Friday, February 28, 2014
Movies Watched in February 2014
Books Read in February 2014
The months where I read non-romance books are always a bit lighter in quantity. I also didn't do any reading when I wasn't commuting which adds to the time it takes me to finish a book. That said, this month had quality (which is not to say other months did not). Wild is non-fiction, and I had mixed feelings throughout, but I ended up enjoying the author's journey. The Night Circus isn't for everyone, but I loved the storytelling and found it very charming. So, no complaints for my February reading.
30 Weeks (Bonus)
I had my doctor appointment this morning. We had a little non-stress test to see the heartbeat versus movement. He was contrary as usual, only moving enough to "voice" his unhappiness. The doctor declared the results "so so". We got a quick sonogram to measure heart, brain and amniotic fluid. He's got a heart and brain, and the doctor was pleased enough with the fluid levels.
He seems to be growing. I'm still measuring consistently on the large side, but I'm not really gaining much weight which doesn't concern the doctor so it doesn't concern me. It's not for lack of eating. As it is, I've had to hold back because I feel like I could just be a constant eating machine if I let myself.
I start going in every 2 weeks at this point, but it's just so inconvenient. Still, it's a bonus to get to peek inside each time which I didn't get to do last time. The benefit of being considered high risk, I suppose. It amused me that my blood pressure is the same every single time I visit. That's never been an issue before at least. If anything, on rare occasions, it drops low, but it's usually pretty steady and on the lower side of normal.
So, knock wood that things continue to go smoothly. His head is very low so it's a little uncomfortable, and I can get some contractions if I push myself too hard so it's been a balancing act getting ready for his arrival and resting at the same time. We'll see how that goes in the next few weeks. I hope (and need) to get a lot accomplished this weekend. Also, I should start thinking about getting the few things we need for the baby. We need only 2 big things, but there are a few wants thrown in there as well. As with the first time, my restraint in purchasing things is overwhelming considering that I don't usually have a lot of willpower when it comes to shopping usually.
He seems to be growing. I'm still measuring consistently on the large side, but I'm not really gaining much weight which doesn't concern the doctor so it doesn't concern me. It's not for lack of eating. As it is, I've had to hold back because I feel like I could just be a constant eating machine if I let myself.
I start going in every 2 weeks at this point, but it's just so inconvenient. Still, it's a bonus to get to peek inside each time which I didn't get to do last time. The benefit of being considered high risk, I suppose. It amused me that my blood pressure is the same every single time I visit. That's never been an issue before at least. If anything, on rare occasions, it drops low, but it's usually pretty steady and on the lower side of normal.
So, knock wood that things continue to go smoothly. His head is very low so it's a little uncomfortable, and I can get some contractions if I push myself too hard so it's been a balancing act getting ready for his arrival and resting at the same time. We'll see how that goes in the next few weeks. I hope (and need) to get a lot accomplished this weekend. Also, I should start thinking about getting the few things we need for the baby. We need only 2 big things, but there are a few wants thrown in there as well. As with the first time, my restraint in purchasing things is overwhelming considering that I don't usually have a lot of willpower when it comes to shopping usually.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tough Questions
Husband had a going-away event for a co-worker this week. Very briefly, this week, he was the favorite parent. Little Miss was disappointed he couldn't pick her up after extended day. So, she just looks at him and says:
"Well, Daddy, who's more important?"
That certainly put him in the hot spot.
"Well, Daddy, who's more important?"
That certainly put him in the hot spot.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
30 Weeks
I wrote this post and it disappeared. It was a lengthy one, too. Anyway, here it goes again. We're at 30 weeks which is just ridiculous. I have my doctor appointment on Friday before I start going every two weeks.
I believe I'll be able to go a mixture of non-maternity and maternity clothes for the rest of the time. My shirts have been working hard, but maternity clothes just fit me so poorly. I'm hoping that my co-workers aren't too tired of the same old same old. I'd at least have some more options if the weather warmed up a little for dresses.
Luckily, no heartburn this time around which is nice. It was so bad with Little Miss. I do have shortness of breath which I didn't have before. No swelling, and I've been sleeping fine which is good. I do have an itchy belly, but I've been trying to moisturize which helps.
I have a fairly aggressive March getting everything ready because, so far, we haven't done anything to prepare for the baby. Unless you count actively denying that time is passing quickly. We do that quite a bit. We don't need too much other than a car seat and a monitor. There are a few other wants, but the car seat is a priority.
The baby is very active though getting quite cramped. There is a lot more stretching than kicking lately. I'm hoping he stays in there a good while or, even better, until his scheduled date which would be a new development in this house. Little Miss beat her c-section date by a couple of days. Either way, we'll see!
I believe I'll be able to go a mixture of non-maternity and maternity clothes for the rest of the time. My shirts have been working hard, but maternity clothes just fit me so poorly. I'm hoping that my co-workers aren't too tired of the same old same old. I'd at least have some more options if the weather warmed up a little for dresses.
Luckily, no heartburn this time around which is nice. It was so bad with Little Miss. I do have shortness of breath which I didn't have before. No swelling, and I've been sleeping fine which is good. I do have an itchy belly, but I've been trying to moisturize which helps.
I have a fairly aggressive March getting everything ready because, so far, we haven't done anything to prepare for the baby. Unless you count actively denying that time is passing quickly. We do that quite a bit. We don't need too much other than a car seat and a monitor. There are a few other wants, but the car seat is a priority.
The baby is very active though getting quite cramped. There is a lot more stretching than kicking lately. I'm hoping he stays in there a good while or, even better, until his scheduled date which would be a new development in this house. Little Miss beat her c-section date by a couple of days. Either way, we'll see!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Must Be the Home Stretch
Little bonus baby post this week.
Last Friday, I found out that I passed my 3-hour glucose test! This basically means I don't have gestational diabetes this time. I'm still going to try to stay a little disciplined with my eating schedule, but it means I don't have to be as crazy vigilant as I'd have to be if I failed the test. I rewarded myself with not testing over the weekend.
Last night, Little Miss sat on my lap and looked at me seriously. "Momma, I need to talk to you," she said, and I braced myself for whatever was going to come out of her mouth next. "You haven't taken your diabetes test lately."
I explained that I didn't have to, but I could occasionally if it made her feel better. She's a very good nurse and has always looked out for me and the baby throughout this entire process. It was super sweet. She actually went with me for the glucose test and was all right up in the nurse's business while the blood was being drawn.
A woman gave me her seat on the Metro today. So, I figure that officially marks the fact that I'm huge. I don't always accept it depending on when a seat becomes free, but I did today. I appreciate it more on the way home, but it was nice of her. A woman touched my belly today, too. Normally, people don't though or without permission (not including family which I give a begrudging pass to).
Last Friday, I found out that I passed my 3-hour glucose test! This basically means I don't have gestational diabetes this time. I'm still going to try to stay a little disciplined with my eating schedule, but it means I don't have to be as crazy vigilant as I'd have to be if I failed the test. I rewarded myself with not testing over the weekend.
Last night, Little Miss sat on my lap and looked at me seriously. "Momma, I need to talk to you," she said, and I braced myself for whatever was going to come out of her mouth next. "You haven't taken your diabetes test lately."
I explained that I didn't have to, but I could occasionally if it made her feel better. She's a very good nurse and has always looked out for me and the baby throughout this entire process. It was super sweet. She actually went with me for the glucose test and was all right up in the nurse's business while the blood was being drawn.
A woman gave me her seat on the Metro today. So, I figure that officially marks the fact that I'm huge. I don't always accept it depending on when a seat becomes free, but I did today. I appreciate it more on the way home, but it was nice of her. A woman touched my belly today, too. Normally, people don't though or without permission (not including family which I give a begrudging pass to).
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Week 29
Baby is the size of an acorn squash so says this site. I don't need a website to tell me that he's moving a lot more. 2 hours straight last night was constant movement and kicking. I think it wore him out because today has been quieter, much closer to the regular schedule.
I actually don't feel like I've grown any though this is the week a lot of people have commented on the size. I have grown much more awkward and slow - though this is also in part due to my sprained ankle. It's functioning, but I still walk a little gingerly just in case.
Based on conversations with my doctor, we'll be doing a C-section again. Most likely, I estimate that we will be the last week in April some time unless the baby decides to come early like Little Miss did. My plan is to be done with preparations by the end of March, possibly that first weekend in April depending on how things go. That should be plenty of time regardless for upkeep of the household and maybe start freezing some dinners and foods.
The website also says now is the time to start finalizing preparations. In my case, I should start doing any preparation. I do have a pretty strict schedule in March, but there's the possibility that I can start a little this weekend. I did all this earlier last time so being so pregnant and doing everything is taking a little assistance, and I'm not the best at asking for help. Plus, I like to plan everything out in my head before acting on a plan. It'll come together.
It's always hard for me to prepare because I'm not really the person who bonds with a baby until I'm holding he/she. So, it's very abstract until then and then you hit the ground running so there's no thought process. It'll be an interesting ride, that's for sure!
Based on conversations with my doctor, we'll be doing a C-section again. Most likely, I estimate that we will be the last week in April some time unless the baby decides to come early like Little Miss did. My plan is to be done with preparations by the end of March, possibly that first weekend in April depending on how things go. That should be plenty of time regardless for upkeep of the household and maybe start freezing some dinners and foods.
The website also says now is the time to start finalizing preparations. In my case, I should start doing any preparation. I do have a pretty strict schedule in March, but there's the possibility that I can start a little this weekend. I did all this earlier last time so being so pregnant and doing everything is taking a little assistance, and I'm not the best at asking for help. Plus, I like to plan everything out in my head before acting on a plan. It'll come together.
It's always hard for me to prepare because I'm not really the person who bonds with a baby until I'm holding he/she. So, it's very abstract until then and then you hit the ground running so there's no thought process. It'll be an interesting ride, that's for sure!
Conversations with a 6-year-old
The car ride home from school is when all the magic happens. Little Miss is still excited from school, she's not tired yet, and actual conversation happens before the fatigue attitude sets in.
Last night, we couldn't leave school until a little boy's father came so we could all walk out together. Luckily, we were parked next to each other so the kids held hands and crossed the street together. They said goodbye and, once the car door closed, this is how it went down:
Little Miss: When we're 18, [Boy in Class] and I are going on a date.
Me: Oh, really? What are you going to do on your date?
Little Miss: Probably go out to dinner, but he doesn't know that yet.
Me: Whose idea was the date?
At this point, I'm thinking it's all imagined in her head and this poor boy has no idea what's in store.
Little Miss: The date was [Boy in Class's] idea. He may have a better idea what to do though.
Well, at least the kids are waiting until they're 18. Earlier this week, she told us another boy tries to kiss her and only her.
Little Miss: When we're 18, [Boy in Class] and I are going on a date.
Me: Oh, really? What are you going to do on your date?
Little Miss: Probably go out to dinner, but he doesn't know that yet.
Me: Whose idea was the date?
At this point, I'm thinking it's all imagined in her head and this poor boy has no idea what's in store.
Little Miss: The date was [Boy in Class's] idea. He may have a better idea what to do though.
Well, at least the kids are waiting until they're 18. Earlier this week, she told us another boy tries to kiss her and only her.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Weekend Update - Marathon
I'm a weekend update behind, but two weekends ago, we ran around like crazy people. We had a quiet Friday. Then, on Saturday, we were up for skating and then, I visited my mom. Mom fell skiing and did all kinds of damage to her knee. So, I went to visit and see if she needed anything while recuperating. Then, I rushed home to change and go out to dinner with the In-Laws for Father-in-Law's birthday. We got home late and were exhausted! It was a good day though, just packed full.
On Sunday, we were up early to go to brunch with Husband's friends. Little Miss loved being the center of attention, and the food was delicious. She took a nap when we got home, and we just relaxed. I think I wanted to nap but didn't. Either way, it was a relaxing afternoon before an odd week full of sprained ankles and snow days.
On Sunday, we were up early to go to brunch with Husband's friends. Little Miss loved being the center of attention, and the food was delicious. She took a nap when we got home, and we just relaxed. I think I wanted to nap but didn't. Either way, it was a relaxing afternoon before an odd week full of sprained ankles and snow days.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Week 28
According to this, the baby is mostly growing. With medical help, he could actually live outside of my body which is kind of terrifying considering we have nothing ready and haven't bought one single thing.
I have my 3-hour glucose test on Friday, but I've been checking my blood for the last few weeks routinely. My mornings are high more often than they are not which was typical for me last time though I'm hoping I won't need insulin again. I've had high meals here and there but not regularly. Strangely never when I expect a high number. What I find helpful is when I eat my carbs/sugars. If I eat them in the afternoon as a snack before I walk home and my dinner is somewhat sensible, I'm in good shape. I've found breakfast unpredictable, but I can usually control my lunch numbers. Either way, I don't expect to pass the test.
Funny story - I wrote half of this earlier in the week and was about to say it has been 2 weeks since my fall. I was feeling really good about myself. I'm still bruised from that fall, but they don't hurt. Then, on the way home from work, I got my foot stuck in the road and fell spraining my ankle pretty badly (or pretty well if that was my goal). Later that night, it was huge, and I couldn't sleep all night - which meant Husband didn't get to sleep either. Little Miss was great. She ate dinner and did her homework by herself. She gave herself a bath, propped my foot up and even gave me her stuffed animals to help heal me.
I worked from home on Tuesday and Husband drove me to the doctor where it was a sprain, but the baby is doing fine - moving constantly, good heartbeat. As with the last time on my restricted diet, I lost weight, but my belly is growing. So, everything seems to be working except my ankle. Because of the snow prediction, Husband drove me to work on Wednesday so I could get items I needed. The ankle was feeling better, but it relapsed a little as it has been aching since then. I can at least put weight on it and be mobile so that's good. I expect it to be sore and swollen a little longer, but at least I can sleep.
Hopefully, this won't affect the actual preparing for the baby which I've put off until the next few weekends through March. It's still kind of surreal. I swear I forget until I try to get up out of bed or off the couch or put on shoes. I feel like my size has stabilized. After huge growth in the second trimester, I don't feel as big. The third trimester did hit hard, and I'm almost instantly slower and awkward though. I like to think I don't quite have the "make it be over" face yet though.
I have my 3-hour glucose test on Friday, but I've been checking my blood for the last few weeks routinely. My mornings are high more often than they are not which was typical for me last time though I'm hoping I won't need insulin again. I've had high meals here and there but not regularly. Strangely never when I expect a high number. What I find helpful is when I eat my carbs/sugars. If I eat them in the afternoon as a snack before I walk home and my dinner is somewhat sensible, I'm in good shape. I've found breakfast unpredictable, but I can usually control my lunch numbers. Either way, I don't expect to pass the test.
Funny story - I wrote half of this earlier in the week and was about to say it has been 2 weeks since my fall. I was feeling really good about myself. I'm still bruised from that fall, but they don't hurt. Then, on the way home from work, I got my foot stuck in the road and fell spraining my ankle pretty badly (or pretty well if that was my goal). Later that night, it was huge, and I couldn't sleep all night - which meant Husband didn't get to sleep either. Little Miss was great. She ate dinner and did her homework by herself. She gave herself a bath, propped my foot up and even gave me her stuffed animals to help heal me.
I worked from home on Tuesday and Husband drove me to the doctor where it was a sprain, but the baby is doing fine - moving constantly, good heartbeat. As with the last time on my restricted diet, I lost weight, but my belly is growing. So, everything seems to be working except my ankle. Because of the snow prediction, Husband drove me to work on Wednesday so I could get items I needed. The ankle was feeling better, but it relapsed a little as it has been aching since then. I can at least put weight on it and be mobile so that's good. I expect it to be sore and swollen a little longer, but at least I can sleep.
Hopefully, this won't affect the actual preparing for the baby which I've put off until the next few weekends through March. It's still kind of surreal. I swear I forget until I try to get up out of bed or off the couch or put on shoes. I feel like my size has stabilized. After huge growth in the second trimester, I don't feel as big. The third trimester did hit hard, and I'm almost instantly slower and awkward though. I like to think I don't quite have the "make it be over" face yet though.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Super Bowl
As I said before, Little Miss was rooting for Seattle during the Super Bowl. At halftime, when it was looking rough for the Broncos, she said, "Well, I guess it isn't Year of the Horse after all."
Wiser words have never been spoken.
Wiser words have never been spoken.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Happy Lunar New Year!
Books Read in January 2014
- Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Blitzing Emily by Julie Brannaugh (NOTE: This is part of the Love and Football series. The order of which can be found at Julie's website, but Blitzing Emily is the first book - and 99 cents currently for the ebook.)
- Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton (NOTE: This is part of the Play-by-Play series. The order of which can be found here.
This marked the return to the heavy books. Me Before You and Eleanor & Park were great books, but they dealt with some heavy subject matter. Blitzing Emily was a perfect follow up when I needed something cheerful. Sometimes, romance burns me out, but it is a nice fallback when things get too heavy.
Week 27
Week 27! According to this site, baby is breathing (it’s amniotic fluid, not air, but it still counts) and even showing brain activity. I can't believe we're rounding into the third trimester already. We're totally not ready, but there is a lot of weekends that I've put aside to do very specific things.
I've gained 10 pounds since pre-pregnancy. I'm measuring slightly larger than average which was how I progressed the last time. Blood pressure and all other tests are still normal as of last Friday's appointment. I'm still squeezing into some pre-pregnancy clothes with the belly band, but they aren't as comfortable. It's just SO HARD to find pants that fit, and it's too cold to wear all my dresses. If it can get at least to 40 degrees, I'll mix it up a bit. Currently, I'm just making what I have do. My doctor asked me if I was tracking my blood sugar - which I have not been consistently. However, I started tracking. Other than Super Bowl, my numbers have been pretty good. I'm good at managing it except my resting numbers in the morning are still a little high which is frustrating. As carbs are my best friend, it's sad, but it does manage my weight a little better - and baby size - so I keep reminding myself of that.
It's seriously like the third trimester came in like a lion. All of a sudden, I'm having trouble sleeping. I'm peeing all the time. The belly just seems weighted down whenever I move. The baby seems to get the hiccups a lot. There's a lot of movement still though less kicking and more trying to get comfortable as space becomes more of a premium. And that's just the more pleasant symptoms. So, hopefully, things will continue to go smoothly. Because I had gestational diabetes last time, I'm skipping the one-hour test and going straight to the three-hour test next Friday. Then, my next appointment is at the end of the month. Then, I get to start going every two weeks. We are having another c-section which we'll figure out closer to the due date, but I expect (hope) it'll be after Easter.
Luckily, everything we received for Little Miss was green or navy with a few pink things. Some clothes can be handed down, but the nursery items can be. The car seat isn't up-to-date so we'll need a new one as well as a new stroller. Other than that, there are a few things I'd like (new pack and play, for instance, and a non-pink vibrating chair), but we're in good shape. I scooped up a Baby Bjorn from a friend. I wasn't big into the baby wearing when Little Miss was little, but I figured I may need it this time to be a little more hands free. We should be outdoors more as Baby will be born in Spring versus late Fall. It'll all just come down to these last couple of months!
I've gained 10 pounds since pre-pregnancy. I'm measuring slightly larger than average which was how I progressed the last time. Blood pressure and all other tests are still normal as of last Friday's appointment. I'm still squeezing into some pre-pregnancy clothes with the belly band, but they aren't as comfortable. It's just SO HARD to find pants that fit, and it's too cold to wear all my dresses. If it can get at least to 40 degrees, I'll mix it up a bit. Currently, I'm just making what I have do. My doctor asked me if I was tracking my blood sugar - which I have not been consistently. However, I started tracking. Other than Super Bowl, my numbers have been pretty good. I'm good at managing it except my resting numbers in the morning are still a little high which is frustrating. As carbs are my best friend, it's sad, but it does manage my weight a little better - and baby size - so I keep reminding myself of that.
It's seriously like the third trimester came in like a lion. All of a sudden, I'm having trouble sleeping. I'm peeing all the time. The belly just seems weighted down whenever I move. The baby seems to get the hiccups a lot. There's a lot of movement still though less kicking and more trying to get comfortable as space becomes more of a premium. And that's just the more pleasant symptoms. So, hopefully, things will continue to go smoothly. Because I had gestational diabetes last time, I'm skipping the one-hour test and going straight to the three-hour test next Friday. Then, my next appointment is at the end of the month. Then, I get to start going every two weeks. We are having another c-section which we'll figure out closer to the due date, but I expect (hope) it'll be after Easter.
Luckily, everything we received for Little Miss was green or navy with a few pink things. Some clothes can be handed down, but the nursery items can be. The car seat isn't up-to-date so we'll need a new one as well as a new stroller. Other than that, there are a few things I'd like (new pack and play, for instance, and a non-pink vibrating chair), but we're in good shape. I scooped up a Baby Bjorn from a friend. I wasn't big into the baby wearing when Little Miss was little, but I figured I may need it this time to be a little more hands free. We should be outdoors more as Baby will be born in Spring versus late Fall. It'll all just come down to these last couple of months!
Weekend Update - Back to Normal
Week 30
It's surreal just typing Week 30! Anyway, details can be found here, but nothing new since last week really. I'm really only uncomfortable in the morning and evening. I do find myself short of breath, but I don't have the crippling heartburn I had with Little Miss. I think it's because this one rests a lot lower so I get a bit uncomfortable low in the belly, which I didn't have with her, but it's much easier to tolerate than the heartburn.
I have my monthly appointment on Friday morning after which I start going every 2 weeks to check in.
I actually haven't been feeling as big lately, but then I caught myself sideways in the mirror yesterday. I suggest never looking at yourself sideways in a mirror. I'm wearing non-maternity clothes today - belly band around the pants and a stretchy top - and am still quite comfy which is nice because I refuse to buy additional maternity clothes. Everyone at work will just have to get used to seeing the same couple of dresses and pants for the next couple of months. I can't wait until summer - the stretchy, endless stream of sundresses. I mean, I can't say I'm looking forward to dealing with a swimsuit, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Luckily, I'm still sleeping fairly well though I have had some wacky dreams, but I suppose no more wacky than usual. Overall, light symptom week though which is good. I still can't complain, but sometimes I think I'm too old for this when going through the day-to-day of being pregnant. *g*
I do have to start getting ready for the baby which means doing a lot around the apartment. There's little we need, but it's a matter of shifting what we have and getting what we need into the apartment and just organizing. I set aside some time, but then other things came up. I may have to do things during the week and reevaluate. We were invited to a playdate this weekend, and I have dinner out with friends. I hate to have Little Miss miss a playdate when we've been postponing this one for months. I'll just have to buckle down after work and see if I can make up time before baseball season starts (more on that once it starts, but Little Miss is starting baseball because ice skating booked up).
I have my monthly appointment on Friday morning after which I start going every 2 weeks to check in.
I actually haven't been feeling as big lately, but then I caught myself sideways in the mirror yesterday. I suggest never looking at yourself sideways in a mirror. I'm wearing non-maternity clothes today - belly band around the pants and a stretchy top - and am still quite comfy which is nice because I refuse to buy additional maternity clothes. Everyone at work will just have to get used to seeing the same couple of dresses and pants for the next couple of months. I can't wait until summer - the stretchy, endless stream of sundresses. I mean, I can't say I'm looking forward to dealing with a swimsuit, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Luckily, I'm still sleeping fairly well though I have had some wacky dreams, but I suppose no more wacky than usual. Overall, light symptom week though which is good. I still can't complain, but sometimes I think I'm too old for this when going through the day-to-day of being pregnant. *g*
I do have to start getting ready for the baby which means doing a lot around the apartment. There's little we need, but it's a matter of shifting what we have and getting what we need into the apartment and just organizing. I set aside some time, but then other things came up. I may have to do things during the week and reevaluate. We were invited to a playdate this weekend, and I have dinner out with friends. I hate to have Little Miss miss a playdate when we've been postponing this one for months. I'll just have to buckle down after work and see if I can make up time before baseball season starts (more on that once it starts, but Little Miss is starting baseball because ice skating booked up).
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