than a couple hours at a time. Between the back pain and the sciatica and the round ligament pain I just cant get comfortable.
Best moment this week: Everyone feeling Nolan kick and punch. Its so nice to be able to share those special little thumps. And feeling the hiccups for the first time!!
Worst Moment this week: Cramping and some hormonal fits of crying.
Movement: He’s a mover!! And a little soccer player! The kicks are so hard he kicks my phone off my belly!
Food cravings/aversions: I was craving cake alot this week, ate waaaaay more black forest cake then I should have!
Belly Button in or out?: Still an innie…barely.
Gender: All boy!
What I miss: Being able to bend over, walking without a waddle, and not feeling so short of breath.
What I am looking forward to: Continuing to grow this amazing human being! And also going to my 3D/4D ultrasound appointment at the begining of July.
Weekly Wisdom: Follow the doctors orders that are the most conservative, it will benefit you in the long run.
Milestones: Hiccups have started which show a sign of begining lung maturity!
Symptoms: Sore muscles, achy belly button, cramping, heartburn, and lots of low back pain.
Ive become high maintenance
Somewhere between the positive
Pregnancy test and bedrest I became high maintenance. Ridiculously so.
Examples: I now require a fan, a bottle
Of ice water with extra ice, and no less than 5 pillows including my snoogle.
I need to be fed every 2-4hrs or I get shakey.
My skin has more lotion on it than a Bath and Body Works sales lady.
I now get dropped off and picked up
Via door to door service.
And the most blantantly obvious proof
Of my elevation to high maintenance status….yesterday I actually commanded that someone hurry in the bathroom (public one) because I NEEDED to go.
Its pathetic but oh so true. Pregnancy has elevated my status.
What things make you high maintenance?
The one where I whine..
Ouch. Seriously. OUCH!
Round ligament pain is ridiculous! And the low back ache Ive got from my “couch” rest is killer!
A bath would make it all feel better, but alas a bath is not an option (too much risk for infection, due to cerclage, according to my Dr.) Ive tried taking a tylenol, tried rubbing the area (think pelvic and low back massage) but nothing helps! Any suggestions?
For my Birthday my family got
Me a Dutalier rocker/recliner/glider and ottoman. It is so comfortable! The ottoman was on back order but they were able to get the chair. It makes for the perfect change of scenery!
We also put up the pack and play this weekend. I will have to post pictures of it later. Its adorable!
Now for my cloth diapering Mamas, what type did you find most useful for new borns? I have a gaggle of different brands and sizes but….i want to hear some opinions!!
It went perfectly.
Somedays are so close to perfect that you feel like you need to be pinched. Yesterday was one of those. The only thing that could have made yesterday better was if my Hubby was home.
Instead I started my day out with a delivery of flowers from my amazing hubby! He also ordered my the ENTIRE series of Daria. (Am I the only one who watched this show on MTV back in the late 90′s?) I was a little shocked that he even remembered that I liked the show!! Such a great guy!
My Son even remembered my birthday by allowing me to sleep and also by staying snuggled in all day with no cramping or pain. (I had a little spotting at the end of the day, but that was minimal!) And he was active enough that I didnt have to worry that something was wrong. What a great Kid!
My parents took me out for my favorite lunch at the whole foods market. I had that largest salad I have ever seen and some of my favorite pasta salad, it was delicious and exactly what I was craving.
After lunch they surprised me by ordering the Glider and ottoman that Ive been coveting! Thanks Mom and Dad!!
And then after dinner (forgot to take a picture!) we had my favorite cake! Black forest cake!
Happy Birthday to ME!
Dont worry, I made sure to have a piece of cake for each and every one of you! Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!!
Now what type of cake do you LOOOOOOOOVE?
Random and really dumb.
Whether you are fertility challenged, fertile, childless or child abundant there are always people around who feel the need to make smart ass statements. I am not niave enough to think that I am immune from those comments, and yet every time I am hit with them I am shocked.
A few days ago I was involved in a conversation with a friend who was asking me about the details of my pregnancy complications with Nolan. I explained in common terms and was upbeat about how blessed we are that things are going so positively. She then says “so, I guess this will be your only child,huh?!”
I am still flabbergasted. I asked her why she jumped to that conclusion and her comment was that “she couldnt imagine someone willingly subjecting their bodies to this torture again”.
I just dont understand how someone feels that it is their right to comment about our choices to or not to have more children. That should be a choice that is between my Husband and I, and no one else.
There was another lady, I will refer to her as Lola (to protect her privacy) who felt that she needed to express her disapointment with our choice to get pregnant while I was still in school. This woman was not family and was not even MY friend, but felt the need to spread her toxic word vomit on me and my newly pregnant joy.
I just dont understand people.
On a different note, I have been working on a cross stitch mural for Mr. NoNo’s room. I have about 1/3 of the way done and thought I would share my progress!
What type of crafts do you do?
The good, the bad, and the…hormonal?!
From the beginning, the good. So the good is that yesterday was amazing! Reaching Viability was such a huge milestone for us. Not just because it means something for a pregnancy but also because 4 weeks ago we didnt think we would make it this far. And now we are doing so well! It also marks four weeks of bedrest. We celebrated with friends (with Doctors permission!) by going to dinner. Dinner was wonderful and I felt so blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding us to celebrate.
The bad…I felt like crap after the activities of yesterday. Cramping, achy and just uncomfortable. So I crawled my butt into bed put my feet up and here there I stayed all evening. Today it will be back to the norm of “couch” chillin’.
The Hormonal… Yesterdays festivities were broken up with reminders of the halt in my Nursing school career. My Pin for the pinning ceremony arrived and I managed to keep my composure until a moment alone and then I lost it. Cancelling my graduation was painful. But when things like this arrive I feel like its salt in the wound.
Now please dont anyone think I am not aware of how lucky I am. I wouldnt want anything to happen to Nolan but i just wish I could have my cake and eat it to.
I just feel like I am so stressed about not thinking negative thoughts or dwelling on what should have been for fear of jinxing how great things are going that I just cant breath.
At what point in pregnancy did you feel like you could exhale?
VIABILITY!! 24 weeks!
How far along? 24 glorious and amazing weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: Up 3 lbs now from my prepregnancy weight. Thats not horrible, right? 3lbs in 24 weeks?
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time.
Stretch marks? Yes. And now there are a ton more appearing…
Cervical Length?: 3.0-3.6cm and cerclage intact.
Labor signs: No THANK GAWD! But I have begun to experience Braxton Hicks.
Medications?: Prenatals and Zantac. Nothing else for now!
Sleep: Im exhausted. I barely sleep because every time I lay down the baby decides its time to go and play hacky sac!
Best moment this week: Going to ANOTHER appointment and getting great news! Bed rest and the cerclage are working like a charm!
Worst Moment this week: The sporadic spotting…it freaks me out. After spending every day of the first trimester worrying about seeing blood and then now seeing it I sobbed. (**TURNED out to be nothing but irritation to the cervix from the cerclage placement)
Movement: Lots of movement, especially when I am trying to sleep. My Mom, Dad and sister have all gotten to feel the baby kick now!
Food cravings/aversions: String Cheese, cant get enough! (Two bags in since last Wednesday!)
Belly Button in or out?: Still an innie, but its getting even shallower!
Gender: All boy!
What I miss: Being able to see my feet, being able to bend and pick things up, and going to the pool.
What I am looking forward to: Every single day that I get to be this amazing little persons Mama.
Weekly Wisdom: As lame as it sounds….Everything happens for a reason.
Milestones: VIABILITY!! Only 12 weeks until the cerclage can be removed. Good news at the doctors office. Braxton hicks contractions starting, and baby kicks being able to be felt from the outside!
Symptoms: Sore muscles, achy belly butto, cramping, lots of movement and heart burn.
The power of prayer, and modern medicine!
Appt this morning was fabulous!! Dr.amazing did a quick speculum exam and my cervix and cerclage look great. He also did a vaginal ultrasound.
Now Ive had quite a few run ins with the dildocam during this pregnancy, but this time was different.
I was holding my breath, waiting for some bad news. Since I always seem to be up in stirrups when I get the bad news. And…Dr. Amazing smiled and announced that my cervix is now sitting at a beautiful 3.0-3.6cm!!
Nolan is head down, heart rate of 130 (he was sleeping) and looks beautiful. Fluid levels are normal.
Im still on “couch rest” and although this is excellent news, it is all because of the cerclage. If the cerclage was to be removed or fail my cervix would still be around 0.4-0.6cm. But its holding and doing great now!!
I blurted out (while in stirrups with dildocam still inside) “Dr. Amazing I could Kiss you!” lol
He looked at me like I was nuts!! And said “you could but in this position its a little inappropriate, and my wife wouldnt approve!”
We all laughed!
Im so happy I could do a jig! (but wont!)
Thank you everyone!!
I survived…and baby shower stuff
The 3 hour glucose tolerance test was just as horrible as it was four weeks ago. This time I didnt start to feel
Sick until after I ate.
I wound up with headache and the shakes all afternoon. After a nap and like 3 meals Im finally feeling back to normal.
Now Im tempting fate by working with my Mom to address my modified baby shower invitations. The event is supposed to be in two weeks, and last time we all know what happened.
Im keeping my fingers (and legs) crossed that Nolan stays put so that we can enjoy and celebrate the event.
Tell me about your baby shower? Favorite events? Best gift? What did you give as a party favor?
3 hour stab fest coming right up
Since I enjoyed the last 3 hour glucose tolerance test so very much, I am doing it again.
I dont know if I mentioned that I passed by a mere 1 point, so the Doctor has been nice enough to allow me to participate in such a phenomenal event AGAIN.
Im starving already and its the butt crack of dawn, I still have a couple hours before I can go to the lab to get this show started. Now here I sit, hungry with Nolan shaking and moving.
Last time I ended up shakey and sick all day after the test, Im really hoping that today goes better. I will post when I get home, after I eat everything in sight of course.
What did you have for breakfast?
Navy wives do it better
Growing up as a Navy brat I always said I would never marry into the military. I avoided dating military guys, I wanted to hve the ability to plant roots in a way I didnt get to as a child.
I wanted some consistency. And here I sit nearing another birthday married to an amazing man, who also happens to be Navy.
In the time since we started dating he has spent 2/3 of it away. Much of that time he has been in a different country than me.
I guess you just dont have a choice about who you fall in love with. And I have no regrets, but I have learned alot.
Being married to the military means learning to do things without your spouse. It means dealing with the scary times without the comfort of his arms. It means sleeping alone.
But the one thing that I love about it is that when he comes home it is the greatest feeling in the world. The first kiss after a deployment feels like the first kiss ever. Its amazing to get the opportunity to fall back in love with my husband.
But now comes a new chapter, being a Navy Mom. My child will be born into loving arms, surrounded by loving faces, they just wont be the loving arms of his father.
How do I make sure that my son knows his father from birth? Does anyone have creative ideas?
Nolan wear courtesy of Aunt EvilOne part 2
Sooo adorable!! She is in the
Process of making an entire wardrobe of onesies for Mr. NoNo. This one has got to be my favorite so far!!
When you say nothing at all
Im rotating between a dark place and pure joy that I am still carrying my son. I have alot of guilt over my bodies failures and yet I am so glad that so far Nolan seems unbothered by any of this.
I feel selfish when I miss Nursing school or when I am mourning the delay of my graduation because I can think of a dozen people who woukd give anything to be sitting here and pregnant.
I feel alone and yet so supported. My own thoughts are so loud without the chaos of my life to drown them out. I focus on the ramblings of my mind and then get swept away.
Im not trying to sound ungreatful. Not at all. I am so happy that I get this opportunity to be able to feel this baby growing inside me. I feel blessed that he is so healthy. I am amazed at the ability of the doctors to keep me pregnant even when my body is done. Im just….thoughtful. Im like a walking oxymoron.
No one ever expects this. But this is not what I had planned. And as my good friend would remind me “People plan and God laughs”.
I guess its good to really remember who is in control. But sometimes its hard.
What sayings inspire you?
Bedrest fashion 101
Yes, pairing adorable maternity shirt with green monkey pajama bottoms is acceptable while on bedrest. And since I can no longer see over my ginormo-boobs and definitly cant see my legs or feet, so the fact it doesnt match doesnt bother me.
What you cant see is that my socks are also two different colors. Again, since I cant see them it doesnt matter.
And just because I am all about true and fair documentation, I felt the need to show everyone the amazing style that occurs when you have no where to go.
Face it, this is bedrest in the Tiffany Household.
But atleast I showered!
Its not fair
No one should have to lose a baby. No One.
No one should join the club.
Please stop by HERE and offer some love to this amazing family for their loss of their son at 16 weeks.
Its just not fair. The club is full, there is shouldnt be any more members.
They will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Please let them be in yours. Love your kiddos, rub your bumps, and pray that they will be able to find some peace.
23 weeks!! One week to viability!
How far along? 23 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, will weigh in next week.
Maternity clothes?: All maternity all the time.
Stretch marks? Yes. Thanks to my genetics….no amount of lotion will prevent them.
Cervical Length?: 2.2cm with cerclage intact.
Labor signs: Still alot of cramping but that would be courtesy of my irritable uterus.
Medications?: Prenatals. Nothing else for now.
Sleep: Im exhausted. I sleep for an hour or two at a time but then I need a bathroom break.
Best moment this week: Seeing Nolan on the ultrasound again, realizing how much I love my son. Getting excellent news after a ton of bad. Getting to be pregnant with him for another day! Announcing to everyone that we are having a boy. Revealing his name!
Worst Moment this week: Spending three nights in the hospital, being told my baby may not survive, having a cerclage placed, and being terrified. Changing our plans because we were afraid that we may not be pregnant for much longer, therefor revealing his name and gender.
Movement: I have some movement throughout the day, with the active time varying. He is now foot down again!
Food cravings/aversions: Nothing really this week. Subway sandwiches sound really appealing.
Belly Button in or out?: Mis-shapen innie still….and my scar from my belly button piercing is really showing! And my belly button is sore now…
Gender: All boy!
What I miss: Being a “normal” pregnant woman. Having more faith that baby will be born in September. Not being on “couch” rest. Not being scared, or worried about every little thing.
What I am looking forward to: Reaching viability and getting closer to 28 weeks. Every single day that I get to be pregnant with my son.
Weekly Wisdom: People plan and God laughs. HE has his own plans for us.
Milestones: One week until viability!! A marker that two weeks ago we didnt think would be achievable. Baby weighs more than a pound!
Symptoms: Sore muscles, achy abdomen, cramping, lots of movement and heart burn.
(**The above picture is my while I was sitting on the toco monitor. Please forgive the startlingly white belly, and say “hi” to the stretch mark!)
If turned to when, and then I sobbed.
At yesterdays appointment I was given awesome news. It was fabulous news. But nothing was as good as seeing the faces of the doctors as they were giving me the good news.
There was no more mention of “if” I achieve viability. No more mention of “if” the cerclage works. There was talk of “when” I reach 36 weeks they will remove the cerclage. The doctor said that “when” I go into labor she thinks it will be very quick (please remind me of this in September!). And the best part was that the doctor said “when” Nolan is born they will be happy to complete the overseas screening for us BOTH so we can join my Hubby in Japan.
All those “ifs” dissapeared and were replaced with “whens”. It was amazing. I cried tears of joy. Tears of relief. And tears of disbelief.
I know that there are alot of days and weeks between now and Nolan’s due date, but just knowing that we are in a safer zone makes me breathe a little easier.
I saw my son on the ultrasound again today. He is now feet down and tap dancing on my bladder (he kicked so hard I even peed a little!). He had a heart rate of 152bpm and looked beautiful.
Yesterday my prayers were answered. I can only imagine what a special child Nolan must be to have gained the love, support and prayers from so many. His life has reminded me of the beauty of humanity. A lesson I wont forget.
Thank you all for following our journey. Thank you for helping shape our outcome. Thank you!
