Books Read in February 2014

1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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.

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.

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!

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). 

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Last Friday, Little Miss's kindergarten class celebrated the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year). So, I dressed her in my old Chinese outfit. Because it was also sports day at school, she wore her Rangers jersey over it. She loved both, and they matched so why not combine all things awesome in her world?

Books Read in January 2014

1. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
3. 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.)
4. 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!

Weekend Update - Back to Normal

Last weekend, Little Miss was finally healthy! So, it was back to our regular routine. Friday was a quiet evening. Saturday was hanging out and then skating lessons. She was so happy to be back and passed her level so she is all cleared to take the next level of skating next time. The Inlaws came to watch her which pleased her to no end.  The Washington Capitals were practicing so we got to watch them do a few drills which was exciting - even for non-Caps fans. We went home and had a quick lunch before running back out to a birthday party. Little Miss swam and got to play with some friends. Then, we went to the grocery store and ran a bunch of errands. We finally got home late in the evening and were all exhausted.

We were having friends over for the Super Bowl so there was a lot of cleaning on Sunday. Nothing like the last minute! We also cooked a bit. I made egg rolls. Husband made some chicken cutlets, pasta with vodka sauce and sausage bread. It was all delicious. Little Miss stayed up until halftime. She was rooting for the Seahawks and was pleased that they won. Then, the weekend ended pretty much as soon as it began!

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).

Weekend Update - Home Sick

I don't know if being homesick is as bad as being home sick.  Either way, last week, Little Miss got hit with the flu.  Luckily, she had the school holiday on Monday (and we were both home) and a Teacher Work Day on Tuesday (and my work was only open a partial day).  There was a snow day on Wednesday.  At this point, the flu moved onto Husband so I went to work while the two sickies stayed home.  On Thursday, there was a 2-hour delay.  So, she only missed a day and a partial day.  We held her home on Friday just to be on the safe side.  She'd be ok in the morning, but her fever had trouble staying away for a full day so it was a wise decision.  On Saturday, she relapsed, but she woke up Sunday feeling great and had just a really good day full of dancing and singing. 

Unfortunately, with all the sickness, she did miss ice skating and a birthday party, but there wasn't much choice.  On Sunday, we cleaned a portion of her room and purged her bookcases.  The girl is ruthless.  If she doesn't want something anymore, it just gets the axe.  We haven't gotten to toys yet so we'll see how she is with the rest of the items in her room.  She also got the dusting spray and a pair of socks from her room and dusted half the apartment on her own.  I sat on the couch and watched her.  So, successful Sunday all around.  Husband took the bus to New York to watch the Winter Classic (Rangers vs. Devils) so it was just the girls all day.  Overall, it was an unexpected relaxing weekend full of movies and cuddling.  Can't ask for better though next time we could do without the flu.

Week 26

Back with another week's update. You can find details here as always. It says the baby is "13.6 to 14.8-inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds" or the length of a head of lettuce which is kind of a random vegetable.


As for the other symptoms, I get the occasional headache, but it hasn't been too bad.  No swelling, and I've been mostly sleeping well.  I have had a few little practice contractions, but nothing crazy.  I do feel it when I run around more like when I'm rushing to get Little Miss after school because if I don't pick up by 6PM, there are issues with Extended Day so if I'm caught up at work, there's a little stress and panic.  There is still a bit of movement, much more than with Little Miss, but the baby is getting bigger because they are less kicks and more pokes and rolls.  I don't feel noticeably bigger from last week.  I also feel like the more maternity clothes I wear, the less big I feel because maternity clothes run big on me versus squeezing into pre-pregnancy clothes so it's more of a mental thing.


I did stumble on the way home last week.  I hesitate to fall because I really tripped and just landed on my knee.  I cleaned it up when I got home and there's been a lovely bruise, but everything is fine.  It was too late to call my doctor, but Little Miss had a physical so I just bought it up to her doctor.  The doctor seemed as unconcerned as I was.  My next doctor appointment is Friday morning.  I make my appointment for the big glucose test at that point.  If I don't pass, I'll have to enter rehab for my cocoa addiction as the withdrawal symptoms could be bad.   

Bedtime Stories

For the last 3 nights, Little Miss has gone to bed with House at Pooh Corner. It's a lengthy book that my grandma gave me when we were expecting Little Miss. It's part of a set of 4. The books predate me by quite a bit. The first night, she read the Introduction. Last night, she read up to page 4, but she hasn't given up. It's a small, dense book with chapters and very few pictures. Previously, she's grown tired of longer books - even long picture books - so it's nice to see her get enjoyment from this one. I don't know how confident I feel in her finishing this book, but I'm glad she's enjoying it so far.

Week 25

Month 6?  Where does the time go?  According to The Bump, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.  I don't feel too much bigger this week than the last.  Pretty much status quo.  I'm still in a mix of regular and maternity, but I'm squeezing into my pre-maternity pants still because I refuse to buy clothes that will only be worn for a short time.  I'm hoping the pre-maternity pants will fit long enough to make it through the Polar Vortex at which point I won't mind switching to maternity dresses.  I have a pair of maternity tights en route, too. 


There is activity when I wake up in the morning, after lunch and then very late at night - usually around 11PM, but last night it was closer to 12:30AM.  Husband watched my belly do the wave back at him. 


It's a little surreal to think that he'll be here 3 months, give or take.  I do have 3 weekends marked off in my calendar to start the big overhaul.  Little Miss announced she wanted to get him a present for when he's born.  Likewise, the baby will be getting Little Miss a present. 


I may have bookmarked a lot of little boy clothes.  One outfit may have been a pink and navy embroidered collared-shirt set.  I asked Husband if it was too preppy and, strangely, he said no.  I'm actually gravitating towards all things crabs.  I'm not sure why that's the unofficial theme to my choices.  I won't buy or at least I won't until the necessities (and a few other wants) are covered.  Babies don't need clothes if they have grandparents.  That's the one lesson I've learned. 

Weekend Update - Long Weekend!

Last weekend was a nice long weekend.  On Friday, we did nothing as is custom in our house.  On Saturday, we got up and did nothing until it was time to watch Little Miss in her skating lesson.  She did great.  After, she did about a half hour of public skating by herself.  She went around the big rink 6 times and was very proud of herself.  We went home.  Little Miss took a little nap and then all three of us went to the In-Laws' place to celebrate Mother-in-Law's birthday (which was actually last weekend).  Little Miss picked out her present all by herself the previous week from gift to card to wrapping paper. 

On Sunday, I stayed in bed as long as possible before meeting a friend at the nail salon.  Then, we had a bite to eat and then I got my haircut.  It was very relaxing especially knowing that we all had Monday off. 

Of course, on Monday, Little Miss was not quite herself.  She had been clingy all weekend, but she gets a little out of sorts when her routine is thrown off.  Then, she had a fever mid-morning.  She spent most of the day being lazy in bed.  She is good at keeping up with the liquids, but she didn't eat too much.  She went to bed without fuss, but she was up and miserable early this morning.  Husband got her some ibuprofen, and she was able to rest when her fever went down again.  So, she's home today sick.

The silver lining is that yesterday was a holiday and today the entire city is shut down.  Husband is home because the Federal Government is closed.  Our county happens to have a Teacher Work Day so there is no school.  I'm working a half day.  So, basically, it's a good time to get sick.  I'm organizing my work in case I have to stay home tomorrow, but Little Miss is a trooper.  Hopefully, this will leave her system quickly.  She has a couple of birthday parties coming up and our February is moderately busy.