Baby Boy is doing really great :) I can feel him getting bigger and bigger and so much stronger. His kicks and punches are really packing some weight now, and the 'rolling belly show' has become pretty entertaining. I just LOVE sitting there watching him roll and poke about. Now when I poke my belly he pokes back, and sometimes when I talk to him and say his name he settles down. I really can't wait to meet him face to face!
Our town feels like spring is coming and it makes me even more excited to sit outside with my son. I just keep picturing some sweet summer weeks of sun and air and nursing and talking and just soaking it in. And, I'm only 67 days away from being at home and beginning my leave (I leave on the May long weekend). It's all starting to feel more real.
The flu has passed (pretty much) and I'm feeling a lot better. Started exercising again yesterday and am looking forward to continuing my 'labor preparation'. I know my family connections and such remain against me, but I'm still hoping for a manageable delivery (especially since epidurals aren't guarenteed at my hospital!).
In other news....
- At the next prenatal appt' my doctor is going to measure Jer's head to see what we're potentially dealing with. Funny hey?!
- Time for gestational diabetes check and o- blood shot. Not looking forward to this at all :(
- Still shopping for a car seat. I refuse to pay the $130-$150 dollars that the stores are asking for (our stroller only accepts Graco SnugRide or Safe Seat), so we've been watching on Ebay.
- Belly is getting pretty huge. I have a feeling I'll be one heck of a tubby tub pretty soon ;)
- The last 'gender reports' are in for the babies on Jer's side. Four baby BOYS will be arriving in 4 months- WOW. On my side (so far) we've got 2 boys and 1 girl coming, and still waiting on the last one.
2008-03-08 (24 weeks)
Colors of Spring
The sixth month is looking nice so far, though feeling wretched as I battle the flu. One of the downfalls of working in a college is the inevitability of picking up whatever goes around. This sickness has attacked my chest, throat, stomach, nose, head, everything! I've lost 4 pounds, missed 2 days of work, and have gone through a lot of movies. Being sick while pregnant generally means no drugs and a weaker immune system. Thankfully, it feels like I'm nearing the end of it soon :)
In other news....
The crib bedding arrived! But...I'm not sure about it :( In the pictures (and even the description!) it stated that it was "sage green, chocolate brown, and tan". BUT, it's bright apple green, chocolate brown, and YELLOW!!! What the heck? So here I am trying to go for this soft earthy feel in which I can put a nice tree mural and lambs and such, and instead we've got this ultra bright and modern fiasco going on. I should have just stuck with brown and blue...grrr...! Hm. It's really graet quality and such, just different than I thought.
And now, maternity leave. (My word, this post has quite the negative feel to it- sorry!). I met with an HR fellow and we were totaly on different pages! it was pretty funny, though I was sitting there freaking out that he was going to ruin my whole mat' leave plan! We were finally both sketching out timelines and diagrams and dates trying to explain what we were each saying. i think he finally understood...but not quite. All I know is that I can't wait for maternity leave! A whole stretch of time to grow with my baby, garden, create, become the person I am called to be in this new season. I'm really really excited about it.
So, here in Three Hills spring has arrived. Actually, the weather shifted about 3 weeks ago; bizarre for February. The birds are loving, the snow is almost gone, the garden supplies is out on Main Street, and i'm sure the tulips are going to pop up any day now. Given that it's Alberta, I'm sure we'll get another blizzard in a month (or 2) yet, but the light and warmth is sure motivating for now, especially for this pregnant mommy.
Jer' and I are heading out for breakfast now. A beautiful Saturday.
2008-03-03 (24 weeks)
6th month!
Today marks the beginning of my 6th month- hurray! 4 more months to go :) And, clarification. Jer mentioned that my last post was a little...too much, and wanted me to re-emphasize the positive. (There WAS a reason the last post was titled 'irrational'...) SO...My doctor really is quite fantastic! Despite my own insecurities and sensitivities regarding areas of weight gain or progress, he has proven himself incredibly supportive, kind, funny, insightful, and knowledgeable. He includes Jeremy in everything, is patient with my questions, is gentle and careful, and seems to genuinely care about us and our baby. I think, perhaps, he's had a few really difficult situations with women who experienced complications due to too much weight or poor nutrition, and that has made him much more careful and focused with following patients. We love his laid back approach in the office and his quick humour, as well as the personal connection he tries to cultivate. Overall, I am SO glad he's the one who will be delivering my baby. I know he'll watch out for us and do all he can for a safe and beautiful delivery.So, hope that helps :)
2008-02-28 (23 weeks)
Irrational
I just got in from my prenatel appointment and I feel ridiculous. I have an excellent docter and I like being pregnant, but I'm a little wacky in the head when it comes to the whole "gain weight get huge" thing. I've watched my diet carefully, I exercise daily, and I just want him to say, "You're doing great!".
Well today, after an expecially focused and careful month, I assumed that my weight gain wouldn't be that much even though my belly has become huge. The nurse weighed me (6 additonal pounds), then asked if I was having twins! What the heck??! I was not impressed!
Now usually Jer attends the appointments with me but today he was at a site out of town. Usually, I vent out any random things on him before the docter walks in. Usually. Today however, I sat and stewed. And stewed and stewed! He walked in, did the greetings, then pulled up for a little 'heart to heart'.
Dr: "How's this pregnancy thing treating you Deanna? How are you doing with it all?"
Me: "Good, good"
(pause)
Me: "Kay actually, I'm perturbed! I'm working out, watching everything i eat..." blah blah blah....!!! "...and I'm still gaining all this weight and am getting a belly bigger than my other preg' girlfriends!" blah blah...!
Dr: "Well, are you eating a lot of sweets? Do you like snacking on baking? Are you having too much fruit?"
Me: (silently, inside). Just tell me "Don't worry, you're doing great!" Just say "You're doing a good job and don't need to worry about it! "Afffffiiirrrrrmmm me... grrrr....
that was a long story. sorry.
Anyways. So I rambled off on him and he took my measurements and really, I KNOW I'm doing fine. I'm nearing the end of the 23rd week and I've gained 12 pounds. If I double that I'll still be in the 'good zone'. And I'm measuring at 22 weeks so apparently I'm not as massive as I think. I think my short torso and my tall husband are going to work to make one very 'outty' of a belly. Seriously, the pictures do not tell the story.
And, in the end, he said "I'm not worried at all" Not quite "you're doing well" but it was something. He said he thinks I'm doing everything right and I'll probably be pleased in the end. He said he'll say for sure next appt' after the sugar test, so I'm looking forward to that.
Seriously, there is nothing sensible or rational in the mind of an emotional and hormonally driven pregnant woman. In some ways, that man must hate his job.
Alright. Off to visit my new nephew this weekend. Another new nephew being born today or tomorrow. Babies everywhere.
