Show and Tell #2

I have a habit of taking pictures of random signs - Example, Here is a sign we saw hanging in the restroom area of a chain sandwich shoppe. I have no idea what it really means (I was told it's German) .. but use your imagination ... So funny:


Weekend Update - Pword talk beyond

We are back from E's brother's graduation. It was one of the best high school graduation's I have been to in FL outside on the football field. It was breezy weather (which helped SO MUCH), the speakers were not long winded about nothing, it was short and concise. We made it back in town in time to pick up my new crib and a few items that i needed from the massive baby store. My house looks as if it has had an explosion from all of these gifts and I am now feeling the nesting/organizing bug coming on STRONG. I was in the pool tonight discussion with E our plans for cleaning out the closet tonight. Yes , It's after 10pm and we will be doing this lil project tonight ... I am nesting like mad ... I am also planning on my friend taking pictures of us tomorrow at the beach (where we took our engagement pictures) for semi-nice professional belly/maternity pictures. I experienced a few more brax.ton hicks contractions today that I would like to admit. I think it is getting super warm, I walked around the massive baby store too long and needed water. Hopefully next week I will have Beach Pictures to show.

More information than you wanted to know

My work shower was great fun: Look at the cake - SO CUTE! It seems we only need a few minor items from our registry plus a swing and a car seat. We are still waiting the S-MIL on the carseat but she has made arrangements so it should be resolved soon. We are dealing with a discontinued color item .... It will work out. I am not worried

The dr's office and pharmacy were finally able to communicate to each other in the same language and get me syringes that require me to only have 2 shots of hep.arin a day instead of 4 shots. (2 in the am, 2 in the pm due to too small of syringes ordered) YEAH for that - Hopefully I will bruise much less.

We are going to watch E's brother graduate from High School tonight. We should be back tomorrow afternoon. There will be some serious work being done in the soon to not be guest room.

I am finding myself going to the restroom SO MUCH more. I had a few weird/painful "OMG, I have to pee NOW" moments this week. I assume baby is dropping more and using my bladder as a cushion, boxing prop, pillow, head rest ... aka WOW that is really uncomfortable.

I was tagged by SuessGirl:

A - Attached or Single: Attached
B - Best Friend(s): E
C - Cake or Pie: Cake
D - Day of Choice: Saturday
E - Essential Item: Cellphone
F - Favorite Color(s): Pink,Purple
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy Bears
H - Hometown: Tarpon Springs
I - Indulgence(s): TV and Sleep
J - January or July: July ( that's my birthday month)
K - Kids: Yes, please.
L - Life is incomplete without: Family and pets
M - Marriage Date: 08/2002
N - Number of Siblings: 1 younger sister
O - Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: snakes, i fear the unknown
Q - Quote: ""Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared with." - Bob Wells
R- Ring size: 8
S - Season: Summer (I live in a hot state, It's the only season i Know)
T- Tag 3 Friends: i tag anyone that wants to participate
U - Unknown fact about me: I was a member of our drill/color guard team in High School
V - Very favorite stores: Target, Borders, stores with purses
W - Worst Habit: Biting my nails
X-ray or Ultrasound: I have had plenty of both
Y - Your Favorite Food(s): Cheeseburgers and steak from a grill
Z - Zodiac: Cancer

The Daily Grind

**if you haven't Yet.. Read and click this post first today (may 29th):


I read a marquee (sp?) at a vet's office on my way to work everyday, normally they change the saying every other day - this message has been up for a week

"The daily grind is what adds the polish to life"

I cannot help but apply that to everything I know. Somehow, I know I have learned this lesson over and over, but this quote has spoke volumes to me. I really have been sitting in my car on the way to work, stuck in traffic and just think of all my daily grinds that have added the "polish" to who I am now, to whom I was yesterday and the days before. Then I read this post (found clicking through the NamComLeavMo blogs) and it kind of ties in to the line of thinking that my brain is going in these days.

I am actually off to a work baby shower for ME - Did I actually type that? I am attending a baby shower at work and It was not planned by Me- It was planned FOR ME... I feel as if i am dreaming

Just a Click

On Thursday, May 29, please click on Allison's blog, Our Own Creation, and help replace that post with whatever is currently up on her blog that day. Everyone needs to visit on the same day--May 29th--because if we simply click throughout the week, it won't bump the day she lost Zoë from that section of the dashboard. I am writing this now to give us time to spread the word. Take the graphic I created and place it on your own blog. Don't worry--I'll remind you to click that day.We need 2,350 people to visit Our Own Creation on May 29th. We need 1,785 people visit Sweet Zoë.



The day that Allison lost Zoë is forever marked her "best day ever" on Wordpress because it is the day that the most people visited her blog. For her own emotional well-being, she needs this post to be taken off her blog dashboard. The way to do that is to create a new record for visits to her blog.

Lot's of Pinks

Thank you for not flogging me yesterday with my worries. I appreciate being somewhat understood. It's nice. I tell ya what is also so nice, seeing so many new comments from so many great blogs. I can't wait to check up on all the new visitors. It is so refreshing to see comments start flowing again.


Any moms out there with P.Co.S who breastfed. I am reading in a few books and articles, (another, more .. think you get my point) lately that PC.OS patients have a low milk supply due to a few things - but Met.formin Helps? Is there any truth behind this? If so I'm so going to be very pushy at my next appointment. Any one know anything about this? I think I may try and call a lactation consultant. yes/no?


For the pregnant FL/So. GA bloggers, You must go register here. I received a a great book on parenting and bundles of coupons for buy one get one free baby, pregnancy related items.


Here is a 20, 29, 35 week Picture all in the same shirt.

Here is the hep.arin shots that I do 2 times a day - see It's small ;)

Sara gave me a . How Sweet is she.

Here’s what to do:

1. On your blog, copy and paste the award, these rules, a link back to the person who selected you, and a link to this post: You will find the story behind the Pink Rose Award here and other graphics to choose from there. (It's really such a sweet story)
2. Select as many award recipients as you would like, link to their blogs (if they have one), and explain why you have chosen them.
3. Let them know that you have selected them for an award by commenting on one of their posts.
4. If you are selected, pass it on by giving the Pink Rose Award to others.
5. If you find that someone you want to nominate has already been selected by someone else, you can still honor them by posting a comment on their award post stating your reasons for wishing to grant them the award.
6. You do not have to wait until someone nominates you to nominate someone else.


I nominate:
Pam for her beautiful blog/writing skills. She often leaves me just wanting more.
Janna for her heart.
Amanda for helping me get through the day.
JJ for all that she does for this IF community and her giving spirit.
Mel for her honesty
Seussgirl for her outpouring support (and because I am going to be emailing her lots of questions soon)
Jen for her ideas and getting the Cent. FL Bloggers together.


Remember you can nominate someone for this w/o being nominated. But if you are commenting on my blog, consider yourself Nominated because w/o you I'd have no way of knowing my supporters/cheerleaders. This (to me) is what it's all about. Making your support known. Keep it up and pass it along.

Read this if you are shopping for cribs

35 weeks = 5 weeks to go ...

87% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 13% left to go



Normally I note the changes in the baby. This week I decided to concentrate on the changes in my body. I found there are more changes in my body this week than the growing baby. The baby is doing basically the same: adding on fat, learning to breath and just waiting to be born.



But as for me:

Changes in Your Body When 35 Weeks Pregnant
By the time you are 35 weeks pregnant, you have likely gained between 24 and 29 pounds. Other common physical changes that you may be noticing around week 35 of pregnancy include:

Not sleeping well
Feelings of anxiety
Becoming moodier and more irritable
Overall feeling of being physically uncomfortable
A decreased sex drive.

Around 35 weeks pregnant, you also might be experiencing more discomfort from hemorrhoids caused by the increased pressure of your growing baby on the veins in your rectum. You might also be constipated, which makes hemorrhoids worse because you might strain for a bowel movement.

Try to avoid hemorrhoids by drinking lots of fluids and eating plenty of whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green vegetables, and fruits. Try not to strain for bowel movements, and always talk with your doctor before taking a laxative.



Myth: If it is stormy out (or if there is a full moon), you are likely to go into labor.

When and how you go into labor is completely dependent upon your body, and a chain of events that occurs for your body to prepare for labor. It will happen when your body is ready.



In general, babies gain about one-half pound per week in the last month of pregnancy. You may have struggled with low hemoglobin (iron) during your entire pregnancy only to find that it is beginning to rise again. This elevation is due to the fact that your body is storing iron in preparation for the normal blood loss experienced at birth. Your baby has been manufacturing red blood cells and bone marrow, which may have depleted your levels, but that work is almost done. Now it's your turn to absorb some of the iron.



I have to say, I have turned on the waterworks and the anxiety to an all time high (so far). So has the pressure on my pelvic bone and bladder. I am scared ... or worried ... Scared/worried of just about everything imaginable. Here is just the short condensed list.

• Pre-term Labor ( just need 2 more weeks then it's considered full term)
• I have been having very random stillborn thoughts, dreams, concerns. Mini is kicking me - My ribs will forever be bruised-but my head wanders off in these thoughts. My father's mother delivered still born babies... I know I need to keep these thoughts at bay. That was a long time ago and under different circumstances.
• Worried of what harm I may have caused Mini from my P.CO.S and possible Gest. Diabetes and whatever else you can possibly harm a child with ..things I do not even know about or exist.
• Worried about the baby having something wrong that requires hospital stay or surgery
• Worried about being judged as a mother
• Worried about P.ost Part.um Depr.ession
• Worried about denial
• Worried about worrying
• Worried about my moodiness - mad at myself because I lose my cool and get moody - I shouldn't be moody, I should be elated, over the moon
• The more excited people get about the baby coming around me, the more freaked out I get
• Tired of being Tired
• Feeling inadequate, Overwhelmed
• Tired of my Sinus' taking revenge on me - It started a few days ago (had a few minor nose bleeds)
• Worried that We have to get the Baby from my uterus out and breathing
• Scared/worried about the baby items that are behind me as I type this

It's another week down. I have the best husband for me. We will do this together and we will figure out how it needs to be done best for us. I know this in my heart - It's the hormones and the Head I seem to be battling.

I am consoled to read that all these worries are "normal" at this stage. We will do this! I will STOP snapping at my parents, I will overcome this.

Show and Tell

If you haven't read this post (the part in red) - read it first then come back.

To answer Katt's question, I present my show and tell. This is Onyx talking with Mr Turtle.

Please stop by Katie's site. She started spotting and could use some comfort

Cruisin'

Dr's appointment (skip to the red to avoid all baby chat)

We saw a different OB in the practice today. I really liked her. No trace of anything bad in my urine, down 3 more lbs., no swelling, BP 144/90 ??!!!! Apparently, The nurse took it wrong .. I swear she did. I have a sinus/head cold/snot fest going on. But 144/90 ??!!?! I started to panic alil. We discussed my fundal height still measuring 1.5 weeks ahead but we figured out why - I go to my visits when I am almost into the next week. Like today was a 34 week appointment but I am 34w 4d. measuring at 36 weeks. Not so terrible. She doesn't think the baby is as large as the mfm predictions?!? ok?! She is going to discuss the met/gly.bu.ride with the other dr's and maybe have a phone consult with my mfm. All but my fasting reads are great so I get to cut out the 2 day testings. I will test the Fasting read (am) and 2 hours after dinner read (pm). She checked for swelling today and I have none - She said I was on cruise control and that at my next appoint (June 6th) we will do NST's and a dr appointment. I told her that I have my nst's all set up, she was very happy about that - called in the nurse to take my bp again and it was 112/64. I really think she took it wrong the first time. There was only 10 mins in between reads and the dr had me laying down and sitting up a few times in between those times. So She said that I am on cruise control. Feeling much better.



-preparing for baby items-
For those preparing for baby- I bought a book to go by. They also have a website i follow. 2 days ago I saw this. (basically a " safety issue" with the crib manufacture we bought. I was not pleased and tried to contact the maker myself but they just had a generic recording. I do not want to chance anything - so we returned ours today (see procrastinating paid off because it was still in the box-if it was out of the box i could not have returned it). We did end up buying a much more expensive crib - but It was a good choice. It should be here in less than 14 days .. Cross your fingers and hold your breath. My dad went with us, he found a cradle he liked (for his house - made by the same crib manufacture-, I didn't argue - So he bought it and plans on sending my mother back up and letting her pick out bedding and such. He is just so excited about our boy - I know he really wanted a boy and he raised 2 girls who know how to change tires, know the names of tools and how to use them, had a basketball hoop - all while wearing pink girlie outfits ;)

A few days ago, My father and husband got rid of my pet turtle. I knew they were going to, I told them both if they felt strongly about Mr Turtle going I would respect their wishes just do it and not tell me about it. Mr Turtle has been around for about 10yrs now. He was my college pet and has grown quite large over the yrs. He is a yellow bellied turtle. There is a pond next to my parent's neighborhood - so he now resides over there. I had a good cry after I found out he was gone - but I understand their concerns. He was in the room that shall soon have another purpose then a guest room. Although - they pissed off my cat royally. My cat used to lay in the fish tank and play with him. My cat was the one that told on them. I came home and she was meowing/crying like something was wrong. She would sit at the guest room door and look in the corner and just meow her lil heart out. I looked and Mr Turtle was gone and She was letting me know. So funny yet so sad. Here is a pic of Mr Turtle and his new home:

Well, I am off to prepare for a house full of company this weekend. We are celebrating E's birthday tomorrow at my parents house with friends. Should be alot of fun! I hope everyone is doing well

T - 1

Is the shower slideshow working?? If not Ill try again later ..my nerves could not handle any more technical difficulties.

My second to last mf.m appointment - thus the T-1. I will have one more appointment with him in 3 weeks. He was unhappy with the Gest. Counselor giving me a diet of 2600 cals and disagreed with the OB about not giving me the Met back when My testings were off. He thinks that I should be given my glucophage (Met) back or prescribe glybruide (sp?) along with a 2200 cal diet plan and monitoring my sugars. He says, yes, it's partly gd, but it's also a pre-existing condition (p.co.s) that we knew about before I was pregnant - therefore he sees it as unfair for me to "try and handle it w/o drugs" since I was on the drugs before and we know the drugs work. He said that thinks it is just my fasting read that needs to be adjusted. He would like to see me a pill at dinner time only --- with all that said I have a 6 lb baby!!! I nearly started to cry in his office. He assured me that It is not that large, it is in the 70%tile. He says that a my OB appointment on Friday he would like me to discuss the option of getting some oral treatment back. I have his notes in my purse to take with me, I didn't want to chance my OB not getting them. He believes that everything else is "perfect". We saw Mini breathing in and out the amniotic fluid and the heart was pumping away at 135 bpm in the head down position. He also thinks that we will have a baby here in the next 4-5 week. Maybe a lil earlier than the due date.

I can not express how much I absolutely adore this man. I hope that my OB and I are able to discuss his suggestions Friday and get this straightened out and that I will be prescribed something to help lower my fasting read.

I can not help but feel alittle deflated. I think a few posts back I was whining about wanting my Met back. It's true, i DO. I know that you are not supposed to play the shoulda, woulda, coulda game. But I can't help but think that if I was given my Met, I would have made it to my due date w/o concern of the insulin issue that concerns me with my lil boy. I am consumed with just hoping that he will come out just fine from all of this and that my screwy body chemistry will not hurt him too much more than it may have already.

My husband keeps telling me to look at the positives - He is healthy, he is breathing fluids, he is head down, he is not too small, he has made it 34 weeks, he has all the organ/fingers/toes, and we will get to see him most likely sooner than we thought. These are all good things to be happy for and celebrate.

34 weeks

84% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 16% left to go

If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.


Not much changes from 34 weeks pregnant and on except your baby is adding valuable meat to his bones. Some women also start wondering when their baby will 'drop' sometime after week 34 pregnancy. Dropping is the term that refers to the process whereby your baby's head enters the birth canal. It generally occurs in first time mothers a few weeks before delivery. In moms who have already given birth, it may not happen until a day or two before labor begins. When you do drop you should notice a change in your abdomen. You might notice your baby is resting lower. You might also notice that it suddenly becomes easier to breathe, in part because you have 'lightened' your load and now have more room available in your upper abdomen.
It is also common to start feeling some pressure in the vagina after the baby drops. Some women worry that their baby might fall out. Talk to your doctor if you feel the pressure is severe. Your healthcare provider can check to see exactly how low the baby's head is. Usually everything will be fine, you simply need to adjust to your baby sitting a little lower than you are used to.


The hormones from the placenta are starting to activate the milk in your breasts.

In liver news: although not quite fully formed, your little miracle’s liver is now capable of processing a certain amount of waste. In general, most of your child’s prenatal physical development is pretty much up to snuff and ready for the outside world. Naturally, further weight gain is expected—so you’re still not at maximum capacity despite probably feeling like you definitely are maxed out.


I think I am fearing that my baby has dropped and the lightening has happened. Then some days, I don't think it is as defined as I think it is. I think I am just afraid of preterm labor and not making it as far as I would like to - in order to feel more comfortable. I am also afraid of a 8-10 pounder. We go tomorrow to visit Dr Wonderful at the mfm's office for another growth scan and looksee at Mini. I am hoping/praying that he is just the perfect size (like in the 3 bears story - juuuuuuust riiiiiight and my cervix is holding strong for a few more weeks. I have dreams about pre-term labor. My mind/sub conscious has really taken this fear and run with it. Especially since the GD scare (which I still have yet to have a really high read over the acceptable limits - I am just beyond paranoid now)



To answer the few questions about the heparin- I will be on it until further notice. My ob's have told me that If I feel I am having labor contractions, Do not take the next shots. It has a lifespan of about 4-6 hours in my system and they would just prefer me to err on the side of caution and not take it, if I think "things are progressing". I have also been instructed to stop the baby aspirin. I have an ob appointment Friday morning. I am crossing fingers and holding my breath that all continues to go well. We do not have a car seat yet (still waiting-told it's being shipped the first week in June), We have 4 couples coming into town this weekend to celebrate E's birthday (along with a pseudo baby shower since they couldn't come this past weekend). I'd really like to enjoy their company.



I have asked a friend to take a pictures of E and I in the upcoming week so I have some semi-professional good photos of us at the beach with my belly! Our engagement pictures were done at the beach and I would like to have maternity pictures there also.



For the most part, I am doing well, sleeping ok (absolutely cannot shift in bed, must lay on a side only and must get out of the bed on whatever side i am laying on or I get a weird stabbing/pain sensation in my back/stomach area, the bobby pillow is really useful now too, I am working fine (this is my last week on-call, I will miss that paycheck but not the worry). I am told I just fully waddle now. O'well what can I say to that. I will be taking off Friday and we already have Monday. I am looking forward to just kickin it back and relaxing. On Monday I do plan on cleaning out what will soon be a lil boy's closet. I have put it off long enough and It needs to get done. It shouldn't take long, the walk-in closet isn't that big ... wow lots of posts in a short amount of time....

Teaser

It's E as a toddler - SUCH a cutie !


Mom & I


My Sister, Mom and I


Me and the Grandmothers


The Fantastic Cake


The Diaper Cake my wonderful friend made for us! Isn't it Awesome! (it is wrapped arround a champagne bottle- So clever)

booties, bibs, diapers oh My !

My shower was fantastic. It was very enjoyable and yet I found myself very awkward and sometimes stoic. I don’t know why, but when I get in a room full of people, I become awkward if the event is for me. I wish I had pictures to post as promised. I am waiting or my friend to give me a copy of them – I will post them soon. My Step MIL is waiting to see them too. I am really looking forward in seeing them myself. I haven’t seen um yet either.

It was a brunch spread: pigs in blankets, muffins, bagels, fruit salad and this cake:

We played a few games then I opened presents. I received so many nice gifts. It was really wonderful. Bath tub, wipes, bibs, stroller, high chair, clothes, and more clothes, hangers, gift cards, pack and play, bouncy seat, wash clothes, towel, butt paste, et. al. My 4yr old SIL (insert laugh here) helped me open the presents. It was nice but then she got going too fast and I didn’t have a chance to enjoy each gift –for trying to get her to stop opening another gift before we read the card to see who it was from.

A friend of mine made this really awesome diaper cake. I can’t wait to post a picture of that. I thought it was just super cute. I LOVED it!!

I did wear the black dress but I went a got a blue bow instead of the pink one. I actually matched my mother. (Unplanned but hilarious). Um did I mention that I forgot to plan for shoes? I got dressed and realized that I had no black flats … So I wore flip-flops until I got to my mother’s house – took off the shoes it went bare foot. Oh how my southern grandmother would have not been proud …

My MIL came Friday night and was supposed to leave after the shower decided to stay until Sunday. (so I missed the Fl Bloggers Get together and I was highly bummed out) My husband had to work the whole weekend so this was really the only time we have not had a buffer. I have to admit – as annoying as it was- she is a kind hearted lady and sometimes I do not give her the benefit of the doubt. I did have to endure all 9 birthing stories from all her kids, listen to her talk about how drugs “only slow things down and lead to c-sections and cause major complications” (this has been a common mis-information in my life recently) All you brave women who do not/did not want/have/had drugs – more power to you. I just want to make sure I am aware of all my options. It was semi-nice to hang out with her and her girls (15 and 4). The 4yr old still drives me batty because she is just so undisciplined, all over the place, and manipulative and mom lets her get away with murder. I shouldn’t complain too much because on Saturday Night and Sunday morning – they cleaned my entire house. Vacuumed, dusted, washed dishes, scrubbed toilets, sinks and tubs. THAT was a great gift- because I have been slacking on the cleaning department lately.

As soon as I get pictures, I will post them. I have realized that I am still having a hard time imagining needing all the items from my shower. I am having a hard time imagining that I am going to have a baby that is going to require the stuff i have accumulating in my spare bedroom. I wish I knew how to explain it better. It just hasn't hit me yet. I am hoping my SMil is sending that carseat like she said she was going to ... we are still waiting

Rambles Of a Hormonal Crazy Woman

AH - I made it one more week w/o using leave. Hopefully I can pull that off for 1 more pay period. (may 29th)

We had our OB Tour yesterday. I must say that this hospital is just fantastic and so thoughtful. I know they birth babies hourly and all - but they just have it down so exactly as I would like it to be. The policies are in place but make sense and there is nothing too out of the ordinary. Every hospital staff we encountered was just super friendly. I think that we will really be pleased with this hospital. They play a lullaby over the entire hospital speakers when a baby is born.

I received from Morrisa, Adriane, Wishing, Hoping and Praying, and Katie (*edit) this week.

I cannot express to you gals how much I needed this little extra this week.


I would like to pass it on to LIW, and Lady in Waiting, Kristen, Marcy and Kris, and TopCat. All have been a great deal of support to me and are deserving woman.

I have been feeling very drained emotionally and physically. There are some things going on right now and I was not sure if i was going to be able to make it another day a few days ago. I have been having lil mini episodes of doubt and fear. It all stems from lack of sleep, I think. We changed from lo.veno.x to he.par.in (because hep is easier to control while laboring - as someone else also pointed out) And of course there had to be a snafu. At the pharmacy (or the ob's script - each are blaming the other) I received the wrong vials of the drug. I picked them up Monday night after work, came home to find out that there was not a script for the needles we needed to inject it with. E called the pharmacy to try and arrange the pharmacist to let us have(buy) 2 needles to get us that night's dosage and the am dosage. Then I could call the OB's office and ask them to order/write a script for the remainder. So i did, they called in an order, I picked them up Tuesday night after work. Got home, found out that based on the syringe units I would now be required to inject 2 needles at a time to fulfill the ob's amount prescribed. I was a little frustrated. NO, i was alot frustrated. Lov.enox was in a pre-filled syringe, no mixing required and i only had to take it once a day. This new drug was requiring 2 shots a day - but with the small syringes it meant 4 shots a day. So I had to give myself 2 shots in the pm and 2 shots in the am and then call my ob's office again Wednesday to figure out what was going on. I still do not have any clear answers as to what happened - each are blaming the other for the script - but will not take back the drugs and syringes and give us the right ones - therefore I stuck (literally) 4 times a day compared to once a a day until I run out of those vials. I have 30 of them and each vial will last about 5 days. Therefore I will be sticking myself most likely until Mini arrives 4 times a day. I was bruise free before switching, My belly ( where I have been instructed to stick myself) is no longer bruise free and quite sore actually. I just keep thinking - I am so ...close..I will make it. I called to get more test strips for my sugar monitor but the pharmacy will not let me re-new that prescription because the dr put that I test 2 times a day - but i was told to test 4 - so I have to call again today and ask if they want me to just test 2 times a day or continue to test 4 times. If they want me to continue doing 4 times a day the script needs updating or a new one needs called in .... It's just tiring dealing with all of this .. That stress on top of the mental stress I put on myself about my leave and dealing with other stress's that I can't really share yet just makes me all tapped out. Good thing is after tomorrow, I plan on leaving work early to pick up my sister at the airport, going to get a pedicure and manicure and relaxing before the shower on Saturday.

With all the above frustrations, i am still glad to be able to hold my head up and say that I am almost 34 weeks pregnant and still feel unbeleivablly blessed to have made it this far and be able to actually be in a position to have a baby shower FOR ME ... This is will be for me and I did not have to plan it. After last yrs baby shower bananza's (i threw 4 last yr), It is so humbling to be able to think that I actually have something referred to as a "shower dress" and enjoy celebrating my ( well and e's baby).

I leave you with a 33 week pic:
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33 weeks

82% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 18% left to go

The baby is using it's lungs to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. Your baby is drinking about a pint of amniotic fluid a day now and urinating the same amount.



Amniotic fluid is at its highest level during your pregnancy. If your baby is a boy, his testicles will be descending from his abdomen into his scrotum. Sometimes one or both testicles won't move into position until after birth.

Those uterine walls are becoming thinner, more light penetrates the womb, helping your baby differentiate between day and night (now if only baby can remember that difference on the outside!). And good news! Your baby has reached an important milestone about now: The development of his or her own immune system that (along with antibodies from you) will be able to provide protection from mild infections

Third Trimester Insomnia strikes more than 75 percent of expectant moms — very tired expectant moms. All the hormonal changes, the midnight treks to the bathroom, the leg cramps, the heartburn that won't quit, the fact that you can't get comfortable when you're in bed with a watermelon where your tummy used to be, and the anxiety you're likely feeling about the impending birth of your baby (and the fact that you still haven't decided on a name for your baby) all contribute to your inability to catch some satisfying z's.

The skin becomes a rosy color and the fine downy hair that was on the skin is replaced with vernix caseosa. This "baby cream cheese" prevents the skin from drying out. The fine downy hair (lanugo) comes off and floats in the amniotic fluid. Because the baby takes small sips of amniotic fluid, he swallows these hairs which then tickle and stimulate his intestines, which helps in their function after birth.


While there are many things you can do to limit swelling and bloating (like exercising and drinking water) you will retain some fluid no matter what you do. This is especially true if you are having your baby in the summer months when it is hot and your body retains water naturally anyway.


I am experiencing that third trimester insomnia. Man, I am up and ready to go at about 4:30 am every morning now. I usually watch tv or make myself lay still in order to fall back asleep. I have noticed a bit of swelling in my feet towards the end of the days. I prop my feet up and watch tv and drink water and they start to go down. By morning, they look fine again. (Although, I think my feet are flattening out or getting wider then before)


I thought I was getting sick last week but then I think we decided over the weekend it was lack of sleep making me feel bad. I got about 15 hours of sleep (not continuous) Saturday night/Sunday and realized that I am definitely trying too hard some days. I am pushing my limits and need to back off of some of the expectations that I placed on myself. I have not used any leave from work since January. I was trying to not use any time off until I go out on maternity leave. I have worked 10/12 hour days to make up for all of the dr's appointments. I was planning on working until the end of June w/o using leave to try and have as much leave built up for when I am out of maternity leave. I am having to give myself a break. This is far too much of an expectation. I need to take more time for myself to relax some. This is my last week that I will place this pressure on myself. I knew that May was going to be a rough month just by the calendar but I feel like I am starting to drag. We have alot of obligations this month and I may have to excuse myself from some.



I started he.par.in last night. I have read mixed reviews/opinions about lov.enox and hepa.rin and breastfeeding. The pharmacist I asked last night said that it was a safe drug for breastfeeding. My sugar reads continue to be good, so I canceled the appointment with the counselor and told them that I would reschedule next week. Let's hope that I continue to have good reads. THANK you for the emails I received yesterday about good birth stories that involve medication. I appreciate all the feedback. I left that class in a pretty weird place. I know that no 2 births are the same but it is nice to receive personal information. It just helps my nerves and anxiety levels so much.

Here's to another week down!

2 posts 1 day ...

I was honored to receive by Janna. Thank you very much Janna. She is on the road to adoption right now and I love reading her updates and agency choices. She is a very gracious person.

As she has stated, it is now mu duty and honor to pass the torch.

First is Amanda - She is now pregnant with twins but during our earlier friendship she was just having a loss and I was in the throws of cycling. Two rather different locations to be in but the support I have find from her has been a blessing. It is nice to have a non-partial party who is willing just to listen and be there no matter how rough it gets.

Second is Kathy - she is dealing with her own very rough situation and always offered kind, generous words for me. Her encouragement has spoken volumes for her heart and the type of person she is.

Lastly is Sara - She is also newly pregnant and having a rough start. She is never shyed away from helping me understand medical terms and has made herself very available to me when/if i ever need her help/support.

I would also like to pass it on to Katie, KathyV, and Barb : I could go on and on and on listing Girls that just generally make my day a better place but i better stop and get some work down today!

E's gotta big job

I had an interesting weekend. Saturday, we went to our childbirth education class. I signed up for the medical assisted general birth class. There is a natural childbirth class but I figured I would go to the one on all the medical procedures first – and then if need be, go to the natural childbirth class. I know there is plenty of knowledge and resources available for natural childbirths. The class was being taught at the hospital I am giving birth at, so I was interested in hear their medical procedures on how a birth with medicine goes at their hospital. While much to my shock, the instructor, in my opinion, had her own personal agenda. Her viewpoints were not at all close to mine, which I am fine with, but has a instructor, I appreciate non-biases factual information. This was her second time leading the childbirth classes in over 15yrs. She normally teaches other classes that I feel she is way more suited for. I bet if I signed up for the other class she teaches, I would find her knowledgeable and quite helpful. But this class was about learning about childbirth and the drugs that are available. She spent a great deal of time teaching us labor positions and signs. She gave us a handout and we were to simulate labor pains (complete with moans and groans) and practice different positions with our birthing partners. I am, was not, never will be COMFORTABLE with any of that in a group setting. (16 couples, 2 women w/o partners and the instructor). These positions were just very touchy, personal and overwhelming for me to even try to do with so many people around. I have this major insecurity, inferiority complex in a group of people I do not know. Plus, I am not a touchy kind of person in public. Never mind to say that these “positions” could double as Kama Sutra positions. (This went on for 40 mins) So I did start to tear up and have a minor panic attack. Thank Gaawd for my wonder husband, who knows these looks on my face w/o me even having to speak. He whispers something very funny in my ear and calms me down a bit and we carry on through the remainder of the class. The last 40 mins she shows a film about the drugs and procedures (in an extremely negative connotation), and the saddest c-section story ever. *the reason the couple had to have a c-section is because the drugs slowed down her labor and “this was a result of choosing to use drugs vs. just toughening it out.” Everyone was in tears after that. She sent us home after the c-section video with her email address if we needed her. I threw her email address in the trash. I have no more questions for her. But now I am filled with lots of doubt and concerns. In the first statement about the class, she wanted to fill us with confidence. I feel as though the exact opposite happened for me. I think I am going to try and find more resources that may be useful for me – or ask my drs’ lots of questions at my next appointment. I have an OB tour of the labor and delivery wing Wednesday at 7pm. I may get more clarification then. Who knows. One thing I do know is that birth in some capacity is the inevitable and we will make it and go with the flow as much as possible. I now for sure know that only E and the staff will be in the delivery room. We talked about it, and I need to feel comfortable more than anything. That is E’s job to make sure on the day/night that it happens.

Thank you for those that wished me a Happy Mother’s to Be day. It was spent celebrating my mother. We took her out to breakfast and just sat around the table talking. Then ran some errands. I read this story on another blog and wanted to share it.

We are making progress

I just got back from my ob appointment. I must tell you it went shockingly well. This was the first appointment since receiving the GD diagnosis over the phone. The dr was unimpressed with the diagnosis. She said that she would not have classified my results as GD but considering I have P.CO.S, It doesn't hurt anything. I did not know this until today -but my uterus has been measuring ~2 weeks ahead ever since i was 15 weeks. No one ever said anything to me about it until today. Good news is that it's consistent therefore she is not concerned. She told me that up to 2 weeks measuring ahead is totally w/in the norm. (just passing along knowledge) My bp was perfect, no trace of protein in my urine (yah)! They switched my lo.veno.x to he.p.ari.n today. So i am now on 2 shots of heparin a day. I was informed today that I cannot breast feed if on the lo.veno.x. (which they will put me back on after delivery) We will have to address that issue in a few weeks. I need time to think about this and do my own lil research. She reassured me that she wanted to aim for a vaginal birth. (yah for that) If my water breaks I am not to do my he.par.in dose. I think that about sums up my appointment today. I schedule my next 5 appointments with the office. I have one more regular appointment in 2 weeks. Then after that appointment, I will start going to weekly nst's followed by a dr visit. The Ob's office would like me to have 1 more visit (after the one in 2 weeks) with the mfm. I tell ya, I don't want to leave his office, I jut adore him

My peri ( mfm) appointment is also in 2 weeks (before my ob's) - we will get another glimpse of Mini. I am hoping that his weight is going to be right on track so there will be nothing to worry about. He has been so good to me.

So as you can see, the prayers, good thoughts etc. are working. Thank you so very much.

We have our childbirth education class tomorrow. I chose not to go to any weekly (or biweekly) classes due to our work schedules. I am very excited to be able to go to it. I heard it was very informative and helpful.

We have our OB Hospital tour Wednesday at 7pm. Things are really progressing. I am feeling much more calm. My shower is the 17th (almost 1 week away) and I am really looking forward to it.

Yah for Friday. I am ready for the weekend. I bet you are too

4 things

Barb tagged me with a fun one - Here it goes:

4 Things I Did 10 Years go (1998)
1. I was in college at FSU
2. Turned 22
3. Worked at Ol.d Na.vy
4. Had 10 girl roommates

4 Things I did 5 Years Ago (2003)
1. begged my husband drop out of the current college to move "back home" and go to a different college
2. Started a New Job "back home"
3. Reconnected with some old friends
4. Turned 27

4 Things I did Yesterday
1. Worked
2. cleaned out some work cabinets
3. watched tv
4. talked to my hubby

4 Shows I love to Watch
1. Gossip Girl
2. The Hills
3. old reruns of 90210 (on the soap channel)
4. Samantha Who (and MANY MORE)

4 Things That Make Me Really Happy
1. My Husband
2. feeling my baby move
3. Phone calls/visits from family and friends
4. The Beach/Ocean

I tag Kathy V and whomever else wants to

My Ob appointment is tomorrow at 9:45am - Send your prayers

32 weeks

79% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 21% left to go



Your uterus is measuring about 5 inches above your navel and is pushing your organs every which way (wherever there is room). This may cause heartburn or constipation. . In order to lessen the symptoms of constipation, drink lots of water and eat plenty of fiber. If it gets really uncomfortable and you are unable to have a bowel movement without pain, talk to your healthcare provider about stool softeners. Heartburn may become more of a problem as the uterus pushes up on the stomach. In order to minimize heartburn and indigestion, eat frequent small meals instead of fewer larger ones.

Now, The total volume of blood circulating in your body is about 40 to 50 percent higher than it was before you became pregnant. This added blood volume helps accommodate your baby.

Most babies by far lie in the 'occipital anterior position'. Occiput refers to the back of the baby's head, and the position means whether this heavy part of his head is facing your front (anterior) or your back (posterior). Why can't this be called something simple? In other words, the baby's nose is pointing towards your butt and this is a good thing. Some babies are lying with their noses pointing to one side or another, and that's good too. With his chin on his chest, the baby will have no problem during a vaginal birth. Both of these head-down positions are the most favorable positions for the baby because they enable him to conform his little head to the shape of your pelvis.Occasionally, a baby is sunny side up with his nose facing your pubic bone (the birth team will call this ‘occiput posterior'). This position is a bit more of a challenge, it's harder for him to navigate through your pelvis and the heavy part of his head is banging along your vertebrae. Ouch! But, a vaginal birth is still his way out, although the labor may take longer than expected. At this point in your pregnancy, you still have the power to help your baby find the best position for birth. By spending time on your hands and knees, by sitting leaning forward, and by swimming with your belly hanging down, you can help convince the heaviest part of your baby - the back of his head and his back - to be at your front. Yoga and chiropractic care may also help move a stubborn baby. Still, your baby will decide which position he prefers. This will feel the best for him.


I am told that when you feel your uterus tightening up, your body is gearing up for the labor day. These irregular practice contractions can be first felt around mid-pregnancy and increase in frequency and strength as your pregnancy progresses. (braxton hicks) I also read that, all babys have blue eyes. Depending on their chromosomal disposition, this could easily change after birth (or even between now and labor), but for the time being, blue it is. Thanks to their recently matured lungs and a remarkably strong immune system, over 90% of babies born in their 32nd week, survive premature births. So it’s pretty much a done deal. Even if your little monkey’s planning on heading out early, their survival odds are in everyone’s favor. Time to celebrate (no, no, wait until after the birth to crack open the champagne!) We’re talking baby-showers and alcohol-free punch!

I have to tell you - I feel great. It is the question of the hour. Everyone asks. "how are you feeling?" I guess maybe I am supposed to not feel good? But I do. E and I have been walking after dinner around the block - also to help the gd and sugars. We'll see. I received paperwork for my disability coverage for my birth. I need to head over to HR and discuss my leave. I can not figure out what is best for us. I have a few months of leave, use it all at one time or use 1/2 time and spread it over a longer period of time. I am leaning towards 1/2 time and spread it out farther along. It's time for me to buckle down and do some things that I have been putting off. We still Do not have a nirsery yet. We have a mostly cleaned out spare bedroom with baby stuff in it but not set up, put together or arranged. I have a closet that is not at all cleaned out. E says we will get serious and down tot business after my shower. Part of me gets stressed about it, part of me is all zen. It's a different feeling for me. I am a planner by nature.



I'm getting brave (lazy)or something, I'm posting pj pregnant belly shots.
Here are progressions pic again:

Carbs Carbs and more Carbs

GD Conseling #2:
I have lost 4 more lbs. I found out that again, I am not eating enough carbs. I missed out on like 40-60 grams of carbs total for the week. (it's like missing 2 or 3 snacks or 1 dinner). So, I have been encouraged to up my carb intake. I go back on the 13th in hopes that all is still doing well. The Nurse was very pleased with my numbers but wants me to eat more. E came with me this time to ask some questions he had. He also asked if I could eat whatever they served at my baby shower- and she told me to eat whatever and have a piece of cake. She says one day will not do anything in the grand scheme of things - and can be explained. They are more concerned with the days that can't be explained. She said there is no way on earth she would want to ruin my first baby shower ever and that was not this plans intention. I was encouraged by this. I have been hyper stressing about this counting, eating, and testing process. She told me not to think so much about it- She thinks I am over analyzing and she wished half her patients would take it 1/2 as serious as I have been. She told me that as I add more carbs and if I see a rise in my numbers not to panic- some bodies just can't control this and since I was on m.etf.ormin (and have p.co.s and sugar issues before I got pregnant) it would not be at all out of the ordinary that I would need a lil assistance trying to control 2 body sugars.

Thank you so much that commented on my last couple posts about your GD experiences and foods and such - That has been a HUGE help to read and go through - keep um coming.

WOW too many I statements.... bleh

We go and see the OB on Friday - Hopefully they will help my nerves also ..

Ok on to mo bettah news: I love the hair. It is very easy to manage (once I found my round brush) She cut the bangs a lil too short for my liking - but by the time of my shower, it should be perfect. Thank you all for the confidence boost- It's much appreciated. I actually did not get any color done. I have changed shampoos and use a brunette conditioner every other days. I don't know if that made a difference - But thank you so much for the compliments. It really does help my self esteem soooo much.

I am pretty sure that I experienced some bra.xton hic.ks Sunday. It was nothing too painful, it just was a lil cramping that was slightly more uncomfortable than normal - enough to want to sit down.

As promised :

This is me concentrating to take the self protrait of the New Do: (it's a conbination of all 3 choices really:

Front:


Side:

E is so grateful for all the birthday wishes sent his way. He told me to make sure to say thank you.

I found something this week on the web and I am just sharing. It's a b.pa water bottle for adults. I am buying one. Here it is. *i do not say any of this to get into a what is/isn't good for you debate - just for simple pass it on sharing*


My other due date buddie Anns is in need of some blog lovin. She is also dx with GD and has been doing this stupid diet much longer than I have. Please stop by and send her some good thoughts/comments. This plan really is such an awful, time consuming, emotional, depressing, restrictive, tiresome, suck the life out of you diet. It has started to wear on her and that is just no fun at all.

Wordgirl has just be dx with P.Cos - she could also need some support. Pass it on.


T - 2.5 hours until I get my new haircut. I am really excited about this. I obviously need to get out more huh

Happy

30th Birthday to E. My hubby is turning 30. Today and he woke me up at 5:15 am singing "happy birthday to me" today - It was cute. He comes from a family that never celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, special events. (in fact i sent an email to his mother and (smil and father) and texted his siblings so they would not forget) I come from a family that will make up a reason to celebrate just because. He works this weekend, but we are planning to celebrate the weekend of Memorial day. He has some friends coming down then and He is all exited about celebrating that weekend. It just makes my heart shine to see joy on his face. He rarely has emotions - so this was big for him to do today. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday - and he told me that he would take a belated birthday gift in 8 week-ish. (ya know- around the end of june, July 1st.) I bought him This, This and This also. CHEESEEEEEEEy but o'so funny!


Mel over at Stirrup Queen's is having another one of her brilliant ideas. Read here

NaComLeavMo: More Conversation Than You Can Shake a Stick at
Calling all to delurk and comment - Will you be joining us? ..

In the spirit of always oversharing

Thank you for your input about my new do. (keep up w/voicing your opinions) I made an appointment for Saturday. I have no idea which one I will choose yet. I may not know until the stylist makes the first cut. But I am in need of a uplifted new do. (picture to follow)

Some of you have asked about this new gd diet/sugar testing plan - So here ya go.

wake up - take fasting blood sugar (needs to be under 95)
then eat breakfast
2 hours from the first bite of breakfast test blood sugar (needs to be under 120)
after test eat a snack (consisting of 30 grams of carbs)
2~3 hours later - eat lunch (consisting of 45 grams of carbs)
2 hours from the first bite of lunch test blood sugar (needs to be under 120)
then after test eat a snack (consisting of 30 grams of carbs)
2~3 hours later eat dinner (consisting of 45 grams of carbs)
2 hours from the first bite of dinner test blood sugar (needs to be under 120)
then after test - eat a snack

I will Rinse and repeat this every day for ~8 weeks (ad nausea)
I get 2 servings of 15g carbs for breakfast and snacks, 3-4 15 g carbs for lunch and dinner

Menu thus far :
Breakfast - 1 piece of toast and Peanut Butter (PB) and 8 oz of milk ( 2%)
Snack - 1 cup blueberries, 1 string cheese, 6 whole grain crackers
Lunch - The South Beach Turkey Bacon Wrap, piece of fruit
Snack - celery w/PB, a yogurt, 2 rice cakes
Supper - Hamburger w/ bun, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 of banana
Snack - 1 cup of milk, 17-20 grapes (or 1 cup of milk and whole grain cereal)

other options:
Dinner - Steak, 1 cup mashed potatoes, 1 cup of milk
Snack - 15g of carbs of almonds, and yogurt
Snack - Pops ( the cereal in a grab and go bag), and a small apple
Lunch or Dinner - Salad with Meat and Eggs

If you have other meal idea's keep um coming!

My information packet tells me that 2 tbsp of vinegar before a meal can help lower my sugars

I am still having a hard time mentally but It is getting easier. It's only been 3 days. Once it gets to be routine, am hoping the timing will just fall into place. I have been trying to forgive myself for having to go through these exercises. It just feels like more punishment - I know that is not the case- But it is just my feelings in the matter. It is hard to no longer eat meals with co-workers due to having to test on certain times and wanting to eat dinner with my husband. I feel alittle alienated for now. But it is new and Maybe I will adjust and stop being so sensitive over time. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this baby gets a chance at birth. My readings haven't been bad at all (so far knock on wood). I get anxious before each test time but I hope that will go away over time as well.