We just got back from dinner with Tommy's family. It was great to see everyone, catch up, and have delicious food. Plus, a huge bonus to get out of the house, have a different change of scenery, and social interaction. But, boy, my exhaustion has really set in this week. I'm so tired. Just being away for an hour or two is starting to take its' toll on me. I've also been emotional/cranky this week. That does it for my one outing this week. Plus, I'm supposed to be staying close to home/hospital and I cheated tonight...whoopsy.
It's hard to believe that within the next 19 days, we will be welcoming our little girl! I'm so excited! I cannot tell you how relieved we are from yesterday's appointment. We were really praying that she was growing. Also, I really wanted to make it at least until 36..and it looks like we'll be able to do that. In less than 3 weeks we will have our new arrival. Maybe sooner rather than later!
I also want to comment on my review of TRESemme's Split Remedy Line. After using it for a couple of weeks now, it really is fabulous and I highly recommend. I can definitely tell a big difference!
Sorry for the rambles...I am getting deliriously sleepy. Off to bed.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Fantastic Appointment
<insert sigh of relief here>
Our appointment today was great! I'm actually quite surprised. Madeline is gaining weight steadily...she weight 4lb, 12 oz this time around, and her abdominal is now measuring in the 20th percentile (previously was 8th). All of her other measurements are right on point. Of course, it's the measurements that are important, and I actually take the weight with a grain of salt. She could actually weight as little as 3lbs or as much as 5.5lbs right now. We won't really know until the actual birth. With the weight given today, she's still behind, but we already know she's going to be small.
So, with all of this being said...Madeline doesn't need to be delivered this week. I'm still continuing with all my NSTs on Thursdays and ultrasounds on Mondays., and they still won't let me go beyond 38 weeks. Of course, there is no guarantee that she's not going to come next week. Overall, my OB is very happy with all of the results from today.
Our appointment today was great! I'm actually quite surprised. Madeline is gaining weight steadily...she weight 4lb, 12 oz this time around, and her abdominal is now measuring in the 20th percentile (previously was 8th). All of her other measurements are right on point. Of course, it's the measurements that are important, and I actually take the weight with a grain of salt. She could actually weight as little as 3lbs or as much as 5.5lbs right now. We won't really know until the actual birth. With the weight given today, she's still behind, but we already know she's going to be small.
So, with all of this being said...Madeline doesn't need to be delivered this week. I'm still continuing with all my NSTs on Thursdays and ultrasounds on Mondays., and they still won't let me go beyond 38 weeks. Of course, there is no guarantee that she's not going to come next week. Overall, my OB is very happy with all of the results from today.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
And we wait...
I was successful at my attempt at keeping myself busy this weekend. Yesterday, I was in full nesting mode. I tidied up the house, prepared Madeline's last minute items, and finished laundry. All in preparation just in case Madeline does arrive this week. Tommy and I also had dinner at Mere Bulles to celebrate his birthday, and well, it will probably be our last nice dinner for a very long time. Technically, I wasn't supposed to do anything because of my bed rest, but I'm glad I did. I have to prepare for everything, otherwise, I'd be a nervous wreck. I cannot stand having things in disarray. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a Type A control freak!
Today, I spent my time at my parent's house while Tommy went to watch sports with his friends. My car received a much needed in depth detail thanks to my Dad. It looks so much better! My mom and I hung out, went to lunch, and discussed the possibilities of the coming weeks.
I have been a little emotional today due to the fact that I'm just tired of being pregnant (I know that probably sounds awful and selfish). I want to be able to do normal activities again, eat normal food, workout, get my old body back, etc. Of course, I know when Madeline is here it's going to also take some time to get back in the swing of things. And, I'm anxious about tomorrow's appointment. I had a small meltdown this morning, but I'm doing okay.
I didn't get any sleep last night, so I'm really hoping tonight I can sleep well. Our appointment is at 9:50am and will most likely go until around Noon. In addition to the growth ultrasound, biophysical measurements, etc., I'm also having my remaining testing done early, cervical checks, etc. So, it's going to be a long appointment. Plus, my doctor will review the "short" report and give us a "game plan." If she doesn't need to be delivered this week, then they'll have a baseline now and give us a pretty good estimate of which week she'll come. And, I'll still have my weekly ultrasounds and NST appointments up until delivery. I'm excited to have more of an idea of what to expect after tomorrow's appointment. I can honestly say that I'm ready for her arrival.
I'll try to update on how our appointment goes tomorrow afternoon. If for some reason I don't update at all, then it's highly likely that I'm in labor. However, I think the induction/c section would be scheduled for another day this week....instead of immediately following my appointment. My gut is telling me she's going to be born on Wednesday, but I could be totally off on that. We shall see!
Today, I spent my time at my parent's house while Tommy went to watch sports with his friends. My car received a much needed in depth detail thanks to my Dad. It looks so much better! My mom and I hung out, went to lunch, and discussed the possibilities of the coming weeks.
I have been a little emotional today due to the fact that I'm just tired of being pregnant (I know that probably sounds awful and selfish). I want to be able to do normal activities again, eat normal food, workout, get my old body back, etc. Of course, I know when Madeline is here it's going to also take some time to get back in the swing of things. And, I'm anxious about tomorrow's appointment. I had a small meltdown this morning, but I'm doing okay.
I didn't get any sleep last night, so I'm really hoping tonight I can sleep well. Our appointment is at 9:50am and will most likely go until around Noon. In addition to the growth ultrasound, biophysical measurements, etc., I'm also having my remaining testing done early, cervical checks, etc. So, it's going to be a long appointment. Plus, my doctor will review the "short" report and give us a "game plan." If she doesn't need to be delivered this week, then they'll have a baseline now and give us a pretty good estimate of which week she'll come. And, I'll still have my weekly ultrasounds and NST appointments up until delivery. I'm excited to have more of an idea of what to expect after tomorrow's appointment. I can honestly say that I'm ready for her arrival.
I'll try to update on how our appointment goes tomorrow afternoon. If for some reason I don't update at all, then it's highly likely that I'm in labor. However, I think the induction/c section would be scheduled for another day this week....instead of immediately following my appointment. My gut is telling me she's going to be born on Wednesday, but I could be totally off on that. We shall see!
Friday, July 20, 2012
What a Night!
My goodness. Last night we had torrential downpours. Our power went out at 10:45pm and didn't come back on until late this morning. It literally poured all night long. And guess what? Our roofers were scheduled to come out and fix our leak first thing this morning, however, now it's gotten worse and we are going to have to file it on our insurance. A $250-$650 issue just turned into a $1,000 issue. Ugh. But, it is what it is. We have more drywall damage, and it's going to have to be replaced. So, I'm a little cranky today...I didn't fall asleep last night.
In other news, my appointment yesterday (NST) went well. Again, these appointments are just an extra precaution. They don't concern me since Madeline is so active, and that's basically what they are measuring. However, everything is hinging on Monday's growth ultrasound. My OB prepared me that she might be coming next week, and reassured me that she'll be in good care. I also lost 1.5 lbs. I feel bigger, but maybe not. My belly has dropped somewhat, and Madeline is making her descent downwards. Needless to say, we are very anxious for our appointment on Monday! Tommy decided to take the day off since it's his birthday and it's such a big appointment.
Yesterday, I was bored and decided to teach myself how to use a flat iron to curl my hair. First off, this has proven to be a difficult, awkward task. It took me awhile before I got the hang of it, but it actually turned out really well! My hair stayed put all day long - I just had to run my hands through the curls every now and then. And, it's still curly today. I will note that it is very important to use a straightening iron that has rounded edges. My Chi didn't work, so I used my 1 inch ceramic Hot Tools Nano.
This is totally random, but I thought it would be worth mentioning. Before pregnancy, I would get random breakouts. I always used products with salicylic acid (allergic to benzoyl peroxide) to help clear my skin. I had to change my skin care routine due to my pregnancy, and use chemical free face wash. I received my Clarisonic Mia for Christmas, and I started using Cetaphil's DermaControl Oil Control Face Wash (pregnancy safe). Since then, I haven't had a single break out. Sure, this could be due to my pregnancy hormones, but I really think all that time harsh chemicals were the cause of my pimples! I guess I'll really find out post partum. I highly recommend this product to everyone in combination of using the Clarisonic Mia. I use the Mia about 3x per week, and use the Cetaphil face wash every evening.
This week, my mom's been off of work before she begins her new job. It's been nice to have someone entertain me! We are going to one of my favorite lunch spots today, Puffy Muffin. I'm not sure what I'm going to be getting...everything is delicious.
As far as the weekend goes, I'm going to try to keep myself busy again. Saturday night, Tommy and I will go to dinner to celebrate his birthday, and other than that I have no idea what we'll do. I'm exhausted today, so I'd prefer to stay at home this evening and be a glutton on the couch.
In other news, my appointment yesterday (NST) went well. Again, these appointments are just an extra precaution. They don't concern me since Madeline is so active, and that's basically what they are measuring. However, everything is hinging on Monday's growth ultrasound. My OB prepared me that she might be coming next week, and reassured me that she'll be in good care. I also lost 1.5 lbs. I feel bigger, but maybe not. My belly has dropped somewhat, and Madeline is making her descent downwards. Needless to say, we are very anxious for our appointment on Monday! Tommy decided to take the day off since it's his birthday and it's such a big appointment.
Yesterday, I was bored and decided to teach myself how to use a flat iron to curl my hair. First off, this has proven to be a difficult, awkward task. It took me awhile before I got the hang of it, but it actually turned out really well! My hair stayed put all day long - I just had to run my hands through the curls every now and then. And, it's still curly today. I will note that it is very important to use a straightening iron that has rounded edges. My Chi didn't work, so I used my 1 inch ceramic Hot Tools Nano.
This is totally random, but I thought it would be worth mentioning. Before pregnancy, I would get random breakouts. I always used products with salicylic acid (allergic to benzoyl peroxide) to help clear my skin. I had to change my skin care routine due to my pregnancy, and use chemical free face wash. I received my Clarisonic Mia for Christmas, and I started using Cetaphil's DermaControl Oil Control Face Wash (pregnancy safe). Since then, I haven't had a single break out. Sure, this could be due to my pregnancy hormones, but I really think all that time harsh chemicals were the cause of my pimples! I guess I'll really find out post partum. I highly recommend this product to everyone in combination of using the Clarisonic Mia. I use the Mia about 3x per week, and use the Cetaphil face wash every evening.This week, my mom's been off of work before she begins her new job. It's been nice to have someone entertain me! We are going to one of my favorite lunch spots today, Puffy Muffin. I'm not sure what I'm going to be getting...everything is delicious.
As far as the weekend goes, I'm going to try to keep myself busy again. Saturday night, Tommy and I will go to dinner to celebrate his birthday, and other than that I have no idea what we'll do. I'm exhausted today, so I'd prefer to stay at home this evening and be a glutton on the couch.
Monday, July 16, 2012
34 Week Appointment Update
Madeline passed all of the performed tests on her ultrasound, however, her umbilical cord flow came back abnormal and elevated status. Also, my weight and belly measurements have not changed/grown in the past two weeks. With this being said, we're still waiting on the full report from today's ultrasound, which I should receive on my NST appointment this Thursday. On Mondays, I just get a short report, then my ultrasound is reviewed by a high risk ultrasound doctor, then sent to my OB who reviews, then passes it down to the nurse to call me with recommendations and/or changes. So, it's a little bit of a process. I'm not too worried, as I think they'll want to wait to see the results of my growth ultrasound next Monday before making a final decision. However, since I'm not growing, it's highly likely that she's going to be coming during 35-36 weeks (which is also my prediction). So, my appointment wasn't necessarily bad, but it wasn't as good as last week's update.
Madeline was practicing breathing during the ultrasound, which was neat to see and hear. And, she has tons of hair, which doesn't surprise me. Tommy and I both have thick, coarse hair. She's been very active, which is also a great indicator for a healthy baby. As long as she's active, I'm not going to stress.
My feet and legs are also starting to swell just a little. I'm hoping they don't get too bad, but right now it's not horrendous. I just have fat feet/legs.
Now I'll just have to wait to see what my OB says about the full report from today's findings. It might be nothing, but maybe something....we just don't know.
Madeline was practicing breathing during the ultrasound, which was neat to see and hear. And, she has tons of hair, which doesn't surprise me. Tommy and I both have thick, coarse hair. She's been very active, which is also a great indicator for a healthy baby. As long as she's active, I'm not going to stress.
My feet and legs are also starting to swell just a little. I'm hoping they don't get too bad, but right now it's not horrendous. I just have fat feet/legs.
Now I'll just have to wait to see what my OB says about the full report from today's findings. It might be nothing, but maybe something....we just don't know.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
34 Weeks!
Wow, less than 4 weeks to go now that I know I'll be delivering by August 12th (38 weeks)! Every week is still touch and go. I figured I'd post a little pregnancy update and photos.
How I'm feeling emotionally? Excited, happy, anxious, surreal, nervous, scared, and overwhelmed. Why nervous, scared, and overwhelmed? I just know our lives are about to change immensely (for the better), but it's going to be completely different going forward! And let's be honest, I have a lot to learn about having a child...since...well...I have been childless now for 29 years. I still find it hard to believe at times that there is a baby in my belly. Yes, I feel the kicks, see the ultrasounds, but it's still all surreal.
What's up with my body? Back pain has ensued. Horrible back pain, sciatic nerve pain. All day and night. My belly is growing (pictured at the bottom), and I'm up 13lbs. I've also had awful sinus congestion for the past 4 days, so I haven't been feeling well. I've been a little irritable and I'm tired all the time.
What's annoying me at the moment? If I hear one more person tell me "You need to eat." I am going to scream. *sigh* I know everyone means well, but my weight gain is not something that I can control, and it is not a maternal factor with my condition of asymmetrical IUGR...it's all medical! I find it offensive, because it implies that I can control my weight gain and IUGR, and well, the fact is that I can't. I'm doing everything instructed by my doctor, and all I do is eat. I seriously eat all the time. So, people please quit telling me this. I know you're just trying to help and it isn't meant to be malicious. It's not anyone in particular that says this to me...it's everyone! Including strangers who ask me how far I am along! I'm probably being overly sensitive, but it really does bother me.
What's going on during my next appointment? My next appointment is tomorrow, Monday, July 15th and I'm having another biophysical ultrasound that checks umbilical cord flow, blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and fluids. Of course, I also get to see Madeline again. I wish it was another growth ultrasound (measures weight, length, etc), but they have to wait 3-4 weeks in between in growth ultrasounds to ensure that we will actually see growth, etc.
What are my predictions on Madeline's arrival? I think she's going to come between July 23 (Tommy's bday) - Aug. 2. I say this because based on my growth ultrasound on July 23, a decision will most likely be made...since they'll be able to check her abdominal measurements, other growth, etc. I'll be at 35-36.5 weeks during this time frame. Of course, she could come this week, or perhaps make it all the way to 38 weeks.
How I've prepared? I've read every book imaginable on pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, the first year, raising children, etc. I've also taken a few online courses, too. I feel ready, but at the same time, I know it's a different ball game when you actually have a live baby in front of you.
How's Madeline doing? Great! Lots of movement throughout the day, hiccups, pushing on my ribs (which is very painful). Her last two updates from my OB last week were positive, so I'm feeling pretty good. Also, at 34 weeks, babies born at this time are considered preterm, not premature (unless under 4lbs).
How's bed rest going? I'm going stir crazy. Ugh. I have books, television, a few little craft projects, but I'm still in need of some sort of social interaction, scenery change, and movement. I am allotted one outing per week, and I prefer that outing to be close to home and to the hospital just in case anything were to happen. So, definitely staying in our area and not going anywhere North (hospital is South) is what I'm comfortable with at the moment.Unfortunately, we had planned on having a big BBQ for Tommy's birthday this coming weekend, but we are having to postpone it due to my bed rest, Madeline's possible arrival, etc. We'll do something eventually, it's just that the timing is off right now.
34 Week Photos:
Please excuse my weird expressions on my face this morning...I'm tired. And, my cluttered bathroom!
I'll update tomorrow on my appointment and I'm hoping everything goes well!
How I'm feeling emotionally? Excited, happy, anxious, surreal, nervous, scared, and overwhelmed. Why nervous, scared, and overwhelmed? I just know our lives are about to change immensely (for the better), but it's going to be completely different going forward! And let's be honest, I have a lot to learn about having a child...since...well...I have been childless now for 29 years. I still find it hard to believe at times that there is a baby in my belly. Yes, I feel the kicks, see the ultrasounds, but it's still all surreal.
What's up with my body? Back pain has ensued. Horrible back pain, sciatic nerve pain. All day and night. My belly is growing (pictured at the bottom), and I'm up 13lbs. I've also had awful sinus congestion for the past 4 days, so I haven't been feeling well. I've been a little irritable and I'm tired all the time.
What's annoying me at the moment? If I hear one more person tell me "You need to eat." I am going to scream. *sigh* I know everyone means well, but my weight gain is not something that I can control, and it is not a maternal factor with my condition of asymmetrical IUGR...it's all medical! I find it offensive, because it implies that I can control my weight gain and IUGR, and well, the fact is that I can't. I'm doing everything instructed by my doctor, and all I do is eat. I seriously eat all the time. So, people please quit telling me this. I know you're just trying to help and it isn't meant to be malicious. It's not anyone in particular that says this to me...it's everyone! Including strangers who ask me how far I am along! I'm probably being overly sensitive, but it really does bother me.
What's going on during my next appointment? My next appointment is tomorrow, Monday, July 15th and I'm having another biophysical ultrasound that checks umbilical cord flow, blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and fluids. Of course, I also get to see Madeline again. I wish it was another growth ultrasound (measures weight, length, etc), but they have to wait 3-4 weeks in between in growth ultrasounds to ensure that we will actually see growth, etc.
What are my predictions on Madeline's arrival? I think she's going to come between July 23 (Tommy's bday) - Aug. 2. I say this because based on my growth ultrasound on July 23, a decision will most likely be made...since they'll be able to check her abdominal measurements, other growth, etc. I'll be at 35-36.5 weeks during this time frame. Of course, she could come this week, or perhaps make it all the way to 38 weeks.
How I've prepared? I've read every book imaginable on pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, the first year, raising children, etc. I've also taken a few online courses, too. I feel ready, but at the same time, I know it's a different ball game when you actually have a live baby in front of you.
How's Madeline doing? Great! Lots of movement throughout the day, hiccups, pushing on my ribs (which is very painful). Her last two updates from my OB last week were positive, so I'm feeling pretty good. Also, at 34 weeks, babies born at this time are considered preterm, not premature (unless under 4lbs).
How's bed rest going? I'm going stir crazy. Ugh. I have books, television, a few little craft projects, but I'm still in need of some sort of social interaction, scenery change, and movement. I am allotted one outing per week, and I prefer that outing to be close to home and to the hospital just in case anything were to happen. So, definitely staying in our area and not going anywhere North (hospital is South) is what I'm comfortable with at the moment.Unfortunately, we had planned on having a big BBQ for Tommy's birthday this coming weekend, but we are having to postpone it due to my bed rest, Madeline's possible arrival, etc. We'll do something eventually, it's just that the timing is off right now.
34 Week Photos:
Please excuse my weird expressions on my face this morning...I'm tired. And, my cluttered bathroom!
I'll update tomorrow on my appointment and I'm hoping everything goes well!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Deliciousness
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