When I first got pregnant I had this overwhelming feeling that this baby is a girl. In fact, I was even so bold to say so on the blog and refer to the baby as "she." Now I'm not so sure.
I don't know what changed (if anything) but now I have been having second thoughts. I haven't gone the other way, meaning I'm not convinced that it's a boy either.
I suppose if someone held me down and forced me to predict the gender I would still guess it's a girl, but in my mind it's kind of a 60/40 split as opposed to the 95/5 conviction I had earlier.
I should probably make it clear that I don't care what we have. I won't be disappointed with either outcome. I can totally see myself as a mom of a bunch of boys, but then I think about Steven with a daddy's girl and my heart melts. So please don't think I've got my heart set on anything other than a healthy baby.
Something else that's weird: most people that know me personally think I'm having a girl, but strangers guess that I'm having a boy. In fact, I recently had the following conversation with the manager of the Subway near my house:
Subway Manager: You having a boy?
Me: We don't know yet.
SM: It's a boy. How much longer until you find out?
Me: I'm due in 6 weeks, so we're going to let it be a surprise.
SM: Oh, it's a boy.
Me: We'll see. I'd be happy either way.
SM: It's a boy.
Tell me, moms, did you ever go back and forth on your predictions? Were you right?
Nursery Quilt
This post highlights something (and someone) who is near and dear to my heart. My best-good friend Brettany - yes, the same creative Brettany that created the adorable cup cakes for my shower - made this beautiful quilt for the Peanut. She gave it to me at my first shower, but I'm only now posting it because I am the worst. blogger. ever.
I have it hung across the crib so that I can enjoy it everytime I come into the nursery. Yes, at some point I will have to put it away (suffocation hazards and all that) but for now I like it where it is.
I cannot get over all the cute patterns she found for the fabric! Apparently it is difficult to find prints that are cute, kid-appropriate and gender neutral, but I think Brettany did a great job! Paisley and polka dots? Yes, please!
Check out the tag! When Brettany becomes famous I can brag that I own a BTB original, and have the tag to prove it. Such a nice, professional touch!
Pardon the shadows and blurriness. I was holding the quilt with one hand, holding the camera with the other hand, trying not to block the light with my head and using one foot to keep a cat from jumping into the crib. Be glad you can read it.
Although it makes me a little sad to know that someday this quilt will get covered in spit-up, crumbs and cat hair - let's face it, everything I own is covered in cat hair - I can't wait to use it for tummy time once the Peanut arrives!
I have it hung across the crib so that I can enjoy it everytime I come into the nursery. Yes, at some point I will have to put it away (suffocation hazards and all that) but for now I like it where it is.
I cannot get over all the cute patterns she found for the fabric! Apparently it is difficult to find prints that are cute, kid-appropriate and gender neutral, but I think Brettany did a great job! Paisley and polka dots? Yes, please!
Check out the tag! When Brettany becomes famous I can brag that I own a BTB original, and have the tag to prove it. Such a nice, professional touch!
Pardon the shadows and blurriness. I was holding the quilt with one hand, holding the camera with the other hand, trying not to block the light with my head and using one foot to keep a cat from jumping into the crib. Be glad you can read it.Although it makes me a little sad to know that someday this quilt will get covered in spit-up, crumbs and cat hair - let's face it, everything I own is covered in cat hair - I can't wait to use it for tummy time once the Peanut arrives!
Blood Doctors and Computerized Phones
I have gotten to the point where I have to visit my midwife every two weeks, but I don't write about the appointments because they're uneventful. Do you really need a recap every time they weigh me and check my blood pressure? I didn't think so. However, my last appointment was a bit different.
Midwife: Have you seen a hematologist?
Me: Off and on when I was younger, but not since I was 18. But don't worry - I haven't had any problems.
Midwife: Well, we'davoid getting sued feel better if you saw one just to be sure. We'll even do the referral for you.
Me: Great. envisioning the $50 copay slipping out of my bank account.
OK, I guess I should back up and fill you in on some details. When I was 6 I had to go to the ER. During a routine blood test it was discovered that I have Von Willebrand's Syndrome. Basically my blood doesn't clot as well as it should. However, I have the mildest form of the mildest type so it has NEVER been a problem for me. My hematologist once told me that if they hadn't happened to find it when I was 6, I probably would have never known there was a problem. But since we do know, doctors like to take precautions (meaning, give me a clotting agent) prior to surgery.
Most people wouldn't be bothered by this. They would recognize the risk, get an IV dose during labor and not give it a second thought. I am not most people. My biggest fear was that I would need an IV at the beginning of labor, and since the IV had already been placed the nurses would just leave the port in my hand 'just in case.'
I will probably revisit this when I talk about my birth plan, but I am strongly opposed to an IV port. I don't want it to be easy or convenient for anyone to administer any medication to me. If I need anything, I want the decision to be well-thought out and deliberate. There will be no "You already have the port, so we might as well" for me. On top of that, I. HATE. NEEDLES. The last time I was given an IV I glanced at it and almost passed out.
OK, now that we have delved into yet another of my neuroses, let's get back to the topic at hand: visiting the hematologist.
My midwife was kind enough to refer me to a hematologist and they made an appointment for me. They even have that handy, futuristic appointment machine where a computer calls you and reminds you of your appointment.
NOTE TO DOCTORS EVERYWHERE: If the name of your practice is 'Blah Blah Cancer Center' but the new patient who's never heard of you doesn't have cancer, please say so when you leave a voicemail. I don't like thinking I have cancer when I don't.
Anyhow, (gee this post is rambling) I go see the hematologist and he is delightfully chill about the whole thing. Based on my medical history and the fact that I've never had any bleeding problems he didn't see any need to take any precautionary measures. I would probably need the clotting agent if I ended up needing a C-Section (fingers crossed I don't) but that it seemed like overkill for a regular, push-it-out-the-old-fashioned-way birth. I have to say, getting his blessing was totally worth the $50 if it means my midwife doesn't have to be paranoid.
So no IV for me. Huzzah.
Midwife: Have you seen a hematologist?
Me: Off and on when I was younger, but not since I was 18. But don't worry - I haven't had any problems.
Midwife: Well, we'd
Me: Great. envisioning the $50 copay slipping out of my bank account.
OK, I guess I should back up and fill you in on some details. When I was 6 I had to go to the ER. During a routine blood test it was discovered that I have Von Willebrand's Syndrome. Basically my blood doesn't clot as well as it should. However, I have the mildest form of the mildest type so it has NEVER been a problem for me. My hematologist once told me that if they hadn't happened to find it when I was 6, I probably would have never known there was a problem. But since we do know, doctors like to take precautions (meaning, give me a clotting agent) prior to surgery.
Most people wouldn't be bothered by this. They would recognize the risk, get an IV dose during labor and not give it a second thought. I am not most people. My biggest fear was that I would need an IV at the beginning of labor, and since the IV had already been placed the nurses would just leave the port in my hand 'just in case.'
I will probably revisit this when I talk about my birth plan, but I am strongly opposed to an IV port. I don't want it to be easy or convenient for anyone to administer any medication to me. If I need anything, I want the decision to be well-thought out and deliberate. There will be no "You already have the port, so we might as well" for me. On top of that, I. HATE. NEEDLES. The last time I was given an IV I glanced at it and almost passed out.
OK, now that we have delved into yet another of my neuroses, let's get back to the topic at hand: visiting the hematologist.
My midwife was kind enough to refer me to a hematologist and they made an appointment for me. They even have that handy, futuristic appointment machine where a computer calls you and reminds you of your appointment.
NOTE TO DOCTORS EVERYWHERE: If the name of your practice is 'Blah Blah Cancer Center' but the new patient who's never heard of you doesn't have cancer, please say so when you leave a voicemail. I don't like thinking I have cancer when I don't.
Anyhow, (gee this post is rambling) I go see the hematologist and he is delightfully chill about the whole thing. Based on my medical history and the fact that I've never had any bleeding problems he didn't see any need to take any precautionary measures. I would probably need the clotting agent if I ended up needing a C-Section (fingers crossed I don't) but that it seemed like overkill for a regular, push-it-out-the-old-fashioned-way birth. I have to say, getting his blessing was totally worth the $50 if it means my midwife doesn't have to be paranoid.
So no IV for me. Huzzah.
Suck It
What do you get when you combine life savers, icing and jelly beans?
Edible pacifiers! I had Baby Shower #2 over the weekend and someone made these (in gender neutral colors, of course!) to go with our cake and finger foods. They were too cute to eat, but I had to snag a few to photograph for my loyal readers. You are loyal, aren't you? Good, then I take back that whole 'Suck It' thing.
Edible pacifiers! I had Baby Shower #2 over the weekend and someone made these (in gender neutral colors, of course!) to go with our cake and finger foods. They were too cute to eat, but I had to snag a few to photograph for my loyal readers. You are loyal, aren't you? Good, then I take back that whole 'Suck It' thing.
A Return To Normalcy
What do pregnant women love? No, other than food and elastic waist pants. We love having our feet rubbed!
Steven has been a very good sport about rubbing my feet anytime Iwhine ask for it, but on Sunday I wanted to break out the big guns. While he was playing tennis, I decided to treat myself to a pedicure. You can't tell in the picture (I only zoom in so close to my feet - I don't want to scare anybody) but I had my nails painted a nice, soft pink for spring.
Yes, that is yet another pair of Birkenstocks. I have 3 pairs of them. What? That's an improvement. I used to have 5. Ugly or not, you try taking comfortable shoes away from a pregnant woman.
Steven has been a very good sport about rubbing my feet anytime I
Yes, that is yet another pair of Birkenstocks. I have 3 pairs of them. What? That's an improvement. I used to have 5. Ugly or not, you try taking comfortable shoes away from a pregnant woman. Also please note the absence of the scary swollen feet. With Steven rubbing them all the time, I've mostly been able to keep the swelling at bay.
Bump Photo - Week 32
I have already talked about this on my other blog, but I thought I should mention it here too. Steven and I have been studying for the first of our 7 architecture licensing exams. We decided to start with the hardest one - hoping it will give us some momentum - and the studying is seriously kicking my butt! We take the test in 2 weeks, so at least we're in the home stretch.
What all that means to you is that I haven't had time to take all my bump photos, much less do any nursery projects.
But in the spirit of 'better late than never' I bring you my 32 week baby bump:
What all that means to you is that I haven't had time to take all my bump photos, much less do any nursery projects.
But in the spirit of 'better late than never' I bring you my 32 week baby bump:
This is me dressed up to attend my SIL's college graduation. Admittedly 'dressed up' is a relative term. This outfit is decidedly not fancy, but getting a preggo in high heels has to count for something. Right? Fancy or no, I thought this outfit was pretty darn cute - if I do say so myself. Forgive the pathetic expression on my face. It wasn't even noon and my feet were already starting to swell.
As you can see from the close-up, I have entered the 'smuggling a basketball' phase.
Jacket: Mossimo, for Target
Tank: Old Navy
Capris: Liz Lange Maternity, for Target Espadrilles: LOFT Beads: thrifted Older Photos Week 30 Week 29Hospital Tour
As I mentioned before, even though I will be using a midwife I am still planning to deliver at a hospital.
To prepare for that event, Steven and I toured the birthing wing of said hospital last week. Overall, I was quite impressed. We learned the basics - where to park, when/how to check-in, how many visitors are allowed, etc. We got to see the triage suite, birthing rooms, post-partum rooms and the C-Section OR. OK, not the actual OR (that's a sterile room, duh) but the room outside the OR.
The birthing rooms are everything I had hoped for. Each room is its own, private, birthing suite. The birth center is fairly new so there is no 'old room vs. new room' problem. I have heard of other hospitals having limited numbers of newer birthing suites, and moms have to hope they get a good one. Each room has a whirlpool tub, TV, CD player, futon-chair-thing for dad to nap on and a fancy-schmancy delivery bed. If there happens to be over-crowding I could end up delivering in the triage suite (not as many bells and whistles) but, according to my tour guide, that rarely happens.
Even better, I was able to pre-register with the hospital so when I am in labor I won't have to sit through all that paperwork when I have other things on my mind.
As of today I am 31 weeks, 4 days pregnant which means I will be back at the hospital in 10 weeks or less!
To prepare for that event, Steven and I toured the birthing wing of said hospital last week. Overall, I was quite impressed. We learned the basics - where to park, when/how to check-in, how many visitors are allowed, etc. We got to see the triage suite, birthing rooms, post-partum rooms and the C-Section OR. OK, not the actual OR (that's a sterile room, duh) but the room outside the OR.
The birthing rooms are everything I had hoped for. Each room is its own, private, birthing suite. The birth center is fairly new so there is no 'old room vs. new room' problem. I have heard of other hospitals having limited numbers of newer birthing suites, and moms have to hope they get a good one. Each room has a whirlpool tub, TV, CD player, futon-chair-thing for dad to nap on and a fancy-schmancy delivery bed. If there happens to be over-crowding I could end up delivering in the triage suite (not as many bells and whistles) but, according to my tour guide, that rarely happens.
Even better, I was able to pre-register with the hospital so when I am in labor I won't have to sit through all that paperwork when I have other things on my mind.
As of today I am 31 weeks, 4 days pregnant which means I will be back at the hospital in 10 weeks or less!
Plastic Babies and Floor Pillows - Part 3
And so the Saga of Swollen Feet continues...
Last night, as we do every Monday, Steven and I went to birthing class.
This week's topic was how the dads of the group could use some basic massage techniques to provide pain relief to us moms during pregnancy and labor. To demonstrate the techniques Laura brought in a certified prenatal masseuse. She was AWESOME.
She started the session by saying "I normally begin by asking the moms what hurts and tackling their issues one at a time, but since it's been so hot I'm going to jump in with how to relieve swollen ankles and feet."
I think "Thank goodness, this will come in handy."
She continues "Most pregnant women will have some degree of swelling during the spring and summer months." Then she pauses to gesture in my direction, "but if your feet look like that you need to come see me."
At this point, it is important to know that she was not slowly surveying the group looking at everyone's feet. She could spot my swollen blimp-feet from across the room. My embarrassment quickly faded when she began to demonstrate the massage technique on me. I could actually feel and see the fluid retreating from my feet.
Then, after she was finished all the dads had to practice the move so I got my feet rubbed again, courtesy of Steven.
She went on to show us techniques for other body ailments, but I won't bore you with that. I just thought you would sleep better knowing that this foot wasn't still roaming the streets and frightening children:
The Saga of Swollen Feet
I spent the weekend having a grand ole time at an outdoor music festival but now I am paying dearly for it. Not only am I absurdly sunburned but my feet have swollen to ridiculous proportions.
I'm not even kidding. My feet look like this:
and feel like this:
I'm not even kidding. My feet look like this:
and feel like this:
Don't believe me? Take a look, if you dare.
Who has feet like that? That looks like someone jammed 5 vienna sausages onto a pork tenderloin! That has to be the LEAST. SEXY. FOOT. EVER.
I know this is one of the many side-effects of pregnancy and most women can't escape it if they are pregnant over the summer. But come on!
The reason this bothers me so much is that my ankles were normally my favorite feature. Prior to pregnancy, no matter how fat I got I always had dainty, feminine wrists and ankles. I could always make myself feel thin(ish) by trying on sexy high heels. My ankles and feet always looked awesome no matter how much the rest of my body could never pull them off. But now my one vanity is gone. I don't care how much weight I gain or how big my belly gets, that won't make me feel fat. But having fat ankles is NOT ACCEPTABLE, no matter how many people tell me "Don't feel bad, everyone looks like that when they're pregnant."
Well, I do feel bad. So, shove it.
Part 2 of the saga continues in my birth class post.
Bump Photo - Week 30
I seriously cannot believe how big my bump has gotten! After catching my reflection the other day I told Steven that I felt like was moving past the adorable pregnant phase, and beginning to look like a cow. Instead of offering words of encouragement or (false) flattery, he just said "Moo."
Moo indeed.
Tank: hand-me-down
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Old Navy Maternity
Older Photos
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)