Well, this little kid is shy so I don't know if he or she is mine! :) Seems Peanut likes to hide from the Doppler which is fine because I would never go to investigate if someone was moving my stuff around. I wait till that's gone. I guess this child is mine :)
My car isn't working and so my awesome mom took me to my appointment. I'm really glad she's there for me - I think it's exciting because this is her first grandbaby but more than that, I get to share my experience of having our child with the person who had me. How amazing is that? She's always been a great mom to me so I can only imagine how amazing she'll be as a grandma. But if you have ever met or seen my mom, she doesn't look like a grandma. She still gets carded and no one thinks she looks old enough to have a married daughter with a baby on the way. I'm really hoping to keep those genes and to pass them on.
Anyway, my appointment! We went in and got my blood pressure. Told her about the pain I'd felt which the doctor said is normal (I love hearing that). She used the Doppler to check the heartbeat and it kind of hurt because she had to press down so much to get close to the baby. She asked me if I wanted to do this blood test for Down Syndrome. I got the order but I haven't decided if I'll take the test. She said it's optional. My mom made a good point and asked if I would do anything different if I found out that the baby did have Down Syndrome. I don't think I would but at the same time, I don't think I have to worry about that. I have the order but I haven't decided if I'll do it.
Also, I got the order for the ultrasound to find out if our Peanut is a girl or a boy. My doctor said that we need to wait about 2 more weeks (so I'll be @ 20 weeks at least) so that we can see. I'm really excited about that ultrasound for more than one reason. First, the obvious reason is that I get to find out if I'm a little boy's or little girl's mommy. Secondly, my youngest sister Susan is going to be at that one and this will be the first real and visible thing I get to share with her. She's been asking since day 1 when I will show and when she can feel the baby move and I love how much she wants to participate because I think the baby will have a great relationship with her. I'm kind of hoping it's the same as when Susan was a baby and I would come in and she would be okay - I hope Susan gets to have that kind of peace and closeness with the baby. But this will make her the 3rd person (other than the ultrasound tech and myself) to actually witness the baby on screen and moving and right there!!
Then again, Melanie's (my middle sister) first view of the baby may be in the delivery room and I can't wait for that. I hope she isn't nervous. Because that girl is holding this baby! I have a feeling that Melanie is going to have a totally different relationship with the baby than anyone else. I don't really know how much she is.
I'm really blessed to have such an involved family. I probably should tell you about my dad soon because trust me - he is a BLAST! And it's a good thing too because I can't recall one story about Eric fishing once and my dad is the king of it. My child needs to know these things!
Peanut - I'll probably do a blog on my family and Daddy's family so you know what you're in for. Kind of. Don't worry - you will be okay. It's just Mommy that will be frazzled.
Thanks for reading, guys.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Article from Baby Center - What I Wish I'd Known NOT to Worry About During Pregnancy
I found this interesting article.
"Don't stress if you can't get everything done that you had planned each day. The baby won't know if the housework isn't done!"
"It's okay to tell co-workers that you're not interested in their advice. Every pregnancy is different."
"Remember, every problem has a solution, and confiding in someone who's close to you or who you think can offer help or support is a step forward. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner, OB, or midwife."
"Don't stress about how you look. You're performing a miracle — growing a person inside of you — and that's a fantastic accomplishment."
"If you trust your OB, let her do her job and follow her recommendations; if you don't, find a new doctor who you do trust. You should never be afraid to call your provider with big and small problems."
"Don't stress about tough times with your partner. A baby tests any couple's relationship."
"Don't stress about things like food or weight. Just be sensible. There's no need to give yourself an anxiety attack over the pint of ice cream you just finished. Take it as your special reward for everything you've accomplished so far in your pregnancy, and move on."
"If you're doing everything in your power to make healthy choices, don't worry so much. Women have been having babies since well before we knew what to do and what not to do."
"Mothers-in-law don't know everything!"
"Don't stress too much about things in the environment you think might harm your baby, like standing too close to the microwave or pumping gas. Remember, the vast majority of babies are born healthy."
"Don't worry about labor. It is what it is. Just educate yourself on your options, and be ready to make informed decisions. Beyond that, just take a deep breath and go for it. It's not as bad as you think it'll be."
"Don't stress about how the baby is fending in the womb. It's a roll cage, but your baby is probably comfortable in there."
"Every little twinge doesn't mean something is wrong."
"No matter what decisions you make, someone will always disagree. Try not to let the negative comments upset you, and if you're really worried about something, talk with your doctor or a nonjudgmental friend."
"There's no such thing as a stupid question, especially for first-time mothers. Being pregnant and birthing a child are unique experiences, and a woman will never know what it's all about until she's actually done it herself."
"It's okay if you don't have everything ready for your baby. Newborns don't need a whole lot in the beginning."
"When I accepted heartburn, back pain, lack of sleep, and moodiness as a normal part of pregnancy, they didn't seem to bother me as much anymore."
"If you're worried about being a good mom, you probably have nothing to worry about. My husband keeps telling me that bad mothers don't worry about whether or not they'll be good moms."
"I had never really been around children, and I made mistakes, but as long as you love your baby and are careful with the important stuff, you can't harm him or her with small mistakes. You'll soon get comfortable with the routine."
"Don't stress too much over all the "rules" pregnant women now have. A bath warmer than lukewarm won't lead to disaster. If you accidentally eat a soft cheese you're not sure is safe, there's no use worrying after the fact. Our mothers had fewer restrictions than we do, and we turned out fine."
"Don't stress if you can't get everything done that you had planned each day. The baby won't know if the housework isn't done!"
"It's okay to tell co-workers that you're not interested in their advice. Every pregnancy is different."
"Remember, every problem has a solution, and confiding in someone who's close to you or who you think can offer help or support is a step forward. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner, OB, or midwife."
"Don't stress about how you look. You're performing a miracle — growing a person inside of you — and that's a fantastic accomplishment."
"If you trust your OB, let her do her job and follow her recommendations; if you don't, find a new doctor who you do trust. You should never be afraid to call your provider with big and small problems."
"Don't stress about tough times with your partner. A baby tests any couple's relationship."
"Don't stress about things like food or weight. Just be sensible. There's no need to give yourself an anxiety attack over the pint of ice cream you just finished. Take it as your special reward for everything you've accomplished so far in your pregnancy, and move on."
"If you're doing everything in your power to make healthy choices, don't worry so much. Women have been having babies since well before we knew what to do and what not to do."
"Mothers-in-law don't know everything!"
"Don't stress too much about things in the environment you think might harm your baby, like standing too close to the microwave or pumping gas. Remember, the vast majority of babies are born healthy."
"Don't worry about labor. It is what it is. Just educate yourself on your options, and be ready to make informed decisions. Beyond that, just take a deep breath and go for it. It's not as bad as you think it'll be."
"Don't stress about how the baby is fending in the womb. It's a roll cage, but your baby is probably comfortable in there."
"Every little twinge doesn't mean something is wrong."
"No matter what decisions you make, someone will always disagree. Try not to let the negative comments upset you, and if you're really worried about something, talk with your doctor or a nonjudgmental friend."
"There's no such thing as a stupid question, especially for first-time mothers. Being pregnant and birthing a child are unique experiences, and a woman will never know what it's all about until she's actually done it herself."
"It's okay if you don't have everything ready for your baby. Newborns don't need a whole lot in the beginning."
"When I accepted heartburn, back pain, lack of sleep, and moodiness as a normal part of pregnancy, they didn't seem to bother me as much anymore."
"If you're worried about being a good mom, you probably have nothing to worry about. My husband keeps telling me that bad mothers don't worry about whether or not they'll be good moms."
"I had never really been around children, and I made mistakes, but as long as you love your baby and are careful with the important stuff, you can't harm him or her with small mistakes. You'll soon get comfortable with the routine."
"Don't stress too much over all the "rules" pregnant women now have. A bath warmer than lukewarm won't lead to disaster. If you accidentally eat a soft cheese you're not sure is safe, there's no use worrying after the fact. Our mothers had fewer restrictions than we do, and we turned out fine."
The Worrywart.
I've become a pregnant hypochondriac. Lately, I think I have "round ligament pain."
What is round ligament pain? Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments.
That being said, I have been mentally freaking out over every ache, pain, cramp, spot, sneeze, cough, and hiccup. Every time something happens, what's the first thing I do that I know I shouldn't? I look it up. But I don't look it up in What To Expect When You're Expecting. I look it up on message boards and other programs and there is ALWAYS one person who says "...and then, I miscarried" somewhere in their comment.
The beginning of this pregnancy was full of scary things. Let me explain:
1. The test was positive (probably my most scary moment).
2. Telling Eric.
3. Going to my ultrasound to find out how far along I am and them not finding anything in the gestational sac. This resulted in 3 blood tests and another ultrasound.
4. Bleeding at 12 weeks. My nurse told me what I needed to look out for and that if it happens again, I need to go to Labor and Delivery because I might be miscarrying.
5. Went in at 13 weeks for my appointment. Couldn't find heartbeat with Doppler (added to scary moment #4). Resulted in another ultrasound.
6. Pains that are commonly associated with round ligament pain. But because of the pains, it made me worry about miscarrying.
I do not enjoy being freaked out but there it is. I only just told my youngest sister about #4 on Friday night because she was a little nervous when #3 happened and I didn't want to scare her if it was nothing. Which it was.
I only wonder what I'll be like when this baby actually arrives! My poor friends will be subjected to antibacterial hand sanitizer every time they want to hold the baby. My house will have everything off of the floor. My poor baby will be swaddled to the nines and my pediatrician will be on speed dial with my mom.
I don't know how I'll be a mother :) Maybe you're supposed to worry about all of that. My mom has told me time and time again, "If you don't protect your child, who will?" I don't want to be overly protective but how can I just sit back? I hope this child has a good sense of forgiveness and knows that I do all of this out of love. I'm already wanting to say "no" to everyone who offers to baby-sit but maybe that's partially because I'm the one who has been wanting to meet this baby my whole life.
I just want anyone of my friends out there to know - I don't need to justify to you why I'll do what I'll do when we're raising our kids. If I choose not to spank, that's not your choice; it's mine. If I want to breastfeed only and not use formula, that's also not your choice. I appreciate all of the advice and feedback that I'm getting but I'm making the choices that I feel is right and as long as my baby is healthy, I'm happy.
What is round ligament pain? Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments.
That being said, I have been mentally freaking out over every ache, pain, cramp, spot, sneeze, cough, and hiccup. Every time something happens, what's the first thing I do that I know I shouldn't? I look it up. But I don't look it up in What To Expect When You're Expecting. I look it up on message boards and other programs and there is ALWAYS one person who says "...and then, I miscarried" somewhere in their comment.
The beginning of this pregnancy was full of scary things. Let me explain:
1. The test was positive (probably my most scary moment).
2. Telling Eric.
3. Going to my ultrasound to find out how far along I am and them not finding anything in the gestational sac. This resulted in 3 blood tests and another ultrasound.
4. Bleeding at 12 weeks. My nurse told me what I needed to look out for and that if it happens again, I need to go to Labor and Delivery because I might be miscarrying.
5. Went in at 13 weeks for my appointment. Couldn't find heartbeat with Doppler (added to scary moment #4). Resulted in another ultrasound.
6. Pains that are commonly associated with round ligament pain. But because of the pains, it made me worry about miscarrying.
I do not enjoy being freaked out but there it is. I only just told my youngest sister about #4 on Friday night because she was a little nervous when #3 happened and I didn't want to scare her if it was nothing. Which it was.
I only wonder what I'll be like when this baby actually arrives! My poor friends will be subjected to antibacterial hand sanitizer every time they want to hold the baby. My house will have everything off of the floor. My poor baby will be swaddled to the nines and my pediatrician will be on speed dial with my mom.
I don't know how I'll be a mother :) Maybe you're supposed to worry about all of that. My mom has told me time and time again, "If you don't protect your child, who will?" I don't want to be overly protective but how can I just sit back? I hope this child has a good sense of forgiveness and knows that I do all of this out of love. I'm already wanting to say "no" to everyone who offers to baby-sit but maybe that's partially because I'm the one who has been wanting to meet this baby my whole life.
I just want anyone of my friends out there to know - I don't need to justify to you why I'll do what I'll do when we're raising our kids. If I choose not to spank, that's not your choice; it's mine. If I want to breastfeed only and not use formula, that's also not your choice. I appreciate all of the advice and feedback that I'm getting but I'm making the choices that I feel is right and as long as my baby is healthy, I'm happy.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
First blogged picture
Here you are, Peanut! You're almost 14 weeks old in the womb here. The next picture you will have is in a few weeks and we'll find out if you're a boy or a girl. I thought it'd be nice to put your picture up here. This picture was taken to check for your heartbeat but you put on quite a show that day. Your grandma said it was your first dance recital (if you're a girl). Daddy said it's showing off your smooth moves. Something about sports if you're a boy.
Just so you know, it's okay if you don't play sports. I don't. Your daddy plays disc golf and sometimes volleyball. Either way, I hope you have good balance because this little family is quite a klutzy one!
Your birthday is estimated to be December 11, 2011. It's a week before my birthday. More reasons that Mommy will be the favorite.
Mommy loves you!
Mobile Posting!!
I have just discovered that I can post from my phone. This is exciting because now I can show pictures and everything on here! :)
Dear Peanut
Dear Peanut,
You will be very excited to know that this is a very good school year to be born. You'll be in class with a lot of Mommy's friends' kids and I hope you get to know all of them and possibly even continue this tradition of friendship.
You'll probably sit next to the Lindsey's kid if you're in alphabetical order. You'll probably know the Rocco kid. Who knows who else is going to join you? I hope you'll have some friends from the other youth leaders I work with since they're pretty awesome. You'll have plenty of friend's that Mommy and Daddy already know.
Now, I want you to know something - it's okay if you don't agree with them. You might not always get along and we might not always get along with their parents. Mommy and Daddy don't always make the same decisions as their mommies and daddies do about finances, discipline, "grounding" (you won't want this, but you will probably have it at some point), sharing, and other things. But we won't confuse you.
I wonder what your favorite things will be. Favorite toy, food, color, parent (that's me, in case you haven't made your decision yet), etc. I wonder if you'll be scared of the rain and thunderstorms or if you'll watch the light show with us. I wonder if you will be a picky eater like Mommy or a human garbage disposal like Daddy. I wonder if you'll enjoy being read to at bedtime or if you'll want to talk instead. I wonder if you'll be outgoing or introverted. I wonder if you will be a perfectionist. I wonder if you'll have dreams of being in the country, in the mountains, at the ocean, or if you'll want to stay here. I wonder if you'll be a doctor, a lawyer, a missionary, or an artist. I wonder who you will be closest to between Aunt Melanie or Aunt Susan.
I used to wonder if you'll be a boy or girl but honestly, all hopes aside, I'm just glad you're on your way. I hope I keep that attitude when I go into labor. I hope I keep that attitude when I find out if you're a boy or girl. I know that Daddy still thinks you're a boy. I want one of each but I don't know how I'll feel when I know. When I found out you were coming, I was scared and excited and freaking out and I want you to know that those are all good things.
I wonder if you know that I already love you.
Mommy
You will be very excited to know that this is a very good school year to be born. You'll be in class with a lot of Mommy's friends' kids and I hope you get to know all of them and possibly even continue this tradition of friendship.
You'll probably sit next to the Lindsey's kid if you're in alphabetical order. You'll probably know the Rocco kid. Who knows who else is going to join you? I hope you'll have some friends from the other youth leaders I work with since they're pretty awesome. You'll have plenty of friend's that Mommy and Daddy already know.
Now, I want you to know something - it's okay if you don't agree with them. You might not always get along and we might not always get along with their parents. Mommy and Daddy don't always make the same decisions as their mommies and daddies do about finances, discipline, "grounding" (you won't want this, but you will probably have it at some point), sharing, and other things. But we won't confuse you.
I wonder what your favorite things will be. Favorite toy, food, color, parent (that's me, in case you haven't made your decision yet), etc. I wonder if you'll be scared of the rain and thunderstorms or if you'll watch the light show with us. I wonder if you will be a picky eater like Mommy or a human garbage disposal like Daddy. I wonder if you'll enjoy being read to at bedtime or if you'll want to talk instead. I wonder if you'll be outgoing or introverted. I wonder if you will be a perfectionist. I wonder if you'll have dreams of being in the country, in the mountains, at the ocean, or if you'll want to stay here. I wonder if you'll be a doctor, a lawyer, a missionary, or an artist. I wonder who you will be closest to between Aunt Melanie or Aunt Susan.
I used to wonder if you'll be a boy or girl but honestly, all hopes aside, I'm just glad you're on your way. I hope I keep that attitude when I go into labor. I hope I keep that attitude when I find out if you're a boy or girl. I know that Daddy still thinks you're a boy. I want one of each but I don't know how I'll feel when I know. When I found out you were coming, I was scared and excited and freaking out and I want you to know that those are all good things.
I wonder if you know that I already love you.
Mommy
Friday, July 1, 2011
My Sandwich
Today was a long work day. I had to cover for another one of my coworkers, but that wasn't the long part. The long part was that I had to wait until almost two to get lunch...
Let me explain why this sucked. I had breakfast around 7am and I was running late so I forgot to grab my grapes and crackers to snack on. I head into work and I'm feeling fine. But I forgot that I get ferociously hungry close to lunchtime. I thought to myself, No big deal. I only have to cover until 12:30pm and then, I will go to lunch.
Now, on Fridays, we have a meeting about our patients. (In case I forgot to mention this, I work at a cancer treatment center as the insurance specialist. Today, I was covering for our front desk since she took some time off for an extended weekend.) Last week's meeting went relatively quick so I thought now, It'll be over quick anyway. Our doctor comes in and gives all her information she normally does and finishes just before 1pm. I get my pen and paper together and I'm about to stand to walk out and the doctor on the other side comes in. Sigh (at our facility, we do radiation oncology. We have a medical oncologist [chemo] come in 3 days a week). I think to myself, I remember them saying he doesn't like to take long. Last week, he only took 20 minutes or so. This will be okay.
As you can probably tell, I got out around almost 2pm. A couple of the people had Subway which I was now wanting badly! I clocked out and made my way to the closest Subway. And I order like it's my last meal. Footlong chicken and bacon on Italian herbs and cheese bread with provolone cheese. Do I want it toasted? Heck yes. I load that sucker up with honey mustard and... well, a lot of veggies. Made it a combo!
By now, my stomach is churning and I know that if I don't get that sandwich in my belly, we will have a repeat episode of Wednesday. I pay for my lunch and hurry back to my break room.
I stare at this beautiful sandwich. Let's stop for a minute - do you know the sign of a perfect sandwich? If you are eating a perfect sandwich, when you bite, that slightest bit of juice will just go down your arm. No juice = lame sandwich. Anyway, I take a look at this sandwich. I take the first half and take the biggest bite I can. Honey mustard just goes down my arm.
I devour that first half in record timing. But now, the downside I have had of being pregnant - small meals are my specialty. I realize at that very sad moment that I will have to finish the rest later since I can't fit it in now. I reluctantly put away the other half of the sandwich and go back to work.
Cut to 5:00pm - I get all of my stuff together and get in the car just as Eric calls me. I tell him that I left him lunch money in our savings account and start to tell him about my sandwich. I tell him I saved the other half and I stop. I look next to me in my car... no sandwich :( Hurriedly I say to Eric, "I have to go, I left my sandwich at work!"
I haul through the Fry's parking lot to get back to work. I pull up and the last person with keys is leaving. I explain that I forgot my sandwich and she sighs and comes back with me to unlock the door so I can get my sandwich.
And I got it.
Now, excuse me, I must devour this beautiful creation.
Let me explain why this sucked. I had breakfast around 7am and I was running late so I forgot to grab my grapes and crackers to snack on. I head into work and I'm feeling fine. But I forgot that I get ferociously hungry close to lunchtime. I thought to myself, No big deal. I only have to cover until 12:30pm and then, I will go to lunch.
Now, on Fridays, we have a meeting about our patients. (In case I forgot to mention this, I work at a cancer treatment center as the insurance specialist. Today, I was covering for our front desk since she took some time off for an extended weekend.) Last week's meeting went relatively quick so I thought now, It'll be over quick anyway. Our doctor comes in and gives all her information she normally does and finishes just before 1pm. I get my pen and paper together and I'm about to stand to walk out and the doctor on the other side comes in. Sigh (at our facility, we do radiation oncology. We have a medical oncologist [chemo] come in 3 days a week). I think to myself, I remember them saying he doesn't like to take long. Last week, he only took 20 minutes or so. This will be okay.
As you can probably tell, I got out around almost 2pm. A couple of the people had Subway which I was now wanting badly! I clocked out and made my way to the closest Subway. And I order like it's my last meal. Footlong chicken and bacon on Italian herbs and cheese bread with provolone cheese. Do I want it toasted? Heck yes. I load that sucker up with honey mustard and... well, a lot of veggies. Made it a combo!
By now, my stomach is churning and I know that if I don't get that sandwich in my belly, we will have a repeat episode of Wednesday. I pay for my lunch and hurry back to my break room.
I stare at this beautiful sandwich. Let's stop for a minute - do you know the sign of a perfect sandwich? If you are eating a perfect sandwich, when you bite, that slightest bit of juice will just go down your arm. No juice = lame sandwich. Anyway, I take a look at this sandwich. I take the first half and take the biggest bite I can. Honey mustard just goes down my arm.
I devour that first half in record timing. But now, the downside I have had of being pregnant - small meals are my specialty. I realize at that very sad moment that I will have to finish the rest later since I can't fit it in now. I reluctantly put away the other half of the sandwich and go back to work.
Cut to 5:00pm - I get all of my stuff together and get in the car just as Eric calls me. I tell him that I left him lunch money in our savings account and start to tell him about my sandwich. I tell him I saved the other half and I stop. I look next to me in my car... no sandwich :( Hurriedly I say to Eric, "I have to go, I left my sandwich at work!"
I haul through the Fry's parking lot to get back to work. I pull up and the last person with keys is leaving. I explain that I forgot my sandwich and she sighs and comes back with me to unlock the door so I can get my sandwich.
And I got it.
Now, excuse me, I must devour this beautiful creation.
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