Happy New Year!

Posted by Me Sun, 31 Dec 2006 17:28:00 GMT

Today we are 36 weeks. :) I can’t believe we are about a month away. Yesterday was a tough day since I didn’t sleep well at all the night before so I was dragging that day. Today is a little better since I did manage to get some sleep.

Now that I am the size of a house I am getting more and more people coming up to me inquiring about my humongous belly and its special cargo. I even had the Starbucks lady ask to rub my belly – a phenomenon I still find a bit strange. It’s one thing when people you know ask to touch your belly – but strangers – it’s just a bit odd. Also, LOML and I are getting more and more advice about our impending launch into parenthood – the main one being “Get as much rest and sleep as you can now!” I know that’s what everyone says and I nod and smile – but really how is that possible when my bladder has been reduced to the size of a pea and sleeping on one’s side makes getting comfortable next to impossible. I am trying to get as much sleep as possible but at the same I think my body is trying to prepare me for sleepless nights! :) It’s a push and pull. Last night though I didn’t feel the need to get up at 4am due to discomfort my left hip felt sore and made it impossible to drift off to sleep comfortably. However, at least I was able to sleep some and feel less groggy today. :)

I actually have enough energy to run some errands this morning which is always a good thing. As far as a New Year’s is concerned, LOML and I plan to make it a mellow one. Grab some dinner and stay home. As it is, I won’t make it past midnight and even if I do I’d like to do so in my comfy PJ’s and Slippers. Besides, Vegas is so nuts on New Year’s I’d like to avoid all the hoopla if possible.

As we are reaching the end of 2006, I can’t help but reflect on this past year. 2005 was rough. It ended pretty horribly with my grandfather’s sudden passing, my failed IVF cyle, and a case of pretty bad strep throat. 2006 was a rollercoaster that brought a lot of changes. Some trying – but some extraordinary. I am grateful to be where we are at. We are far from being out of the woods, but I just want to take a moment and be thankful for this precious cargo squirming inside my belly. With every kick, every hiccup, I am thankful for the opportunity. I keep praying that he remains healthy and beg him to stay that way until we meet him which shouldn’t be too long from now. I still worry (probably more as of late than normal), but I hope that all turns out ok.

Thanks to all who have commented on my journey thus far. We’ve had our ups and downs and your encouraging words have made all the difference. I am glad I started this blog even if it started as a way for me to record my thoughts. I hope 2007 will be a great year for everyone.

Be Safe this New Year’s Eve!

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Swollen Feet & Non-Existent Bladder

Posted by Me Wed, 27 Dec 2006 22:16:00 GMT

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Ours was nice. My best friend came up from LA and we were able to spend the holidays munching on some good food and company with my in-laws.

Overall, it was a lovely time spent by all. However, since I was a little out of my routine and spent way more time on my feet, I had quite the swollen ankles/feet Monday Night. I checked my blood pressure though and it wasn’t high so I figured it was just from being on my feet so much and not drinking as much water. I spent most of Tuesday with my feet up and guzzling water like there is no tomorrow. By the evening, my feet looked fairly normal again. Phew! :)

I am still working. I have a couple more weeks of my contract to wrap up before I’ll stop and take it easy before Jack’s arrival. We are pretty much done with the preparations so hopefully I’ll be able to read some books and relax before he makes his appearance. He got some more clothes for X-mas which I’ll be washing and I have to pack a few more things for the hospital stuff but hope to get that done this weekend.

In any case, between my puffy-ness and guzzling of water I am visiting the bathroom like every few minutes! Thankfully, I work from home and the bathroom is close by. :)

We’re 35 weeks and 3 days today. I’ll be 36 weeks New Year’s Eve. LOML & I are planning a very mellow New Year’s Eve. Staying in since really I don’t think I’ll make it to midnight. :) I get so tired these days. It’s all good since I am not a big New Year’s gal anyways.

We have another Dr. Appointment next Wednesday at which point we’ll see where Jack is at – heads down? Maybe. We’ll see. I think I’ll have my first internal exam then and get my Group B Strep Tests done! Fun! :)

So, we’re plugging along. I continue to do my Kick Counts and trying to stay comfortable. It’s getting closer. Goodness! I pray that all continues well and Jack remains healthy in there and arrives without any complications. :)

If I don’t get here again before – Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!

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34w3d

Posted by Me Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:31:00 GMT

I am 34 weeks and 3 days today. I had my Dr’s Appointment this morning and it was pretty routine which we like. :) I got the new nurse again but at least my blood pressure wasn’t as high as last time. It was still a little higher than the readings I get at home. I just get nervous at the Dr’s office. :( However, I am measuring on target still and Dr. H was happy to see my Kick Count Sheet. In general, Jack doesn’t go above 15 mins. I even had some hiccups recorded which usually put him in the 1 min range. Dr. H was appreciative of the record since this way we’ll have something to go by in case the frequency in movement ever slows down. Hopefully, it won’t but it’s nice to have some kind of record to fall back on.

While we were there, Dr. H asked asked if we had a date in mind for when we wanted him to be delivered. I guess some of his patients like to schedule inductions. We opted to let it happen naturally and only schedule an induction if we go 1 week past our due date. So, as of right now, at the latest he will make his appearance is either February 4th or 5th of 2007. A week past his original due date. He may come before but if he hasn’t appeared by then we’ll induce. As LOML puts it, we may have a Super Bowl Baby. :)

We go back in another 2 weeks. I have gained 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks which I guess isn’t too bad. After the next appointment, I’ll be going every week. At the next appointment, I’ll have my Group B Step Tests done and also Dr. H will check and see if Jack is head down. He isn’t yet since I still have a harder time breathing and heartburn is at an all time high! :)

Overall, things are ok. Work has been really busy as have the past few days with Holiday stuff filling up the weeks. My SIL is hosting a Cookie Tasting Party tomorrow night so I have to actually bake some to share with the group! One more thing to do. It should be fun, but as I get so tired easily these days it all gets a little tough. :)

Tonight LOML & I are off to a dinner sponsored by one of our clients which should be nice and then of course there is X-mas this coming weekend. :) The days are just whizzing by and it’s weird to think the year is nearly over. Where has the time gone?

I still get worried, but trying to keep my fretting to a minimum. Jack is still thumping around in my belly which helps assure me and I sure hope he keeps it up. :) I am grateful to have gotten this far and pray that it keeps going this way. I hope Jack is healthy in there and remains that way.

Sorry my posts have been so sporadic and rather boring. I keep thinking of witty topics to write about but unfortunately haven’t really provided you guys with any of those. Life has been quite busy with wrapping up work stuff, preparing for Jack’s arrival, and all the holiday prep. Oh and of course trying to get some shut eye here and there which everyone keeps telling me to get plenty of before baby arrives.

All righty – back to work!

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Getting Stuff Done!

Posted by Me Thu, 07 Dec 2006 21:42:00 GMT

The last few days have just whizzed by. I had my Baby Shower last Saturday and that was a lot of fun. My MIL & SIL did a wonderful job organizing it and Jack got a lot of cool stuff. That kid will be styled out when he arrives. :) I am touched by everyone’s excitement. Some of the nurses from the Fertility Center came to the Shower and that was really great. They were so nice to me while we were going through all the IVF stuff and it was nice to catch up with them.

The rest of the weekend was spent organizing things for the nursery and doing a few loads of laundry. Monday I freaked out a little since I woke up more swollen than I was used to. I took my blood pressure which seemed all well and the swelling did go down after I took a shower and such. I did gain more weight which wasn’t all that great to see on the scale but nothing to write home about I guess.

On Wednesday, we had another appointment with Dr. H. My blood pressure was a little high (well, high for me) but I think I was particularly nervous and I didn’t like the nurse who took it. I wasn’t used to her. Also, right before, I had to step on the scale and it was confirmed that I gained 4 lbs since the last appointment! Yowzers! Considering my high blood pressure reading, they had me pee in a cup to check that no protein was in there. Luckily, there wasn’t so all was ok. Dr. H came in and said though my blood pressure reading was high for me – it wasn’t high enough to be of concern. Overall, I measured right on target and currently in line with an average baby. Jack’s heartbeat was nice and strong at 138 bpm.

Dr. H took his time to answer all of my questions. I have felt more bruised around areas near my belly button and wanted to mention it. He said that that is normal since a lot of stretching is going on and that can cause the aches and pains. Also, I wanted to check that my weight gain is in check and he said it was. As long I haven’t drastically changed my diet, they aren’t too concerned about the weight gain. He said that the main thing they are concerned about is that baby is moving appropriately. He gave me a Kick Count Flow Sheet to record my checks and told us that if we notice any decrease or changes to give the office a call or go straight to L&D at the hospital. So far, Jack has been thumping away and I sure hope he continues that way. :)

Tonight we have a Basic Infant Care class at the hospital. Hopefully, it will be interesting and informative. We have a Breastfeeding class next Tuesday and that should be it as far as any classes we signed up for.

Other than baby, I have been busy working and getting the stuff set for X-mas. I am nearly there with all the gift stuff and slowly but surely getting ready for Jack’s arrival. I have to admit it’s been harder to get around or sleep for that matter now that there is more of me. Jack has not dropped yet so breathing is still tough and the heartburn is at an all-time high!

I need to get back into my walking regiment. I have been a bit neglectful of all that since I get so tired at the end of the day. I get up about 2-3 times a night just to pee and then tossing & turning the rest of the night. It’s all good though – as I have been saying before – I don’t care how uncomfortable I am as long as Jack is healthy and happy. Nothing (and I mean NOTHING) else matters. :)

We go back to Dr H’s in about 2 weeks for another check-up. I hope everything checks out ok and my blood pressure stays ok that time. Maybe I’ll get used to the new nurse and won’t freak out. :) Once can only hope. Hopefully, I won’t break the scale either! LOL :)

Anyways, that’s the update. I have some things to return at Babies R Us this weekend and a few more things to organize this weekend – in addition to all the regular household chores that have been neglected. Never-ending stuff, I tell you! :)

I hope everyone is staying happy and safe during this crazy month filled with holiday stuff! It’s weird to think that we have about 8 weeks more to go before Jack could potentially makes his debut! Crazy! I am still worried which I know will never stop – I just hope all goes ok and Jack makes it into the world safely.

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Friday

Posted by Me Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:00:00 GMT

Yep, another week is ending. I have my other Baby Shower this weekend (Saturday). It is hosted by my MIL & SIL. It should be fun. It should be a smaller group than the one I had a few weeks ago with my relatives from LA.

Jack is getting heavier to carry around and I feel more BH contractions. They aren’t necessarily the painful kind but the kind that makes your belly very tight. It’s weird. I have continued to do my kick counts and Jack is still being pretty active and sitting high. He’s still getting the hiccups and stomping away at my bladder since I still have to get up 2-3 times a night for a bathroom break.

Other than that, work has been busy and I have been more tired. The temps here in Vegas have dropped drastically in the last week. We’ve been experiencing daily highs of the 40’s! Can anyone say “brrr”! Seriously, it’s been so cold (Very cold for Vegas!). No snow though that can still happen. The last 2 years we have had a snow day here in Vegas. That’s what you get for living in the desert – extreme weather patterns. In any case, I try to keep warm by layering up and getting snug underneath my Wool Comforter. :)

LOML & I are still going through our list of getting things checked off the list. This last week we picked our Pediatrician. The practice is real close to our home so that’s nice and we like the Doctor we met. She’s very nice and competent – always a good combination. :)

We have some other classes coming up at the hospital. One next week on Infant Safety Care and then one the following week on Breastfeeding. Hopefully, they’ll be nice and informative.

LOML has been working a ton…so much to do! My contracts have been keeping me busy but not nearly as much as his. Part of it is the fact that I end up fading towards the end of the day and honestly nothing is more important than staying healthy for the little guy I am carrying. Nothing! If that requires me to back off work a little so be it. :)

Besides all the baby stuff, I have been finishing up all the X-mas stuff. Overall, I think I am in good shape in regards to the whole deal. Haven’t really decorated the house but with the pregnancy I honestly don’t have the energy to do any decorating and what happens if Jack decides to come early (I hope he won’t but still a possibility). I don’t want to live in a house full of X-mas decorations until Spring! ;) Since I am not hosting any of the holiday festivities, it’s not a big deal. My SIL is really big into it. She always has X-mas day. :)

All righty, that’s the update. So far so good. We have another appt. with Dr. H this coming Wednesday. Hope all looks good and I didn’t gain a ridiculous amount of weight. At least I know my Blood Pressure is looking good and staying steady. We had an in-home physical this morning since we are applying for Life Insurance. The guy who came out said all looked good in regards to my Blood Pressure. So yay! Hope that stays that way.

Well – back to work! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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