June 2008 - Posts
Today was the Sunday that my family had to co-host coffee hour after church service. No, this wasn't something I signed up for, but part of the congregation's solution to having no volunteers for coffee hour hosts. They went down the list of families in alphabetical order and signed two families up for each Sunday throughout the year. So each family hosts once. Not a terrible burden; a good way to get to know your fellow families.
Of course, being my luck I was notified that my coffee hour date was August 17th...yes, two weeks after I deliver...via c-section. I immediately (back in March) got on the phone trying to trade off my date with another family. Who wouldn't want the Sunday during prime vacation time? Yeah. After about 12 calls around, I finally spoke with a lovely woman from the altar guild who helped me narrow down the list of families to those who might actually be around in August...and then found someone willing to trade their date (today) with me.
Earlier this week I called the family I was co-sponsoring with to see how we could divide of the list of things to bring. Great news was that they had actually hosted coffee hour before and had some idea of what to expect. Knowing the summer isn't a packed-church time of year, we also lucked out on the fact that we only had to serve maybe 30-40 people instead of many more. We divided out the things to bring (drinks, food, plates, napkins) and then they casually mentioned that they'd have to leave just about when coffee hour would start as they had tickets to a basketball game on the other side of the state. At least they'd be there to help me set up...no big deal.
We arrived this morning, I with my gallon of lemonade, bottle of white grape juice, basket of mini banana muffins that I baked from scratch last night, and plates and napkins...they with their cheese and crackers and half and half. The parish hall was already set up for coffee hour (our luck) from the 8am service. Score. We just set up the next round of coffee pots, put out more cups, and set up our treats. Then off to church service we went.
I got into the pew and picked up the Hymnal ready to sing (my husband and son were down playing in the nursery). A few minutes passed and the service began. I stood and started singing and noticed by the end that I was just melting. I sat down with the rest of the congregation and pulled out a kleenex to wipe my face down...and after a few minutes was once again cool. Well, that was strange. Then it happened again at the next Hymn, and every one after that. I'd sweat just from standing and singing (and no, I'm not typical choir material, but I can sing in tune). Guess my body just can't take that little extra exertion.
Coffee hour did go well, and I got lots of women asking me when I was due, was I ready for it to be over with (heck no, he's on my schedule right now!), and if we had names picked out (yeah, but we can't narrow down the list or come to any agreement). My co-hosts were very pleasant, but did leave us with clean-up. Not that bad. Had to walk the coffee pots into the back of the basement to be washed, wash down the tables, return the coffee cart to the upstairs office, and pick up the trash and other leave behinds. All-in-all I've served my community, had a few nice conversations, and can now sit back and not need to do anything for these remaining 4 weeks. Let's just hope now that all of my obligations are over and done with...he doesn't decide to make an early appearance!
They're back!
Last night for the first time in a few weeks I had one of those intense dreams...where I was being pursued. All I remember is running away and hiding in a closet somewhere hoping that my breathing wouldn't give me away...that and the unbearable cramping in my legs wouldn't cause me to move. Guess the cramping I experience when I sleep has crept into my dreams.
The other part that really threw me was that when this whole "adventure" was over, I delivered a still born son. Yeah, that wasn't much fun to watch play out in my dreams. I was probably about where I am now - a few weeks out from delivery. I just remember the doctor telling me that he wasn't alive, and then just sobbing.
So, I'm sure you can imagine when I awoke I rolled over (to reduce the pain in my hips and knees) and just waited for the baby to stir. Sometimes it's difficult to not read too much into your dreams.
Well, although I've immensely enjoyed my experience with my high risk practice and the three OBs in the practice, it feels FANTASTIC to have made my last appointment and have a clean bill of health for myself and, most importantly, the baby.
Today's appointment was the same as always - the ultrasound technician took a look at the baby, measured his head, stomach, arms, legs, checked out his heart and kidneys, and then worked with the computer to estimate the baby's weight. As the baby should be just under 5 lbs...based on my ovulation date...I had guessed 5lbs even, my husband had guessed 5lbs 2oz. The baby's weight is estimated at 5 lbs 1oz +/-12 oz...yes, +/- almost a pound. Looking at the average, he's "within range" for an average sized baby. If he really is 5lbs 13oz we're looking at another large baby. Given my son was last estimated the day before his arrive at 9lbs 15oz +/-10%...and was 10lbs 7oz when he was born 24 hours later...I wouldn't be surprised if this baby is also on the "+" side of the equation.
The doctor came in for the last part of the appointment and took another look and listen to the baby's heart, and everything is still completely normal - meaning the baby has a happy, healthy heart. He had asked how I was doing, and I replied great...as I'm laying on the table with no complications and a healthy child. My husband replies, "that's not what I hear when you're in agony at night as the baby's kicking!" Hah. Yes, very true, I'm uncomfortable...but would MUCH rather be "suffering" with some minor aches and inconveniences right now than be meeting with the pediatric cardiologist to devise a birth plan and surgery plan for our child. Or be working with my rhuematologist to determine how we're going to handle kidney issues or even failure. Or be so swollen that I have to deliver early and have a child in the NICU for days, weeks, or even months. It can always be so different, and I just have to step back and realize that these weekly appointments, while necessary, were totally to my advantage. Other Moms-to-be are not as fortunate. At this point, the baby would be born without complication, and although a little early, is a completely respectable size.
I have my next OB appointment on the 30th, and then I have a feeling they'll move those appointments from every other week to every week as I'll be under 4 weeks until delivery. OMG. Time to start washing all the clothes!
Just crossed into the "6 weeks left" phase. Yes, my heart is beating a bit quicker thinking of all of those things I so desperately wanted to get done before the baby arrived...and how we're not making much progress. Like our master bath. My husband began the demo, got the vanity and shower out, but the rest is just lying on the floor (sheet rock and all). Guess that won't be done in time for the baby to be home. Which means it will be later this fall before we actually can get back to it.
I had another visit with my OB yesterday, and did mention the back pain and cramping that I've been having - to the extent that it takes my breath away. I knew it would probably be considered "normal," but as I didn't have any of this before (including the heartburn!), I thought it worth mentioning. Just the baby trying to get comfortable and my body stretching to accommodate. Oh well, just grin and bear it. Actually yesterday was the best day in the past week, so maybe that's behind me.
Everything still looks great in terms of the pregnancy. Well, if you consider me being up 42 lbs (still possible I'll be up the 60 of last time if the swelling does kick in...). The heart sounded great yesterday, and thanks to my first internal exam, we know the baby is head down. So he must be pushing up under my ribs with his butt and feet...or he's still flipping around in there. One more appointment in 2 weeks and then I'll move to the weekly appointments. I don't need the non-stress tests, so that's one less trip a week to their offices I will have to make.
Funny thing was my 2 year old was in the exam room with my husband and I. When it came time for the doctor to start the exam, my son sat down on the landing of the exam table in between my legs and wouldn't move. The doctor and my husband tried to talk him out of staking his claim to Mommy, but ultimately my husband had to just pick him up and hold onto him while I had the minute long exam. Funny thing is - when we're usually out in public, my son won't leave my husband's side...not mine. He's usually pushing me away...like he has had enough of me and wants attention from someone else.
We'll get a final read on the baby's weight next week at my last appointment (hopefully) with my high risk group. At that time the baby should be around 5lbs (just under if you're going by my ovulation date)...so if he's a bit bigger we'll know we should probably pack the 3-6 month clothes.
So I've reached that point in my pregnancy where I take on the "unwed mother" look. Yup, my rings no longer fit.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being an unwed mother...in fact, I give single Moms SO much credit. I still don't understand how women can work, run a household, and raise children. Perhaps it's that I'm so dedicated to each that I'd wind up in a mental institution if I were to give it a go.
However, that still doesn't stop the thought of what everyone ELSE thinks about you being a parent enter your mind as you stand in a checkout line very obviously pregnant...and eyes glance from your tummy to your ringless fingers. There's nothing wrong with being a single Mom, yet you don't want anyone else to think that you are a single Mother. Of course, the other point is that people might not even be thinking it.
At least my feet aren't swollen...yet. Hard to tell if the rings don't fit because of the humidity we've had the past week or so, or if this is really a result of the pregnancy.
Time to head back to the OB. Tomorrow morning will bring my 33rd week and another check up. We'll see what the OB has to say about the non-stress testing...since I haven't heard anything (and those 2 weeks flew by), I am assuming that I won't need to have this done. We'll see!
Yes, I think I've reached that stage of pregnancy...in the third trimester when the need to clean, cook, and tend house takes over.
I'm in a mild panic to get things done...like those things I've avoided doing or thought it "would be nice" to do for so long. Now I'm on a bender to get them all done before the baby arrives. At first, I thought it was because I was finally feeling better, but I don't think so. I'm still as tired as ever. Still have days where I wonder how anyone can handle more than one child at a time. I just don't have the energy sometimes to keep my single child entertained...and I'm bringing another one into the fold?
Well, last night began my cooking. I made a double batch of homemade mac and cheese. What we didn't eat, I froze. Meal one for post-pregnancy. I also boiled a bunch of potatoes that I then used to make hash browns last night, for Father's Day breakfast spread this morning (eggs, bacon, hash browns, fruit salad, etc.), and then the rest for the potato salad with tonight's dinner. I cooked down apples last night and made a throw-together apple crisp with whipped cream (to my husband's surprise). Today after making the Father's Day spread and the potato salad, we headed to my parents' house where I cooked up dumplings for an appetizer (I made them a month back and froze the double portion...so I just had to heat these up), then a salad and green beans for the sides. My sister and her husband cooked the meat and made dessert.
However, in preparation for a potluck tomorrow, I came home and whipped out not one, but four quiches...two for the potluck (and potentially leftovers) and two for the freezer. Meal two for post-pregnancy. I also used the leftover pie crust (I make my own) and made a make-shift apple tart with whipped cream. Again, surprising my husband. I'm in the mood for fish, so we'll see what I cook up tomorrow. Will probably involve a stop at the grocery store, I'm sure.
Since I sleep like a restless pregnant woman at this point, although I'm looking forward to bedtime, I just know that I'll toss and turn all night long. If it wasn't uncomfortable enough, my son has taken to pushing quite a bit up under my ribs. I just sit and groan all night long. My husband must think I'm a bit for the theatrics.
I'm gearing up for a week packed full of activities. Just wondering when our new language therapist is going to call...given we have like an afternoon free all week, I'll be surprised if she can actually fit us in...or we can fit her in rather.
Time to finish watching the US Open then find some time to unwind before heading up to bed. Well, to lie in bed, toss and turn, grunt and groan, and listen to my husband snore while I debate whether it's worth it to turn the tv back on.
I had another visit with my primary OB yesterday - everything still is going very well, baby is VERY active (can you step on my bladder and push up on my ribs all day long?), and the heart sounds great.
The one question that did arise during my visit was whether I should start with the non-stress tests. Huh? My high risk practice never mentioned this. My primary OB mentioned that they do this weekly from here on out for Lupus patients, and since I've got the same antibodies, she was thinking that they should probably start monitoring me as well. She was going to check with my high risk doctors and get back to me.
Basically, it would require me going in to the primary office once a week for the non-stress test (they'd hook me up to a heart monitor and watch how the heart rate changed with activity...probably for about 30-45 minutes a session). I'd also be seeing them every other week (for the next 2 appointments, then weekly there after) for my regular appointment. Just means more monitoring and closer watch on how the baby's heart is performing...to make sure it's not under any unnecessary stress. Just waiting to hear if I need to make those appointments.
We also discussed my next ultrasound appointment with the high risk practice - supposedly that would be my last ultrasound unless they deemed it necessary (because I was WAY big or TOO small) to do another one. If the baby seemed to be "average" they wouldn't bother with another ultrasound before the baby was born. Just means we'll have to wait and hear how big baby #2 will be. I've heard mixed reviews from all of my physicians. Some think the baby will be bigger than "average," but not the 10lbs 7oz my son was (given I'll be sectioned nearly a week before my due date). Some think he'll be "average" given I'll be sectioned before my due date. I've heard comments about how the baby would be similar in size to my first barring an earlier delivery or different partner...but then I've also heard that just because the first one was big doesn't necessarily mean the second one will be as well. Tough call...what size clothing will this little guy wear home from the hospital? I'm going to have to pack a few outfits I guess.
I'm also up about 6 lbs. Given I'm congested and feel like crap...and therefore have been drinking a large amount of oj and other juices, I wasn't totally surprised, but that puts me at +38 right now. Hoping I'm shy of the +60 from the first pregnancy, but know that it's not like I'm going to hold on at just +40. I got it off the first time, so I should be able to get it off again. My OBs have not said a word about my weight gain...unlike the nurses from my health insurance company who were quick to inform me that I'm outside of their "normal guidelines." Someone has to buck the trend!
Well, it's a bit inevitable. Seems each time I take on a big project, I wind up getting sick just shortly afterwards. Like my body's response to making sure I get down time. Last time I was sick was after throwing my son's 2nd birthday party. This time it happened after I wrapped up a tag/bake sale and raffle event this past Saturday the MOMS Club I'm part of held to raise money for a local home for unwed teenage mothers. Great cause, and because I can't half commit to anything, I was naturally highly involved in nearly all aspects. Luckily I did have a fair amount of help from some other Moms so I was able to divide and conquer a bit with them.
So, here I sit with a sore throat, nice cough, sneezing and congested. Great combination. Oh, add head ache to the list. Did I mention I also have a bacterial infection (that I thought was a yeast infection)? Guess there's a little bit of everything going on. Fortunately I'll see my primary OB tomorrow and hopefully she can quickly determine whether I should be back on antibiotics. I'm guessing so as everything coming out of my body and into a kleenex isn't clear. I know that's not the tell-tale sign any more, but it's getting worse not better.
My poor son has watched enough tv to transfix him to the tube for the rest of his life. However, it's better that I keep my distance and try and avoid giving whatever this is to him. He LOVES the movie Cars, so we've already watched about an hour of the movie today. I did get him into his rice table and he helped me with the laundry and loading the dishwasher, so I do try and break things up a little. I'm already counting down the hours until nap time.
My kleenex count was up to 8 cases (6 boxes a case) since Christmas. I have a feeling I'll be buying yet another case on the next trip to BJs. I've already cleared out two half full boxes. Should buy stock in kleenex rather than natural resources. I'm also the type of person who will hold off from taking something, especially since I'm pregnant, until I absolutely have to. That's why it wasn't until Friday that I broke down and called the RN at my OB's office to discuss my "infection." Then when I read the literature and it said I could have some unpleasant side effects that would keep me close to the bathroom, I held off another day just to get through the fundraiser.
Now I'm debating taking Tylenol and/or some sudafed. Probably will start with a glass of oj and see where that gets me. The most annoying thing right now, besides a nose that drips down my face, is that each time I blow my nose, my ears plug...so I spend the next 5 minutes clearing my ears only to have them plug up again on the next blow. Vicious cycle.
Oh, and to top it all off, while I only sleep for 30-45 minutes at a time, now that's cut in half because I need to blow my nose or cough. Poor little guy is probably going to come out with sinus issues given how sick I've been this entire pregnancy. Don't think I had even a cold the first time around...this time I've probably spent 1/3 of my time with a cold and/or cough.
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