Okay, so I realize that my posts lately have been all flowers and candy, when, well, I AM 28ish weeks pregnant and all. There's bound to be some things that aren't so wonderful. And, for when G and I are considering MORE children (if we get there), I'd like to document the downside of this journey as well.
I'm uncomfortable. My back is killing me. I wake up in the middle of the night and sometimes grimace the entire way to the restroom because my back is controlling my legs, and neither want to work at that time.
I wake up every 2 hours or so. And lately, if I wake up anytime after 3am, I am LUCKY if I can fall back asleep.
The couch is my current favorite place to sleep. I miss sleeping with my husband. Even if I start off in bed, I am ending up on the couch. For a pregnant person with horrible vision, in the dark this is quite the journey. (From bed to couch).
I think most of the muscles involving the Baby Exit Route are strained. I keep hearing that you can put a heating pad on it, which reminds me of when I was in college and went to the Campus Clinic. (Bronchitis? Bag full of tylenol, bandaids, and a condom. Broken arm? Bag full of tylenol, bandaids, and a condom). Placebo won't work for this feeling down below.
I have also read a lot about what other people feel or think their Baby Exit Route looks like on the forums I follow. I wouldn't know, as I can't see mine. People say they know they are super swollen - but unless it inhibits my walking, I doubt I'd notice any difference pre-babies.
Work. I'm trying my best to roll around, like I said before - but I'm starting to become concerned with exactly how many more weeks I can hang in there. I'm trying not to think about it... which seems to be working for staying in the work-force as long as possible. We'll see.
Worry wart. If I don't feel one of the girls, I start to worry. If I pee too much, I worry. If I don't pee enough, I worry. If I drink caffeine, I worry. If I don't, then I worry that the girls will be affected by breast milk after I drink caffeine. Worry. Worry. Worry. I suppose this is the beginning of being a Mommy.
Daycare. Sigh.
The positive ending: I love my family. I love these little ladies that G and I haven't officially met yet. And I love the way G talks to them and then makes up their responses. And the way he looks when he's talking to them, building their furniture, playing with their stroller...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Third Trimester
No kidding. I am already in the 3rd trimester. The home-stretch, albeit a LONG one...
The days seem to just be flying by, and with every day I can feel my uterus growing and growing. Up until about this week, I had been feeling well - getting around okay, not too tired, just some mild discomfort at night and at the end of a long day.
Now, on the other hand, I can hardly get out of my car after my drive home. Too much time on my feet makes my back just sieze up. So, trying to take it much easier. I'm on my feet a lot at work, so I've been trying to limit that by using my rolling chair to roll around my room. Imagine that sight. Not the most productive way to get around, but it will work for now!
As for the growing ladies - they are definitely growing. Some moments I can feel them moving all around - rolling and tapping on my bladder. Other times they are silent and calm in there. We are now able to see some kicks from the outside - which is just very entertaining to me & G. We may be in for some trouble, because they just LOVE to be awake late at night and super early in the morning. Dr. says that they will start to slow down a bit, as the room they have to move and grow is rapidly becoming very limited.
So grow while you can in there, little ones...
Time to pee. Again.
The days seem to just be flying by, and with every day I can feel my uterus growing and growing. Up until about this week, I had been feeling well - getting around okay, not too tired, just some mild discomfort at night and at the end of a long day.
Now, on the other hand, I can hardly get out of my car after my drive home. Too much time on my feet makes my back just sieze up. So, trying to take it much easier. I'm on my feet a lot at work, so I've been trying to limit that by using my rolling chair to roll around my room. Imagine that sight. Not the most productive way to get around, but it will work for now!
As for the growing ladies - they are definitely growing. Some moments I can feel them moving all around - rolling and tapping on my bladder. Other times they are silent and calm in there. We are now able to see some kicks from the outside - which is just very entertaining to me & G. We may be in for some trouble, because they just LOVE to be awake late at night and super early in the morning. Dr. says that they will start to slow down a bit, as the room they have to move and grow is rapidly becoming very limited.
So grow while you can in there, little ones...
Time to pee. Again.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Kicking & Punching
The last few weeks I have really been feeling the ladies moving around in there. Twirling and twisting - and kicking what feels like my bladder. Have to pee - no, I'm okay - Have to pee - nah - have to pee!!! Off and on... it's an interesting feeling.
A few days ago G was able to feel the kicks from the outside. This has been somewhat delayed because both placentas are anterior - or right in front.
Today, however, I was sitting on the couch and all of the sudden I felt some huge kicks. My whole stomach felt like it was jumping! I looked down and - boom! There it was - I could see a huge jump from the outside!
G and I sat there for a few minutes just watching the battle that was going on inside. I loved it!
A few days ago G was able to feel the kicks from the outside. This has been somewhat delayed because both placentas are anterior - or right in front.
Today, however, I was sitting on the couch and all of the sudden I felt some huge kicks. My whole stomach felt like it was jumping! I looked down and - boom! There it was - I could see a huge jump from the outside!
G and I sat there for a few minutes just watching the battle that was going on inside. I loved it!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Glucose Screening
I have waddled up to the 26th week of pregnancy.
I wore a jacket zipped up to work yesterday. Today, it wouldn't zip.
I am up many times a night. Not sure what fluids I have left in there by 4am, but my body finds some and has to get them out. Immediately.
G and I had an ultrasound at 24wk 4 days, and both ladies are looking lovely. They are measuring 1lb 10oz and 1lb 9 oz - and their overall measurements put them about 1 day apart in growth. Their heartbeats were perfect, their heads look round, their bellies were even rounder. LOVE those reports. No great pictures, though - both girls decided to turn away as soon as we tried to take a peek. I did enjoy seeing a detailed image of both spines though. :)
This past Wednesday, at 25weeks 2 days, I had my Glucose Screening. I didn't eat anything after midnight, and was limited to water to drink. Not terrible, considering my appointment was at 8:30am. The nurse said that we wouldn't hear anything from her unless there were abnormalities in the blood (read: If I failed the GS, she'd call). And - hooray! - no call from her today! This is GREAT news. I was seriously worried that I'd bomb that glucose screening. Both my grandmother and aunt had Gestational Diabetes when they were pregnant, and I have been worried that I'd be the same.
We have our next ultrasound the week before our Baby Shower - which I am VERY excited about. I have started to really try to get things together or planned so that if I happen to have to be on bed rest or deliver earlier than expected, we will be ready. I don't want to stick G with most of the work while I'm propped up unable to do anything.
As far as work, I am slowing down a bit. I can definitely tell when I am on my feet too much. I have noticed that I have to give myself an extra minute or 2 to walk places - trying to keep my pace reasonable as to not overdue it. I don't think my students mind my slower pace.
I am very surprised how quickly this pregnancy is passing by - it's already after the holidays and I know that the next few months are just going to fly by!
I wore a jacket zipped up to work yesterday. Today, it wouldn't zip.
I am up many times a night. Not sure what fluids I have left in there by 4am, but my body finds some and has to get them out. Immediately.
G and I had an ultrasound at 24wk 4 days, and both ladies are looking lovely. They are measuring 1lb 10oz and 1lb 9 oz - and their overall measurements put them about 1 day apart in growth. Their heartbeats were perfect, their heads look round, their bellies were even rounder. LOVE those reports. No great pictures, though - both girls decided to turn away as soon as we tried to take a peek. I did enjoy seeing a detailed image of both spines though. :)
This past Wednesday, at 25weeks 2 days, I had my Glucose Screening. I didn't eat anything after midnight, and was limited to water to drink. Not terrible, considering my appointment was at 8:30am. The nurse said that we wouldn't hear anything from her unless there were abnormalities in the blood (read: If I failed the GS, she'd call). And - hooray! - no call from her today! This is GREAT news. I was seriously worried that I'd bomb that glucose screening. Both my grandmother and aunt had Gestational Diabetes when they were pregnant, and I have been worried that I'd be the same.
We have our next ultrasound the week before our Baby Shower - which I am VERY excited about. I have started to really try to get things together or planned so that if I happen to have to be on bed rest or deliver earlier than expected, we will be ready. I don't want to stick G with most of the work while I'm propped up unable to do anything.
As far as work, I am slowing down a bit. I can definitely tell when I am on my feet too much. I have noticed that I have to give myself an extra minute or 2 to walk places - trying to keep my pace reasonable as to not overdue it. I don't think my students mind my slower pace.
I am very surprised how quickly this pregnancy is passing by - it's already after the holidays and I know that the next few months are just going to fly by!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
More Than Half Way
On Monday I will be 22 weeks along. I will be honest... in those first few weeks... those first few scary-ass weeks - I dreamt about the feeling that 22 weeks would be. I dreamt about anything over 20. About being pregnant at Christmas, instead of empty handed and empty wombed. We are so incredibly thankful for this pregnancy, and for the fact that it has been fairly easy since that first trimester hiccup.
Now, everything we do, we make an alternate plan for next year.
"Well, next year when the girls are here... "
"The girls will be grabbing stuff by next year, standing possibly... we can't put this here next year..."
And it's wonderful.
This past week we had two appointments. The first appointment was on Monday - which was the follow up to my 20-week anatomy scan. I purposefully ate WAY before my appointment - knowing I wouldn't be able to hold lunch until after, and remembering my near-puke experience from last week. We were only going back to focus on Baby B - to see a glimpse of her facial structures to be completely sure everything was okay (they have a 20 week checklist and she didn't show us her face last time!) An hour and a half of being poked and pushed and turning every which way - the technician gave up and the doctor came in. About 15 minutes and he was about to give up on it, when there it was - a clear glimpse of a perfect little lady face.
Then, on Friday, we had our monthly appointment with our ob/gyn. I have to say, that so far the most interesting part of these appointments are hearing whatever person is on the phone wanting to talk to her about some emergency. The first two appointments she was called as soon as we got there for deliveries. (Her office is in the hospital). And then the next two, she had to take phone calls from women who were either convinced they had cancer because their friend told them so, or had sex at the worst possible time if you don't want to get pregnant. Yes, the walls are THAT thin. I keep that in mind when we're in there.
Then we got to hear their little heartbeats.
So, since everything is going well - we are still on a once-a-month schedule. We'll go back next month for another round - and to see our little ladies again.
Until then, we're hopeful for a continuation of the drama-free pregnancy.
Now, everything we do, we make an alternate plan for next year.
"Well, next year when the girls are here... "
"The girls will be grabbing stuff by next year, standing possibly... we can't put this here next year..."
And it's wonderful.
This past week we had two appointments. The first appointment was on Monday - which was the follow up to my 20-week anatomy scan. I purposefully ate WAY before my appointment - knowing I wouldn't be able to hold lunch until after, and remembering my near-puke experience from last week. We were only going back to focus on Baby B - to see a glimpse of her facial structures to be completely sure everything was okay (they have a 20 week checklist and she didn't show us her face last time!) An hour and a half of being poked and pushed and turning every which way - the technician gave up and the doctor came in. About 15 minutes and he was about to give up on it, when there it was - a clear glimpse of a perfect little lady face.
Then, on Friday, we had our monthly appointment with our ob/gyn. I have to say, that so far the most interesting part of these appointments are hearing whatever person is on the phone wanting to talk to her about some emergency. The first two appointments she was called as soon as we got there for deliveries. (Her office is in the hospital). And then the next two, she had to take phone calls from women who were either convinced they had cancer because their friend told them so, or had sex at the worst possible time if you don't want to get pregnant. Yes, the walls are THAT thin. I keep that in mind when we're in there.
Then we got to hear their little heartbeats.
So, since everything is going well - we are still on a once-a-month schedule. We'll go back next month for another round - and to see our little ladies again.
Until then, we're hopeful for a continuation of the drama-free pregnancy.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Banana Gram
Today is 20 weeks and 1 day. Which means, that even IF I was going to carry our ladies to 40 weeks I'd still be half way. Half way.
So I checked today and our babes are the size of bananas. Ish. They should be about 7 inches long. And because of yesterdays visit, I know that baby A is 13 oz. and B is 11 oz.
I also started adding to our registry today. G and I previously started with a few items, but today I really loaded up on some stuff that will probably be determined useless about 2 weeks into their lives, or be remembered about 2 months after the intended time frame of usefulness.
My massive blemish - er- gift from my ladies is very slowly de-reddening. Still the size of Mt. Rushmore, but getting better. This morning I woke up with swollen glands that feel like bruises - apparently swollen glands are fairly normal, but it's uber-uncomfortable. I will keep an eye on it and see what's up in the next day or 2. I'm hoping no dr. visit is in order.
Today also marked the day in which I received the "WOW!" comment about my stomach. I guess they call it "popped." So, pregnancy, I have arrived.
15.5 more days until Winter Break.
So I checked today and our babes are the size of bananas. Ish. They should be about 7 inches long. And because of yesterdays visit, I know that baby A is 13 oz. and B is 11 oz.
I also started adding to our registry today. G and I previously started with a few items, but today I really loaded up on some stuff that will probably be determined useless about 2 weeks into their lives, or be remembered about 2 months after the intended time frame of usefulness.
My massive blemish - er- gift from my ladies is very slowly de-reddening. Still the size of Mt. Rushmore, but getting better. This morning I woke up with swollen glands that feel like bruises - apparently swollen glands are fairly normal, but it's uber-uncomfortable. I will keep an eye on it and see what's up in the next day or 2. I'm hoping no dr. visit is in order.
Today also marked the day in which I received the "WOW!" comment about my stomach. I guess they call it "popped." So, pregnancy, I have arrived.
15.5 more days until Winter Break.
Monday, November 29, 2010
20 Week Happenings
This weekend my girls (yes, they are still girls!) gave me my first daughters-to-mommy gift. It's so sweet, I can hardly be upset with them. However, a blemish the size of a small country is not exactly what I had in mind. I'm not even kidding. Redness, itching, and swelling make this blemish the only thing I can keep my mind on today.
That was, until about 1:00. Then it was time for our 20 week anatomy scan. The big one. The one where they measure everything. Head circumference, cerebellum, eye sockets, leg bones, stomach, heart... all of it.
G and I got there right on time, and were taken back almost immediately. I changed into the lovely gown (I have to strip from the waist down, so I at least got to keep my shirt on). I'd regret the shirt soon....
The tech squirted out about half a bottle of that lubricating gel and got busy. They start with baby A - who was head down when we started but wouldn't stop moving the entire time! Baby A is measuring 20 weeks and 1 day. Good girl. I think the coolest part, for me, was seeing the flash of blood running through the heart, the ventricles, and the stomach and bladder (both full)!! Baby A kept moving so much that it was taking forever to get the right heart pictures. And, of course, she had her hands over her face most of the time.
The scary 3D image. Baby with a placenta hat. Home made. These images are still kind of creepy since they don't have much baby fat - but it's still kind of neat.
The best profile shot of our mover & shaker.
It was about an hour in - trying to get Baby A's heart - that I started to sweat and feel a little nauseous. Quickly. I had to ask to sit up, and at that point I thought I was going to either vomit or pass out. I then asked to go to the rest room to wash my face, and decided to take my shirt off and leave myself in only the gown. Best decision, as I felt instant relief. I think the combination of being on my back that long, pressure from the machine... and probably lunch sitting in there that had me ready to call it quits for the day.
But alas, Baby B... we can't keep you waiting :) Baby B is measuring 19 weeks and 6 days - more good news. B started to become uncooperative, but not as much as baby A was. The tech said "If they're like this now, you're in trouble..."
Sleeping on a pillow - or so it looks to me.
That's Baby B pointing - or giving us a #1 sign. Or tattling on the technician for pushing too hard. "It was her!"
Profile of Baby B.
Oh yes. Trouble. Our lovely ladies of trouble.
That was, until about 1:00. Then it was time for our 20 week anatomy scan. The big one. The one where they measure everything. Head circumference, cerebellum, eye sockets, leg bones, stomach, heart... all of it.
G and I got there right on time, and were taken back almost immediately. I changed into the lovely gown (I have to strip from the waist down, so I at least got to keep my shirt on). I'd regret the shirt soon....
The tech squirted out about half a bottle of that lubricating gel and got busy. They start with baby A - who was head down when we started but wouldn't stop moving the entire time! Baby A is measuring 20 weeks and 1 day. Good girl. I think the coolest part, for me, was seeing the flash of blood running through the heart, the ventricles, and the stomach and bladder (both full)!! Baby A kept moving so much that it was taking forever to get the right heart pictures. And, of course, she had her hands over her face most of the time.
The scary 3D image. Baby with a placenta hat. Home made. These images are still kind of creepy since they don't have much baby fat - but it's still kind of neat.
The best profile shot of our mover & shaker.
It was about an hour in - trying to get Baby A's heart - that I started to sweat and feel a little nauseous. Quickly. I had to ask to sit up, and at that point I thought I was going to either vomit or pass out. I then asked to go to the rest room to wash my face, and decided to take my shirt off and leave myself in only the gown. Best decision, as I felt instant relief. I think the combination of being on my back that long, pressure from the machine... and probably lunch sitting in there that had me ready to call it quits for the day.
But alas, Baby B... we can't keep you waiting :) Baby B is measuring 19 weeks and 6 days - more good news. B started to become uncooperative, but not as much as baby A was. The tech said "If they're like this now, you're in trouble..."
Sleeping on a pillow - or so it looks to me.
That's Baby B pointing - or giving us a #1 sign. Or tattling on the technician for pushing too hard. "It was her!"
Profile of Baby B.
Oh yes. Trouble. Our lovely ladies of trouble.
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