Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Look What I Can Do!
I am no longer pregnant!! Ha-lle-lu-jah!! This is not a new revelation. I have been wallowing in the wonderful freedom of this truth every day for the last two weeks. The first few days were discouraging, I admit. I had high hopes for instantly feeling back to normal. But labor and delivery is a major ordeal and with the emotional support of my strong, steady husband (read "letting me blubber and boo-hoo on his shoulder in random intervals"), I brought my expectations out of the stratosphere and tried to be patient.
Friday after Z was born, I did something to injure my neck that resulted in extremely painful headaches and very limited movement in my neck for almost a week. That slammed me into a major wall. The pain was getting worse instead of better. Thanks to a combination of prayer, time, good drugs, and a couple of chiropractor visits, that pain has gone away and my neck is back to normal.
Sometime in the midst of that neck pain, I realized that I could lift my knees up to my waist. This was monumental! I hadn't been able to get my feet more than an inch or two off the floor during the last month of pregnancy. I proudly walked into the living room where J was watching tv and announced, "Look what I can do!" as I high-kicked my way across the living room. Glorious freedom of movement! That silver lining in the thick of a black cloud was so satisfying and encouraging. It helped me hang on to hope that recovery wouldn't take too much longer.
And it's not. I think I'm mostly back to my pre-pregnancy self. And that is a wonderful place to be!
Friday after Z was born, I did something to injure my neck that resulted in extremely painful headaches and very limited movement in my neck for almost a week. That slammed me into a major wall. The pain was getting worse instead of better. Thanks to a combination of prayer, time, good drugs, and a couple of chiropractor visits, that pain has gone away and my neck is back to normal.
Sometime in the midst of that neck pain, I realized that I could lift my knees up to my waist. This was monumental! I hadn't been able to get my feet more than an inch or two off the floor during the last month of pregnancy. I proudly walked into the living room where J was watching tv and announced, "Look what I can do!" as I high-kicked my way across the living room. Glorious freedom of movement! That silver lining in the thick of a black cloud was so satisfying and encouraging. It helped me hang on to hope that recovery wouldn't take too much longer.
And it's not. I think I'm mostly back to my pre-pregnancy self. And that is a wonderful place to be!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Introducing...
Zane Miller Kelley!
Can you believe we finally named our son?! We had tossed the Zane option months ago because I felt it was not quite in keeping with the traditional names of our daughters. But when I asked J if he had any strong preferences, he said he still really liked Zane Miller. I figured my misgivings were not strong enough to keep my man from naming his son what he wanted.
If you trust the baby name book, Zane is a variation of John, meaning God is gracious. Miller was J's grandpa's name. J has lots of fond memories of his grandpa and has been told on more than one occasion that he and his grandpa had a lot in common. I wish I could have had the honor of meeting him.
In case you haven't heard, he was 8 lbs, 12 oz and 21" long! That's a big baby! And he was in no hurry to greet the world.
I kept saying all day Tuesday during the delivery that I was so glad we had decided to induce. I left the house shortly before 7 am looking like this...
Even when being evicted, he put up a little resistance. His shoulder got stuck against my pubic bone and I was given the medically-necessary pile driver to the gut by one of the nurses to help him rotate and get past that last hurdle. Fortunately, the epidural was successful and I was oblivious to any pain.
Praise God we both maintained great vitals through the entire delivery, the epidural lasted the hour I needed it to, and we arrived at a name before leaving the hospital! I could not have asked for things to go any better than they did. Thanks to all those who were praying; to God be the glory!
Monday, June 6, 2011
When I Am Not Pregnant
So tomorrow's the big day! There's a bowl of ice cream calling my name and a good night's sleep that I'm hoping to get, but I have one more pregnant post rolling around in my head and I have to get it out.
I've been privileged to know a few people who handle constant pain or illness with grace that points to our Almighty God. No complaining, no whining; you'd never know they managed chronic pain without hope of relief. I've had a rough pregnancy and it's taken a toll on my body, but I've always known it wouldn't last forever. And the hope of getting my body back helps me tolerate the daily aches and pains (though not with much grace at all).
So this is another note-to-self post...all the things I've been looking forward to and don't want to take for granted when I am not pregnant.
When I am not pregnant, I will tie my shoes without sitting down and eventually, perhaps without bending my knees. I will enjoy the feeling of my toes wiggling free in my shoes without the squeeze of compression hose. I will sit on the floor and play with my children cheerfully because my blood will continue to circulate to my extremities, and the only noise I will make when it is time to get up will be a shout of praise because I didn't require a piece of furniture to hold on to.
When I am not pregnant, I will sit in any chair available without regard for the density of its cushion or the depth of its seat. I will spring out of said chair without using my hands, nor will I be pushed or pulled by anyone else. I will not unwillingly expose my lower abdomen to total strangers because my pants will stay where I put them. I will be grateful for every night of sleep that is interrupted only once by my bladder. I will sleep without a pillow between me and my husband.
When I am not pregnant, I will chase my children and race down the driveway with them. I will give them piggyback rides, teach them how to jump rope, and go on bike rides with them. We will go for walks, stop and explore, crouching on the ground to investigate a bug. We will go to the swimming pool. I will hold them all on my lap at the same time. I will not get angry when little elbows come in contact with my belly button.
When I am not pregnant, I will stretch and bend my body in graceful, fluid motions that demonstrate its strength. I will exercise my body and tune it to be nimble, flexible, strong and healthy. I have been blessed with the opportunity for relief from the aches and pains and I will not take that for granted. I do not like being limited by my body's weakness and will be responsible with the amazing gift of health I have been given.
I feel better getting that out of my head. Here's to a good night's sleep, an early morning, not being pregnant tomorrow, and getting to meet our son.
I've been privileged to know a few people who handle constant pain or illness with grace that points to our Almighty God. No complaining, no whining; you'd never know they managed chronic pain without hope of relief. I've had a rough pregnancy and it's taken a toll on my body, but I've always known it wouldn't last forever. And the hope of getting my body back helps me tolerate the daily aches and pains (though not with much grace at all).
So this is another note-to-self post...all the things I've been looking forward to and don't want to take for granted when I am not pregnant.
When I am not pregnant, I will tie my shoes without sitting down and eventually, perhaps without bending my knees. I will enjoy the feeling of my toes wiggling free in my shoes without the squeeze of compression hose. I will sit on the floor and play with my children cheerfully because my blood will continue to circulate to my extremities, and the only noise I will make when it is time to get up will be a shout of praise because I didn't require a piece of furniture to hold on to.
When I am not pregnant, I will sit in any chair available without regard for the density of its cushion or the depth of its seat. I will spring out of said chair without using my hands, nor will I be pushed or pulled by anyone else. I will not unwillingly expose my lower abdomen to total strangers because my pants will stay where I put them. I will be grateful for every night of sleep that is interrupted only once by my bladder. I will sleep without a pillow between me and my husband.
When I am not pregnant, I will chase my children and race down the driveway with them. I will give them piggyback rides, teach them how to jump rope, and go on bike rides with them. We will go for walks, stop and explore, crouching on the ground to investigate a bug. We will go to the swimming pool. I will hold them all on my lap at the same time. I will not get angry when little elbows come in contact with my belly button.
When I am not pregnant, I will stretch and bend my body in graceful, fluid motions that demonstrate its strength. I will exercise my body and tune it to be nimble, flexible, strong and healthy. I have been blessed with the opportunity for relief from the aches and pains and I will not take that for granted. I do not like being limited by my body's weakness and will be responsible with the amazing gift of health I have been given.
I feel better getting that out of my head. Here's to a good night's sleep, an early morning, not being pregnant tomorrow, and getting to meet our son.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The End is Nigh
As I watched my own imaginary due date come and go last week, and now the due date the ultrasound pegged, it is with great relief that I look forward to next Tuesday. We've decided that if this little guy doesn't come before then, we will induce on Tuesday morning (June 7). My doctor maintained that June 9 was the due date all along, but I have been in total denial. He has four more days to debut on his own terms, then we're going to get this show on the road.
I feel like I'm giving up on my goal of not inducing, but everything is up for re-negotiation at 39 weeks pregnant. I have obviously done a great job of keeping up with the fluid levels and keeping him nice and comfy and healthy. He is in no hurry to do anything but make my belly bigger. And pain and discomfort make it easier to swallow compromise.
Now that it's on the calendar, I'm going to shift my prayers to a healthy delivery. Will you pray with me that we get just right the balance of pain relief? Enough to last through the whole delivery, but not so much to cause blood pressure problems for me or baby. Oh, and pray we pick the right name, too.
I feel like I'm giving up on my goal of not inducing, but everything is up for re-negotiation at 39 weeks pregnant. I have obviously done a great job of keeping up with the fluid levels and keeping him nice and comfy and healthy. He is in no hurry to do anything but make my belly bigger. And pain and discomfort make it easier to swallow compromise.
Now that it's on the calendar, I'm going to shift my prayers to a healthy delivery. Will you pray with me that we get just right the balance of pain relief? Enough to last through the whole delivery, but not so much to cause blood pressure problems for me or baby. Oh, and pray we pick the right name, too.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
No News
Another doctor's appointment...same song, same verse...no exciting progress, but baby is healthy and strong. I'm 38 weeks and without medical necessity, my doc won't entertain the idea of inducing until 39 weeks. I'm conflicted about inducing because that is what I've been trying to avoid this entire pregnancy. Yet I am absolutely miserable and done! Sure would be nice if he would surprise us and show up on his own in the next few days. Otherwise, he might start his life out by taking one for the team.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Is This It?
It's 3:45 am on Sunday night. I'm up again, timing contractions. This is the fourth or fifth time I've done this in the last few weeks. It's really wearisome. Wake up with a good, strong contraction and immediately my hopes soar. Is this it? Are we really going to do something this time? Wait for the next one. No, too far apart, too weak, too sporadic. But, wait, are you sure? That last one was pretty strong. Better break out the timing app on the phone. It's more objective. Half an hour later....
Let's see if I can make them go away. Haul my sore self out of bed, pause to let the muscles loosen up, begin laps around the living room and kitchen. Big glass of water, maybe a snack. Yeah, they're going away. Better get some sleep. Oh, great, they come back when I lay down. You know this isn't the real thing, just go to sleep. It's labor, Sarah! You're not going to sleep through it and it's not going to go away. Get some rest so you won't be a bear tomorrow. When, when is it going to be real?
Each time it's just enough different to get my hopes up and wreak havoc with my emotions. Maybe I spent the day running errands, doing a lot of walking, so I think surely this is it. Or this time the contractions start in my back, so surely that means something. Tonight it started with a splitting headache. I sometimes get raging headaches on just one side of my head that are usually related to hormones. So, naturally I assume something different is going on; surely this is it. And, yes, the contractions feel different--coming on more in waves than all at once.
Even though this is baby #3, I've never had the experience of going into labor on my own. The first two were induced. Be at the hospital at 5am, have a baby by supper. No need to really pay attention to what your body may be trying to tell you. No need to strike the right timing of waiting long enough to be sure this is really it, but not so long that you miss the golden window of opportunity for pain relief.
There's something else a little different this time, too. It's the first time I've begged God to let it be real with every contraction. But the longer I sit here, the more the numbers look very familiar and the more subtle the symptoms become. I can't completely give up hope that this is it, but the longer I stay awake and the higher I let myself get on possibility, the more disappointed and depressed I will be tomorrow.
One of these days, I really will have a baby. I won't be pregnant forever. In fact, there is good reason to believe I won't be pregnant for more than 10-12 more days. It's just ten days, right? I can do anything for ten days. Right? Get some sleep, Sarah. I promise to post if we go to the hospital; please don't lose sleep waiting.
Let's see if I can make them go away. Haul my sore self out of bed, pause to let the muscles loosen up, begin laps around the living room and kitchen. Big glass of water, maybe a snack. Yeah, they're going away. Better get some sleep. Oh, great, they come back when I lay down. You know this isn't the real thing, just go to sleep. It's labor, Sarah! You're not going to sleep through it and it's not going to go away. Get some rest so you won't be a bear tomorrow. When, when is it going to be real?
Each time it's just enough different to get my hopes up and wreak havoc with my emotions. Maybe I spent the day running errands, doing a lot of walking, so I think surely this is it. Or this time the contractions start in my back, so surely that means something. Tonight it started with a splitting headache. I sometimes get raging headaches on just one side of my head that are usually related to hormones. So, naturally I assume something different is going on; surely this is it. And, yes, the contractions feel different--coming on more in waves than all at once.
Even though this is baby #3, I've never had the experience of going into labor on my own. The first two were induced. Be at the hospital at 5am, have a baby by supper. No need to really pay attention to what your body may be trying to tell you. No need to strike the right timing of waiting long enough to be sure this is really it, but not so long that you miss the golden window of opportunity for pain relief.
There's something else a little different this time, too. It's the first time I've begged God to let it be real with every contraction. But the longer I sit here, the more the numbers look very familiar and the more subtle the symptoms become. I can't completely give up hope that this is it, but the longer I stay awake and the higher I let myself get on possibility, the more disappointed and depressed I will be tomorrow.
One of these days, I really will have a baby. I won't be pregnant forever. In fact, there is good reason to believe I won't be pregnant for more than 10-12 more days. It's just ten days, right? I can do anything for ten days. Right? Get some sleep, Sarah. I promise to post if we go to the hospital; please don't lose sleep waiting.
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Magical Childhood
I found a new blog that I'm in love with called A Magical Childhood. This lady excels at my deepest weakness...fun. Every Monday she posts "10 Ways to Make Today Magical." Ten new ideas, every week. Ten. Every week, y'all. I don't have that kind of magic in my pinky nail. And they are ideas that I can actually see myself doing. Well, at least, when I'm not big pregnant. Granted some are beyond my comfort zone, but there are plenty to choose from!! It's so inspiring!
Since I feel prepared for baby to arrive, I've been trying to make life less horrible for my daughters. Pregnancy has not been easy on them. Lots of angry, tired, achy mommy does not promote a magical childhood. So I've been trying to say "yes" more often than "no" in the last week or so and really evaluate if I can do what they are asking or if I'm just saying no because I'd rather lie on the couch and eat ice cream.
Tuesday afternoon, I tried my hand at a little magic. I told them I had a few chores to do and if they helped, we might get done in time to do something fun together before supper. They cheerfully pitched in to fold the laundry and occupied themselves while I did some filing. So I told them to put on their swimsuits and head to the backyard. They were very surprised when I walked out in my swimsuit as well! My sister had suggested I sit in a patio chair and let them spray me with the hose and there really wasn't a good reason not to. We had a good time taking turns squirting each other, holding the hose on the slide, running in the sprinkler. Letting them soak me with the hose was about the only way I would play outside with them in this heat. And I was only out there about 45 minutes before coming in to finish dinner plans. That was just long enough for J to get home and wonder what he had missed out on. I'm glad someone else witnessed the event, because I wasn't going to break out the camera while wearing a maternity swimsuit. No amount of magic can salvage that mental image.
Since I feel prepared for baby to arrive, I've been trying to make life less horrible for my daughters. Pregnancy has not been easy on them. Lots of angry, tired, achy mommy does not promote a magical childhood. So I've been trying to say "yes" more often than "no" in the last week or so and really evaluate if I can do what they are asking or if I'm just saying no because I'd rather lie on the couch and eat ice cream.
Tuesday afternoon, I tried my hand at a little magic. I told them I had a few chores to do and if they helped, we might get done in time to do something fun together before supper. They cheerfully pitched in to fold the laundry and occupied themselves while I did some filing. So I told them to put on their swimsuits and head to the backyard. They were very surprised when I walked out in my swimsuit as well! My sister had suggested I sit in a patio chair and let them spray me with the hose and there really wasn't a good reason not to. We had a good time taking turns squirting each other, holding the hose on the slide, running in the sprinkler. Letting them soak me with the hose was about the only way I would play outside with them in this heat. And I was only out there about 45 minutes before coming in to finish dinner plans. That was just long enough for J to get home and wonder what he had missed out on. I'm glad someone else witnessed the event, because I wasn't going to break out the camera while wearing a maternity swimsuit. No amount of magic can salvage that mental image.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
No Progress
The irony is not lost on me that this baby is making no progress in entering the world. Another doctor's appointment this morning. Everything looks good, nice and healthy, hang in there, yada, yada. More of the same, unfortunately. I'll be sure to post if anything changes.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
37 Weeks
I've made it to 37 weeks! The doctor said this morning that everything looks great. She measured the amniotic fluid levels and I'm still around 14, which is well within normal. According to the ultrasound (which is not always accurate), he's weighing in at 6 lbs, 3oz already. That's how much A weighed when she was born! So, even with all the contraction craziness, looks like I need to just buck up and take it a day at a time for at least another week or so. Hanging in there!
Sur-prize, Sur-prize, Sur-prize!
I have been blessed by not one, not two, but three surprise baby showers in the last month! Our home group was the first to pull it off and we really didn't have a clue it was coming. They had a yummy buffet waiting for us and oodles of sweet gifts for our little guy. I was really impressed that they managed to surprise us, because apparently we're kind of hard to surprise...
The wives of J's business partners were the next to attempt a surprise. They disguised it as a "let's all get together for a pizza party after work before the guys' big product launch." See how that was a little bit of a personal conflict for my hubby--the whole party before the launch thing? He made a stink about how much work they had to do and how little time they had to do it and we didn't have time for parties now, wait until after. So they had to let him in on the surprise. When his tune changed so effortlessly, my suspicions went up. Then I really threw a wrench in the works on the day of the "pizza party" when C came down with a fever. I let the other wives know I wouldn't be making it and J would just have to bring me some leftovers, so sorry. Then they had to let me in on the surprise. Even more sorry! It turned out to be a really fun evening, though. The guys all went home with the kids and the ladies got to hang out and compare birth stories over pizza, presents and brownies. Good times!
While sitting at that shower, I mentioned that my suspicions were now up for any other large gathering of my friends before the baby arrives and oh, isn't it convenient that bunko is tomorrow night? Sure enough, this month's bunko theme was "Baby!" More fun with sweet ladies, good food, and loads of gifts.
My dining room table is now overflowing with gifts to put away and my heart is full of the good wishes and fun memories of so many friends who are eager to welcome our son. Thank you, Lord, for the community you have blessed me with!
The wives of J's business partners were the next to attempt a surprise. They disguised it as a "let's all get together for a pizza party after work before the guys' big product launch." See how that was a little bit of a personal conflict for my hubby--the whole party before the launch thing? He made a stink about how much work they had to do and how little time they had to do it and we didn't have time for parties now, wait until after. So they had to let him in on the surprise. When his tune changed so effortlessly, my suspicions went up. Then I really threw a wrench in the works on the day of the "pizza party" when C came down with a fever. I let the other wives know I wouldn't be making it and J would just have to bring me some leftovers, so sorry. Then they had to let me in on the surprise. Even more sorry! It turned out to be a really fun evening, though. The guys all went home with the kids and the ladies got to hang out and compare birth stories over pizza, presents and brownies. Good times!
While sitting at that shower, I mentioned that my suspicions were now up for any other large gathering of my friends before the baby arrives and oh, isn't it convenient that bunko is tomorrow night? Sure enough, this month's bunko theme was "Baby!" More fun with sweet ladies, good food, and loads of gifts.
My dining room table is now overflowing with gifts to put away and my heart is full of the good wishes and fun memories of so many friends who are eager to welcome our son. Thank you, Lord, for the community you have blessed me with!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
False Alarm
Well, that was most disappointing! Made it to the hospital around 7pm last night only to find that a day's worth of contractions had gotten me nowhere. I was so hoping we were having a baby last night. Instead, I was given a sleeping pill to help me sleep through the contractions. I had to take it before I left the hospital, so I'm pretty sure I was out of it by the time we got home. J probably has some good stories to tell because I don't remember anything past the milkshake we got on the way home as a very poor consolation prize.
I did something similar with C's pregnancy, but hadn't waited so long to go. With her, it was just a few hours of contractions. When I got there, they made me drink lots of water and the contractions faded. This time around, I knew better (I thought). There have been a couple of intermittent days of contractions, and then yesterday's annoying stretch. I'd been drinking water, changing my position, etc. and they kept coming, so I thought we were ready. Nope. And they gave me more of that magical hospital water last night...haven't had a contraction since. Not sure what they put in that cup with the water, but it stalls contractions faster than the stuff at home.
I'm trying to tell myself this morning that it's really for the best. Yes, I had to pull on the compression stockings again, but I'm still not at 37 weeks, so he could use a few more days-weeks to grow. We also have a ballet recital this weekend that will be much easier to navigate without a newborn. And J's company launches their new product on Monday. It really will be better to be patient. Maybe we'll decide on his name!
I did something similar with C's pregnancy, but hadn't waited so long to go. With her, it was just a few hours of contractions. When I got there, they made me drink lots of water and the contractions faded. This time around, I knew better (I thought). There have been a couple of intermittent days of contractions, and then yesterday's annoying stretch. I'd been drinking water, changing my position, etc. and they kept coming, so I thought we were ready. Nope. And they gave me more of that magical hospital water last night...haven't had a contraction since. Not sure what they put in that cup with the water, but it stalls contractions faster than the stuff at home.
I'm trying to tell myself this morning that it's really for the best. Yes, I had to pull on the compression stockings again, but I'm still not at 37 weeks, so he could use a few more days-weeks to grow. We also have a ballet recital this weekend that will be much easier to navigate without a newborn. And J's company launches their new product on Monday. It really will be better to be patient. Maybe we'll decide on his name!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Stand By...
We interrupt the regularly scheduled blog posts to bring you....contractions!! Looks like our little guy will be arriving sooner rather than later. J and I will be heading to the hospital later this evening. I just hope I haven't misread my body and get sent home to wait. Only time will tell.
I wrote up several posts over the weekend and scheduled them throughout this week. So if it seems a little strange to be seeing everyday posts while we're having a baby, that's why. Enjoy the filler until the much anticipated news is announced. No, we still don't know his name.
I wrote up several posts over the weekend and scheduled them throughout this week. So if it seems a little strange to be seeing everyday posts while we're having a baby, that's why. Enjoy the filler until the much anticipated news is announced. No, we still don't know his name.
Robots and Spaceships
I have a very sweet, uber-talented friend who asked if she could make some baby bedding for our little guy. I could not turn down that offer because we all know how crafty I am and that my idea of nesting involves furniture assembly and bookends. She asked me to pick out some fabric and J even got in on the selection. Isn't it cute?!
She made crib bumpers out of this fabric with contrasting blue stripes on the other side and sweet red ribbon ties. She also made some valances for the windows out of the blue stripe fabric. And a wonderful quilt...
She showed up at my house last week with two more matching lightweight blankets, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and these precious outfits for the girls...
My girls were so excited to have matching outfits. Those are pretty rare when one of you is wearing the other's hand-me-downs. C immediately took off dancing and spinning to make her skirt twirl, and A attempted to show off her ballet moves.
Needless to say, we have been overwhelmed by her talent and generosity. (To think, she has 10-month-old twins!!) Thank you so much, T, for helping us celebrate our little guy and make his arrival so special!
Needless to say, we have been overwhelmed by her talent and generosity. (To think, she has 10-month-old twins!!) Thank you so much, T, for helping us celebrate our little guy and make his arrival so special!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Into the Cave
I feel myself slowly sneaking into the cave that is mommy-of-newborn. The last few days of cool weather have brought a welcome pause to this procession as I've been more comfortable to leave the house or just play with the girls outside. The heat and humidity is definitely a force that propels me into the isolation of my home. It's hard to want to go out for much of anything when you just can't get comfortable.
And I'm feeling pretty comfy in my little cave. I've got things washed and ready for baby, I've got a good grip on school for the fall, I've got some meals in the freezer, I have help lined up. I feel like we're in as good a place as we can be for this new addition.
Because I'm feeling comfortable with the condition of my cave, I'm hoping I'll be able to relax and really relish the days ahead. I need to be sitting more than standing these days and that should be of great benefit to my girls. I can read with them more, play games with them, color with them, etc. Hopefully I can fill them up with some quality mommy time before I get snatched away by baby. And then I hope to be able to take those newborn days for what they are and let life happen for a month or two, knowing that I planned to concentrate on my kids during this time rather than feeling pressure to do other things.
Just typing that makes me squirm a little. I don't do "unstructured" very well and I thrive when my to-do list is long and looming. But I want to make this a special time, a relaxed time, an easy time for my family, not a nightmare. I want to enjoy the cave this time and all it has to offer. I know that will make the sunshine even more spectacular when we emerge as a family of five.
And I'm feeling pretty comfy in my little cave. I've got things washed and ready for baby, I've got a good grip on school for the fall, I've got some meals in the freezer, I have help lined up. I feel like we're in as good a place as we can be for this new addition.
Because I'm feeling comfortable with the condition of my cave, I'm hoping I'll be able to relax and really relish the days ahead. I need to be sitting more than standing these days and that should be of great benefit to my girls. I can read with them more, play games with them, color with them, etc. Hopefully I can fill them up with some quality mommy time before I get snatched away by baby. And then I hope to be able to take those newborn days for what they are and let life happen for a month or two, knowing that I planned to concentrate on my kids during this time rather than feeling pressure to do other things.
Just typing that makes me squirm a little. I don't do "unstructured" very well and I thrive when my to-do list is long and looming. But I want to make this a special time, a relaxed time, an easy time for my family, not a nightmare. I want to enjoy the cave this time and all it has to offer. I know that will make the sunshine even more spectacular when we emerge as a family of five.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Nesting
Some expectant mommies feather their nest by painting the nursery, sewing bedding, picking out clothes. Me? I buy shelves and organize!
Don't get me started on the saga that is the mismatched IKEA shelves. Apparently, holding out to buy the same piece from the same line at the same store doesn't do you any good if you wait too long. They no longer offer that color, size or door style. I was absolutely disgusted. You cannot begin to imagine how much the lack of symmetry bothers me if I open the door to that obsession. So I hid the new shelf in the corner as best I could and filled it up.
I'm planning to do school in the dining room next year, so now all of our school resources are in one place. I did such a good job of purging the shelves that I even ended up with room to grow. All of our art supplies are here, too, and I've got the table covered with a cheap clear, vinyl tablecloth so it is ready to go when they want to grab a bucket of supplies and some paper and create. It's fun that both girls are at an age where I can trust them with this now (at least at the table).
I covered some diaper boxes in fabric and filled them with board books on the lower shelves for little hands to grab easily. In theory, our littlest will understand the concept of "no" and "don't eat the books" by the time he can reach the third shelf. My two lower cabinets have locks on them that A can operate by herself and that's where I'm going to put her school workboxes. More on that later, but I'm super excited about this method of organizing our assignments.
What you don't see is the extra purging of toys and books I had to do in C's room so that I could move some of our grown-up books onto the high shelves in there. This has been a process, y'all. I still need to reclaim some wall space in the dining room for hanging art work, maps and posters. That will be a gradual migration of our current decor to the living room, I think. Then some major wall patching since we have some shelves anchored to the wall. That's probably why I haven't started with that yet. All in good time.
For now, I'm quite pleased with the results and trying to restrain myself from breaking into the school goodies too soon. We've already enjoyed the ease of doing art at the big table with supplies at arm's reach. And they can help clean up, too. Isn't it a cozy, particle-board nest?
I'm planning to do school in the dining room next year, so now all of our school resources are in one place. I did such a good job of purging the shelves that I even ended up with room to grow. All of our art supplies are here, too, and I've got the table covered with a cheap clear, vinyl tablecloth so it is ready to go when they want to grab a bucket of supplies and some paper and create. It's fun that both girls are at an age where I can trust them with this now (at least at the table).
I covered some diaper boxes in fabric and filled them with board books on the lower shelves for little hands to grab easily. In theory, our littlest will understand the concept of "no" and "don't eat the books" by the time he can reach the third shelf. My two lower cabinets have locks on them that A can operate by herself and that's where I'm going to put her school workboxes. More on that later, but I'm super excited about this method of organizing our assignments.
What you don't see is the extra purging of toys and books I had to do in C's room so that I could move some of our grown-up books onto the high shelves in there. This has been a process, y'all. I still need to reclaim some wall space in the dining room for hanging art work, maps and posters. That will be a gradual migration of our current decor to the living room, I think. Then some major wall patching since we have some shelves anchored to the wall. That's probably why I haven't started with that yet. All in good time.
For now, I'm quite pleased with the results and trying to restrain myself from breaking into the school goodies too soon. We've already enjoyed the ease of doing art at the big table with supplies at arm's reach. And they can help clean up, too. Isn't it a cozy, particle-board nest?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
35 Weeks
We're in the final month of this pregnancy and I could not be more thrilled! Had another check-up this morning and everything looks healthy and normal. I've been feeling every little stretch and pop of my bones and muscles and complained about the pain to my doc, but she was not nearly as impressed by my symptoms as I was hoping she would be. Guess I'm more of a wimp than I thought and I need to just suck it up for a few more weeks. I told J this summation of my appointment and he wisely said that he wasn't going to be the one to tell me that.
We took the girls for a sibling tour of the hospital last night. I was really impressed by the way the hospital structured this introduction for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters. We got to see the rooms, the nursery, the waiting areas. More importantly, they got to push the buttons on the bed to make it go up and down, blow up latex gloves like balloons, and bring home sample bottles and diapers for their baby dolls. We are all getting really excited to meet our little brother.
We took the girls for a sibling tour of the hospital last night. I was really impressed by the way the hospital structured this introduction for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters. We got to see the rooms, the nursery, the waiting areas. More importantly, they got to push the buttons on the bed to make it go up and down, blow up latex gloves like balloons, and bring home sample bottles and diapers for their baby dolls. We are all getting really excited to meet our little brother.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Holding Steady
I had another doctor's appointment yesterday morning and she was eager to experiment with a new ultrasound machine, so she asked if I had time for her to play around. Of course! It's always reassuring to get a peek at baby and make sure everything is going well. And it is!
Judging by the machine's measurements, he's just a smidge over 4 lbs. right now and on track to be an average-size newborn around 6-7 lbs. Due date still seems to be holding for the first week of June. And yes, it's definitely a boy.
Best news was that the amniotic fluid levels are well within the normal range. Normal is between 5 and 20 (cc's, I think) and I was measuring just under 14. Concern goes up if it drops below 10, so I feel like I don't really have any margin for missing a glass of water each day. If being diligent only keeps me at 14 and not closer to 17 or 18, then I don't want to slack off any time soon.
Tomorrow marks week 31...6-9 more weeks to go! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....
Judging by the machine's measurements, he's just a smidge over 4 lbs. right now and on track to be an average-size newborn around 6-7 lbs. Due date still seems to be holding for the first week of June. And yes, it's definitely a boy.
Best news was that the amniotic fluid levels are well within the normal range. Normal is between 5 and 20 (cc's, I think) and I was measuring just under 14. Concern goes up if it drops below 10, so I feel like I don't really have any margin for missing a glass of water each day. If being diligent only keeps me at 14 and not closer to 17 or 18, then I don't want to slack off any time soon.
Tomorrow marks week 31...6-9 more weeks to go! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Reinforcements Have Arrived!
Ladies and gentlemen, the cavalry has arrived and they are well-trained, eager and equipped to fight side-by-side against a mommy's greatest enemies--whiny children and sticky floors. They are....the Mommy's Helpers.
I first heard about these legendary heroes from a friend who endured bed rest during her last pregnancy and was saved by a mommy's helper. I started calling (well, e-mailing) around about a month ago when I was feeling so overwhelmed and stuck, not knowing that a great deal of that was probably the anemia. Nevertheless, I found help and I'm not giving it up just because I'm on an iron supplement.
I was thrilled to be introduced to two young sisters who were eager to get some babysitting experience under their belts. They are going to come once a week for three hours just to hang out with my girls while I am home and give me a little time to concentrate on tasks I need to get done. Can I get a hallelujah?
Another mom I talked to said that her girls would also be willing to do this, but their schedule wasn't quite as good of a match with ours. Oh, their mom says, maybe they could come and help you clean or cook? Oh?! Is this an option?! Bring on the sisters who clean and cook! Let's have another hallelujah!
We've had the blessing of these four girls for one week now and I am so, so grateful! Of course, they are getting paid. But the rate is reasonable enough to allow me to add them to our weekly schedule. And can I say how impressed I am already? I really need to be rubbing elbows with these girls' mothers because, wow! What do I need to be doing so that my girls are that polite, respectful, responsible, servant-hearted, and self-directed by their early teens? Teach me, o wise ones!!
I first heard about these legendary heroes from a friend who endured bed rest during her last pregnancy and was saved by a mommy's helper. I started calling (well, e-mailing) around about a month ago when I was feeling so overwhelmed and stuck, not knowing that a great deal of that was probably the anemia. Nevertheless, I found help and I'm not giving it up just because I'm on an iron supplement.
I was thrilled to be introduced to two young sisters who were eager to get some babysitting experience under their belts. They are going to come once a week for three hours just to hang out with my girls while I am home and give me a little time to concentrate on tasks I need to get done. Can I get a hallelujah?
Another mom I talked to said that her girls would also be willing to do this, but their schedule wasn't quite as good of a match with ours. Oh, their mom says, maybe they could come and help you clean or cook? Oh?! Is this an option?! Bring on the sisters who clean and cook! Let's have another hallelujah!
We've had the blessing of these four girls for one week now and I am so, so grateful! Of course, they are getting paid. But the rate is reasonable enough to allow me to add them to our weekly schedule. And can I say how impressed I am already? I really need to be rubbing elbows with these girls' mothers because, wow! What do I need to be doing so that my girls are that polite, respectful, responsible, servant-hearted, and self-directed by their early teens? Teach me, o wise ones!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Fatigue, Irritability, Dizziness...oh my!
So I never really said how my glucose screening went at last month's appointment. As suspected, my glucose levels were fine, but I was surprised to hear that I was slightly anemic. "Nothing to worry about," I'm told, "just try to eat a little more beef and dark, leafy greens." Okay, I'll see what I can do...neither of those are big staples in my routine diet.
Within a week of that news, I almost blacked out twice. This is not new for me; I'm well-versed in the art of fainting. I didn't think much of it the first time, but the second time I almost passed out in my sleep. How bizarre is that?! Since I've fainted so often before, I feel like my brain is pretty clued-in to the sequence that leads to total unconsciousness and I can usually short-circuit it before I'm out cold on the floor. So I woke myself up when I started feeling the little black fuzzies coming on, and it really weirded me out because there isn't a lot you can do to relax when you're already asleep! And it felt like it would happen again if I went back to sleep. Of course, middle of the night wreaks havoc on your rational thought, so I eventually got up and cuddled with Google to try to talk some sense into myself. Because Google always speaks truth and wisdom, right?
That's when I learned that fainting and dizziness are common symptoms of anemia. Guess what else? Irritability. Haven't had any of that around here lately. Ha! I knew about the fatigue and weakness, but I didn't realize the other symptoms I had been experiencing were all tied to anemia--shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, numbness/tingling in toes or fingers, and headaches. Boy, if these symptoms could all be cleared up with a supplement, it would certainly make the next 12 weeks more bearable!
So I started on an iron supplement. I've been taking it for just over a week now. J asked if I could tell any difference, and I can't say that I feel any more rested. But that may be because a certain someone has really hijacked naps lately. But I've definitely cut back on the tylenol for headaches; I can say that for sure. I don't think my family would be able to answer nicely about the irritability. The great google says it can take 2-3 months to replenish depleted iron stores, so at least I should be back up to normal in time for delivery. And hopefully, I will continue to see some of the other symptoms improve as it builds back up in my system.
I hit 29 weeks today. If all goes well, then 11 more weeks to go. If all the water consumption doesn't translate to better amniotic fluid levels, then it may be only 8 weeks. Father God, I know I've been really whiny lately about this pregnancy, but could You please protect me from any new symptoms for the duration of this trimester? By Your grace, I'll endure what I've already got; but I don't like to think about who I'll be if another new thing crops up. Please keep baby and me healthy and strong till we can meet each other. Thank you for the miracle that keeps kicking me in the gut. Amen.
Within a week of that news, I almost blacked out twice. This is not new for me; I'm well-versed in the art of fainting. I didn't think much of it the first time, but the second time I almost passed out in my sleep. How bizarre is that?! Since I've fainted so often before, I feel like my brain is pretty clued-in to the sequence that leads to total unconsciousness and I can usually short-circuit it before I'm out cold on the floor. So I woke myself up when I started feeling the little black fuzzies coming on, and it really weirded me out because there isn't a lot you can do to relax when you're already asleep! And it felt like it would happen again if I went back to sleep. Of course, middle of the night wreaks havoc on your rational thought, so I eventually got up and cuddled with Google to try to talk some sense into myself. Because Google always speaks truth and wisdom, right?
That's when I learned that fainting and dizziness are common symptoms of anemia. Guess what else? Irritability. Haven't had any of that around here lately. Ha! I knew about the fatigue and weakness, but I didn't realize the other symptoms I had been experiencing were all tied to anemia--shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, numbness/tingling in toes or fingers, and headaches. Boy, if these symptoms could all be cleared up with a supplement, it would certainly make the next 12 weeks more bearable!
So I started on an iron supplement. I've been taking it for just over a week now. J asked if I could tell any difference, and I can't say that I feel any more rested. But that may be because a certain someone has really hijacked naps lately. But I've definitely cut back on the tylenol for headaches; I can say that for sure. I don't think my family would be able to answer nicely about the irritability. The great google says it can take 2-3 months to replenish depleted iron stores, so at least I should be back up to normal in time for delivery. And hopefully, I will continue to see some of the other symptoms improve as it builds back up in my system.
I hit 29 weeks today. If all goes well, then 11 more weeks to go. If all the water consumption doesn't translate to better amniotic fluid levels, then it may be only 8 weeks. Father God, I know I've been really whiny lately about this pregnancy, but could You please protect me from any new symptoms for the duration of this trimester? By Your grace, I'll endure what I've already got; but I don't like to think about who I'll be if another new thing crops up. Please keep baby and me healthy and strong till we can meet each other. Thank you for the miracle that keeps kicking me in the gut. Amen.
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