I saw this on Caro's blog and agreed that it could be fun.
Basically you post the first sentence of the first post for each month along with a link. So here we go:
January
I gotta new attitude!
February
Again, I’m MIA.
March
So why can’t anything be easy?
April
Take Back the U.T.E.R.U.S.
May
The slave driversbosses haven’t given me enough time to breathe, much less blog.
June
I finally updated this post with my 8 week u/s pic.
July
Before:
August
Everything looks wonderful with the boys.
September
Shit.
October
No really, I am.
November
Brianne @ Gibson Twins tagged me for the Dirty Little Secrets meme.
December
That’s what my body did the other day.
The was pretty damn interesting. It made me review where I was at the beginning of the year. It was also interesting to go back and read the comments on some of my old posts. Much fun! :-)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
If the cancer doesn't get you...
The blood clots will. A, from this post and the ones linked to it is dead. The brain tumor didn't kill him. A blood clot did, though. He fell dead of a heart attack this morning.
J took A to a doc-in-the-box yesterday evening due to pain and swelling in his legs. They then sent him to the best hospital around for an ultrasound. After being examined at said hospital and being determined that it could be a blood clot A was sent home with aspirin and an order to come back in the morning for the ultrasound; there was no ultrasound technician on duty at that hour.
This morning A turned to J right before he fell to the floor. They were on their way out the door heading back to the hospital for the ultrasound. He was dead before the EMTs got there.
Ten months to the day after her father died, her husband died.
To say she is broken is an understatement.
J took A to a doc-in-the-box yesterday evening due to pain and swelling in his legs. They then sent him to the best hospital around for an ultrasound. After being examined at said hospital and being determined that it could be a blood clot A was sent home with aspirin and an order to come back in the morning for the ultrasound; there was no ultrasound technician on duty at that hour.
This morning A turned to J right before he fell to the floor. They were on their way out the door heading back to the hospital for the ultrasound. He was dead before the EMTs got there.
Ten months to the day after her father died, her husband died.
To say she is broken is an understatement.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Give me a effing break!
So I currently have three babies in the house. The two newborns and the husband. As much as I thought I would hate for him to go back to work on Friday, I'm soooo ready. He's used to being super busy and always doing something, and that's not been the case lately. He's pretty much been a wonderful help with the boys, but I think he's getting a little tired of it.
I don't mean he's getting tired of the boys, but he's tired of taking care of the three of us. I'm still having a fair amount of pain from my surgery and still on some restrictions so he's still having to do more than I would like for me and the house. I'm pretty sure he's tired of washing bottles and trying to comfort gassy tummies.
And today he decides that he needs to fix the material on my moon-roof (began to fall off after I left it open during a huge rain storm). To do this he had to take apart quite a bit of the interior of my car. Now it's getting dark and he still hasn't been able to fix it. It's not his fault that he can't find material to match the old stuff, no paint will stick to it, and he can't think of any other solutions. But good God! Don't get pissy with me because I can't come up with a solution that you're "comfortable with".
So, yeah. He really needs to go back to work. At least tomorrow we'll be over at my sister's house for part of the day. I'm sure me, my sister, the boys, and my niece will hide away in one part of the house while Mr. W, my BIL, and my nephew hide away in another part. A little break will be nice.
For the record, I've all but begged him to go out and do something. I can't force him to take a break.
On a really odd note, why in the world is pu-ssy in my spell-check but pissy is not? Really wordpress?
I don't mean he's getting tired of the boys, but he's tired of taking care of the three of us. I'm still having a fair amount of pain from my surgery and still on some restrictions so he's still having to do more than I would like for me and the house. I'm pretty sure he's tired of washing bottles and trying to comfort gassy tummies.
And today he decides that he needs to fix the material on my moon-roof (began to fall off after I left it open during a huge rain storm). To do this he had to take apart quite a bit of the interior of my car. Now it's getting dark and he still hasn't been able to fix it. It's not his fault that he can't find material to match the old stuff, no paint will stick to it, and he can't think of any other solutions. But good God! Don't get pissy with me because I can't come up with a solution that you're "comfortable with".
So, yeah. He really needs to go back to work. At least tomorrow we'll be over at my sister's house for part of the day. I'm sure me, my sister, the boys, and my niece will hide away in one part of the house while Mr. W, my BIL, and my nephew hide away in another part. A little break will be nice.
For the record, I've all but begged him to go out and do something. I can't force him to take a break.
On a really odd note, why in the world is pu-ssy in my spell-check but pissy is not? Really wordpress?
2 Week Well Check
The boys are doing great! They had their two week check up today (they're almost two weeks old?!?!).
Here's the stats:
Trip weighed 6lb 5oz when he was born.
At his "5 day well check" last Wednesday he had lost to 6lb 1oz.
Today he weighs 6lb 10oz. Way to grow little man!
Jack weighed 6lb 7.5oz when he was born.
At his "5 day well check" last Wednesday he had lost to 6lb 4oz.
Today he weighs 6lb 11.8oz. Way to grow baby boy!
They each have a tiny issue, more like non-issues, that require warm compresses 5-6 times a day. Trip's belly button has been bleeding some and he now has (for lack of a better term) a huge scab in his belly button. Jack has a blocked tear duct in his right eye. Both issues are very common so no one is concerned.
Here's the stats:
Trip weighed 6lb 5oz when he was born.
At his "5 day well check" last Wednesday he had lost to 6lb 1oz.
Today he weighs 6lb 10oz. Way to grow little man!
Jack weighed 6lb 7.5oz when he was born.
At his "5 day well check" last Wednesday he had lost to 6lb 4oz.
Today he weighs 6lb 11.8oz. Way to grow baby boy!
They each have a tiny issue, more like non-issues, that require warm compresses 5-6 times a day. Trip's belly button has been bleeding some and he now has (for lack of a better term) a huge scab in his belly button. Jack has a blocked tear duct in his right eye. Both issues are very common so no one is concerned.
Our little boys are growing so quickly! It's just amazing!!!
Jack
Trip
Trip
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
:-)
Thank you all so much for the support and advice on my last post. Mr. W finally realized how much all of you guys mean to me when your comments began to make me feel better. You all rock!
I've made my decisions about feeding the boys based on what Mr. W and I feel what is best for the four of us. Immediately upon deciding I felt peaceful. We're a much happier household, now.
I read a post recently that helped me put a few things into perspective. Instead of being upset about what I have or don't have and what I can or can't do, I need to completely focus on the wonderful things in my life. I am very blessed.
I'm no longer waiting in line. :-)
I've made my decisions about feeding the boys based on what Mr. W and I feel what is best for the four of us. Immediately upon deciding I felt peaceful. We're a much happier household, now.
I read a post recently that helped me put a few things into perspective. Instead of being upset about what I have or don't have and what I can or can't do, I need to completely focus on the wonderful things in my life. I am very blessed.
I'm no longer waiting in line. :-)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Cry, Cry Baby
Yeah, in case you were wondering, this post isn't about the babies. Or at least not the little ones. All about me right now. (the boys are definitely part of the subject, but it really is all about me.)
These hormones suck ass. Major stinky ass. I spent the majority of the day yesterday crying. Why, you ask? Because I'm a bad Mom. Because I'm not producing enough milk for one child, let alone two. Because upping my intake means upping the times I pump. Because my nipples throb (not cracked or dry or even red, just sore as hell). Because my babies cry (yeah, I know they do that...but in my effed up mind it right now...). Because I'm tired. Because my dogs aren't getting enough attention. Because I want to do laundry. Because I don't have time to read blogs and/or comment. Because I marked 239 posts as "read". Because the sun is shining. Because the sun isn't shining. Get the point? And I really don't like to cry.
Everyone says breast feeding is hard and I've always figured it would be, but I didn't count low supply to be an issue. I know my Mom had it, but my sister had no problem. As it is, I wasn't even sure that my milk had come in until I missed a scheduled feeding + pumping and the next time I pumped I actually managed to get 80 cc's (total). I've never felt the sensation I've heard you feel when your milk "lets down". The girls have really let me down. I'm not sure how much longer I want to suffer through trying to give my boys breast milk. I mean, here's the schedule so far: nurse baby until he falls off or 30 minutes (lactation consultant said don't let him go more than 30 minutes per breast), begin nursing other baby while holding soothie in first baby's mouth, change both babies, give both babies supplemental bottles (thank you boppy!), love on babies until they fall asleep, pump, try to sleep a few minutes, begin cycle again. Do you see what I'm getting at? And if I really want to get any sleep, I have to cut out the pumping part.
I spoke to someone about it yesterday and they told me that if I cut out the supplemental bottles that the boys will sleep less and want to breast feed more and my supply will increase. I decided to give it a go. Neither child would go to sleep until I gave them at least a little supplement. No amount of nursing filled them up. Trip was actually awake for 5 hours. 5 effing hours the poor little guy suffered. And I couldn't nurse him anymore. He would turn towards me (regardless of who was holding him) and root and cry and break my heart. My babies were hungry and I couldn't help them. Even typing this is making me cry.
Well, as much as I want to go on and on about how shitty I feel right now, someone is getting fussy. Time to start the routine. And seriously, I'm not asking for sympathy or begging for a poor-amanda, but if anyone has any advice, I'm all ears!
These hormones suck ass. Major stinky ass. I spent the majority of the day yesterday crying. Why, you ask? Because I'm a bad Mom. Because I'm not producing enough milk for one child, let alone two. Because upping my intake means upping the times I pump. Because my nipples throb (not cracked or dry or even red, just sore as hell). Because my babies cry (yeah, I know they do that...but in my effed up mind it right now...). Because I'm tired. Because my dogs aren't getting enough attention. Because I want to do laundry. Because I don't have time to read blogs and/or comment. Because I marked 239 posts as "read". Because the sun is shining. Because the sun isn't shining. Get the point? And I really don't like to cry.
Everyone says breast feeding is hard and I've always figured it would be, but I didn't count low supply to be an issue. I know my Mom had it, but my sister had no problem. As it is, I wasn't even sure that my milk had come in until I missed a scheduled feeding + pumping and the next time I pumped I actually managed to get 80 cc's (total). I've never felt the sensation I've heard you feel when your milk "lets down". The girls have really let me down. I'm not sure how much longer I want to suffer through trying to give my boys breast milk. I mean, here's the schedule so far: nurse baby until he falls off or 30 minutes (lactation consultant said don't let him go more than 30 minutes per breast), begin nursing other baby while holding soothie in first baby's mouth, change both babies, give both babies supplemental bottles (thank you boppy!), love on babies until they fall asleep, pump, try to sleep a few minutes, begin cycle again. Do you see what I'm getting at? And if I really want to get any sleep, I have to cut out the pumping part.
I spoke to someone about it yesterday and they told me that if I cut out the supplemental bottles that the boys will sleep less and want to breast feed more and my supply will increase. I decided to give it a go. Neither child would go to sleep until I gave them at least a little supplement. No amount of nursing filled them up. Trip was actually awake for 5 hours. 5 effing hours the poor little guy suffered. And I couldn't nurse him anymore. He would turn towards me (regardless of who was holding him) and root and cry and break my heart. My babies were hungry and I couldn't help them. Even typing this is making me cry.
Well, as much as I want to go on and on about how shitty I feel right now, someone is getting fussy. Time to start the routine. And seriously, I'm not asking for sympathy or begging for a poor-amanda, but if anyone has any advice, I'm all ears!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I really didn't update??
We all got to come home together! My house is now a mess (not bad, but it looks like the baby store threw up everywhere) and my brain closely matches. But Mr. W and I are so unbelievable happy to have these little ones home with us. If you look closely you'll see one of us crying at any given moment.
Crap, one of them is crying again. Thank you all for the well wishes!!!
Crap, one of them is crying again. Thank you all for the well wishes!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Crossing my fingers
Trip hasn't needed extra oxygen for 48 hours; he's been off IV for 24 hours; he's feeding well and his sugars have been great. Jack's bilirubin levels are excellent. I'm able to walk around without any real pain and from what they say my incision looks great. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that we all get to go home today.
I woke up at 6 this morning and burst into tears. Sobbing I-want-my-Mommy type tears. All I could say was, "I want my babies! I want to go home!" I've kept the boys in the nursery the past two nights so I could get a few hours of sleep and I woke up unhappy with that decision. Luckily a shower, some pain meds, and some food helped with the emotional overload. Now, I'm waiting for the doctor to come in so I can go to my boys.
AND I JUST GAVE MYSELF MY FIRST LOVENOX INJECTION! I'm proud of myself (I'm such a needle-phobe)! :-)
Please send all your well wishes and prayers that they let me take both of my babies home with me today. Mr. W said if they keep Trip then he will take me and Jack home, but he'll be back at the hospital as soon as he gets us settled. His plans are to spend 22 hours a day in the nursery and the two hours that he won't be allowed (shift changes) he'll sit in the waiting room. He's a bit smitten with these little creatures. :-)
I woke up at 6 this morning and burst into tears. Sobbing I-want-my-Mommy type tears. All I could say was, "I want my babies! I want to go home!" I've kept the boys in the nursery the past two nights so I could get a few hours of sleep and I woke up unhappy with that decision. Luckily a shower, some pain meds, and some food helped with the emotional overload. Now, I'm waiting for the doctor to come in so I can go to my boys.
AND I JUST GAVE MYSELF MY FIRST LOVENOX INJECTION! I'm proud of myself (I'm such a needle-phobe)! :-)
Please send all your well wishes and prayers that they let me take both of my babies home with me today. Mr. W said if they keep Trip then he will take me and Jack home, but he'll be back at the hospital as soon as he gets us settled. His plans are to spend 22 hours a day in the nursery and the two hours that he won't be allowed (shift changes) he'll sit in the waiting room. He's a bit smitten with these little creatures. :-)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Post Ambien Picture Post
Holy miracle in the morning! I feel like a million bucks...well, at least a few thousand. Can't completely escape the fact that someone sliced through a few layers of my body just days ago. :-)
As promised, here are our first family pictures. It's funny how I could care less that Mr. W and I both look like we could lay down at that second and sleep for a year. I don't care about the fact that I have no makeup on and my hair is barely brushed (OMG that first shower was a little slice of heaven). Look at what we're holding!!! And together!!!
- The twins, back together at last!
[caption id="attachment_821" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I could spend the rest of my life like this..."]
[/caption]I'm hoping and praying that I can have both of my boys with me starting today. One of my friends expressed what I'd been holding in about Trip when she said, "I bet he misses his brother". I bet he does. The poor little guy was pulled from my body and away from his brother and hasn't been back with us (except for the pics) since. How lonely it must be for him. Being a twin myself, I feel there really is a different type of bond between twin siblings (at least for me this is true). I just can't wait to get the two guys back together and back in my arms!!!
And does anyone else think maybe there's a little bit of electricity from those leads running into Trip? Where did those little waves in his hair come from? It has to be electricity causing that hair because mine (and Mr. W's) is so straight! ;-)
Oh yeah, Geohde's comment on my last post had me giggling. If you have a real sensitivity to body comments, try to not end up being placed in the antepartum ward after you've given birth to twins. When you don't have a baby with you, you will get asked about how far along you are, etc. Ha-ha! (More on the antepartum ward and why I'm here later)
Well, shift change is about over so it's time for me to get on the ball and get ready. I'm actually going to walk the entire way to the nursery this morning. Time to feed the babies!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Smitten (with pictures!!!)
I'm going to try to make this short, but beware, it will probably be choppy. I knew I would have anxiety the night before my c-section, but I was so afraid of oversleeping that I woke up every 15 minutes for the 4 hours I managed to stay in bed. Doh! Then 23 hours later I managed to catch about two more hours of sleep. Tonight the nurseries have my boys and I have an ambien. But you didn't come here to read about that, did you?
A huge THANK YOU to dear Farahfor updating my blog yesterday. I had high hopes of being a super blogger like some other person I know (hint), but we can't all be that cool. ;-)
Trip (he's named after his father who is a junior; Trip is short for triple; get it) had a little trouble keeping his O2 saturation levels quite in the right level, so they took him to the level II nursery right after he was born. He ended up only needing an oxygen hood for about 24 hours. This morning he got to escape from his space helmet to plain room air. He has tolerated a few feedings (I tried breastfeeding, but it only puts him asleep to be that close to me right now), and seems to be regulating his body temp just fine. Hopefully he'll be moved to level I tomorrow morning. As soon as that happens he can come to my room and I can spoil him rotten with hugs and kisses get down to some serious attempts at breast feeding. He got a good latch already, but just had no desire to suck.
Jack (his first name is after my brother, but in my family the men go by their middle names) can nurse very well...when he wants to. He didn't want to for about 7 hours today. I figured if this kid didn't want it then I could try to get whatever drops of gold I could out to feed to his older brother. Go figure, I pump then he wants to eat. I did let him nurse for a good while but of course he was still hungry and had to be supplemented with some formula.
Mr. W is so in love that I'm shocked he hasn't spontaneously combusted. I have yet to change a diaper, even. He's figured out how to swaddle almost as good as the nurses. :-o He's also been doing so much for me that the nurses only come in as a courtesy anymore. Ha-ha! I'll have to tell you about one of the sweetest and heartbreaking things some other day, but this man is so in love with these little boys that it looks like it hurts at times. Of course this just makes me love him even more.
A quick update on me before I get to the good stuff. The surgery went just fine. I had the worse case of the shakes during the whole thing and afterwards, but that was really the only bad thing I could say about it. As soon as they pulled the boys out I said, "I feel skinny!" Even the doctor chuckled at that one. I'm following doctors orders and moving around, but not overdoing it. I'm also making sure to take my pain meds regularly. I'm uncomfortable, but at most times my pain level is minimal. :-)
This is the first time that Mr. W was able to hold his oldest son. They stared at each other the entire time.
This is a closeup of Jack.
This is a closeup of Trip.
One proud Dad holding both of his sons for the first time!
Two more pics to come tomorrow. The ambien has kicked in and I'm falling asleep at the keyboard. Thank you all for your love and support!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Congratulations! Welcome two little boys into the World
Hey y'all this is Farah - I wanted to give you an update on Amanda and the boys.
The boys were delivered this morning via c-section:
Trip at 9:54am, 19 inches, 6.5oz Jack at 9:55am, 18.5 inches, 6.7oz
She is doing well considering she hasn't had much time to spend with the boys yet. She did say that Trip has bigger feet than Jack! And may have red hair like his momma.
Jack was in the room with her when I spoke to her tonight. She is also still in the antepartum wing because the post partum is full. Trip was still in Level 2 NICU. His O2 levels keep dropping. He has been there since this morning. She is still hooked up to the catheter so she has yet to be released to walk down and see him in there ..So Keep them in your thoughts and Send warm wishes and congrat's.
The boys were delivered this morning via c-section:
Trip at 9:54am, 19 inches, 6.5oz Jack at 9:55am, 18.5 inches, 6.7oz
She is doing well considering she hasn't had much time to spend with the boys yet. She did say that Trip has bigger feet than Jack! And may have red hair like his momma.
Jack was in the room with her when I spoke to her tonight. She is also still in the antepartum wing because the post partum is full. Trip was still in Level 2 NICU. His O2 levels keep dropping. He has been there since this morning. She is still hooked up to the catheter so she has yet to be released to walk down and see him in there ..So Keep them in your thoughts and Send warm wishes and congrat's.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
MIL Rant
Before I start my rant, I want to send a huge thank you out there to all of you! My nerves are now completely at east (at least about the whole will-my-kids-be-sucking-on-dry-ta-tas issue)!
Now, on to the rant.
I know I've had at least one other rant about my MIL and here we go again. Anyone who follows me on Twitter has probably seen whats going on with her right now, but just so I can really get this out there, I'm blogging about it.
MIL was scheduled to come into town Friday afternoon, as soon as she got off of work. She had plans to stop in another part of the state (on the way) to visit Mr. W's brother who is...um...staying at a government run facility. She would then make her way to us, possibly before visiting hours were over. That night she would stay either with us or with my sister so she could visit in the morning before heading back home. This seemed a little odd to me since she didn't have to be home until Sunday and these are her first grandchildren, but it worked.
Fast forward to the next day; MIL calls. The first thing out of her mouth, "Are the babies here" (as if we wouldn't call her). And she has changed her schedule. She is going to come into town after work on Thursday. She's still going to stop and visit Mr. W's brother and try to make it to us before visitng hours are over. Instead of staying at anyone's house, she'll just sleep at the hospital. Then she can visit with us in the morning and head back home that day. She'll stay where?!?!?! Mr. W informed her that she couldn't stay in the room with us. She said she would stay in the waiting room. Um? For 12 hours? Why can't she stay at our houes? And again, these are her first grandchildren and she doesn't have to be home until Sunday, why the rush?
That was yesterday. Today the crazy lady calls back. This is the conversation I hear:
"No, it's Thursday. [pause] No. Thursday. [pause] No. It's Thursday. [pause] Thursday. The surgery is at 8:00 am and pre-op is at 6:00."
I knew there was the possibility that one of their phones was cutting out so he was having to repeat himself. That just didn't make sense, though. Why would she not know when her grandsons were going to be born? We'd only talked about it a dozen times! So I asked Mr. W if she realy was arguing with him about when my surgery is scheduled. She. Was.
I really do love my MIL, but WTF? Why must she be such a flake? Why must all of my in-laws be so flaky (read: flaky, drunks, drug addicts, certifiable)?
I dread every single visit from his family right now. I dread his phone even ringing because it might be one of his family members telling us they're coming for a visit. (yes, I said telling, they don't usually ask).
Mr. W did finally have a talk with his Dad and explained to him that he's not allowed to bring Mr. W's other brother (the non-incarcerated one) until he can prove that he's off the drugs and has cleaned himself up. He told him that we can't protect the boys from the world, but we can keep the bad stuff out of our house. He seemed to be fine with it. Woo-hoo!
Well, I feel better, now. Sorry for the bitch post. I just had to get it out. :-)
Now, on to the rant.
I know I've had at least one other rant about my MIL and here we go again. Anyone who follows me on Twitter has probably seen whats going on with her right now, but just so I can really get this out there, I'm blogging about it.
MIL was scheduled to come into town Friday afternoon, as soon as she got off of work. She had plans to stop in another part of the state (on the way) to visit Mr. W's brother who is...um...staying at a government run facility. She would then make her way to us, possibly before visiting hours were over. That night she would stay either with us or with my sister so she could visit in the morning before heading back home. This seemed a little odd to me since she didn't have to be home until Sunday and these are her first grandchildren, but it worked.
Fast forward to the next day; MIL calls. The first thing out of her mouth, "Are the babies here" (as if we wouldn't call her). And she has changed her schedule. She is going to come into town after work on Thursday. She's still going to stop and visit Mr. W's brother and try to make it to us before visitng hours are over. Instead of staying at anyone's house, she'll just sleep at the hospital. Then she can visit with us in the morning and head back home that day. She'll stay where?!?!?! Mr. W informed her that she couldn't stay in the room with us. She said she would stay in the waiting room. Um? For 12 hours? Why can't she stay at our houes? And again, these are her first grandchildren and she doesn't have to be home until Sunday, why the rush?
That was yesterday. Today the crazy lady calls back. This is the conversation I hear:
"No, it's Thursday. [pause] No. Thursday. [pause] No. It's Thursday. [pause] Thursday. The surgery is at 8:00 am and pre-op is at 6:00."
I knew there was the possibility that one of their phones was cutting out so he was having to repeat himself. That just didn't make sense, though. Why would she not know when her grandsons were going to be born? We'd only talked about it a dozen times! So I asked Mr. W if she realy was arguing with him about when my surgery is scheduled. She. Was.
I really do love my MIL, but WTF? Why must she be such a flake? Why must all of my in-laws be so flaky (read: flaky, drunks, drug addicts, certifiable)?
I dread every single visit from his family right now. I dread his phone even ringing because it might be one of his family members telling us they're coming for a visit. (yes, I said telling, they don't usually ask).
Mr. W did finally have a talk with his Dad and explained to him that he's not allowed to bring Mr. W's other brother (the non-incarcerated one) until he can prove that he's off the drugs and has cleaned himself up. He told him that we can't protect the boys from the world, but we can keep the bad stuff out of our house. He seemed to be fine with it. Woo-hoo!
Well, I feel better, now. Sorry for the bitch post. I just had to get it out. :-)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Bodily Confusion
I feel stupid even wondering this, but how are my breasts going to know that it's time for them to get to work? I think I'm the only person that I know that has made it to 37 weeks (hooray!!!) without any leakage. And since my body seems content to carry these two until they're cut out, how are the girls going to know it's time? I know that Oxytocin is the natural chemical in your body that causes uterine contractions and also sends signals to your breasts to start producing...so without labor, how is my body going to know?
Again, I feel stupid for worrying about this. People have scheduled C-sections all the time and I'm sure they're able to breastfeed their children. But my fear is I'll put my boys to my breast and they're going to suck on nothing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not scared of having to give them formula, I'm scared of the pain I imagine having one of those little vacuum like mouths sucking on a dry well. Ouch!
Again, I feel stupid for worrying about this. People have scheduled C-sections all the time and I'm sure they're able to breastfeed their children. But my fear is I'll put my boys to my breast and they're going to suck on nothing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not scared of having to give them formula, I'm scared of the pain I imagine having one of those little vacuum like mouths sucking on a dry well. Ouch!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Show me Your Tree!
Alison at (un)complicate me has a yearly (second year!!!) tradition of a show-me-your-tree post. It's a great way for everyone to share their tree/Menorah/decorations/lights-in-the-snow picture/whatever. I participated last year and, of course, this year.
This year we finally have our pre-lit tree. I assure you it's not as nice as it sounds, though. One row is already completely out and another row blinks whenever it feels like it (took me a few shots to get a pic while the row wasn't out). I think I know how to fix the kinks, but I just can't get around to it. I can't wait until I can put the tree up next year. Mr. W was kind enough to do it this year, but that means that the branches weren't properly arranged and the ornaments weren't quite how I'd do them. I still love it, though!
I also have all of our stockings hung (by the fireplace with care, of course). I finally found the holders I had been looking for and am satisfied with the results. Believe it or not, I am so OCD that I used a measuring tape to make sure they were spaced evenly. Well, there can be no more pets or children for me, unless I get rid of the hubby...there's no more room on the mantle! (and for those of you that are interested...there are names on the stockings ;-))
Saturday, December 6, 2008
36 Weeks 5 Days Pics
Here I am at 36 weeks and 5 days. Just for a reference, this is a super huge mens 3X t-shirt. (and I hate smiling for pictures) 5 more days!!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
The post where I do nothing but brag on my husband
BEWARE - I AM ABOUT TO LIST EVERYTHING THAT I CAN THINK OF THAT MR. W HAS DONE TO OUR HOUSE. IT IS A LONG AND TEDIOUS LIST AND I'M SERIOUSLY BRAGGING ON HIM BECAUSE I AM SO PROUD. PLEASE DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO READ OR COMMENT. :-)
The house was purchased in April 2005 and Mr. W began very slowly renovating it himself. He has replaced the cedar siding with hardi-plank siding (at the same time he added a lot of insulation because there was so much missing and replaced the drywall they had under the siding with plywood as it should have plus he added a vapor barier), replaced/repaired structural damage that previous owners had ignored/shoddily repaired, replaced all 12 windows, 3 doors, sliding glass doors with french doors, and garage door (which included re framing and custom trim), replaced the roof (with the help of a few friends), replaced the floor of the front porch and the rear deck, rebuilt the front and rear stairs, replaced the railings on the front and rear porch, re screened the upper portion of the back porch and enclosed the lower portion, replaced the exterior lighting making sure to properly run the wires so the house wouldn't burn down as opposed to whoever had done it before, and painted the entire house and all the trim.
On the inside Mr. W tore down old pine paneling, sheet rocked 5 1/2 rooms, repaired all other sheet rock, scraped and repaired all ceilings, ran new electrical where necessary, built new hearth (with my help) and installed and tiled new mantle and surround, installed new light fixtures and celing fans, tore out old carpet, replaced top layer of sub floor in all rooms and both layers where necessary, laid hardwood floors throughout the downstairs then replaced with sturdier (and nicer) pergo flooring once dogs ruined hardwoods, replaced stair treads and handrails (with help from my BIL), gutted 2 1/2 bathrooms, installed new plumbing/repaired old plumbing where necessary, installed 3 new toilets, 2 new bathtubs, tiled 2 shower walls and 3 bathroom floors, installed 3 new vanities with sinks and one pedestal sink, installed new kitchen counters, sink, fixtures, and appliances, installed a new attic door/stairs, installed new baseboards and crown molding in every room, and painted everything. He actually paid a company to come in and install carpet upstairs and on the stairs themselves (dogs ruined the nice stained stairs he installed...they're not allowed on the carpet).
Underneath the house Mr. W has replaced insulation, replaced the vapor barrier, repaired plumbing, replaced and/or repaird duct work and vents, pinned up all lose and hanging wires, replaced the lattice around the bottom of the porch and deck, installed an access panel under the porch and deck and replaced the access door under the house. (Someone please tell me why every time the jackass termite inspection guy comes he has to either break something under the house or tear down insulation and not push it back up???)
Through all of this renovating Mr. W suffered a split lip (literally split right through the entire lower portion of his lip) and eyebrow, a broken arm, and two severed fingers. He achieved a serious sense of accomplishment and pride plus a shit load of equity in a now beautiful house.
I am so proud of him!
The house was purchased in April 2005 and Mr. W began very slowly renovating it himself. He has replaced the cedar siding with hardi-plank siding (at the same time he added a lot of insulation because there was so much missing and replaced the drywall they had under the siding with plywood as it should have plus he added a vapor barier), replaced/repaired structural damage that previous owners had ignored/shoddily repaired, replaced all 12 windows, 3 doors, sliding glass doors with french doors, and garage door (which included re framing and custom trim), replaced the roof (with the help of a few friends), replaced the floor of the front porch and the rear deck, rebuilt the front and rear stairs, replaced the railings on the front and rear porch, re screened the upper portion of the back porch and enclosed the lower portion, replaced the exterior lighting making sure to properly run the wires so the house wouldn't burn down as opposed to whoever had done it before, and painted the entire house and all the trim.
On the inside Mr. W tore down old pine paneling, sheet rocked 5 1/2 rooms, repaired all other sheet rock, scraped and repaired all ceilings, ran new electrical where necessary, built new hearth (with my help) and installed and tiled new mantle and surround, installed new light fixtures and celing fans, tore out old carpet, replaced top layer of sub floor in all rooms and both layers where necessary, laid hardwood floors throughout the downstairs then replaced with sturdier (and nicer) pergo flooring once dogs ruined hardwoods, replaced stair treads and handrails (with help from my BIL), gutted 2 1/2 bathrooms, installed new plumbing/repaired old plumbing where necessary, installed 3 new toilets, 2 new bathtubs, tiled 2 shower walls and 3 bathroom floors, installed 3 new vanities with sinks and one pedestal sink, installed new kitchen counters, sink, fixtures, and appliances, installed a new attic door/stairs, installed new baseboards and crown molding in every room, and painted everything. He actually paid a company to come in and install carpet upstairs and on the stairs themselves (dogs ruined the nice stained stairs he installed...they're not allowed on the carpet).
Underneath the house Mr. W has replaced insulation, replaced the vapor barrier, repaired plumbing, replaced and/or repaird duct work and vents, pinned up all lose and hanging wires, replaced the lattice around the bottom of the porch and deck, installed an access panel under the porch and deck and replaced the access door under the house. (Someone please tell me why every time the jackass termite inspection guy comes he has to either break something under the house or tear down insulation and not push it back up???)
Through all of this renovating Mr. W suffered a split lip (literally split right through the entire lower portion of his lip) and eyebrow, a broken arm, and two severed fingers. He achieved a serious sense of accomplishment and pride plus a shit load of equity in a now beautiful house.
I am so proud of him!
Give me an inch...
And apparently I completely disregard your feelings in all matters. No really, this seems to be the case with Mr. W.
I really haven't meant to disregard Mr. W's feelings in a lot of things, but it appears I have. He's so kind, loving, giving, and easy going that I didn't know I was doing it. He didn't feel well the other night, so was a little more open with some of his concerns.
For years I have known that when I had a baby my mother would come and stay with me for the first week and basically do anything I asked to help. She did this with my sister both times and was considered a God-send. I knew that I would want this. I knew that this would happen. This was merely a fact, not something that would ever be debated. Apparently Mr. W isn't actually all on board with this.
A few nights ago, when something is mentioned about my parents coming into town next week, Mr. W says something about how he's not very excited about this. I ask him to elaborate and basically what he tells me is that he's concerned that he won't be able to hold his children when he wants to. I'm sure there's a little more to it than that, but that's as far as he would go. I offered to have my parents come at a later time or to have them stay with my sister, but he declined. He said that this is something that he new I wanted and that he had known about since we started trying to have children.
I tried to convince him that my Mom would be completely out of our way. Knowing my Mom and having spoken with my Sister, I know that she won't do anything she's not asked to do and would never overstep any boundaries. Mr. W's family can be quite pushy (his Mom always buys glasses and place-mats and things that she feels we need when she visits...as if we wouldn't go get them ourselves if they were necessary or if we actually wanted them) so maybe this is where his fear comes in. I also think that he is completely oblivious about the reality of having a newborn in the house, much more so about having two of them.
My Sister has assured me that he will completely change his mind after the boys arrive, since her husband had reservations also but ended up crying when she left. My Sister and I have also decided that if he decides, after any amount of time, that he isn't happy with her here then her and my Dad can hop across town and spend the rest of the week at my Sister's house. I've already let him know that this is an option, if he so chooses, and that I respect whatever choice he makes.
Another issue that I didn't think to consult him about until our childbirth class is circumcision. We're having two boys and I didn't think to ask their Father if he was comfortable with having them circumcised?!?!?! Really? What was I thinking (or not thinking)? We are on the same page, but I didn't ask until I was in my third trimester. I'm pretty sure this is something that I should have thought about talking with him about. Instead, the topic comes up in class and I lean over to him and whisper, "You do want to circumcise the boys, don't you?"
Since the other night I have realized that I really need to work on the fact that I am not the only one involved in this pregnancy. He may not be carrying the boys, but he is very interested in what is going on. He loves these children no less than I do and also wants what is best for them. Mr. W has gone above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of me for the past eight months. He is as excited as I am about their arrival. He is a good man, a smart and loving man, and will be a wonderful father. I cannot continue to make decisions without him.
On another Mr. W and the boys front, he is wearing himself ragged. He has worked so hard to get the house finished in time; he has worked so hard taking care of me; he has been pretty much the sole housekeeper and majority cook; he has taken on many extra duties at work. Mr. W seems to be at the end of his seemingly endless energy. The other morning he came home from PT (physical training, work required exercise, usually includes many miles of running and other exercises three times a week) and looked like death warmed over. He actually had to pull off the road while he was coming home because he thought he was going to pass out. Why? Exhaustion. Daily his coloring looks worse.
I am so worried about him. He won't stop or even slow down. Yesterday went to work, took off of work to run me around to appointments, pushed me around in a wheelchair while we shopped (yes I require a wheelchair if I go shopping, walking any further than around my house or standing for more than a few minutes at a time is quite painful), came home and ran new A/V component wires through the wall, crawled under the house a few times to finish the wiring job, and swept the downstairs. This was a slow day for him. On any given day he works from 7am to 4pm or so, cleans the kitchen, cooks dinner, sweeps the downstairs, builds something or another and/or works on something for someone else, does laundry, takes breaks to play with our love-starved dogs, and waits on me hand and foot. I try to do what I can so there's not as much for him to do, but I'm pretty limited. Plus, he actually gets upset with me if I do more than he thinks I should.
The other week, when he was on 3rd shift but also having to go in during the day to do his extra duties, I was supposed to wake him up at 10am. I knew he was very tired so I didn't bother him until almost noon. I was out running errands, so luckily wasn't home to make sure he got up. I got home sometime around 5pm and found him just waking up. He had slept for 17 hours. He didn't wake up to go to the bathroom or eat. He didn't even remember me calling. He had been asleep since about midnight the night before.
As I'm typing this Mr. W is gently snoring in the recliner where he fell asleep around 2pm. I'm not waking him up until dinner is ready. Hopefully after dinner I can keep him from starting on all the projects he told me earlier that he wanted to do today. I know he's afraid that something won't get done before the boys get here (hello??? no one is going to be looking at our floors if they come over!), but what good will he be to them if he gets so worn down that he gets sick. My poor baby.
So, if you've made it this far, and advice on (a) how to help Mr. W feel more involved (b) how to get me to quit being so self centered (c) how to get Mr. W to take a break?
I really haven't meant to disregard Mr. W's feelings in a lot of things, but it appears I have. He's so kind, loving, giving, and easy going that I didn't know I was doing it. He didn't feel well the other night, so was a little more open with some of his concerns.
For years I have known that when I had a baby my mother would come and stay with me for the first week and basically do anything I asked to help. She did this with my sister both times and was considered a God-send. I knew that I would want this. I knew that this would happen. This was merely a fact, not something that would ever be debated. Apparently Mr. W isn't actually all on board with this.
A few nights ago, when something is mentioned about my parents coming into town next week, Mr. W says something about how he's not very excited about this. I ask him to elaborate and basically what he tells me is that he's concerned that he won't be able to hold his children when he wants to. I'm sure there's a little more to it than that, but that's as far as he would go. I offered to have my parents come at a later time or to have them stay with my sister, but he declined. He said that this is something that he new I wanted and that he had known about since we started trying to have children.
I tried to convince him that my Mom would be completely out of our way. Knowing my Mom and having spoken with my Sister, I know that she won't do anything she's not asked to do and would never overstep any boundaries. Mr. W's family can be quite pushy (his Mom always buys glasses and place-mats and things that she feels we need when she visits...as if we wouldn't go get them ourselves if they were necessary or if we actually wanted them) so maybe this is where his fear comes in. I also think that he is completely oblivious about the reality of having a newborn in the house, much more so about having two of them.
My Sister has assured me that he will completely change his mind after the boys arrive, since her husband had reservations also but ended up crying when she left. My Sister and I have also decided that if he decides, after any amount of time, that he isn't happy with her here then her and my Dad can hop across town and spend the rest of the week at my Sister's house. I've already let him know that this is an option, if he so chooses, and that I respect whatever choice he makes.
Another issue that I didn't think to consult him about until our childbirth class is circumcision. We're having two boys and I didn't think to ask their Father if he was comfortable with having them circumcised?!?!?! Really? What was I thinking (or not thinking)? We are on the same page, but I didn't ask until I was in my third trimester. I'm pretty sure this is something that I should have thought about talking with him about. Instead, the topic comes up in class and I lean over to him and whisper, "You do want to circumcise the boys, don't you?"
Since the other night I have realized that I really need to work on the fact that I am not the only one involved in this pregnancy. He may not be carrying the boys, but he is very interested in what is going on. He loves these children no less than I do and also wants what is best for them. Mr. W has gone above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of me for the past eight months. He is as excited as I am about their arrival. He is a good man, a smart and loving man, and will be a wonderful father. I cannot continue to make decisions without him.
On another Mr. W and the boys front, he is wearing himself ragged. He has worked so hard to get the house finished in time; he has worked so hard taking care of me; he has been pretty much the sole housekeeper and majority cook; he has taken on many extra duties at work. Mr. W seems to be at the end of his seemingly endless energy. The other morning he came home from PT (physical training, work required exercise, usually includes many miles of running and other exercises three times a week) and looked like death warmed over. He actually had to pull off the road while he was coming home because he thought he was going to pass out. Why? Exhaustion. Daily his coloring looks worse.
I am so worried about him. He won't stop or even slow down. Yesterday went to work, took off of work to run me around to appointments, pushed me around in a wheelchair while we shopped (yes I require a wheelchair if I go shopping, walking any further than around my house or standing for more than a few minutes at a time is quite painful), came home and ran new A/V component wires through the wall, crawled under the house a few times to finish the wiring job, and swept the downstairs. This was a slow day for him. On any given day he works from 7am to 4pm or so, cleans the kitchen, cooks dinner, sweeps the downstairs, builds something or another and/or works on something for someone else, does laundry, takes breaks to play with our love-starved dogs, and waits on me hand and foot. I try to do what I can so there's not as much for him to do, but I'm pretty limited. Plus, he actually gets upset with me if I do more than he thinks I should.
The other week, when he was on 3rd shift but also having to go in during the day to do his extra duties, I was supposed to wake him up at 10am. I knew he was very tired so I didn't bother him until almost noon. I was out running errands, so luckily wasn't home to make sure he got up. I got home sometime around 5pm and found him just waking up. He had slept for 17 hours. He didn't wake up to go to the bathroom or eat. He didn't even remember me calling. He had been asleep since about midnight the night before.
As I'm typing this Mr. W is gently snoring in the recliner where he fell asleep around 2pm. I'm not waking him up until dinner is ready. Hopefully after dinner I can keep him from starting on all the projects he told me earlier that he wanted to do today. I know he's afraid that something won't get done before the boys get here (hello??? no one is going to be looking at our floors if they come over!), but what good will he be to them if he gets so worn down that he gets sick. My poor baby.
So, if you've made it this far, and advice on (a) how to help Mr. W feel more involved (b) how to get me to quit being so self centered (c) how to get Mr. W to take a break?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
37 week update (of sorts)
Well, the update is...there is nothing really to update.
In the past three weeks my cervix has not changed enough to make note of. Really? Really. It doesn't help that Baby A is laying transverse in the bottom of my uterus and Baby B is breach (as high up as he can get himself) on the my right side. There's literally no help from the kids as far as the cervix goes. I'm pretty sure they want out, though. My belly looks eerily like it could lead to the scene in Alien most nights. I'm convinced Baby B is trying to go-into-the-light (didn't I read they can see light through the belly). I'm quite tempted to stick a flashlight down by my girly bits and see if maybe they don't come on down.
I'm thinking as positively as I can that this is best for the boys. The more time they have checking out my insides equals less time they have checking out the inside of the hospital. But don't mention this to me at 5:30 in the morning when I've given up on sleeping due to the discomfort and pain. ;-)
I guess there is a little to update on. I have been telling everyone, medical professionals and family, that my left leg is more swollen that my right. Monday, when I went to my doctors' office for the swelling, they measured my calves and explained that they were the same size. This is good. Today I saw one of the MFM doctors and he said the same thing, but just to play it safe he wanted to send me to the hospital for an ultrasound on my legs to rule out a clot. I'm really not sure what prompted him to do this since I have zero symptoms of a blood clot (legs do appear to be the same size, no pain, no redness, no numbness, no "heat"), but of course I complied. I guess it's the Factor II mutation and family history. FYI, if you're ever going for an u/s on your legs, wear some undies that cover your ass unless you're really proud of the shape of it. Anyway, the technician that did my u/s confirmed what I've been saying. My left leg IS more swollen that my right leg. Yes, they measure the same and appear the same (except my left foot does look puffier), but they're not. She had a hell of a time doing what she needed to on my left leg because of the extra fluid in it. I'm right side dominant people! The muscles in my right arm and leg are more developed than my left...it's natural! But the good news is there are no clots. She was super paranoid, and admitted this, and told me that if the swelling increases AT ALL to call my doctor IMMEDIATELY so they can scan them again. The way I took this is, "If you notice the swelling getting worse than it has been, not worse than it is right now, but worse than it usually is by the end of the day, then call your doctor immediately. If the swelling continues with it's normal trends, horrific at night and only scary in the mornings, continue with life as normal since you'll have your babies and your blood thinner next week anyway." The funny thing is that my midwife told me on Monday to rest more to get the swelling to go down and the technician was adamant that I need to move more to get the swelling to go down. Mr. W and I both agree that what the technician said makes much more sense. Plus, I actually did a couple of things around the house and cooked dinner last night and it seemed to help.
********************************************
Oooh! I should update on the house!!! The only things we have left are the little things! Mr. W needs to touch up the nail holes in the baseboards, re-caulk some trim then touch up with paint, and balance one seriously noisy ceiling fan (I guess it throws a fan off balance if you hit it with a mattress). We need to pick out accessories for the guest and master bathroom and decor for the living room. We need to install shelves and rods in our closet (can't wait, he's agreed to really nice wooden organizer stuff!!!) And that's it!!!
As far as the nursery goes, we still need one more set of bedding and the mobiles. We also need to hang some banners that my sister made. At some point we're going to install one of those wire closet organizer things, but it's not necessary quite yet. After that, it's ready to be destroyed occupied by the boys! Actually, I have no problem with it the way it is, but the rest of the house is falling together so beautifully so I want the nursery to do the same.
After so many years of working on a family and a house it's finally all coming together. I. Am. So. Happy. :-D
In the past three weeks my cervix has not changed enough to make note of. Really? Really. It doesn't help that Baby A is laying transverse in the bottom of my uterus and Baby B is breach (as high up as he can get himself) on the my right side. There's literally no help from the kids as far as the cervix goes. I'm pretty sure they want out, though. My belly looks eerily like it could lead to the scene in Alien most nights. I'm convinced Baby B is trying to go-into-the-light (didn't I read they can see light through the belly). I'm quite tempted to stick a flashlight down by my girly bits and see if maybe they don't come on down.
I'm thinking as positively as I can that this is best for the boys. The more time they have checking out my insides equals less time they have checking out the inside of the hospital. But don't mention this to me at 5:30 in the morning when I've given up on sleeping due to the discomfort and pain. ;-)
I guess there is a little to update on. I have been telling everyone, medical professionals and family, that my left leg is more swollen that my right. Monday, when I went to my doctors' office for the swelling, they measured my calves and explained that they were the same size. This is good. Today I saw one of the MFM doctors and he said the same thing, but just to play it safe he wanted to send me to the hospital for an ultrasound on my legs to rule out a clot. I'm really not sure what prompted him to do this since I have zero symptoms of a blood clot (legs do appear to be the same size, no pain, no redness, no numbness, no "heat"), but of course I complied. I guess it's the Factor II mutation and family history. FYI, if you're ever going for an u/s on your legs, wear some undies that cover your ass unless you're really proud of the shape of it. Anyway, the technician that did my u/s confirmed what I've been saying. My left leg IS more swollen that my right leg. Yes, they measure the same and appear the same (except my left foot does look puffier), but they're not. She had a hell of a time doing what she needed to on my left leg because of the extra fluid in it. I'm right side dominant people! The muscles in my right arm and leg are more developed than my left...it's natural! But the good news is there are no clots. She was super paranoid, and admitted this, and told me that if the swelling increases AT ALL to call my doctor IMMEDIATELY so they can scan them again. The way I took this is, "If you notice the swelling getting worse than it has been, not worse than it is right now, but worse than it usually is by the end of the day, then call your doctor immediately. If the swelling continues with it's normal trends, horrific at night and only scary in the mornings, continue with life as normal since you'll have your babies and your blood thinner next week anyway." The funny thing is that my midwife told me on Monday to rest more to get the swelling to go down and the technician was adamant that I need to move more to get the swelling to go down. Mr. W and I both agree that what the technician said makes much more sense. Plus, I actually did a couple of things around the house and cooked dinner last night and it seemed to help.
********************************************
Oooh! I should update on the house!!! The only things we have left are the little things! Mr. W needs to touch up the nail holes in the baseboards, re-caulk some trim then touch up with paint, and balance one seriously noisy ceiling fan (I guess it throws a fan off balance if you hit it with a mattress). We need to pick out accessories for the guest and master bathroom and decor for the living room. We need to install shelves and rods in our closet (can't wait, he's agreed to really nice wooden organizer stuff!!!) And that's it!!!
As far as the nursery goes, we still need one more set of bedding and the mobiles. We also need to hang some banners that my sister made. At some point we're going to install one of those wire closet organizer things, but it's not necessary quite yet. After that, it's ready to be destroyed occupied by the boys! Actually, I have no problem with it the way it is, but the rest of the house is falling together so beautifully so I want the nursery to do the same.
After so many years of working on a family and a house it's finally all coming together. I. Am. So. Happy. :-D
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Your Slang vs My Slang
I learned something new today.
I'd always known that saying something in the US and saying it in another country could get you different reactions, but today I received a great example. Fanny. This is a word that my mother will use on any given occasion when she needs to refer to someones ass. It's always amused me because it seems like such a ridiculous word to use in place of butt/behind/patootie. Of course this is my mom we're talking about and unless you cut her off in traffic (or you're my evil SIL) she bites her tongue and uses polite words.
Today I learned what "fanny" is slang for in other countries. Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Click the "keep reading" link below if you don't know what it means.
I'd always known that saying something in the US and saying it in another country could get you different reactions, but today I received a great example. Fanny. This is a word that my mother will use on any given occasion when she needs to refer to someones ass. It's always amused me because it seems like such a ridiculous word to use in place of butt/behind/patootie. Of course this is my mom we're talking about and unless you cut her off in traffic (or you're my evil SIL) she bites her tongue and uses polite words.
Today I learned what "fanny" is slang for in other countries. Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Click the "keep reading" link below if you don't know what it means.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Poof!
That's what my body did the other day. It went POOF! I've been so swollen since Wednesday night that I finally called my doctor. She had me come in and quickly determined that it's not preeclampsia. My blood pressure is higher than it normally is, but not out of range, yet. My urine is protein free and shows that I'm quite hydrated. There seems to be no explanation for my hugeness except for the fact that I'm late in my third trimester.
I explained that I've been trying everything I could think of to help. I've lounged on my left side, I've kept my feet up, I've made sure to alternate walking around my house with staying seated, and I've hydrated hydrated hydrated. To. No. Avail. I've gained 4lbs in 5 days...water weight.
The swelling looks hilarious, but not being able to get my pants on is not. If anyone has seen Wall-E, I pretty much look like one of the humans in the movie. Especially when I'm walking. (love that movie by the way!) OK, so maybe my midsection looks a little different than the captain below, but the rest of me fits. Seriously, it's comical!
I explained that I've been trying everything I could think of to help. I've lounged on my left side, I've kept my feet up, I've made sure to alternate walking around my house with staying seated, and I've hydrated hydrated hydrated. To. No. Avail. I've gained 4lbs in 5 days...water weight.
The swelling looks hilarious, but not being able to get my pants on is not. If anyone has seen Wall-E, I pretty much look like one of the humans in the movie. Especially when I'm walking. (love that movie by the way!) OK, so maybe my midsection looks a little different than the captain below, but the rest of me fits. Seriously, it's comical!
I've been ordered to "rest more". I'm not sure exactly how I'm supposed to do that since I do nothing but rest all day long. I get up to get my blood circulating, to eat, and to go to the bathroom. She also suggested I get some compression stockings, but I don't think I want to spend the money on them when I'll only be pregnant for about 10 more days. Of course maybe I should since I've heard this can get even worse afterwards. We'll see.
I didn't bother to have her check my cervix. Last Wednesday I was 50% effaced and maybe a little more than a fingertip dilated. I have my regularly scheduled appointment on Thursday so we'll see if there's been any change.
Oh yeah! Baby B must be very smart! He seems to have figured out that if he hides (as much as he can) behind my burn, he won't get poked. The intern trying to get his heart rate was having a little bit of trouble because he was firmly tucked right behind my burn. I tried to assure her that it was OK to place the doppler there, but she wouldn't do it. It really does look worse than it is. Of course, me being the freak that I am, the shock on her and the midwife's faces when I showed the the burn amused me. I'm messed up! ;-)
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